Routine Course Maintenance
A cold and dry start to the month of May has resulted in growth being very slow compared to previous years. It’s nice to finally see some definition to the course now, and the greens have filled out nicely. We have verti-cut the greens twice in the last 3 weeks followed by a light dressing of sand.
Regarding the greens, we are currently cutting them at 4mm and will do so throughout the season. We plan to regularly verti-cut during the season and increase the number of times we roll the greens over the next couple of months. Throughout the season we will be spoon-feeding the greens when they need a little feed. This will allow us to get consistent, steady growth and not have to worry about there being too much grass on the greens. We have also this season applied a disease preventive spray which will help the greens fight any disease that might pop up when the warmer weather (hopefully) arrives. Additionally, we will be introducing a new product that will help tackle any moss on the greens. In time, this will completely and permanently remove moss from the greens.
We are now in full flow of all cutting operations on the course where greens will be cut 7 days a week; tees and approaches twice a week; fairways and semi rough once a week. Now we are in June we will aim to change hole locations twice per week, although this will also be dependent on what competitions are scheduled.
Disruptions/Ground Under Repair
We have a new range mat now on our practice area. Could players please use this as far as possible in order to protect the grass areas which deteriorate quickly at this time of year due to heavy use. Greenkeeping staff are keen to spend time on the course, rather than a disproportionate amount of time on the practice area. More golf balls have also been added to the ball machine.
You will have noticed that only a few telegraph poles remain. These will be removed at the end of the season. G.U.R signs will remain in play behind the 5th green and also the local ruling going up the 6th and 7th holes will also be in play throughout the year.
The ground down the left side of the 6th & 7th holes that was disturbed during the removal of the poles has been seeded. This will be repeated later in the year when footfall will hopefully be considerably less.
Please note the Dropping Zone at the rear of the 5th green.
Large Scale/Long Term Projects
In our next couple of updates, we plan to give an outline of what longer term/large scale projects we hope to undertake in the winter.
Enjoy the rest of the season
Head Greenkeeper
David Munro