Course stayed open despite 61mm of rain

By Alistair February 4, 2019 14:14 Updated

A Gloucestershire golf course stayed open this winter despite being hit by 61mm of rain in 19 days – and 8mm of rain in one day alone.

“Tewkesbury Park stood out in the region as remaining fully-open, on 18 main greens, and with no restrictions on the use of golf buggies or trolleys,” said a spokesman.

“To their members’ delight, and despite 8mm of rain on one Saturday, head greenkeeper Paul Hathaway and his team delivered the region’s best-kept golf course without having to resort to temporary greens.

“Nearby, golfers at other clubs faced limited play while their golf courses were given time to recover.

“Tewkesbury, near Cheltenham, recorded 61mm of rain in one 19-day period this winter, leading to restrictions and closures at several local golf courses due to waterlogged fairways and greens.”

“Tewkesbury Park members want the maximum bang for their buck” said Hathaway, “and expect their golf course to stay beautiful through the winter, so that’s what we give them.

“No golfer likes playing on temporary greens, and many of our members like to take a golf buggy too, particularly when the weather is bad. During the off-season our ability to offer a golf course with no restrictions for the majority of the winter is a stand-out advantage for us compared with other clubs for miles around, I feel, and the fact that we can also offer high-class accommodation, dining and leisure facilities makes this place pretty special.”