Ninth Green

Ninth Green

 

 

The ninth green has become very wet this autumn and it appears that it is struggling to dry out. We have had a few exploratory digs around the area to find out if there was a fundamental problem but it appears that, just like some of the greens down the bottom of the course, it is a very thatchy green that will only really improve with the installation of some drainage.

 

This problem was discussed at a recent directors meeting and the decision was made to install some drains through the worst sections of the green. Therefore this week we have started this work as the green would be out of play anyway due to its present condition.

 

Drains - Turf Cut



 

This work will continue at present, albeit at a slow pace due to weather conditions, staff holidays, Christmas week etc but it will be completed as soon as possible. I will keep you updated of its progress.

 

Trench Cut Front Left To Catch Water Running On



 

As the green is too soft for major machinery we are using a pedestrian trencher on boards to cut the drains. The debris is being removed by hand.

 

At the same time we have removed some turf at the back left of the green. In this area some soil has been taken away to create a small swail to take water away from that area. 

 

Swail created to take water away from back left

 

The green has now been completed and a germination sheet has been placed over the cut turf to hopefully aid it in its recovery during the oncoming cold weather.

 

 

Aquadyne placed in trenches

 

 

Turf put back on trench lines. Edges Forked.

 

 

Boards used to reduce wear

 

 

Drain runs into an existing pipe drain.

 

 

Germination sheet pegged onto laid turf.

 

 

The Aquadyne was placed in the trenches and then rootzone was added to top up the trench, before the turf was replaced. The rootzone was made up of a sand soil mix to try and avoid  the chance of the trenches drying out in the summer. The green is very thatchy and extra work this year will be required to help to firm up the surface, as it is very soft and holding water. The drains will help but they are not an entire solution. More hollow coring, sanding and spiking will be required to provide better surfaces.