Fungal Activity

As a direct result of the excessive rainfall received over the last few weeks, we are now starting to see a considerable amount of Thatch Fungus on the greens.

Thatch Fungus

This fungal disease becomes extremely active when the soil becomes waterlogged and the grass plant and roots are starved of oxygen.

Unfortunately, there is no chemical or fungicide control available to treat this condition.

So today, despite ground conditions being far from ideal, we commenced aeration operations.

Verti-Drain fitted with 8mm diameter tines

Ground conditions still very wet

Provided the weather remains fair/dry, this will help dry putting surfaces and give the grass plant some much needed oxygen.  

Course Update

Both courses re-opened today at lunchtime, thanks again to another great shift and team effort from the greens staff….Well done.  

I was asked today how the new drainage pipe-work was dealing with the recent record rainfall……these pictures below answer the question.

Loch Murrayfield - Summer 2011

Inspection Manhole -  We estimate flow rates of  10,000 gallon/hour (240,000 gallon in 24 hours)

July 10^th 20012 - Some casual water but open for play

Course Closed

Unfortunately, the heavy and persistent rain that closed both courses at the weekend has continued today and both courses remain closed.

The torrential rain on Friday evening/Saturday morning caused extensive flooding and the rainfall since has left both courses completely saturated.

In June the recorded rainfall was 149.6mm and this month we have already received 56.2mm.

That’s just over 8 inches of precipitation in 39 days.

Some pictures taken earlier today..

Murrayfield 4th Green

Murrayfield 7th Green

Bunker washout

As you can see from the pictures above it’s highly unlikely that either of the courses will re-open tomorrow, even if the weather conditions improve dramatically.

Tomorrow, we will start pumping and clearing water from the putting surface and on Wednesday commence reinstatement of the bunkers.

Provided conditions continue to improve we hope to have both courses open for play on Wednesday morning.