Long Awaited Update!

I have struggled to regularly update the blog in recent months due in the most part to a lack of time but also because it is difficult to produce content that is not repetitive. The blog is now in its seventh year and I feel like we have covered most of the topics of interest quite a few times. Nonetheless, this post aims to give a general update on the work done on the golf course over the past couple of months.

Following the maintenance week at the end of March the greens recovered well from the invasive treatments carried out. A number of applications of sand top dressing have been applied to the greens with the aim of improving surface smoothness. Some pencil tine work was carried out on putting surfaces in early May and this will be repeated in June. It is vital we carry out regular aeration on the putting surfaces to aid the movement of air and water through the turf and upper profile of the rootzone. This needs to be done throughout the year using a variety of pencil, slit and hollow tines working at depths ranging from half an inch up to twelve inches or even beyond. Regular aeration of greens is the single most important operation in sports turf management. High quality putting surfaces can only be sustained if a regular and effective aeration programme is in place.

Applications of selective weedkiller have taken place in all closely mown turf areas. The mild winter and wet spring allowed record numbers of weeds to pop up and chemical control of these has been a necessity. The same weather conditions have caused the rough grasses to grow vigorously. Within these roughs there are diverse and varied plants some of which are protected species in Jersey. This year we have seen record numbers of the Early-purple orchid (Orchis mascula). Literally thousands of examples of this beautiful plant were noted across the course this spring. We also noted Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) as shown in the image below .

Early-purple orchid

Pyramidal orchid

Currently in flower and most prominent on holes 10, 11 and 14 is the semi-parasitic plant Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor). This is a particularly appealing plant in golf course roughs as it gets some of its nutrients from the roots of neighbouring plants. This helps naturally restrict the growth of grasses in the area keeping a much lighter texture to the roughs where this plant is present. This both increases biodiversity and makes it easier to find your golf ball, a perfect combination!

Yellow-rattle

Spring Update

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 4^th, 5^th and 7^th holes. In an attempt to improve the situation we have recently installed extra land drainage pipes on the 4^th and 5^th fairways. These new pipes have been linked into an existing drainage system which was also repaired. The 7^th hole will have work carried out before next winter.

The high water table has caused the bunkers around the 5^th 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 8^th hole and the yellow tee box on the 15^th 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.

 

Buggy Policy

We are currently preparing a draft Buggy Policy. The purpose of this document is to establish a standard for the safe operation of all ride-on buggies operated on the golf course. The document also sets down the criteria to be applied and conditions to be met when the Club considers applications for buggy use. Once fully adopted, all buggy users will be required to read and sign the policy before using a buggy.