The golf course has transformed recently into fast and firm
type, a long way away from the last 8 months or so which have been very soft
and wet. It requires a different type of game to be played, running the ball in
rather than target golf.
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| Looking back from the 4th Green down to 5th |
Over the last few weeks the course presentation has taken
priority over anything else as the grass has been growing well all over. Definition
has improved as the growth has kicked in. By tweaking the way we have cut the
course this season, it has made us more efficient and so we are able to keep on
top of things a lot better.
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| 16th Hole |
The greens are firm and fast but have struggled a wee bit in
the heat of late. Water has been applied at night when necessary to keep moisture
levels on the right side without affecting playability too much. They have been
given liquid feeds to keep them healthy, together with some light dressings.
This little and often approach keeps them ticking along nicely without producing
excessive growth.
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| Watering the 14th green |
With the greens being firm the pace has remained high. We
are trying to keep them as consistent as possible on a daily basis, so they don’t
fluctuate too much. Currently they are running about 10 to 10.5 feet on the
stimp meter.
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| Grinders in action |
The units for the machinery are being sharpened on a regular
basis to keep the turf as sharp, true and healthy as possible.
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| Sharpened units ready to go |
All the other areas of the course can not be artificially
watered and so they only rely on what comes from above. A lot of areas had
browned off nicely, but some recent rain has checked that.
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| Digging out the old practise bunker |
The practise bunker has had a makeover recently with the old
overgrown base dug out, new drainage installed a liner put in to stop further
contamination and new sand installed. This should make its use much more user
friendly.
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| Further drainage installed
After the drainage was installed a load of sand was put in to form the bowl base. Then a liner was installed to stop further stone and weed contamination.
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| Base liner installed before fresh sand on top |
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| Finished Product |
Finally some staff news, we have found a suitably experienced replacement to bring
the greenkeeping team back up to full strength. Lee McAndrew is settling in
well and has previously enjoyed two spells at Fairhaven GC, as well as spending
time as Course Manager down at Rugby GC. Conor has also rejoined the team for
the summer after his first year of university. We will all do our best to keep on top of the course and be as efficient as possible.
