Tree work on the golf course

As you are no doubt aware, Bearwood Lakes is undergoing a full 18 hole improvement plan based around an architectural review by Guy Hockley. The work encompasses many aspects of improvement such as bunker work and lake enlargement.

One aspect, which has been studied, is the influence of trees on the estate and their role on the architecture of the golf course. The have all grown considerably over the years which have had an effect on the way certain holes play. Some have also become dangerous and others have been planted, occasionally in unsuitable places.

The review has suggested extensive tree improvement works, which we began to carry out this week with the assistance of Wentworth Tree Care. WTC is owned by one of our members, Micheal Rough and the work he and his team do is second to none.

We have engaged Mike to undertake most of the complicated and aerial work on the golf course. There is much more to do and I will keep you updated with pictures of the work as it progresses. Below are the improvements to the 17th hole and the 6th this week.

The 17th hole has had all the feature trees crown cleaned and dead-wooded. These trees have been cleared around to ensure they are exposed and are more in view from the tee and the fairway. The results are stunning.

On the 6th we have removed the small silver birch trees on the left of the large pine in the rough. You can just see the whites lines where they used to be  These trees never really matured in eight years. Instead of being faced with a chip out from the 6th rough, you are now asked to hit a shot from the rough over a bunker which has been extended. Controlling the ball into the green is much more difficult.  A much better shot selection process is required and also allows recovery from a tee shot a little left, although the penalty is still fair. You get a free drop for now in the bunker, but that wont last for long! It also make the hole look much more mature and how it was originally intended. I hope you like it.