Parley Golf centre in 2014 after heavy rain and in 2016 after heavy rain.
Drainage work carried out at Parley Golf Centre as part of its £250,000 programme of improvements has already had a remarkable effect.
Where once greens and fairways would be under several feet of water during wet periods, the same ground this winter remained dry.
Contrasting pictures show swans on the water in 2014 but this year at the same time and place the fairway was playable despite similar heavy rainfall.
Contractors from MJ Abbott of Salisbury have been working through the winter to help transform the centre into the finest practice facility in the region.
A vast new practice green is being constructed and there are many innovations being added, including a simulator which is already up and running.
The re-designed nine-hole course will provide a round of 18 holes with a total distance of 5,111 yards.
A new short game practice area is also being created, which will have chipping areas and practice bunkers and ultimately will be floodlit, and this will be situated on the ‘reclaimed’ land.
Daryl Dampney, manager of the centre, said: “It was very important for us to address the drainage issues on a single part of the course.
“We have added drainage ditches but also have significantly raised the ground level in areas.
“The work is ongoing but we have been really pleased this winter because despite the rainfall it has not flooded as it once did.
“We are creating what we plan to be the finest practice facility in the area and it will include indoor and outdoor elements and be suitable for children and beginners as well as professionals.”
Pic caption: Contrasting images before and after drainage work.
Notes to editors:
Parley Golf Centre in Dorset is set within a beautiful 800 acre farming estate next to the River Stour close to Bournemouth Airport.
It is home to the 17th century Parley Manor and to Parley Equestrian Centre. Wildlife includes roe deer, badgers, foxes and a pair of rare Grey Partridges. And you are likely to see a family of alpacas roaming around too!
Parley Golf Centre opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, but quickly expanded to nine holes and a 27-bay, floodlit driving range was added.
Currently the site is being transformed into a centre of excellence (which does not affect the course). When completed it will be twice its current size.
The nine-hole course is being rebuilt with carefully configured tees allowing for a round of 18 with a total distance of 5,111 yards.
Indoors will be further putting facilities as well as other innovations to accompany the popular café/bar.
There will be a private room with a driving bay that will include seating and will be available for hire and for business meetings.
Head greenkeeper Ian Noble is assisted by Mark Gregory and John Morey.
Resident professionals include Chris Brook, Marcus Urbye, and Peter Thompson.
For more information contact Ed Baker at Deep South Media on 01202 534487 or 07788392965
