Greens Update - July 2024

Hi everyone!

After all the rain, subsequent hot temperatures do mean the growth potential on the course is very high - and we have seen that over the last couple of weeks or so. The outfield areas such as green banks, fairways and rough are all growing very strong, and we are trying to keep on top of the growth as much as possible. Sometimes that means having to let other jobs wait, but we try and be as efficient as possible.

The greens have started really growing again for two main reasons: Firstly, they have received a summer granular fertiliser to help keep them healthy and as free from disease pressure as possible; We also use a PGR (plant growth regulator) on the greens which basically slows down any top growth in the grass, making it focus on root growth. This PGR needs to be reapplied every few weeks to keep any top growth to a minimum. It also helps to keep the pace of the greens up. This last week, the product was obviously running out and the greens went through a rebound effect - the growth being suppressed started to happen again. This mix of products has been reapplied so the growth should start to tail off again, keeping the pace of the greens higher.

Figure 1: Spraying PGR on the greens, with the robot happily working away in the background.

One of the priorities this week has been to work on the fringes of the greens. The old soft rye clumps are really standing out at the minute, and we have tried to cut them down as much as possible. In two stages, the collars have been brought down from a mower bench set at 12mm, firstly down to 8.5mm, then down to 6mm. Obviously this is significantly shorter than we will normally cut them, and whilst it is somewhat unsightly, we need more consistency in the fringes and the approaches. You should notice an improvement in the playability of the fringes as a result of this. The fringes do receive fertiliser when the greens are fed, and the approaches will receive a further feed, once we have brought the height of cut down.

All the approaches and green banks - and the majority of the bunkers - have received a selective weed killer application which should hopefully improve their playability too.

Unfortunately, there has been a slight bit of damage to the left edge of the 18th green. However, the area should recover very quickly as it was mainly superficial.

Figure 2 Wildflower area at 2nd tees

The wildflower areas have come on strong in the last couple of weeks, especially the one at the 2nd tee. The 18th is lagging behind its smaller partner, but it is slowly coming through. This is explained by the fact the area does sit in shade for much of the day, so growth is reduced. We do intend to clear more areas in the winter and redevelop those with a similar regime. The new second tee was re-rotovated, and levelling work has commenced before we returf it. We will wait for a suitable weather window for the turfing aspect, as we do not want it to shrivel up in hot temperatures.

As I said at the start, with a combination of the strong growth, and staff either being sick or on leave, some jobs such as strimming bunkers, tee banks, and some general tidying of areas have been paused whilst we concentrate on managing the increased growth. But these jobs will be prioritised next week.

See you on the course,

Steve

Head Greenkeeper