The Duke's Course reopens 6th March!

The Duke's Course Reopens: Greenkeepers Triumph Over Winter's Wrath

We’re thrilled to announce the reopening of Richmond Park’s beloved Duke’s Course, on Thursday 6th March! This moment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and grit of our greenkeeping team. They’ve battled floods, repaired damage, and poured their hearts into restoring the course to its former glory

The past few months have been a relentless battle against the elements for greenkeepers across the UK, and nowhere is that struggle more keenly felt than in historic parks of Richmond. For those unfamiliar, Richmond Park’s two 18-hole golf courses offer a truly unique golfing experience. Imagine playing amidst ancient oaks, with deer grazing nearby, in one of London’s most iconic green spaces. It’s idyllic, yes, but also incredibly challenging to manage, particularly when Mother Nature decides to turn on the taps.

This winter, she didn’t just turn them on, she left them gushing. Record-breaking rainfall left us no choice but to put the Duke’s Course into hibernation over the last few months, in order to protect it. The culprits? London clay, extreme weather trends and a century old course. This dense, impermeable soil, while providing a solid foundation and home to rare grass species, struggles to cope with the sheer volume of water we’ve seen. Coupled with the fact that these courses are now over 100 years old, designed for a different era of rainfall, the challenge is immense.

For the greenkeeping team at Richmond Park, it’s been a relentless battle. Every day has been a test of resilience, a constant fight to keep the courses playable. From battling standing water to repairing damage caused by the relentless toil of rainfall, their efforts have been nothing short of heroic.

Imagine the frustration: tirelessly working to maintain the course, only to see it flooded again with the next downpour. The desire to see golfers back on the fairways, enjoying the beauty of Richmond Park, has been palpable. They’ve worked long hours, with unwavering dedication, fueled by a passion for their craft and a deep love for the park.

The impact isn’t just aesthetic; it’s practical. Waterlogged greens mean compromised playability, and saturated fairways can lead to significant damage. The constant dampness also creates ideal conditions for disease, adding another layer of complexity to the already demanding task of course maintenance.

But, as the saying goes, after every storm, comes a rainbow. And thankfully, after a winter of relentless rain, spring is finally peeking through. The recent spell of glorious sunshine has brought a renewed sense of optimism. The ground is starting to dry, the grass is beginning to green, and the air is filled with the promise of better days.

For the greenkeepers, it’s a welcome respite, a chance to finally see their hard work pay off. The sight of golfers returning to the course, enjoying the fruits of their labour, will be a well-deserved reward.

So, next time you step onto the first tee at Richmond Park, take a moment to appreciate the dedication and resilience of the greenkeeping team. They’ve weathered a storm, literally, and are ready to welcome you back to one of London’s most beautiful and challenging golf courses. And let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a dry and sunny golfing season!