Course Update

We have had a period of mixed weather over the past few weeks with snow and frosts but now that seems to be well behind us now. Soil temperatures have varied from 4 degrees to 15.5 with now more consistent higher temperatures we will see some growth throughout the greens rather than in patches which was the problem last year with the cold weather.

This year we have top-dressed more in a period when the greens are in this condition of being inconsistent which will benefit us later in the season. We have also tried to put more sand in to the soil profile to improve drainage with the greens which suffered in the winter (6,8&13) being targeted with more sand.

The 10th green has been having problems in the way of nematodes which have been eating the roots causing discolouration and loss of grass coverage. This has been sprayed with a chemical containing high levels of garlic. All the greens were sprayed initially and then the 10th was sprayed the following two weeks and more samples have been taken.

We will be trying our best to eliminate the conditions which the nematodes like to live which will also lead to us having much better greens in the future.

Our program of fertilizing will change from granular to liquids at the end of the month with the last granules being spread on the 9th which will accelerate growth and recovery.

Overall their progress has been pleasing compared to last year with increasing green speeds but we want the greens to run smooth and true.

The tees have had their first treatment of the year and will continue to have monthly treatments to improve their condition. They continue to be divoted by the green staff so the divot boxes will not be returning.

The divot bags have been a success so far and is really pleasing that members are taking time to help improve their course. I was hoping that these areas would be classed as a newly sown areas but the R and A have ruled out that possibility but I would encourage people to take relief from repaired divots in social play. I was disappointed that certain members protested to the idea of this free relief as I would hope that all members would want to help and support ideas and requests to help the course which in the end helps maintain a better course for you to play on but maybe a win in a friendly game of golf is more important to a minority of people.

Must say a big thank you to the volunteers from the senior’s section who came and helped on the course. Your help is very much appreciated and will only make the golf course better.  Another thank you goes to Steve Boseley who helped with the posts. Again your help is very much appreciated.

The posts have been erected on the 1st, 10th and putting green and improve the presentation of these plus helping to keep trolleys and buggies off the tees.

The stump grinder is coming this week to tidy up the trees which were removed.

Other works which will be carried out soon will be topdressing the tees and aprons as well as over seeding worn areas on the course. Spraying around the trees will also be completed as soon as possible.

The 3rd path is still awaiting a machine to transport materials and one is being constantly searched for to purchase.

Am hoping for a big improvement in the course through May and hope you will all help us by keeping trolleys and buggies away from greens and by repairing pitch marks and continuing to use the divot bags (returning them to the bins provided).

Help us to help your course.

Thank you.

James