Early Spring Greens

 

Early Spring Greens

 

There has been some recent criticism about the greens. Hopefully I can explain a few points which might answer some questions.

 

1st Green and the bunkers have disappeared.

 

Having just experienced one of the wettest years in history, we are just about coming out of one of the coldest and longest winters. We have had several large snow falls, some of which drifted to several feet on the surfaces. During the wet season last year, it was almost impossible to carry out all the normal necessary maintenance operations, eg. topdressing, spiking etc because the greens were saturated.

 

  



Samples of pitchmarks on greens

 

Therefore the thatch which normally formulates over the year has not really been attacked in the same way as normal. The greens have been soft, wet and spongy for large periods of time and in turn slow and footprinted. The greens were vertidrained during the winter to allow air and water to travel deeper into the soil profile and to encourage deeper rooting. This was carried out by a contractor.

 

 

 

During the recent dry spell the thatch layer and top surface have dried out meaning firmer and drier greens but due to the temperatures being so low and with a much reduced amount of sunlight in the winter, there has been absolutely no growth over the winter months. However we are just about seeing signs of new growth now.

 

We cannot expect miracles however and there is only so much we can do to influence things. Nature has to take its course and when growth begins we will be ready to capitalise.

 

The amount of pitchmarks on the greens is unacceptable and whenever the subject is mentioned, lots of people say that they are doing their bit. Fantastic. So maybe some self policing is needed. Tell your playing partners to repair one on each green. Keep an eye out on other golfers. If anyone doesn't know the correct way to repair a pitchmark or divot then please ask the proshop or myself and we can show you. We do not have the man hour resources to constantly repair pitchmarks and divots on the course.