Head Greenkeeper's report Nov 2015

HEAD GREENKEEPERS REPORT – ANNUAL

GENERAL MEETING 2015

The spring of 2015 was particularly cold and this created problems in getting the course up to the desired condition early. Although the greens were performing well it was late May before I was completely satisfied with the greens surfaces. It was a problem experienced by most golf clubs across the country and in fact we seemed to create better surfaces earlier than most. Once temperatures improved we quickly got up and running and remaining weather patterns for the year have been quite conducive to creating good playing surfaces. Only for a short period in July did the course become a little too dry and bouncy.

Greens Management

I have been happy most of the year with the way the greens have performed. Once again we have met our targets for speed, trueness, smoothness and uniformity.

The fairy rings again provided our biggest challenge but I feel we are managing these better year on year and are minimising the impact of these (which are mostly aesthetic) well.

The 1st green remodelling has worked well and water no longer puddles in the middle of the green after heavy rainfall. There has been a tiny amount of sinkage to the left hand side which may require reworking but it is only a minor problem and will not result in any disruption to play.

As I sit here writing this in early November it is currently 17 degrees outside and whilst good for golfing it is providing its own challenges on the golf course. Disease levels are high and are requiring more chemical control than in previous years to maintain the smoothness of the surfaces. We are also currently mowing greens three times per week, when once would normally suffice.

Green Surrounds

We are still working hard to improve the immediate area around each green. In September these areas were hollow cored, overseeded and heavily dressed with sand. Improvement has been huge, with a much better sward of finer grasses colonising. Further work in the future will result in the surfaces I desire.

Long Rough Management

The cut and collect machine was used this year to give an extra 5 metres of cut rough around most holes and proved to be a great benefit to playability. Sheep, currently numbering 38, are continuing to graze the heavy rough areas and appear to be having the desired effect. The areas are slowly becoming less dense and the coarser grasses are refining.

Gorse

Around 200 plants have recently been transplanted between holes 1 and 2, 8 and 9, and the 9th on the Blenheim course. A further plantation will be planted on the 13th to deter players from playing across the corner. Stakes and guards are continually being removed as the larger plants mature so please ensure you are entitled to relief before doing so. 200 more plants are being grown on for planting in autumn 2016.

For further information on golf course maintenance please view our blog, compiled by Deputy Head Greenkeeper Steve Hirons at www.kirtlingtongreenkeepers.blogspot.co.uk