Total annual rainfall in Scotland has increased dramatically over recent years and the courses old drainage system can not cope. Also on the incline is the amount of rainfall we are getting in such a short space of time, 1-2 inches of rain in a day. Rainfall figures for August alone shows some areas in Scotland have received 2 to 3 times the monthly average amounting to nearly 15 inches of rain. This is causing destructive flash flooding which we need to stop. To be better prepared we need to widen many of our current flash flood ditches and install more.
The increased annual rainfall is taking its toll on the course's very basic drainage system which already has decades of silt build up in its pipes. Over many years we have never seen the course so wet and so many drains that have burst through over capacity, their effectiveness to carry water reduced because of this silt build up.
Council have agreed that drainage and flash flooding projects are given priority over the next year or two.
One of the proposals this coming few months is to deal with the flooding at the Roundel [5th, 7th and 15th tees]. The present drain is stuffed full of tree roots and therefore reducing the drains carrying capacity. Initially this length of pipe filled with roots will be replaced with a new length and over the next year or so will be monitored to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, the next proposal will be to run an open ditch to start just below the well at 14, along the gully on the 14th fairway and between the tees at the roundal, more or less following the line of the existing drain.
See below for a sketch outlining these proposals. This will include the felling to the two ash trees in front of the 6th green. We are advised that given the poor state of these trees they may well fall down in stormy weather conditions and cause great damage to the 6th green.
Council also intend, as resources allow, to install drains along inside banks of greens worst affected by flooding (eg. 13th, 5th, and 10th).
We request your patience whilst this essential work is carried out.