Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in August 2021

July was a slightly drier month with only 22.4mm of rain on the course. The average temperature was 18^o and we only experienced mild frosts until the 30^th of July when we had the heaviest frost since 2017.

The greens are coping with the cool weather quite well and are behaving as they usually do at this time of year, firm and fast. Mowing frequency has been reduced to minimise wear and to control the speed of the greens. A solid tine was carried out on the greens in early July and full renovations began on Wednesday the 18^th of August.

Tees are holding their colour but the Par 3 tees continue to show wear through unrepaired divots.  This is a continual problem so again I ask Members and Visitors to use the sand provided on the Tees to REPAIR DIVOTS. Players taking this action will assist us in producing a quality surface.

A few shade issues are occurring on a couple of tees which is affecting their condition through the colder months. I am intending to renovate the tees in early spring with a follow up in November.

The fairways have come through winter well for which we can thank Mother Nature. The lack of frost over winter together with regular fertilizer and wetting agent applications has helped them to hold their colour well. There are a few areas that are still a little thin, namely the 11^th fairway, but other small areas as well. These areas are mostly suffering from tree root invasion or in the case of 13^th, shade. Root pruning will continue to be carried out where possible over coming months in an attempt to alleviate this problem. Turfing of these areas will also be carried out once spring arrives.

Hollow coring of the fairways began August 18^th, along with some wet and wear areas of surrounds. Cores will be rubbed in and residual debris will be blown into the rough. The coring will aide in water and air movement in the soil, reduce thatch and promote new growth. Five ton of Calcium will then be spread over the surface to improve soil structure.

To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID I have reduced the staff working hours, staggered start times and have the team working individually where possible. The path on the 11^th is on hold momentarily as we are focusing on essential maintenance only.

Shay Tasker,
Course Manager