Our Drainage & Irrigation Project
We’re delighted to take you behind the scenes of our ambitious course improvement initiative. From enhancing our drainage systems to upgrading the path network and installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system, each video captures the journey of transforming Crondon Park into an even more enjoyable and sustainable course for our members and visitors.
Our aim is to improve playability and condition all year round, whatever the weather. Through this series, our Director of Golf, David Laffar will guide you through a firsthand look at the challenges we faced, the solutions we implemented, and the incredible teamwork that made it all possible. Join us to see how we’re making Crondon Park not just a stunning course, but one designed for the future.
Enjoy the journey!
Week 1 – Preparation
In this video, we introduce the Crondon Park drainage project and explain how we’ll keep members up to date with the progress. It covers the initial setup and outlines work beginning on holes 9, 10, and 1, which will require temporary closures. The team highlights safety measures, including signage and diversion routes to ensure members are kept safe while heavy machinery is on site.
The video details the preparatory work led by Stewart Rogers, our head greenkeeper, explaining the setup of an arterial drainage system and the installation of trenches with perforated pipes, gravel, and a high-quality root zone selected to optimise water flow. It also showcases the powerful machinery now on site, including larger tractors, trenchers, and diggers, which will enable efficient project completion. Safety remains a top priority throughout, with clear directions for members on navigating the course while the work is underway.
Week 1 – Work Begins
In this video, we dive into Day One of the Crondon Park drainage project. The team has kicked off work on the 9th hole, starting with the green side of the ditch. Using a chain trencher, they’re digging and moving soil efficiently, with trenches being prepared to a depth of 450 mm. Pipes have been laid, which will soon be covered with wash gravel, sport sand, and root zone to complete the drainage system.
Two teams are working simultaneously on either side of the 9th, with one focusing on a long outfall trench along the tree line to connect all lateral fairway drains directly to the ditch. New machinery has arrived, including tractors and a high-powered trencher, helping keep progress on track. The team plans to complete holes 9, 10, and 1 by week’s end, and they’ve also prepped the 2nd hole as a storage base for future work on surrounding holes.
Week 1 – Further Updates
On Day Two of Crondon Park’s drainage project, work continued on the 9th hole. The outfall drain along the fairway is complete, and lateral drains have been started, with one team using a chain trencher and a faster super trencher. Progress includes backfilling with piping, gravel, and sport sand, topped off with a root zone to aid drainage.
The green side of the 9th hole is nearly done, with spoil dumping taking place near the 18th green, which will also serve as a collection area for future holes. Three tractors are running spoil constantly, ensuring efficient material movement. Work on the 10th hole is underway, with an outfall drain running along the right-hand side. GPS-mapped trenchers are keeping lateral drains aligned, making it easy to locate and manage drains in the future.
Week 2 – Update
As we venture into week 2 of Crondon Park’s drainage project, the team has completed the 10th hole and moved on to the 1st, cutting trenches halfway up, just past the 150-yard bunker. They are backfilling with gravel and preparing lateral trenches toward the green. Spoil from the trenches is being positioned near the ditch, where it will later hold the ring main for the new irrigation system.
To ensure effective drainage, perforated pipes are laid in the trenches, allowing water to pass through gravel and sport sand above. The chosen root zone, sourced for its low clay content, further improves water flow. On the 8th hole, a larger outfall trench along the left side is under construction to connect water flow to the main drainage network. Using GPS mapping, each trench location is carefully documented for future maintenance, ensuring easy access to the drains if needed.
Week 2 – Further Updates
On Day Nine of Crondon Park’s drainage project, work continued on the 8th hole despite challenges with irrigation pipes near a large tree. The team completed the tees side but will delay adding the root zone until next week due to forecasted rain. Down the 8th fairway, trenches now connect on both sides of the hole, linking the main drain with green and fairway areas for efficient water flow.
The sand hopper was also in action, backfilling trenches with precision, followed by press wheels to compact the sand. Meanwhile, Day Ten saw work halted by rain, leaving some areas on the 8th untrenched until next week. Site inspections after a downpour revealed effective water drainage on holes 1 and 10, showing promising results.
The spoil area beside the 18th green will eventually be landscaped for aesthetic purposes. The 8th hole will have a roped-off trench across the fairway, with diversions marked for safe navigation during play.
Week 3 – Update
On Day Ten of Week Three, work continued on the 8th and 12th holes, with root zone application beginning on the 8th fairway. The team aimed to complete as much sand finishing as possible before forecasted rain. Despite minor delays, trenching on the 12th hole is nearly complete, with lateral drains installed to direct water toward the main drain, which connects to the 7th lake for improved water flow.
The team encountered a few challenges with irrigation pipes, but adjustments were made to accommodate these. Rain has intermittently slowed progress, though it helps soften the ground for trenching. Contractors are working towards completing both the 8th and 12th holes by the weekend. Additionally, outfall drainage chambers are being installed across the course to ensure easy maintenance and future water flow management. Both holes are expected to be fully playable by Friday, and updates on future phases will be provided soon.
Phase 2 – Drainage and Path Network
In this update, we outline preparations for Phase Two of the Crondon Park drainage project, set to start on 29th July. For three weeks, contractors will tackle the 3rd and 5th holes, requiring three holes to be closed Monday to Friday, but the back nine will remain open for qualifying rounds. Work will address settling issues in previous drainage lines, with redressing and reseeding expected to encourage growth by autumn.
Additionally, the path contractor will begin laying new paths that connect greens, tees, and fairways to create a durable, year-round route across the course. Paths will be installed next to par-four and par-five holes, with dedicated routes on all par-threes from tee to green. Expect more heavy machinery in the coming weeks as Phase Two preparations continue. Note that Week Three of Phase Two (starting 12th August) will coincide with greens maintenance, which may include temporary greens and three closed holes.
Week 4 – Update
In preparation for the return of drainage contractors, the Crondon Park team has been working on the 3rd and 5th holes. New ditches have been dug along the right side of the 5th fairway to direct water into the woodland and ultimately the 14th lake, establishing essential outfall paths for future lateral drains.
On Day 16, contractors resumed work, starting trenching on the 5th hole. Due to the presence of a gas main running across parts of the course, the team had to carefully plan drainage around it, adding outfalls to handle water from both sides of the fairway. Spoil from excavation is stored in reshaped areas near the 5th lake.
Materials for both drainage and new paths are being delivered and stored near the 18th tee. Work on the paths will improve winter play by connecting tees, greens, and fairways for year-round accessibility. Regular updates will continue as progress advances through the week.
Week 4 – Further Updates
On Day 17 of the Crondon Park drainage project, the team made strong progress despite the heat. They completed trenching, pipe-laying, and backfilling with gravel and sand on the tee side of the 5th hole, adding root zone to finalize the area. Over on the 3rd, trenches were cut from the bunker to the fairway’s low point, where a large 220 mm pipe will be installed to manage heavy water flow. Spoil from trenching is being temporarily stored in nearby woods, to be reshaped and repurposed later.
By Day 20, progress had slowed significantly as the team and contractors were struck by a stomach virus, halting work for a few days. They have completed the tee-to-lake section on the 5th and partially finished trenching on the 3rd, with backfilled sand but not yet root-zoned. With 18 holes open over the weekend, the contractors plan to resume on Monday, aiming to regain momentum in the weeks ahead.
Week 5 – Update
On Day 21, the drainage contractors returned and made progress on the 3rd hole, completing root zone installation from the bunker down to about 200 yards. All lateral drains have been trenched, piped, and connected to the ditch network. The team plans to finish the remaining trench work around the 5th green and then move on to the 2nd hole, with the goal of completing these areas before greens maintenance on 12th August, which will involve temporary greens and limited play on the last three holes.
By Day 22, trenching, piping, and stoning on the 3rd hole were complete, with plans to sand and apply root zone the following morning. The drainage around the 3rd green has been improved to address persistent wetness, likely due to a nearby spring. Work also advanced on the 5th hole, where most lateral drains on the green side are installed and connected to the lake. Plans are underway to restructure and deepen the lake, increasing capacity and potentially removing the island for better water management.
Week 5 – Further Updates
On Day 23, the drainage contractors completed works on holes 3 and 5, allowing these to reopen for play. Works commenced on the second hole, with the team cutting trenches for the lateral drainage system. The main 160mm outfall drain was installed along the left side, connecting to a cross-drain at the fairway’s start, ultimately feeding into the course’s ditch network and reservoir system for irrigation purposes.
By Day 24, significant progress was made on the second hole, with all lateral drains cut, piped and stone-filled across the fairway. The team focused on installing the main drainage line crossing the fairway, with preparations underway to reopen the hole.
On Day 25, the final phases of work on the second hole were completed, including sanding of all trenches and root zone application. The hole was prepared for weekend play, with plans to commence work on the 16th hole the following week. This next phase will necessitate the closure of holes 16-18 due to spoil management requirements at the 17th tee. Monday will see temporary greens in use during scheduled maintenance works.
Week 6 – Update
The Crondon Park team reports significant progress on Day 26 of their drainage project, with contractors working through challenging high temperatures on the 16th hole. Head Greenkeeper Stewart and their team oversaw the installation of lateral trenching across the fairway up to the Conifer, incorporating an outfall drain along the right-hand side that connects to the corner ditch. Given the hole’s historically wet conditions, the team opted for intensive drainage with 4-metre centres to ensure optimal water management.
By Day 27, trenching works on the 16th were nearing completion, with lateral drains now extending across the hole and surrounding the bunkers towards the green. The course improvement plan includes a substantial 160mm main drain at the path’s low point, designed to address a persistent wet area by connecting to the existing ditch network. The Crondon Park team has scheduled works to commence on the 15th hole by mid-week, implementing a temporary closure of the back nine holes while maintaining play on the front nine with temporary greens to minimise disruption to members.
Week 6 – Further Updates
On Day 28, the team were delighted to report completion of drainage works on the 16th hole, allowing it to reopen for Thursday play. Work immediately commenced on the 15th hole, where the drainage design includes a main outfall drain extending from the Conifer to the tee box. The team’s careful planning incorporates lateral drains running from the left side to the ditch network on the right, marked with blue and white flags. The greenkeeping team maintained careful oversight of trenching depths due to existing irrigation lines crossing the hole.
By Day 29, significant progress was made on the 15th, with approximately two-thirds of the work completed. The team had successfully trenched, piped, and sanded from the tee box down to the current trencher position. Additional drainage networks were installed running to the course’s ditch system, with stone and pipe work completed and awaiting final sanding. Completion was anticipated by the weekend, leaving holes 13, 6, and 8 remaining in the comprehensive drainage improvement programme.
Week 7 – Update
On Day 32, the Crondon Park team welcomed back the drainage contractors for phase three of our ambitious drainage project, focusing on the 18th hole. The contractors have made significant progress, completing trenching up to the tree line with pipe installation and gravel works underway. This hole represents the project’s largest undertaking, with nearly 4,000 metres of drainage lines, including extensions reaching toward the road.
By Day 34, the contractors had completed all trenching work on the 18th hole, with pipes and stone installation finished. The team adopted a modified finishing technique, using sand backfill to the surface rather than immediate root zone application. This revised approach will allow for settlement before applying root zone in 4-5 weeks, promoting better grass establishment before winter.
Meanwhile, the Crondon Park greenkeeping team, led by Stewart and supported by club volunteers, has been busy redressing drainage scars on the 9th and 10th holes with root zone and seed. The club acknowledges the valuable contribution of their volunteer marshals and members in this extensive project.
Week 8 – Update
At the end of week 8, the Crondon Park drainage project continued to progress despite weather delays. The team reports completion of works on the fourth tee, with operations now focused on the 13th hole. The drainage design mirrors that of the eighth hole, with drain lines running parallel to play.
Looking ahead, weather permitting, the Crondon Park team anticipates completing the 13th before moving operations to the sixth hole. This next phase includes plans for a new drainage ditch extending from the lake along the right side of the hole into the wooded area, addressing persistent wetness issues, particularly around the tee area.
Earlier in the week, the contractors installed over 300 metres of drainage on the 14th hole, the only par three currently scheduled for drainage works. This installation targets a problematic low point that has previously caused maintenance challenges for the greenkeeping team. While initial plans included work on both the 14th and 15th holes, contractors prioritised the 13th hole completion.
Week 9 – Update
At the end of week 9, the Crondon Park team reports completion of drainage works on the 13th hole. The drainage design follows the hole’s length rather than crossing it, with connections linking to the 12th green and ultimately feeding into the seventh lake.
September’s rainfall reached three times the monthly average and this has impacted some areas of the course. In response, Crondon Park’s management has engaged with county officials regarding the implementation of a model local rule to maintain qualifying status while ensuring fair relief for players in affected areas.
Looking ahead to week ten, contractors will focus on the sixth hole, which includes installation of a substantial 220mm drainage pipe and the creation of a new ditch along the right side, similar to that on the third hole. This system will manage water flow from the tee area into the lake, with overflow directing into the seventh hole before leaving the course.
The greenkeeping team, led by Stewart and supported by volunteers, continues maintenance work, addressing settlement in recently completed drainage lines on holes 16, 18, and 15.
Week 10 – Update
At the end of week 10, significant progress has been made on the sixth hole, marking the final major phase of their drainage project. The contractors are completing sand installation, with all trenches piped and stone-filled. The team has implemented a complex drainage system, including a new ditch running from the lake to just short of the bunkers, which will be marked as a red hazard.
The path construction continues with contractors now laying surface materials.
Bunker modifications are underway on holes 13 and 15, with the team creating what they describe as a “blank canvas” for future renovation work planned for early spring. Meanwhile, earlier drainage works are showing positive results, with seed germination evident on the green end channels, demonstrating successful establishment of the root network.
Looking ahead, the contractors will move to complete the remaining section of the 15th hole, including drainage around the bunker and green areas. The team has also identified nine additional locations requiring shorter drainage runs, though these works are not expected to require full hole closures.
October Members Update
As the project nears completion, the team reports weather-related delays early in the week, with heavy rainfall preventing contractors from completing planned works on the 15th hole. While the main drainage contractors have concluded their scheduled time on site, the club hopes to secure additional days in November to complete the 15th hole and address identified snagging issues.
Path construction continues to progress, with contractors laying and rolling road planings between the first, tenth and ninth holes. A new service path to the greenkeeper’s yard is also under construction.
Meanwhile, the greenkeeping team continues regular maintenance, including solid-tine aeration of greens to improve drainage through surface compaction relief. The club has also taken delivery of a new fleet of 20 GPS-enabled buggies, which will feature geofencing capabilities to control access areas, along with convenience additions such as seed boxes and divot bottles.
The maintenance team will focus on restoration work over the coming weeks, aiming to return the course to optimal playing conditions while the remaining improvement works are completed.
October Members Update 2
The team has addressed a particularly problematic area on the 9th hole by installing additional drains extending into the woodland on the right side, targeting water runoff issues. Path contractors have successfully connected routes from the first and tenth holes, including the installation of road planings on the new bridge.
Additional drainage work is planned for the 11th hole, while ditch improvements continue to enhance water management. The team has extended and cleared ditches to improve water flow off the course, particularly around the ninth hole area.
At the back of the third tee and sixth hole, a new ditch line has been installed to address flooding issues behind the second green. Future plans include removing select trees to facilitate drainage from the 13th and sixth holes.
The path project continues to progress, with the section from the 18th fairway to the 17th being the first to receive the oil treatment, creating a distinctive darker finish. The Crondon Park greenkeeping team have been focusing on irrigation trench maintenance, ensuring proper compaction and preparation for seeding.
These ongoing improvements demonstrate the club’s commitment to enhancing course playability and maintenance efficiency, with careful attention to water management and access routes throughout the property.
November Members Update 1
The team has completed most path surfaces and oiling across the course, with final sections due for completion next week. A significant drainage improvement has been implemented on the 11th hole to address water flow issues coming from the 13th fairway, with channels installed to direct water under the path into the ditch. Path surfaces are now fully accessible for buggies and trolleys, marking a key milestone in course accessibility.
Fairway maintenance continues at a carefully managed higher length to protect equipment from debris and allow proper establishment of new grass growth. The leaf collection process is ongoing, with the team utilising a specialised Hoover system to clear and compress collected leaves. Irrigation work is nearing completion, with only 500m of trenches remaining on the third hole to be filled with sand and prepared for seeding.
The greens are showing excellent performance following recent fertiliser and fungicide treatments, with regular rolling and cutting now possible. Some areas showing signs of summer stress are receiving targeted treatment with sand dressing and careful pin position management. New bridge installations are planned across several locations over the next 3-4 weeks, including crossings for the ditches along the third hole and the right side of the sixth.
The course improvements continue with plans to level numerous earth mounds, followed by dressing and either turfing or seeding these areas. The club has announced an SXPGA pro-am event scheduled for 2nd April, whilst the Club AGM will take place on 26th November, offering members an opportunity to engage with captains and committee members.
November Members Update 2
Following significant rainfall of over 27mm in 5-6 hours, the course’s new drainage system has demonstrated strong performance. Playing areas, including fairways and greens, are notably dry despite the heavy precipitation, allowing continued trolley access. Water is effectively channelling through the drainage runs and leaving the site.
A new drain has been installed at the historically problematic low point behind the fifth green, connecting to the existing green drainage to prevent future puddling. The club has expanded its trolley management system with additional directional signage across the course. Members and visitors are advised that compliance with these signs is essential to maintain trolley access; failure to follow designated routes may result in carry-only restrictions being implemented.
The drainage improvements have exceeded expectations, particularly evident in the dry condition of the first fairway shortly after rainfall ceased. While some walk-off areas retain moisture, the primary playing surfaces have remained playable, showcasing the effectiveness of the recent drainage installations.
January Members Update
As winter conditions persist, the club reports ongoing maintenance and improvement works across the course. The greenkeeping staff have adapted to frozen ground conditions by focusing on canopy management, including tree work and wood chipping between the 9th hole and temporary areas.
The club’s sand-based greens continue to perform well during frost periods, eliminating the need for temporary greens unlike neighbouring clubs with soil-based surfaces. A new traffic management system featuring 150 posts and 1,200 metres of rope is being installed to protect course conditions, funded by the 100 Club membership initiative.
Major works are scheduled for spring, with multiple contractors returning from 31st March. Plans include comprehensive path repairs, reconstruction of the fifth lake to improve drainage capacity, and the rebuilding of 10-15 bunkers to match recent improvements on the third and ninth holes. Green maintenance is scheduled for 7th April, requiring one week of temporary greens.
Drainage contractors will return on 7th April to complete the remaining 200 metres of drainage on the 15th hole and address other wet areas across the course. The irrigation system installation continues, with final connections pending between the ring main, water tank, and green systems.