De Vere’s investments pay handsome dividends

Over the past 18 months, De Vere Hotels & Resorts has invested heavily in its leading portfolio of championship UK golf courses and these investments are now paying handsome dividends.

Statistics recorded by De Vere show that there has been almost half of the total 2013 rainfall over the past three months, however the numbers of course closures across De Vere’s resorts have significantly reduced year-on-year.

These improved closure rates can be attributed to the sterling work of the greenkeepers at each of the nine resorts, including the award-winning Steve Cram at Slaley Hall (pictured), along with the significant investments into drainage, machinery and pathways; which have not only improved the pristine standards of the golf courses, but also keeps them open for more golfers, all year round.

This provides better value for money for all members and guests, providing enhanced golfing experiences, safe in the knowledge that their booking is likely to be honoured no matter what the conditions.

De Vere Hotels & Resorts compiles monthly statistics from each of its properties, recording a number of key performance indicators, including rainfall across each estate and the number of course closures throughout each period. These stats have revealed December 2013 – February 2014 to be one of the wettest periods in recent history, with 3057mm of rain falling across all nine De Vere resorts, compared to 7132mm for the whole of 2013.

However, despite this spell of heavy rainfall, and the fact that this occurred during ‘slow-to-dry’, cold, low light months – De Vere’s championship courses remained largely open due to the extensive programme of strategic investments. Course closure rates at Mottram Hall, Slaley Hall, Oulton Hall, and The Carrick on Loch Lomond are significantly down year-on-year despite the unusually high levels of rainfall. Mottram Hall, host of last year’s ISPS HANDA PGA Seniors Championship has not been closed so far in 2014, whilst Oulton Hall has only been closed for one day, compared to 31 times in 2013, and Slaley Hall, Carden Park and The Belfry only twice this year.

One of De Vere’s most experienced and respected greenkeepers, Steve Cram – Golf Course & Estate Manager at Slaley Hall has been integral in advising on the course investments across the portfolio and is not surprised by the impressive results.

“The investments across the golf courses have been thoroughly planned and considered to ensure maximum impact in reducing the number of closures, whilst continually looking to improve the aesthetics and playing standards of each course,” commented Cram. “Speaking from personal experience here at Slaley Hall, the new drainage has been invaluable in removing excess moisture from the courses following such heavy rainfall, and access to the most modern, up-to-date machinery just helps us to further improve the levels of conditioning we are able to attain week-in-week-out.”

Keith Pickard, Regional Golf Director, De Vere Hotels & Resorts expressed his delight at the latest results, “We were delighted to see these results to come through. Obviously, the last three months have been incredibly challenging for everyone, and we never like to see prolonged periods of wet weather, but to know that our golf courses stood up to the test and remained open for golfers across the UK, is testament to the great work of our teams of greenkeepers.”