Winter Blog 2023
This year and particularly this autumn have been a real
challenge with the very high levels of rainfall (985mm to date). This is the
highest annual rainfall I have recorded and the wettest year I have experienced
as a greenkeeper. The rainfall average on the course over the last 6 years is
715mm. The highest recorded rainfall prior to this year was in 2019 with 889mm.
The course however is a very good drainer and has taken the high levels of
rainfall well. With wet weather brings more course closures and this year has been the worst since I started tracking this data.
With the wet weather the leaf clearing has been a little
slower this year. The big machinery struggled to travel on the course and areas
had to be hand collected which takes more time. Some strong winds a few weeks
ago helped bring most of the leaves down. Protection measures (posts and ropes)
were put out early. This has helped spread the wear on the approaches and around greens.
The introduction of fairway protection mats has also been positive, less divots
are now visible. Both these measures will make a difference in the spring, when
the course transition occurs for the golf season. A big thank you to all the members
who are following these restrictions.
Members might have seen some stakes in the ground around the course. These are to identify cable pots and hose points from the irrigation installation, which was done earlier on in the year. These will be trimmed and kept visible at all times.
The new winter 1st tee was installed in October and
is a big improvement from the old raised mat that was in play. When the digger was on hire a
catchment drain was installed at the back of the 9th collar. This catches rainwater runoff from the bank and will help keep water away from the green.
The greens are in good health heading into the winter.
Regular slitting takes place when conditions allow. This form of aeration is very
beneficial during prolonged wet periods. This week the greens were vertidrained
with 12mm tines. This work is essential as it allows the greens to breath after
the recent wet weather. The greens are the cleanest I have seen them for
disease. Bringing the greens maintenance forward this year
to August, allowed the greens to recover quicker and have them healthy heading
into the disease pressure season.
Tees, approaches and fairway aeration will be carried out
once weather conditions improve. Slitting, solid tining and raking will be the
procedures used.
The winter servicing of machines is well underway. The
grinding of the cutting units has also commenced. This a good time of year to carry
out this work and to see what the machinery fleet needs ready for the new
season in 2024.
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Dave
Donaldson who has been the greens chairman over the last three years. Dave
stands down in the new year, as his nine years on the committee comes to an end.
Dave has been a great support for myself and the greenkeeping team and will be
missed.
The team and I thank members for the continued support
throughout the year.
Merry Christmas.
David and the Greenkeeping Team.
