WHO would be a Golf Course Manager and greenkeeper amidst the challenges that the UK weather has thrown at them, particularly in recent years, writes Richard Walsh. 

Gary Cook took on the challenge in 1994 and has spent almost 30 years perfecting the golfing experience at Enmore Park Golf Club.

A search through the EPGC archives for that year found an entry relating to his appointment.

‘1994 saw Gary Cook join the club and take up the position of Course Manager and making an immediate impact and rapid improvement on the course condition.’ 

From that start Gary has remained in post and year on year continued to improve and develop Enmore Park Golf Club.

2023 has most certainly been a challenging year with so much rainfall. With each turn of the year, it is common for Golf Course Managers to compare the amount of rainfall each club has had within the last 12 months, and it is interesting to see the difference across the country.

Within our very local area the rainfall is similar with approximately 1300-1500mm dropping on courses in 2023, the second wettest year at Enmore in the last 30!

Whereas Clevedon GC, just 25 miles up the road, has reported 1107mm so even within our county, there can be a significant difference!

On a day-to-day basis, we can never know how much rain a course has received, and this is the main reason we try not to compare Enmore  to other clubs. There are other factors to take into consideration when looking at other courses and what restrictions they have put in place on a given day.

The excellent work of Gary and his team has enabled the golf club to be open during horrendous weather by setting the course to play over 7 or 11 holes sometimes playing on temporary greens.

On the plus side Enmore are hoping that the significant wet weather will have benefits for the clay-based greens for the 2024 golfing season.

Enmore’s famous Sunday Carveries are back starting on 14th January from 12.30 onwards, featuring succulent roast meats, freshly cooked vegetables, fluffy roast potatoes and rich gravy, Vegan and vegetarian options are available too so why not treat yourself and friends and family to a mouth-watering treat.

To avoid disappointment reserve a table in advance by calling 01278 672100 option 5 or bar@enmorepark.co.uk to secure your spot.

Enmore will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 24th March between 10am and 2.30pm which is a  great opportunity to come and find out about golf, the club and all the facilities .

There will also be the chance to join in some of the taster coaching sessions planned for the day as well as taking a buggy ride around the beautiful course.

To keep right up to date with everything that is going on at Enmore Park Golf Club, plus for information regarding all Open Competitions in 2024 please log onto the websitewww.enmorepark.co.uk or check out the Facebook page.