Summer
Blog
This summer is remarkably different to 2018, lots more
rainfall has kept the grass healthy and the course has a green appearance as
opposed to the burnt off look we endured last year. The wet weather has been needed
and has helped the areas out that struggled massively in last year’s drought.
Fig 1: Drone shot 2019
Fig 2: Drone shot 2018
Greens
This year’s aim was to have the greens performing at a
consistent standard for members and visitors. To achieve this, a regular spoon
feeding program is carried out on a weekly or fortnightly basis. This form of
plant nutrition allows a much more precise application, which regulates growth and
keeps the plant healthy. No granular fertiliser has been applied this year, all
nutrition is applied as a liquid (foliar) through the sprayer. The main
nutrients that are applied at this time of year are Nitrogen either in the form
of Sulphate of Ammonia or Urea. Biostimulants are applied with every spray,
with the two used regularly being Seaweed and Fulvic acid.
The height of cut on the greens is 3.5mm and when
conditions allow we do go to 3mm. The lower cut height does however put a lot
of stress on the plant and is not sustainable all season. Half a millimetre may
not seem much but when mowed so tightly every day this can have a huge impact
on greens.
The greens are also sarel rolled on a regular basis. This
puts a small prick in the surface of the green dispersing surface water and
moisture. Very little disruption occurs and ball roll is not affected. Light
topdressing applications are carried out when the greens need it. This helps
dilute any organic matter and achieves an improved ball roll through smoother
putting surfaces.
Only one chemical has been applied to the golf course this
year to date, a selective herbicide targeting weeds on fairways, tees and
roughs. A fungicide will be applied in the Autumn/Winter if needed, to protect
against fusarium. The fungicides now are all preventative, they have to be
applied before disease occurs. I will provide more information about fungicides
in the autumn blog.
Members may have noticed numerous greens irons on demo this
season. We are having a look at various machines on the market with consideration
being given to purchasing a one in the future. The iron improves the smoothness
and trueness of the putting surfaces.
Fig 3: Tom rolling the 17th green
Greens
maintenance week commencing 9th September
All greens will be vertidrained to a depth of 230mm. A
heavy topdressing will then be applied using the Toro Propass. The greens will
then be solid tined using the Toro Procore 648 to a depth of 100mm. This helps
work more topdressing into the profile. A lighter topdressing will then be
applied if needed to top the holes up with more material. This is essential
work to the greens and keeps them healthy in the short and longer term. The
process is carried out more efficiently than in previous years and golfers will
therefore not be affected as much.
Ecology
All the long rough areas we have managed over the last couple
of years have really improved. The cut and collect procedure that is carried
out is slowly improving the grass species from rank grasses to more finer
grasses. Wildflower numbers are also improving with this work. The best bank on
the course is behind the 9th tee, lots of wildflower can be seen
here. Numerous species of wildlife, ranging from small insects to larger
mammals, have been spotted out on the course. A bat box was installed in our
yard as bats can often be seen flying around on late evenings. Thanks to all
the members who kindly donated or made a bird box.
Staff
Michael Dent has recently joined our greenkeeping team.
Michael is a fully qualified mechanic having been part of the staff at Slaley
Hall for the past three years. Michael has settled in well, already putting his
touch on the workshop and is also gaining his greenkeeping certificates through
Myerscough College.
Ashley Marshall recently worked the Irish Open at Lahinch
Golf Club. Another fantastic experience for Ashley working at a top tournament.
Finally, myself and the team want to thank members for the
continued support and wish you all the best for the remainder of the season.
David and the lads.
