Golf Course Improvements
Works are ongoing to improve the drainage to four of our greens on holes 8, 9, 11 and 12 and at the same time start the first year of a three-year programme to improve our bunkers. The bunkers on these holes have been re lined with a capillary concrete and topped up with china clay sand. This combination was chosen by the Golf Committee after using our trial bunkers and examples at other Clubs.
Early signs are the work has gone well, and the greens and the new bunkers will look to be in play in the autumn. We have 65 bunkers on our course, and the remaining bunkers will be refurbished over the next two summers and by having a concrete liner should not need refurbishing again within the next 20 years which will minimise further disruption. This is the final year of drainage required to our greens so can I thank all golfers for their patience while we have tackled this important aspect of maintenance and the future proofing of providing excellent playing surfaces.
Safety Fencing on 12th and 14th holes
Works have now started on the installation of safety fencing to the right of the 14th hole in liaison with Ibstock School. The wall next to the 14th tee will be repaired in the autumn as tenders are being finalised being a major project to repair. We are sharing the costs of this repair with Ibstock School. The fencing contractor will then work on installing a safety fence alongside the 12th hole bordering Priory Lane to help prevent balls escaping and causing damage to our neighbours’ cars and properties. All fencing works are due to be completed by the end of August.
Sound proofing the Art Studio
Works to improve the sound proofing of the Art Studio start next Monday 20th July and will be completed by the end of August. Access to the Sports Hall will therefore be directed to the rear of the building during that time. Access to the creche will be via the creche playground or the rear of the Sports Hall.
Future Proofing and Farewell
As this is my final Recorder contribution as Chief Executive, I wanted to say thank you to all Members for their support in helping realise the task that was set me on starting in 2008 – ‘please take the Club up a level in terms of service to Members and improve the quality of the facilities we offer’.
I knew that I needed to make changes and it would take time to do so. Futureproofing all our sporting facilities was a good place to start, and the Masterplan 2035 was the embodiment of that strategy. Improving all the activity and social areas was important too to ensure we retained the culture of a Club and not become just a sports facility. Ensuring the staff were rewarded and recognised through the Investors in People Gold standard was another important aim.
I planned a couple of years ago to deliver the 125-anniversary celebrations and then hand on the baton after 18 years to a new CEO with the Club in good shape. I am proud to have achieved that and having worked with Rhys Beecher for a few weeks now I am pleased to say that the Club and its staff will be in safe hands. Rhys takes over the reins from 31st July and I will be on hand in August if needed to support him.
Thank you for everything and it’s been a privilege to have been Chief Executive of Roehampton Club.
Best wishes,
Marc
marc.newey@roehamptonclub.co.uk
