The weather continues to cause problems as we try and present the golf course to its maximum potential. Having had some different machinery problems solved, including the fairway mower and tractor/rough mower, we are trying to cut all areas of the course despite the heavy rainfall.
Obviously it would be a lot more beneficial if we could cut the course in dry conditions but the almost daily rainfall is causing a headache. The growth is strong, the grass is wet and that ultimately leads to a lot of grass clippings being left, especially on areas where we do not box off the clippings, such as fairways and rough.
We also do not have any large blowing or collection equipment of our own, so until we can cut the course dry, we will do our best to minimise the disruption. We will blow areas around greens and approaches but the larger areas will have to be left until dry.
We have had over two inches of rain just this last week and in general the course is holding up well. The greens have been aerated after a busy Festival week of competitions, and they have also been verticut and lightly dressed to improve the pace and smoothness. Next week they will be brushed to help stand up any lateral growth so we can again cut them to increase smoothness further.
Thanks for your patience during this wet period, hopefully summer will arrive soon!
Steve Hemsley
Head Greenkeeper
