Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa Hotel
Captain's Log

CAPTAIN: Shaun Start
LADY CAPTAIN: Pat Hallam

We wish to pass on our thanks to QHotels and the team at Telford for hosting the Q Cup. All of the Hellidon competitors enjoyed the event and were very impressed with the design and condition of the course and we are very much looking forward to hosting the event in 2010.

Hellidon had great success in their opening Club matches with both the B Team (captained by Chris Harvey) and the Handicap League Team (captained by Gary Caunt) being unbeaten. Particularly satisfying was the B Team Home win over Staverton followed by a draw at their place – always nice to put one over our old rivals.

Greenkeeper's Report: Ady Harris

We recently spiked all the greens with 12mm solid tines, scarified the greens to 10mm to control the thatch and oversown all greens with a higher quality seed and where possible top dressed the greens which we are now enjoying the benefit of.

The 17th Ladies tee has been extended by 70% to protect it further and have re-defended some of the fairways. Nine of the greens have upgraded sprinklers which will benefit the course if we ever get a Summer. The old croquet lawn is being re-shaped to give an extra practice area in front of the new Pro Shop.

We have also recently invested in a new John Deere 1545 front rotary mower. With an extensive Winter programme planned we are confident that Hellidon lakes will continue to enjoy seeing the course improve year on year.