Golf Business News – Evans finds solution to changing course conditions at Old Fold Manor

Greg Evans Golf Course Solutions has been working closely with Old Fold Manor Golf Club in North London since autumn 2020 to help lead the transformational changes to course conditions and member satisfaction.

GEGCS began working closely with Chairman of the Greens Nick Davis, Club Manager Alex Doran and Course Manager Mark Burnston to identify key areas for improvement and develop a plan for the future.

The first area that needed attention in the Barnet-based course was drainage, which was particularly noticeable in the winter of 2020 when the course was full. The following summer, the team worked closely with Profusion Environment, focusing on critical areas such as 9th and 13th avenues.

Subsequent projects in the summers of 2022 and 2023 were directed at the 6th fairway and the 8th fairway, and included the installation of drainage by Premier Turfing on the 12th fairway.

Fast forward to today and this project has enabled Old Fold Manor to keep all 18 holes open throughout the winter, something the club has been struggling with. This has greatly improved member satisfaction by preventing course closures.

The second area that needed attention was living things. Preliminary tests showed that organic matter levels in the top 20mm were 12.2%, which is a relative figure compared to the industry standard of 5%. Using careful breathing and sanding principles, the team reduced these rates to 5.5% within three years, achieving a 55% reduction and marking a significant improvement. This reduction now means that vegetables perform at their best in the hot summer months and are better equipped to withstand the cold and wet winter months.

As the club now prepares to identify the next key areas for improvement, the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders are testament to the club's commitment to excellence to set it up for success in 2024 and beyond.