Autumn Course Update

The 7^th medal tee refurbishment is progressing extremely well and final surface levels are now being established ahead of re-turfing and completion next week.

7th Medal Tee - Almost ready for re-turfing

We have also been thinning out scrub trees and lifting tree canopies in the area above the 9^th green.  This should help lift light levels and increase air circulation around the 9^th green and also improve the aesthetic appearance of the hole.

This winter we intend to start the next phase of thinning out of the plantation between the 13^th & 14 fairways. We are at present clearing the undergrowth and low branches in this area prior to the commencement of felling.

Once this next phase has been completed we will restock this area with some deciduous tree planting.

The next woodland project- Between the 13th & 14th fairways

The greens are at present being aerated with 15mm diameter solid tines to a depth of 75mm. This practice will improve oxygen levels for the turf plant and enhance infiltration rates.  Provided ground conditions are suitable this type of aeration will continue throughout the winter months.

Greens Aeration

The greens have also received an application of liquid iron, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and seaweed. This cocktail will help strengthen the plant leaf and promote root development.

Drainage works have commenced between the 15^th green and the 11^th/16^th tees, approximately 50 meters of new drainage pipe-work will be installed.

We also plan to landscape and re-contour the banking on left-hand of the green and soften the peaked mound behind the green.

Drainage Works - Between 15th green & 16th tee

The leaf fall as we all know has started and we have already put many hours into keeping greens cleared for play and for mowing purposes. To help keep the larger areas of fairways and rough clear we have recently taken delivery of a new tractor mounted leaf blower. This will help immensely in the coming months and prove a good long-term investment.

Greens Autumn Maintenance Programme Update

I am pleased to report that the greens autumn maintenance programme has now been completed.

The remaining greens have been hollow cored, top dressed and brushed.

This autumn we have applied 40 tonnes of sand, taking the total for the year to 65 tonnes.

Sunrise on Day 1 (Monday)

Hollow Coring - Green 16

Applying Sand - Green 4

Brushing Greens 

Aeration is an essential turf maintenance practice, it is not magic or rocket science, but it is extremely hard work.

Well done and a big thank you to all the green staff. 

Sweep & Fill

We have recently been evaluating a new type of top-dressing brush, called the Sweep and Fill.

Although the brush is relatively new to the UK market place, it has been used extensively in the States for a number of years.

The Sweep & Fill Brush

Unlike conventional drag brushes, this brush effectively places the top dressing sand down into the crown of the plant and the aeration hole.

The sweeping action places more sand directly into the aeration holes thus leaving putting surfaces cleaner and reducing recovering time.

Brushing in top dressing sand after hollow coring 7th green

The brush has been primarily designed to brush sand into aerification tine holes, but is also extremely effective when used to groom the putting surfaces prior to mowing.

Putting surface after brushing

Putting surface - Day 5

Putting surface - Day 9

By using this method of brushing, favourable weather and ideal soil temperatures the putting surface trueness was restored by day nine. 

Greens Autumn Maintenance 2013

This year we commence our greens autumn maintenance programme on Monday 7^th October.

Greens 1,2,4,6,8,12,13,14,15,16,17&18 will be hollow cored with 12mm diameter tines to a depth of 100mm and top-dressed.

Because of their location i.e. lack of sunlight, low soil temperatures and poor airflow, greens 9, 10 & 11 will not be hollow cored at this time.

It is our intention to hollow core these greens in late spring next year, when soil temperatures and light levels start to increase.

The required autumn maintenance on greens 3,5&7 has already been completed.

In late October the greens will then be verti-drained with 12mm diameter tines to a depth of 250mm and top-dressed with sand.

Members please note that there will be disruption to play and some temporary greens will be in play during this essential maintenance work.

Undoubtedly, there will be a period of recovery beyond the planned maintenance itself.

Whilst it is appreciated that this will cause inconvenience to members, please be assured that this work is entirely necessary to ensure continued, long-term improvement in our putting surfaces.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the members for their support, tolerance and cooperation during this greens maintenance programme of works

Bill Lyon

Golf Course Manager

1^st October 2013