New Ransomes fairway mower enhances playing conditions

NEW FAIRWAY MOwER enhances playing conditions at Gt Yarmouth & Caister

By Peter Driver

David Holmes, Head Greenkeeper at Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club has recently taken delivery of a new lightweight fairway mower to provide tournament quality playing conditions at the famous course.

The course is a fine example of traditional links golf, laid out on predominantly sandy ground and renowned for the quality and stability of its greens. Modern irrigation is now used to ensure that the course is in optimal condition all year round, but this does not detract from the links feel.

"Our aim is to provide the best possible playing conditions for members and visitors alike," said David. "This new machine, which we purchased from our local dealer Bartram Mowers, copes admirably with the severe undulations on many of the fairways. We are currently renovating the fairways, slitting, spiking and overseeding and the 250 is doing a very good job. Also it's very easy to maintain on a daily basis, everything is to hand and this reduces downtime."

David consulted colleagues at other local golf clubs including Barnham Broome, Diss and Caldecott Hall, as well as Colin Rushbrooke, a local golf course consultant, before requesting a demonstration and eventually purchasing the new machine.

"I wanted to ensure that we got the right machine for the job, so I took soundings from people I respect," he added. "The staff at Bartram's were very helpful providing all the information I requested and the demonstration went very well."

Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club, founded in 1882, has over 650 members and the clubhouse reflects the maturity of the course. It was a farmhouse before its conversion in 1913 and following a recent refurbishment it now features a two level bar and lounge areas with a patio overlooking the first half of the par 70, 6,330 yard course.