Fresh from the Fairways.
Introduction
Welcome to our latest blog. If you’re anything like us, the topic of conversation has been dictated by the great British weather over the past few months. We know our winters aren’t the best but recent conditions have been something else. We won’t bore you with statistics but let us assure you it’s been a challenge for all golf courses in the area, including us.
We’ve managed to keep the course open when possible and hope that this has given our members and visitors a chance of a winter swing and a few steps. As we move towards the better weather (fingers crossed) please find an update below on course conditions and what we have planned over the coming weeks.
Course update
As mentioned conditions have been a real challenge, but we remain optimistic that better weather is just around the corner. The constant rainfall has delayed our progress with projects and literally provided us with small windows of opportunity to carry out general course maintenance. We currently have 14 holes open and will look to reopen the full course as soon as ground conditions allow.
Our greens were spiked with a Verti-Drain last week which will help get oxygen into the soil profile, assist with drainage and make room for aeration. Following this maintenance we will then look to carry out our green renovations in April or May where conditions will be more suitable and associated recovery quicker. Throughout the winter we have managed to withstand any substantial disease pressure and have utilised suitable fertiliser and chemical feeds to maintain the health of our surfaces. As ground conditions improve we will increase the frequency of cutting the greens and look to lower the cutting height as we move into the golfing season.
On the holes that have remained open the fairways have held up well considering unfavourable conditions. Like our greens and other areas of the course we have cut when opportunity has allowed ensuring that the shape is kept and playing heights maintained. Our efforts over the forthcoming weeks will be to monitor the holes that have been out of play so we can look to get our machinery fleet out to cut and prepare before reopening. Cutting routines will be back before we know it with our striped fairways back in play for all to enjoy.
Our tee areas have remained on mats throughout the winter to help preserve the grass tees and allow rest and recovery. We will shortly look to spike the grass tee areas to help decompact the soil and encourage further regeneration. These areas will also be dressed with soil and seed as well. The medal teeing areas on holes 2 and 4 will also be brought back into play following the laying of fresh turf in 2023.
In addition to general duties we have started work on our planned projects albeit weather delayed. The path running adjacent to our putting green has been excavated and relaid with new path materials. This area was very rutted and collected rainwater making it unsightly and wet when leaving the golf course. The new surface will eradicate these issues going forward. Following this we will work through other planned projects although getting the golf course back open will remain our priority as we see ground conditions improve.
We are also pleased to announce that we have added a further five new electric buggies to our fleet. Our buggy fleet was very popular last year so these further five will ensure we have more available especially at peak times.
Team update
We are very happy to welcome Robert Rogers to our greenkeeping team. Robert is fully qualified and brings a wealth of knowledge to his role of Assistant Greenkeeper with us. If you see Robert out on the fairways please do say hello and make him feel welcome.
Our last Employee of the Quarter was picked up by Michael who most of you will be familiar with. Michael is one of our service assistants supporting the day to day front of house operation. Well done Michael!
Events
Our Junior Loyaltee™ Open was held on Saturday 23rd March. The event was a great success with just shy of 20 juniors competing over 7 holes. We will look to add another date in the diary very soon for our next event. Please do keep an eye out for this.
Our 80’s Party Night is scheduled for this Saturday 30th March. The evening starts at 7pm, is free to enter and is set to be a great night. Check out our Facebook event HERE
Club News
Did you know that Portsmouth Golf Club has been established at Portsmouth Golf Course from the course’s beginning? In 2026 we will celebrate our 100th anniversary. As you will already know, Portsmouth Golf Course is one of the best around. The view from the 2nd tee is spectacular. Imagine playing from this tee in a competition. Well, you can if you join our club. For less than £100 membership you can play in some of the oldest competitions in the area. You will get an official handicap. You can play in club matches (all abilities welcome). Portsmouth vs Southampton is always fun. You will also get massive discounts at other clubs like Hayling and Stoneham. One big plus is we are always open. Some clubs shut for weeks or have temporary greens. We will always have at least 10 holes open with normal greens.
Come and speak to a member of staff or pop along to the Thursday Night Roll-up starting in April. Even if you’re struggling to break 100 we would love to welcome you.
A little more information on our golf club:
Portsmouth Golf Club is located at the golf course and provides a comprehensive competition calendar for all to enjoy. Many bolt on this membership to their season ticket. Have you?
Question : Are you already a monthly or annual member of Portsmouth Golf Course or play occasionally via green fees?
If you are, you already know about our great course: varied and exciting holes and sloping fairways; spectacular views across The Solent, and a warm welcome from the staff, many of whom play golf themselves.
Question : But do you know of the benefits of becoming a member of Portsmouth Golf Club?
You will be offered :
1. A friendly club, with a full competition calendar.
2. Reserved tee times for members.
3. An official CONGU handicap, which enables you to play in friendly matches against other clubs, home and away.
4. Insurance Cover and a County Card giving you green fee discounts at other golf clubs.
5. Playing with like-minded people in our junior, ladies’, men or vets’ section in friendly “roll ups” and 9 holes on Thursday evenings, followed by informal social events in the bar.
Question : Interested? For just £99 per annum, you could enjoy those benefits now.
For more information visit www.portsmouthgc.com or email the Secretary at portsmouthgolfclub@gmail.com.
Thanks for taking the time to read our latest blog. It won’t be long before the long awaited warm weather will be with us. Have a great golfing season!
James Green
General Manager