When we took office in September 2009, one of the legacy tasks left over from the previous GC was to reclaim the New Course from creeping cow grass on fairways, silting of ponds and shrinkage of greens. With a modest budget of over $2 million for the full 18, we set about that task with the usual calling of tenders and scope of work. The first nine was closed for some six months. When it reopened in October last year, one would have noticed that the tee boxes, fairways and greens were worked on and improved. In addition, we cleared undergrowth around the 2nd, 3rd and 4th holes, giving a more breath-taking view of the beautiful Pierce reservoir.

However, after a couple of months from opening, we have noticed that some greens began to have infection of algae and some fairway areas were too soggy. On closer analysis, we realised that it was due to the design of the course, which did not take into count the torrential December rains that pour down the slopes onto the fairways and in some cases, onto the greens. We then created swales and embarked on herringbone sub-soil drainage. I do understand that Members are justifiably unhappy over the fact that despite closing the course for six months, we still have such works after its opening. But, much as Members are inconvenient with GUR signs, particularly on the 6th hole, these problems have to be addressed and solutions found. Hollow-tyning on the green is also being done on this first nine. Admittedly, it should have been done while they were closed last year.

On Sunday, 23 January 2011, the President, the Treasurer and I led a team for a thorough inspection tour. It was to address the serious problems on the first nine and the need to prevent similar problems from arising in the second nine. The President and our team made it very clear to the contractors how unhappy we were with their sloppy work and that we do not intend to have a repeat of the problems faced in the reopened holes. Some of the Members playing on that morning would have seen our inspection tour of some eight buggies trailing through the New Course.

I am constrained to say the greens, when designed by the former golf architect, did not appear to take adequate consideration of the heavy rainfall in Singapore, particularly at year end. With this in mind, we make sure that this is being addressed for the back nine of the New Course as you can see from the sketches for Hole 2 and Hole 10.

 
Click picture for enlarged image.

Similarly, we will do what we can for the rainwater runoff onto the fairway by building sub-soil drains to pick up as much water as possible, thus reducing the maintenance and prolonging the homogeneity of the Zoysia Matrella on the fairway.

I do expect a very much improved back nine of the New Course when it reopens by end April and in time for May Day on 1 May 2011, including a proposed redesign for Hole 15, 208m Par 3 by Golfplan's Course Architect Ronald W. Fream. This signature hole will soon comprise a new kidney-shaped putting green of approximately 600m2, guarded by three sand bunkers.


Frank Goon
Golf Captain & General Committee Member

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Click here to view the letter from the Management to the Contractor (ATS).