Firstly may I wish all the readers a very Happy New Year as we look forward to another busy year at Bolton Old Links Golf Club. We are always trying to maintain the golf course to its full potential regardless of the time of year and we are carrying on with our winter programme which is focussed mainly on repairing GUR areas around the course and installing extra drainage in other areas.
This work is ongoing and will continue during periods of decent weather. We have laid fresh turf in various areas to improve quality of presentation and grass species. The 11th fairway GUR areas have been dug up, levelled and returfed. Any decent turf that could be salvaged will be used in other areas so it is not wasted. It would be very beneficial if all golfers could keep off the newly laid turf areas so that it has the best chance possible to establish over the winter. Please take notice of the ropes and keep to the driest possible areas.
The majority of the drainage work carried out on the first hole has been soiled and turfed too. Further drainage work needs to be carried out to finish the whole area but the worst areas are now complete. Again, please try and spread your wear when playing the golf course.
The greens are holding up well in general over the winter so far with the weather remaining fairly settled. There certainly has not been the same amount of rainfall as this time last year. We are continuing to aerate the greens when we can either by spiking or slitting so that the surfaces can breathe and any root growth has the maximum amount of air possible to grow into.
We have been using the handmowers when needed to cut the greens which give a decent ball roll and increased presentation. We will continue to monitor the health of the greens during this cold period and if there is a need to give any a rest, this will take place for the benefit of the greens in the long run. Please do your best to repair a pitchmark on the greens as this will help us to provide better surfaces in the winter period.
We have to be careful that during periods of frost we look after the greens as much as possible. Any sudden thaws after heavy frosts can lead to root shear and detrimental turf health and so temporary greens may have to be used for a short period to allow the frost to fully leave the ground. This is being monitored on a daily basis with all the staff involved in the process.
When the weather is too poor for us to carry on with the winter programme then there are other tasks that we can be getting on with. This includes sharpening the mower blades, sanding down and painting markers and posts.
So as you can see there is plenty going on at the moment as we now look forward to a nice warm spring and a healthy golf course. All the best for the new year.
