I would just like to take this opportunity to thank our members
who help protect the golf course over the winter. Following signs, walking around ropes, using mats and repairing pitchmarks, is very much appreciated. These measures that we have put in place, make the transition
into the season that little bit easier.
Here is a little update on the work that has been carried
out on the golf course so far this winter.
The planned winter work doesn’t really start until all the leaves are cleared from the golf course, leaf clearing is very time consuming and with the weather deteriorating in December and January it delayed this operation by about three weeks. The heavier machinery couldn’t operate, as hard frosts and heavy rainfall saturated the course. Once the conditions improved the remaining leaves were collected for another year.
All the long roughs were cut using the flail mower and the
clippings removed. Some areas of scrub on banksides were also cut and cleared. The
broom and gorse that has regenerated over the years was removed on the bankside behind the 9th tee. This will allow the wildflower to thrive
again.
All machinery servicing and grinding has been completed in
house. Various turf repairs have been done on bunkers and tees. All course furniture has been painted ready for the season ahead. New flags, pins and metal hole cups have been
purchased and will be out for the start of the season.
A Health and Safety Tree Audit was carried out by an Arboricultural Consultant. This survey assessed the safety level of trees on the site. The purpose was to identify specific trees within the site boundary with regards to their risk level to public health and safety. 12 trees and 3 groups of trees were identified as moderate priority, with a view to works being complete within 6 months, prior to anticipated winter storms and as part of an on-going management plan. A local tree surgeon was contracted in to do the work. A chipper was hired in to help with the cleaning up. There is one more tree to deadwood on the drive then the work is complete.
Fig 1: Pollarding of an oak tree on the 12th hole, allowing wildlife to still use the tree
The greenkeeping staff are often asked by members, why are so many trees being removed and are trees replaced on the site? I hope the above paragraph answers why trees are removed. Trees are replanted in specific areas where needed.
With the lack of fungicides now available to treat turfgrass
diseases, shade issues from trees are a major problem for the greenkeeping
industry. Around the greens, airflow and shade are one of the major contributing
factors for fusarium. The leaf of the plant sits wetter for longer compared to
an open green, making it an ideal environment for the pathogen to strike.
Increasing light around greens will allow the finer grasses to flourish and
reduce disease attacks significantly.
Recently all the greens have been vertidrained using a 12mm
diameter tine to a depth of 300mm. The greens really needed this aeration after the
cold/wet cycles of December and January. This work allows the greens to vent
and breath, improving root development below the surface when there is no top
growth. Another aeration procedure is planned for March, this time using an 8mm tine to
a depth of 200mm. The smaller tine size will allow a much quicker recovery. Topdressing will be added with this work and will be brushed in. The
current height of cut on the greens is 6mm, this will be lowered when the
conditions improve and the season nears. Very little growth comes off the
greens this time of year, once the soils warm up the cutting frequency
increases. The greens are rolled weekly if the conditions allow. The greens
iron has been a great addition, but more aeration is required to let the
surfaces breath.
The new practice nets have just been completed. Here is a
before and after photo.
Fig 2: Practice nets
Members will be aware that a borehole will be getting
installed near the pump house on the 14th hole. A temporary green
will be cut near the fairway bunker and all traffic will be directed down the
left hand side of the hole, avoiding the drilling rig. Communication will
be sent out when the work starts.
2022 annual data.
Fig:3 Rainfall comparison graph
Fig 4: Growth potential 2022
You can see from (fig 3) that the rainfall
for 2022 was lower than average. Looking at (fig 4) you can see strong
consistent growth didn’t commence until May. October is a better
growing month than April, as the soil temperature is warmer. In the Autumn months reduced daylight slows growth.
The focus as always heading into the
spring, will be tidying the course and improving presentation for the season.
Bunkers will be edged and new sand
added. Paths will be edged and new grey dust added. Fairways will be raked
using the Terra Rake, which removes thatch and moss. Cutting of tees, fairways
and rough improves definition on the course. It can be a slow
process coming out of the winter, however seeing the welcomed change is very rewarding for myself and the team.
We had an unusual guest a woodcock appear on our wildlife camera
in the woods, left of the 3rd hole. I have been told that these birds
are very hard to spot. Kestrels have
nested the last few years behind the 5th green and tawny owls are often heard around the clubhouse, an owl box an kestrel box will be installed in the near future.
Fig 5: Woodcock video
Keeping up to date with any changes to working practices is very important. We encourage Continual Professional Development, the greenkeeping team attended a manual handling/noise course and a first aid training course. I am also a big believer in the wellbeing of staff and making the working environment a positive place, as this increases productivity.
I hope you have enjoyed the update and all
the best for the golfing season.
David and the greenkeeping team.
