New Holes - Update

I am pleased to report that the turf on the new holes has settled in well. Mowing operations have been carried out on the greens at a height of 7mm. This will be gradually lowered in the coming days and weeks until it reaches the same height of cut as the rest of the greens on the course. The imported turf on the surrounds and approaches has, as expected, taken longer to become accustomed to its new surroundings. Although the root development of the new turf is generally good, there are one or two very localised areas that need to improve. Mowing operations on the imported turf are somewhat behind those on the greens turf but the next 2 weeks will see an increase in surface preparations works on these areas in readiness for play by May 1st.

The new bunkers will be filled with sand from early next week.

There are still a two particularly weak areas; the left side of the 10th hole beyond the fairway bunkers was heavily trafficked during the construction phase. The soil in this area has a very high proportion of clay and became very compacted under the heavy machinery. Deep verti-draining has been carried out on two occassions to relieve the compaction and seeding work has been done to begin to improve grass cover. The carry on the 13th hole was used to mix rootzone for the 11th and 12th greens and significant turf degradation has taken place here also. Again, aeration and seeding work has been undertaken to reinstate a playable surface but more time is required before we see proper recovery.

Planting of Marram grass sprigs has been on-going since early February. Individual plants are taken from the dunes near the reservoir and are being re-planted on the left side of the 11th hole. It is hoped that some rain will fall to help in the establishment of these sensitive areas.

We aim to ensure that all new bunkers have easy access and egress for players of all ages.Sand will be shaped to encourage the ball to come to rest in the centre of the bunker; there will of course be occasions when this does not happen but surely that is a fundamental part of the game and part of the appeal of the sport? Much work has been done on the paths next to the tees on holes 11, 12 and 13. A new route is being created for buggies to follow that ensures wear is kept to a minimum. When the holes re-open it is imperative that players adhere to the directional signs that will be positioned on the new holes. 

Growing In New Turf

Much work is being carried out on the new greens to ensure the surfaces are ready for play when the time comes. We have recently completed solid tine aeration on the turf. This was carried out to encourage the roots of the plants to move deeper into the soil beneath.

A light scarification of the turf was followed by top dressing with the aim of improving surface firmness. The greens turf has become excessively soft over the winter. This is mostly due to the fact that there has been no play and very few mechanical operations undertaken. The emphasis over the nest few weeks will be on improving firmness with repeated applications of dressing.

Hole 12 Complete

A day and a half of hard work saw the course team complete the turfing work on the surround and approach of hole 12. About 1250 square metres of material was laid in total. The 200 square metres that is left over from the delivery yesterday will be used to make start on the collar of the 11th.

New Turf Delivery

Today we received a delivery of 1440 square metres of pure fescue turf. We plan to use this material on the surround and approach on hole 12 with any left over being used on hole 11. The turf has had quite a journey to get here, it was grown on the turf farm of specialist sports turf supplier County Turf in North Lincolnshire where it was cut and loaded onto pallets first thing on Monday morning.

Our new turf growing happily in Lincolnshire

It arrived in Portsmouth in time to make the overnight ferry to Jersey and was then delivered up to La Moye at 11am today. The whole process took a little over 24hrs which means the course team have around another 48hrs to get the turf on the ground before significant degradation of the material begins.

Unloading the turf at La Moye

 

The first 500m2 of turf in place on the 12th

12th Green Grow In

Three weeks have past since the 12th greens turf was laid and with the favourable weather conditions of late, the turf has put down lots of roots already. Now that the turf is stable work can begin on improving surface levels through light weight rolling and top dressing. The turf iron was used on the green for the first time on Friday to begin smoothing out the surface.