The layout of the golf course has not changed since the course was redesigned by Peter Thompson over 50 years ago. It features nine holes which may be replayed to different hole locations to offer 18 holes of golf. Currently the golf course occupies almost 14 of the 25 acres and is able to offer the average golfer a good combination of holes for play. There is a long par 4 and even a par 5; even the shorter par 4s is treacherous as the fairways are lined with thick forest which is considered a payable area here.
The golf course is severely sloped on two sides; this increases the runoff of water on the golf course. The golf course does not have any water bodies and the main source of water on the golf course is the four bore wells. In an effort to retain some of the surface runoff, a few trenches were created to trap the water and recharge the bore wells. However, these trenches are only partially effective and the golf course still remains dry during the summer months. In the past, attempts were made to pump water from a nearby lake. Though the course invested heavily in the installation of the sprinkler systems the lake was unable to sustain the demand for water by the golf course and this idea has long been abandoned by the management (though the installed systems remain).
Another factor contributing to the increased surface runoff of water on the course is the composition of the soil. Unfortunately the golf course has an impermeable laterite rock upper soil. This makes it difficult for water to percolate and drain effectively especially after a heavy rain (a common occurrence in Trivandrum). This dry upper layer of rock also hinders effective growth of grass. As a result only a tougher native grass is grown on this golf course. This native grass is seen though the green’; on the putting surface this grass is rolled to provide as close to a flattened and smooth feel as possible.
As a result of the golf course using a more hardy grass the course follows its own structured maintenance routine. The fairways are roughly mowed 3 times a week; the greens are occasionally rolled or mowed. The routine is only followed before tournaments when each hole is prepared, which includes ensuring the fairways are cut to appropriate heights for even lie and hole locations are altered as well. The golf course is not mechanized; there are 6 green mowers and 1 larger mower for the fairways. These machines are Locally Made and were preferred as they are cost effective to maintain.
The maintenance of the golf course is labor intensive, using 14 of the 29 employees, which is above average for such a course. What is unusual is that historically the club has never hired a Golf Course Superintendent to manage the course maintenance. Maintenance has been carried out by the caddie master with inputs from the members. The absence of a trained golf course superintendent is perhaps the reason for the present condition of the golf course. There is no practice or usage of modern and advanced growth promoters and turf maintenance technology, except the standard NPK fertilizer. The only maintenance practice followed is top dressing on the grass.
Due to the lack of equipment there has been a gap in the maintenance practices followed which has led to native grass becoming the dominant grass on the golf course. There are some advantages since it requires less maintenance, is hardy and can survive in the harsher warmer and more humid temperature of Kerala. It is still important for the golf course. Overall, depending on the future objectives of the golf club it would need to review the construction of the greens, fairways and bunkers.