Strong Progress Despite Challenging Conditions

Significant progress continues on the new irrigation installation, with Tee 16, Green 16 and Tee 17 (partially) now successfully installed.

While recent weather conditions and sustained rainfall have inevitably slowed certain elements of the programme, the team has made excellent headway wherever ground conditions have allowed. The primary challenge has not simply been pipe and sprinkler installation, but ensuring high-quality reinstatement of fine turf following the mole plough process. With ground conditions currently too wet for remedial access and rolling, protecting turf quality remains the priority.

Strategic Pause to Protect Course Quality

Following agreement between all parties, a short and sensible pause to major pipe installation works has been scheduled until 23rd February. This proactive decision ensures that remedial turf volumes do not increase and that completed areas remain in the best possible condition.

The pause also presents a strategic advantage:

• Allowing ground conditions to improve

• Benefiting from longer daylight hours upon restart

• Creating an optimal window to complete works efficiently

Importantly, the project is now approximately seven working days away from completing installation to all Greens and Tees — a significant milestone.

During this period, Green Irrigation will maintain a skeleton crew on site to continue installing the new water mainline within rough areas, where reinstatement is less sensitive and ground scarring can be managed more easily.

Despite challenging winter conditions, the project remains in a strong position. Decisions are being made collaboratively, with turf quality and long-term system performance at the forefront of every step.

With Greens and Tees now close to full installation, the finish line is in sight — and the upgraded irrigation system will deliver greater control, efficiency and resilience for seasons to come.