Welcome to Deangate Ridge

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Summer greens update

During 2009 the greens played reasonably well, but it was clear they were not in the best condition. In 2010 we have had help and expertise from the Sports Turf Research Institute www.stri.co.uk (STRI) to improve the health and playability of the course. The STRI are the leading force in agronomy and turf care in the UK, operating and consulting for many leading sports institutes around the world.

The STRI diagnosed the green as having a very high thatch content (dead organic matter), about an inch under the surface. Thatch acts as a barrier keeping the water sat just below the surface. This keeps the roots close to the surface in search of the water. Although this is good for the meadow grasses, it prevents the preferred finer grasses from flourishing, as they require a deeper root base.

To improve the quality of the greens it was recommended we remove the layer of thatch and subsequently encourage the finer grasses to flourish.

This summer, the course has been through a series of renovations involving hollow tining, graden sand injection and careful management. This process will take some time to get results, however there is already an improvement in the quality of the green. Since the second renovation there is now a smoother, firmer and more receptive playing surface, the amount of the finer grasses can be seen throughout the course.

Deangate Ridge bunker redevelopment

Since the course was built in 1973, there have been very little changes to the bunkers around the course. Routine maintenance has been carried out, but few playable improvements have been made. A number of our bunkers have suffered weathering over time and need essential renovation work.

In December 2009, we began a renovation schedule for the bunkers at Deangate Ridge, to improve the look, appeal and playability of the course. Maintaining the bunkers after renovation work will become easier and less time consuming for the ground staff, allowing more time for other significant jobs around the course.

The greenside bunker on the ninth hole had some structural and drainage problems and had proved difficult and time consuming to maintain. This problematic bunker was the first to benefit from refurbishment. The work took a little longer than anticipated, but has been completed successfully, setting the standard for the bunker improvements to progress into the winter season 2010. All other bunkers have been re-edged to improve their look and feel until they take their turn in the renovation schedule.

The schedule for refurbishment is to be confirmed, but bunkers will be chosen based on structural integrity, drainage quality and playability factors. Work will continue on the greenside bunkers as a priority as these are the most frequently hit and played out of.

During these essential works there may be some minor disruptions, however we will endeavour to minimise these as much as possible. Please bear with us as these are essential works but also a positive step forward and a big improvement to Deangate Ridge Golf Course.

The Club

Would you like to have an official handicap and play in organised competitions?

If so why not join the Deangate Ridge member's club?

The member's club has sections for men, ladies, juniors and seniors with regular competitions, friendly matches against other regional clubs and social events.

As a five-day or seven-day member, Deangate Ridge member's club is offering to waive the joining administration fee. This means you can join for an annual fee of as little as £20.00 for juniors, £40 for students, £70 for ladies and seniors and £80 for men.

For more information, please contact the club secretary on 01634 251150, email secretary.drgc@btconnect.com or go to www.drgc.co.uk.

Top professional place for Tom Crozer

Congratulations to Deangate Ridge's Assistant PGA Professional Tom Crozer who came through a strong field of 96 players to earn one of 10 places at the Final Qualifying stages for the 2009 Open Championship.

Tom, under the tutelage of Head PGA Professional Richard Fox, claimed top professional place at Regional Qualifying on a very testing Rochester and Cobham Park Golf Club with a one under par 70.

Final Qualifying will take place on 6 and 7 July at the Glasgow Gailes Links Course where Tom will be playing for one of four places into the 2009 Open Championship competing alongside Major Champions Fred Couples, Brad Faxon and Jose Marie Olazabal.

If successful at Final Qualifying Tom will be competing against the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia.

We wish him all the best.

More news coming soon - if you have any to add, contact us on dr.golfcourse@medway.gov.uk