Greens
The year so far has proved to be very challenging from a
course maintenance perspective. Poor weather conditions have meant the playing
surfaces are slightly below expected levels for this point in the season. Some
of the grasses are still in the seeding phase and this has been more vigorous
and longer lasting than usual causing green smoothness and pace to suffer.
Regular brushing, double cutting and rolling of the putting surfaces is
maintaining standards to a reasonable level but aeration of greens has been
suspended until the seeding has stopped. We can expect to see a significant
decrease in seed heads over the next fortnight or so which will allow a
resumption of regular needle tine aeration. This, when coupled with sufficient
top dressing is the key element of our in-season greens maintenance program and
is entirely necessary to produce the desired putting green performance.
Rough
How ironic that as the closely mown playing areas have
struggled for growth this year, the rough areas have seen growth in abundance.
The current length and density of the roughs is causing some problems from a
playing perspective. With this in mind we have cut extra rough areas on holes
1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 17 and 18. This still leaves some dense patches on the
course but we can already see it beginning to die back now that the wettest
weather seems to be behind us. Rough grassland management is not as simple as
just keeping it all cut down. We must balance the needs and desires of the player
with those of the grasses to ensure we have a healthy and robust sward for the
remainder of the year. These grasses provide an aesthetically vital frame to
each hole and give crucial definition between holes. There are ecological
matters to consider also; the marsh harrier is just one of the bird species
that are enjoying the current conditions. Wild orchids have had their best year
for some time and countless other flora and fauna have been able to exploit the
productive conditions this season.
Old Trolley Shed
The unsightly wooden shed situated between the 15th
tees and 16th green is scheduled to be removed in the next few
weeks. Specialist contractors will be used to remove the roof section before
the rest of the structure is dealt with by the course staff.
New Bunker Rakes
A different style of bunker rake is being trialled in some of
the bunkers on the course. This is to try to minimise bunkers losing shape
during the days play. It is hoped the new rakes will stop too much sand being
moved around causing over softness and contributing to the problem of downhill
lies. Players should find the rake lighter, requiring less effort to use. Please remember to leave rakes outside the
bunker on the side away from the normal line of play.
