All planned maintenance works on
the greens have been completed successfully. Pencil tining, over-seeding and
top dressing operations were carried out on all putting surfaces.
Pencil tining was done using a
10mm tine to a depth of 75mm. This process helps improve the movement of air
and water through the upper profile of the rootzone, which helps create an
environment for healthy grass growth. Seeding works were carried out with our
Vredo seeding unit. The introduction of seed at this time is required to
out-compete the invasive annual meadow and rye grasses. We selected varieties
of fescue and bent grass seeds as these species provide fine, wiry turf that is
naturally resistant to both drought and disease. Top dressing was then applied
to help smooth the surface following these fairly aggressive treatments to the
sward. With reasonable weather we can expect the greens to fully recover in
around two weeks.
The exceptionally wet weather
over the winter months highlighted some drainage issues on the 4th,
5th and 7th holes. In an attempt to improve the situation
we have recently installed extra land drainage pipes on the 4th and
5th fairways. These new pipes have been linked into an existing
drainage system which was also repaired. The 7th hole will have work
carried out before next winter.
The high water table has caused
the bunkers around the 5th green to be flooded for a number of weeks
recently. I am pleased to report that four of the five bunkers in this area are
now back in play.
The tee complex on the 8th
hole and the yellow tee box on the 15th hole have been levelled,
enlarged and re-turfed over the winter months. These surfaces had become very
uneven over the years and were in need of improvement. Although the work was
completed a number of weeks ago, both surfaces will require at least another
two weeks before they are fully ready for play.
A number of bunkers have had a
lining installed beneath the sand. A geotextile material was added to bunkers
on holes 3, 17 and 18 during the recent bunker refurbishment works undertaken
on these holes. The most visited bunkers on holes 10, 11 and 12 have also been
done with the aim of improve the performance of the bunkers from a playing
perspective.
I am delighted to report that the
installation of the new driving range will commence in late summer. The new
range enclosure will be a vast improvement on the old structure which was
destroyed in storms at the start of last year. We plan to make significant
improvements to the four “outdoor” bays at the same time. The new range is due
to open in October and I am sure we will all enjoy the new facility when the
time comes.
