TOP DRESSING
Fairways of the Future : Colmworth ’ s Environmental
olmworth is a
C golf club with a difference . Nestled in the tranquil countryside of north Bedfordshire , this inclusive and forward-thinking country estate stands as a beacon of sustainable excellence experience with its forward-thinking approach .
Excellence
Under the stewardship of motherdaughter duo Julie and Tilly Vesely , this family-run golf course , retreat , and wedding venue has embraced and nurtured an organic approach to golf course maintenance with an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility . Colmworth is a haven for the ecoconscious golfer .
Sporting an all-female management team , a rarity in this industry , they pride themselves on redefining the norm with an ethical and environmentally sensitive ethos to everything they look to offer at Colmworth .
Designed by John Glasgow in 1994 the 18-hole , Par 72 course boasts a peaceful , rural setting with a mix of raised tees with stunning views and some challenging water hazards on 4 holes including the signature 12th hole .
Proudly inclusive and forwardthinking , Tilly explains , “ Colmworth is the people and planet friendly place to enjoy relaxed golf , great food , celebrate or holiday . Our focus is to be environmentally friendly ; it is an ethos that has run through the business from the very beginning . We do things differently here , we want to be known for being a friendly , affordable and inclusive venue , as well as a destination and club that focuses on sustainability .”
A key part of this strategy is the clubs ’ organic approach to managing the golf course , choosing non-chemical options at every opportunity by utilising Symbio products ( now an integral part of Origin Amenity Solutions ’ offering ) for over a decade . Initially trialled on the par 3 644-yard-long pitch & putt course , the improvements spoke for themselves with the “ brilliant results ”. This led to a fully organic programme being developed for the main 18-hole course and has provided firm , receptive , and disease-resistant surfaces ever since .
Bradley Jones , Head Greenkeeper , runs a small but effective team delivering the organic strategy
44 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | July / August 2024