The first stage of our bunker plan kicked off on the 14Th November with the fairway and Left and Right Greenside bunkers being reshaped on the 1st hole and a brand new practice bunker on the left hand side of the putting green ! New drainage has been installed and specially selected base liners and bunker edging laid by Eco Bunker . We are now well on the way to completion with just turfing and sand filling left to do .
Eco bunker are an Industry leading Bunker technology / consultancy company that have built on over 300 courses in 33 countries. Their goal is to provide sustainable materials that turn bunkers from liabilities and maintenance headaches into bunkers that clubs can be proud of . Their success stems from the fact that they have pioneered the use of recycled Astroturf into the majority of their bunkers and have developed different bunker liners to suit varying course ground types and drainage difficulties .
One such product that Thorpe`s new bunkers are now lined with is called Ecotech . This Polymeric material is a matrix of extruded filaments that knit together to provide a strong , resilient and porous base that prevents contamination ie sand mixing with clay the dreaded curse and also stopping stones rising into the sand from below .
We should see vast improvements in playability , reduced maintenance and far better drainage .
The bunkers are due to be finishished in a few weeks and once final turfing will need a period to take and bed in before they will be open for play . Thanking members for their continued patience while this transformation is taking place !

A Trio of very versatile Machines have recently arrived at Thorpe allowing our Greenstaff to work more effectively and to give the course the perfect opportunity to further thrive over the coming years . As well as a Double Disc Over seeder which arrived in August and a Meredo Verticutter we are now proud to welcome the first ever electric Greens Cutter , the Torro Greensmaster 3370 . The new ride on mower carries no hydraulic fluid and utilizes all-electric components for traction, steering, lift and cutting. These models are operationally friendly with noticeable noise reductions, operational cost savings, and other meaningful improvements to complement the ever-important enhancements in cutting performance. The all electric machine is Ideally suited for Thorpe saving on fuel costs , reducing early morning noise issues and removing the regular maintenance requirements of hydraulic systems and the danger of fluid leaks on the course .

Well today starts a very unpopular but necessary process of maintaining our greens to the best condition through the year. Greens Maintenance week has arrived and the process is critical to the long term health and stability of the putting surfaces.
Hollow tining removes small cores of grass and soil to a stipulated depth to improve aeration , improve compaction and allow the turf to expand and easily absorb moisture thus becoming stronger and healthier.
The process also requires scarifying which removes dead and redundant root growth and organic matter ( Thatch) which forms a layer which prevents the grass from receiving vital nutrients and minerals and removes possible disease that can lie dormant in the Thatch . Over the next few days the punched and aerated greens will be over seeded and top dressed to ensure grass seeds will penetrate the top layers and the putting surface will receive healthy soil and moisture to promote new growth. The new machinery recently added to the Greens Staff armoury will be invaluable in ensuring our greens continue to get stronger, healthier and better and better! The processes are all engineered by the Greens team to guarantee minimal disruption to your enjoyment of the course at this time of year