Shoe and Trolley Cleaning Facility

Most golfers are now playing in ‘soft spike’ golf shoes. One of the disadvantages of soft spikes is that the quantity of debris picked up off the course which is many times higher than by the former flat sole/metal spike shoes. The most effective way to clean this type of shoe is with a strong air jet (Tip-tapping the air pipe on the soles of your shoes will help to release the debris).

This summer has been tremendously wet which has also considerably increased the quantity of debris picked up on shoes and trolleys/buggies.

These two factors have led to the patio and path leading down to the first tee being covered in debris which has caused a very unsightly appearance. The volume is so great that it would require regular cleaning every hour or so to keep the area to a high standard. It is simply not affordable to have an employee carry out this function.

This problem has been analysed and consequently some modifications have been made to the shoe cleaning facility, which together with members' assistance, can permanently resolve the problem.

The shoe cleaning machine has been re-positioned, the grill removed and replaced by flagstones and a green bin has been provided to accept the debris. The idea is to contain the debris on a hard surface, away from the footpath, so that it can be easily swept up and deposited in the green bin. It is highly desirable that everyone cleans their shoes/trolleys only in this area. If the exit path is kept clean there will be little debris carried over to the patio and locker rooms.

We therefore request all members to kindly carry out the following procedure:

1) Only clean shoes /trolleys in the pen area. If you approach the 18th green from the left hand side then please go all the way round the green so that you approach the shoe cleaner from the normal direction. Do not walk straight onto the patio from the back of the green.

2) Fire the debris towards the sleeper wall and not towards the path.

3) The last person in each group to sweep up the debris and deposit in the green bin. A brush and pan is provided and it takes less than a minute to clean the area.

If all members co-operate with the new procedure then the whole area will be cleaner which will raise the presentation of the golf club to a higher level.

on behalf of the Voluntary Course Support Group