Hollow Coring

As a result of the increased aeration and topdressing procedures over the last eighteen months it has been possible to play on the main greens all year round, give or take a couple of days here or there. That is because the greens are draining better and are firmer as a whole.

 

However the downside to this is that the greens don't really get to have a rest in the winter season. This means that they are a little on the soft side at the moment and compaction levels are higher than normal.

 

Therefore this week we are going to take the opportunity to hollow core the greens and topdress after. We will be coring with 10mm tines down to a depth of 3 inches. The topdressing will be swept into the holes using the sweep and fill brushes. This will give a tidy finish, cleaning the surface and making sure all the holes are filled. The greens will be hand cut after and also fertilised with a granular feed to aid recovery.

 

We will try and keep the disruption of these operations to a minimum but we will operate a rolling temporary green system when working on the main green. This will mean we can achieve our goal as efficiently as possible.

 

There is a date in May where hollow coring is already in the diary. Doing it before the season starts gives us more flexibility for maintenance in May. Now that the club owns all the required equipment we can be much more efficient. We will be at the mercy of the weather but hopefully the aeration procedures run smoothly and as a result the greens will be firmer and playability and golfer enjoyment will be increased.