Greens Update October 2022

Although September has been mixed with dry spells and some rainfall, it has now definitely turned autumnal, with near frosts on the bottom land last week. Since then we have had over 2 inches of rain and the leaves have started to tumble. This is a key time for the golf course, as we experience some lower levels of temperature and sunlight. It is important we look after the surfaces as best we can during this changing time. 

The greens have held up to the weather conditions well, and we have received much praise for the condition of the greens during this time. We did suffer a bout of fusarium patch disease, but the conditions were perfect for this pathogen to develop. It prefers high humidity, warm night-time temperatures and heavy dews in the morning, all of which were prominent in this perfect storm.

Figure 1: Clear sign of the new bent seed developing in the greens.

The greens were growing strong throughout that period, due mainly to the fertiliser put down after the renovations. This may however have also indirectly acted as an added stimulant for the disease, although it has allowed the greens to grow out most of it. We will continue to punch in added bent seed during this time to the worst of the affected areas, some of which is already showing through. It is pleasing to seed the percentage of bent grass increasing in the greens at the moment, the more desirable species for better playing surfaces. The more we can encourage it, the better the greens will become. We will continue to monitor the greens as we go into this autumn period. We will continue to apply turf hardeners, seaweed, iron and dew suppressants to help us fight against any disease pressure we may face. 

Figure 2: Bent seed punched into the greens using an Accuseeder tool.

We are approaching the time when the leaves start to drop and so we will tidy them up as much as possible. The machinery at our disposal for this task is fairly limited, but we will spend time when suitable blowing and removing leaves from the site. As we turn our attention to possible winter tasks, we already have a list developing which should keep us busy over the winter. But the planning for this work has already started with most of the greens committee involved in one way or another. Thanks for all the assistance.  

As discussed during the STRI visit, we have decided to returf the 18th white tee, as we never really gave it a chance last time in my opinion. The job was started far too late last time, (seeded in December, turfed in March) and, having now returfed it, we are giving the tee every chance to develop better, even as the sunlight time reduces further. The tee was stripped, and any turf fit enough to be reused elsewhere, such as an old drain line on 4, was recycled. This should give the tee several months to establish before it is needed again in the spring.

Figure 3: Old tee turf cut out.

Figure 4: Levels were set last year, so some minor adjustments and ready for turf

Figure 5: New Apprentice Oli laying turf on 18th tee.

Figure 6: All laid in a day.

Another task to be carried out will be the clearing out of the ditch on the 16th. This looks untidy and so we will dig out as much debris as possible, checking the drainage inlets as we go, to make sure that everything is running as it should be. 

Paths are also a concern for the members and so we must look at tidying up where we can. I don’t think we have the financial clout to be spending endless amounts on all the paths, however there are certain priorities which need attention, such as the path down to the 13th green. After successfully adding a path crate system to the 17th green path, we will use the same system on the 13th. Some remedial work will be needed to be carried out first, to make sure any rainwater runs into the drainage system, but hopefully it will be a straightforward task. 

So, there is plenty to be carrying on with, without talking about unblocking and jetting existing drainage work, tree trimming throughout the whole golf course, winter aeration to fairways and roughs, and general tidying of areas around the course, behind the 6th green for example.  But for now, it is about course presentation as normal, and the team are working hard to keep up those standards, despite the weather.

Figure 7: 1st outlook