A NORTH GOLF CLUB is receiving an early Christmas present from Elgin-based firm Springfield Properties – thanks mainly to its proximity to a new housing development.
The firm were made aware that historically hole 13 and 14 at the Nairn Dunbar course have suffered drainage issues – one that the club has been aware of for some time but have never been able to fully identify a solution.
The course is a neighbour to Springfield’s Meadow Lea development with the same views over the Moray Firth that has attracted golfers to links courses for generations.
Now Springfield has come to the rescue, donating an innovative engineering solution to make these water-logged areas of the course a thing of the past.
Springfield Properties Civils Director, Bob Macleod, said: “Nairn Dunbar is one of my favourite golf courses and presents a very good challenge to all levels of golfers. Two fairways (13th and 14th) suffer from water-logging after heavy rainfall and are both extremely slow to dry.
“We investigated the problem for the club and eventually decided that Groundwater Dynamics offered an innovative solution which eliminates the problem with little disruption, low maintenance and zero running costs.
“It’s quite remarkable how it works,” Bob continued. “Thin, circular tubing is installed that contracts and relaxes with the movement of the soil. This creates suction and the tubing acts as a vacuum pulling the water from an area prone to water logging deep into the soil, allowing it to be absorbed back into the natural water cycle.
“This will prevent affected areas becoming water-logged without mechanics or a power supply. Once it’s installed there are no running costs.
“It’s self-sufficient – the plastic piping is self-cleaning, improves the drainage and soil quality in the area over time. It’s a long-term improvement for the golf course and its members. We’re glad we can offer our support to benefit our neighbours and the members of the club.”
It is the first time the technology, designed in 2011, has been used north of Edinburgh. It’s also been used to prevent water-logging in airport landing strips, farm land, and sports facilities worldwide.
The Golf Club Manager Robert Kay is optimistic members and visitors will be able to see a difference within 5-6 weeks, saying: “This has been an historic issue for the course. The 13th and 14th holes sit along where the river used to run in the 1800s – so water sits faster in this area of the course and takes longer to drain.
“We are delighted we are finally able to do something about this, with Springfield’s generous support, as are our members. This technology will improve the quality of the course for our members and those visiting. Wetter weather will no longer result in disruption of play, giving golfers a better playing experience.
“We are hosting the 91st Boys Amateur Competition in August next year. This tournament is going to be fantastic for the club, over 250 boys from all over the world will be heading to Nairn to compete on our course. We’re already really excited about this so to have the drainage issues resolved by then will be fantastic for us.
“The fact this technology isn’t invasive, can be installed quickly and has zero maintenance costs once it is up and running is perfect for the club. 1,700 holes were drilled over the two fairways to install the drainage tubing that, once the soil has settled, will quickly and consistently remove water from the surface.”