Summer Blog

 

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share a quick update on what the greenkeeping team has been working on recently, along with a look ahead at what’s coming up on the course.

 

Irrigation

This year brought a challenging combination of a dry spring followed by a hot, prolonged summer, which really tested the resilience of the fine turf across the course. Under those conditions, we have seen signs of stress on all unirrigated areas, especially during the peak of the heat.

However, the recently installed irrigation system and borehole proved to be a game‑changer. Having the ability to apply accurate, consistent, and targeted watering to the greens meant we could maintain moisture levels exactly where the turf needed it most. Instead of relying on older, less efficient methods, we were able to:

•            Deliver water evenly across all greens

•            Avoid over‑watering or wasting water

•            Keep the turf cool during the hottest spells

•            Maintain smooth, healthy putting surfaces throughout the summer

The system has performed brilliantly, and the difference was noticeable not only to the team but also in the quality and consistency of the playing surfaces. It’s reassuring to see such a major investment paying off so quickly, especially as weather patterns continue to become more unpredictable.

This improved irrigation capability will continue to strengthen the course year after year, giving us far greater control during extreme weather conditions.

Following the successful installation of irrigation on the 18th tee, we’re now moving into the next phase of the project. There are 10 tee boxes still to be fitted with irrigation, and this work will take place over the next few years. The aim this coming winter is to progress with the installation of irrigation to the 6^th, 11^th and 12^th tees, subject to time, resources and other course maintenance requirements.      

This upgrade is an important step in improving playing conditions year‑round. Once complete, we’ll be able to manage moisture levels more accurately, protect the tees during dry spells, and apply products that keep the tees healthy. 

                                                  Fig 1: Irrigated and unirrigated tee  

Why do we hand-water the greens when we have a new irrigation system?

The reason is simple: hand watering allows us to take a much more targeted approach. Our irrigation system provides consistent coverage across the greens, but every green has areas that dry out at different rates. Hand watering allows us to apply water exactly where it is needed, rather than watering the green unnecessarily. This is particularly useful for high spots, dry patches and areas that naturally dry out more quickly. This approach helps us maintain more consistent moisture levels across the greens, while also avoiding unnecessary water use. It is an important part of fine tuning the irrigation system and maintaining healthy, high quality putting surfaces.      

         

                                                        Fig 2: Hand watering 1st green

Winter tee mats

The remaining three tees the 10^th, 14^th and 15^th will be fitted with winter mats. This work has already started and will be completed before the winter.  

                                                 Fig 3: Winter tee base at 14th hole

Tree management work

Last winter, the trees behind the 9th green were removed to help improve growing conditions. The green had been struggling for some time due to heavy shade, which meant it stayed wet for long periods and was more vulnerable to disease.

Since the work was carried out, the difference has been remarkable. The green now receives far more natural light, drains more effectively, and is developing a much healthier, stronger sward with better grasses throughout.

Addressing shade issues is essential for maintaining healthy greens. Excess shade leads to poor drainage, weaker turf, and increased disease pressure. By managing tree growth in key areas, we can ensure our greens receive the sunlight and airflow they need to perform consistently throughout the year.

 

Greens Work

The greens have held up well during the drought. They have been consistently good for long periods and are playable all year. This level of consistency is a direct result of the cultural practices carried out across the year — including regular aeration, topdressing, verticutting, and careful nutrient management.

These ongoing practices strengthen the turf, improve root development, and help the greens cope with the pressures of modern play and changing weather conditions.

This year our greens maintenance programme will be carried out slightly differently, with the introduction of the VGR TopChanger. The TopChanger allows us to incorporate topdressing material more effectively into the surface of the greens. Greens will be back in play with minimal disturbance. Approximately 40 tons of sand will be injected into the top profile of the greens.   

                                                     Fig 4: Video of the VGR TopChanger 

Diseases

Anthracnose is a turf disease that can affect closely mown turf, particularly when the plant is under stress. It is more likely to develop when greens experience heat, drought stress, low fertility, excessive wear or other conditions that weaken the plant. Annual meadow grass (Poa annua) is the grass most susceptible. Symptoms can include yellowing, thinning and small areas of turf deterioration. This summer has provided conditions that have been particularly favourable for anthracnose on the greens. We have seen some anthracnose on the greens this summer, following periods of high heat and dry weather which was favourable for the disease. The good news is that recovery has started and the affected areas will start to improve.

                                                                    Fig 5: Anthracnose  

This is one of the reasons why continuing to introduce and encourage bent grass into the greens is important. Bentgrass generally has good tolerance to anthracnose compared to annual meadow grass, so encouraging a stronger population of bent can help improve the resilience of the greens over time. Our regular overseeding programme, combined with good nutrition, irrigation and aeration helps us gradually improve the grass composition and produce healthier, more resilient putting greens.  

 

We hope you’ve found this update informative and that it gives you a clear picture of the work taking place across the course. The greenkeeping team is committed to continually improving playing conditions and ensuring the course is in the best possible shape throughout the year.

We wish all members an enjoyable end to the 2026 playing season.

David and the Greenkeeping Team.