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TYRRELLS WOOD GOLF CLUB OFFICIALLY OPEN THE NEW 13TH APPROACH

Yesterday, 130 members of Tyrrells Wood GC came together on the hottest May bank holiday day ever to play the new, improved 13th hole approach for the very first time in 9 months.

Image 1: TWGC Members during the presentation

Starting in August 2017, the height of the last years golfing season, the team were asked to deliver a solution to a problem that had plagued the Club for a number of years.

The historic green was set low-down in a unique low area that was enclosed on three sides by large land formations and towering, mature trees (pictured).  The small green was often in shadow and the approach contours channeled water towards the green from the approach.  No fairway could be prepared to the front of the green, the flanking-bunkering completely redundant and the contours surrounding the surface gave an unpredictable bounce at best.

Unanimously, the members (then under the GM guidance of Philip Worthington) voted to rectify this issue during their golfing season to give Course Manager Paul Sheather the best chance of delivering a quick turn around in the best growing conditions.  Fine Turf managed by Simon Hutton with fine shaper Adrian Butt, created the 13th approach from detailed design drawings and site visits by architect James Edwards of EDI-Golf Ltd.  

Paul & James worked closely to create a golf approach and visual that would fit with the historic James Braid course.  Achieving the perfect balance of cut and fill was calculated by section analysis as well as the collecting contours to the approach.  The green surface was built-up by 1.5m to solve the drainage and visibility issues as well as creating strategic bunkering to test and best and give the member every chance of hitting the surface with a well struck approach shot.  

Image 2: TWGC Course Manager Paul Sheather & EDI-Golf Architect, James Edwards

New GM, Robert Shaw commented "I can honestly say that I have not heard a bad word said about the hole in my short time here by any of our members.  They are all delighted with the quality of the work and the overall outcome".

Another long-time member mentioned, "It is hard to critique it.  It is a vast improvement to this corner of the golf course and one we all believe will be for the betterment of the Club.  You would think it had always been there".

82 days TWGC will have to enjoy their full 18 before work continues to the 14th green later this summer.  James Edwards commented "Progressive Clubs such as Tyrrells are always working on their golf courses and looking too improve them and we applaud their patience and professionalism.  We have in CM Paul Sheather, an excellent manager and budding architect who understands our job and the nuisances behind the details.  Paul has identified both these projects and has worked hard to organise them so they run smoothly - a credit to him and his team."

Image 3: Transformation:  The After.

Image 4: EXISTING: The Before.