London Golf Club Fairway and Approach Drainage

The Fineturf team recently returned to the London Golf Club to conduct primary and secondary drainage works on the 16^th approach and 18^th fairway on The Heritage course. The project was conducted as part of the club’s course maintenance week in August 2024.

The significant rainfall experienced over the winter of 2023/24 combined with a busy programme of winter golf, highlighted areas that would benefit from improved infiltration. The objective of the works was to move surface water through the profile quicker and optimise the results from in-season aeration.

Two types of drains were installed on the two target areas – primary main drains consisting of 100mm pipe at a depth of 500mm, and lateral drains of 80mm pipe at a depth of 450mm. Both were installed at 5m centres and connected to existing drain chambers.

With the pipes in the ground, gravel was applied to further boost percolation up to 150mm from the surface, with a 70/30 rootzone applied over the top. A compaction wheel was used to firm up the trench, and further rootzone was applied until a level surface was achieved. The areas were then sown with MM22 - a ryegrass and fescue blend ideal for use on golf areas subject to high wear.

The project took one week, and such was the quality of finish, a full tee time was played the morning after the works were completed. With the results of the work already evident, further areas have now been identified for drainage works over the coming years.

Fineturf’s visit marked the latest in a longstanding relationship with the venue. In partnership since 2005, Fineturf have proudly carried out much of the tournament infrastructure work including extending holes and changing bunker locations, together with other renovation projects conducted across the two Championship golf courses.