Course Update

As we are well into the main playing season the greenkeeping team have been focused on ensuring the course is maintained to the best playing condition possible. Much of last week was geared towards preparation for the Club Championship over the weekend. Feedback on the course was very positive and we hope to keep this standard for as long as possible through the rest of the summer.

With the recent much needed rain the greenkeeping team have taken the opportunity to fertilise areas of fairways that need some attention. The combination of fertiliser, rain and warm temperatures should mean the fairways respond well. This will also accelerate the closure of aeration fissures created by the mole plough. Although these have affected play for longer than expected they will close over the coming weeks. The benefit of them remaining open so long should be we have better playing surfaces through the next few autumn and winters.

You may notice evidence of the recent ‘pencil tining’ on the greens this weekend. These very small but deep tines help to keep the turf aerated and is a very important part o the greens maintenance program. The greens were ironed straight after the tining so will run true and fast again.

Finally, the on course drainage survey was completed recently and initial discussions with the contractors have been very positive. The timeline for formal reporting is that we expect to be sharing initial fairway drainage plans with the Greens Committee in late September/early October. There are also likely to be plans for other works that will make the drainage plan as whole work effectively. The expectation is to have this element of the planning ready by the end of the calendar year. The Greens Committee are regularly updated on the progress being made with the drainage plans. There will be a further update when the initial fairway drainage plans are delivered.

Enjoy the great weather this weekend.