Pre-Season Report
Hello all,
As we approach the new season, we have had a lovely spell of weather and the golf course is starting to take shape once again. The outfield areas, such as fairways and roughs, are starting to come alive, with the greens slowly waking up as soil temperatures begin to climb.
Figure 1: Definition beginning to appear
However, we must not forget what happened over the last couple of years, when March was very nice, only for April to turn very cold indeed. I joined this club on April 6th and we then experienced 18 frosts in a month, so I believe the cold spell is not over yet, but it has been nice to see some early definition developing on the course.
We still have a few jobs to carry out on the course, before we start focussing on the main summer season, but nothing which is going to cause too much disruption. Thanks to all the volunteers who have signed up to help this week to help us tidy up all the tree debris.
Figure 2: Path crates assembled ready to fill with material.
The path on the 17th has been finished and, although not seriously tested with extreme weather as of yet, the immediate response has been a positive one. Using those path crates should mean the path material stays in place much better from now on.
Figure 3: Gravel in and compacted down, ready to walk on.
There is still some tree trimming ongoing, to help playability, especially around teeing areas. If this kind of work didn’t take place, then the holes would start to close in, making it difficult to use all of the teeing ground. Hopefully in time it will also help to relieve some shade issues from tees. The tree surgeon has begun the grinding of all the stumps around the course. This will continue until they are all removed. The debris will be removed and filled with soil and seed. The roots in the drainage on the 16th are still to be removed too.
A new tee mat has been installed at the putting green for chipping purposes. Please take care when chipping onto the green and please repair any marks on the green.
Figure 4: Chipping mat at the putting green
The 18th back tee has had its first cut, as the roots have started to take a good grip in the soil. The height of cut will now gradually be brought down as we continue. It has already received a decent feed, as have all the tees, and it will also be dressed before use to aid levels. We will monitor its condition on a daily basis, so we can use it as soon as possible.
Figure 5: 18th back tee looking lush.
The main tees have been left to thicken up a bit after the fertiliser application, which was a long term, four monthly slow-release product, and they will be given a nice cut before the season starts.
As for the greens, recovery from the winter is ongoing but there is still much work to do before we can all enjoy true surfaces again. The scarring from the major disease outbreak is slowly disappearing, but it will take time. These scars have had seed punched into them and with added dressing and aeration work still to come, the greens surfaces will improve, especially when the soil temperature rises.
In the lovely sunny weather last week, the soil temperatures were up around 10°C. Anything over 6°C should affect some movement in the grass plant. However, as first mentioned at the beginning of this, temperatures are set to drop, so we cannot relax just yet.
Another spring feed will be applied early next week to help with any growth potential. We will also soon look to give the greens a verticut and dressing to help smooth out the surfaces more.
Overall, the course is coming on nicely and the staff will continue to work hard to maintain it to its full potential as we head into the season.
