Course Managers Report - Around the Greens in January 2022

Wet and cool weather flowed from November into December with 72mm of rain falling in the month. Our annual total rainfall reached 1,180mm. When I say “cool” I mean we averaged a maximum of 29 degrees with only a handful of days over 30.

We are certainly seeing the effect on greens of missing the November renovation. In saying this though they are still in excellent shape. Anthracnose is still a small issue we are dealing with but we are getting on top of the situation. One positive of this disease is it mostly affects Poa and in the areas where the disease is active you will see an increase of the Bent Grass population. I’ve purchased some new tines for the verti drain that remove a very small (4mm) core. We have trialled this on the 19^th green with great success so I intend putting these tines through all of the greens during the first few weeks of January. An increase in irrigation output on greens has seen a spike in sodium levels in the turf plant and soil. Thankfully though we were well prepared for this with our Gypsum program.

The tees haven’t really taken off but have good, healthy coverage. Some tees are suffering quite severely from wear, particular unrepaired divots. The early applications of calcium and organic fertiliser have meant the tees have required little in terms of maintenance so far this season.

January, will see an increase in their care with some wetting agent, synthetic fertiliser, insecticide and miticide applications.

Fairways are absolutely revelling in the current conditions. Regular growth regulator applications are being carried out to minimise growth and thatch development. We have a few ground staff on leave early in the New Year but once we are back to a full complement, we will recommence the turfing of the few remaining bare patches.

Bunker sand is still on back order from early December and several bunkers require re-facing and shaping with “undercutting” of the lips becoming apparent.

Shay Tasker
Course Manager