Course Update - September 2011

Autumn Greens Maintenance - 2011

At Murrayfield the Autumn Greens Maintenance Programme has normally commenced in late October or early November, without doubt, hollow coring the greens with 12 or 19 mm diameter tines at this time, when ground conditions are less favourable, soil temperatures are dropping and when weather conditions are more unpredictable, means that recovery to putting surfaces are slow and the benefits of this operation are compromised.

 It has also been the normal practice to hollow core the greens again in the spring with the large diameter tines, which is not only very disruptive but because of low soil temperatures recovery to putting surfaces are painfully slow. I believe bringing forward the hollow coring operation to early October will mean that recovery to putting surfaces will be measured in weeks rather than months and the benefits gained will mean hollow coring in the spring (2012) with large diameter tines will not be necessary.

Week Commencing October 3^rd

All Greens will be Hollow Cored with 12mm tines at 50mm spacing and to a depth of 100mm.

This cultural practice will further reduce thatch, increase oxygen content in the soil, promote root development and make nutrients more readily available to the plant.

 After the green has been cleared of cores, it will then be top-dressed with sand and brushed. The green is then rolled to help with smoothness and finally a potash-based fertilizer is applied to promote strong root growth and aid recovery.

Planned Improvements to 9^th Green Surrounds

It has become apparent for some time that the condition of the turf and surface areas on the left-hand side and the rear of the 9^th green are now in very poor condition.  Without doubt grass growth in these areas is always going to be compromised due to the lack of sunlight, but in both these areas the turf has excessive amounts of thatch, which is impeding the surface drainage and is compounding the problem.

Phase 1

Next week, we intend to excavate and remove the thatch contaminated turf and clay soil at the rear of the green.

The sub-base will then be contoured to ensure that water drains away from the putting surface before the new root-zone is added and re-turfing commences.

During the first phase disruption to play should be minimal and the green will remain in play, although the pin position will be kept forward.

Weather permitting, we would expect completion of this first phase within ten days.

Phase 2 – The left-hand side of the green will be excavated, contoured and replaced in early October 2011.

If you have any questions or require any further information about this or any other course project please feel free to contact me.

Bill Lyon  

Golf Course Manager