Head Green Keepers report July 21
As we start July, it is clear that we are continuing to experience high growth levels with the warm and humid weather conditions. Looking at the data collected, if we say that, on any given day, 1 is a score of 100% full growth potential, June as a whole month scored 26.8. We have just also experienced 4 days of rainfall totalling 48mm, and with warmer weather to come later in July, I expect the growth to remain strong.
The greens are growing strong, and we are trying to maintain them as smoothly as possible with some verticutting and light dressings. They have also been given some products to aid their development, such as seaweed and humic acids, which will nourish the soil and aid root development.
There are a few fungal diseases on the greens at the minute, but I fully expected this as the weather conditions are perfect for this kind of activity. Warm nights and high humidity are perfect growing environments for these diseases, such as fusarium and fairy-ring, however with such strong growth, I am not overly concerned. As long as we keep our nutritional levels high then we should be ok.
I have been taking advice from industry professionals about these diseases, as back up for my own thoughts about the best way to tackle them. I have a strong network of people who I trust with these situations.
We have lightly scarified the front nine greens and dressed after, which will help to reduce thatchy material in the sward, meaning they will improve in the long run. A summer feed will be put down straight after meaning that recovery will be quick.
The tees are still being divotted regularly to keep on top of wear, they have been watered and have also been given a summer long feed. This has resulted in strong growth beginning on the tees which we should be able to maintain, cutting them 3 times a week. We are going to trial a process for divotting the fairways, which you will hear more about shortly. The approaches were fed and dressed and are already looking better for it. We have now had the mower sharpened, which will result in a further improvement with sharper cuts.
The second fairway drainage lines have been topped up with soil and seed, and this should encourage a fuller grass coverage. The practice ground is being done too. Talking of which, we have brought the practice ground down to fairway height and we will maintain it at that height for the whole summer and autumn period.
I am still working through the machinery inventory so that I can fully recommend to the club machines which I feel would be best to take this course forward. I have already given Ian (Greens Chairman) some details for the short term, with a more detailed list to follow.
Can we remind all members that use the practice ground to please ensure that the gates are shut when you leave the course. We have had a few instances recently where the gates were open and had been overnight.
And a final reminder that all members who use the buggies on course, must abide by the rules in which they have been hired and signed for. Please be respectful of both the course and other players / greens staff and wherever possible use the designated buggy routes.
The staff continue to work as hard as possible to maintain the course to the optimum level.
Steve Hemsley
Head Greenkeeper
