Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in April

This March the average temperatures were the highest recorded in 110 years. Rain fall was also high with a total of 155mm for the month with 3 falls of over 20mm and one of 50mm.

The Greens are recovering well from summer damage. The 2^nd green has had several plugs in the worst areas. The 3^rd, 12^th, 13^th and 15^th will only require a couple of plugs.

Unfortunately, the greens renovations were delayed by a week due to inclement weather. The postponed date also produced evening rain of 50mm after the coring. This prohibited top dressing which was further delayed until the 31^st after a further 23mm of rain fell on the 29^th. This amount of rainfall is not ideal during the renovation period but hopefully won’t impede the recovery of the greens.

During March work has been done to control Couch and Kikuyu encroachment around green edges.

The Tees are looking great and will head into winter in fine shape. We have applied organic fertilizer to boost them into winter and to provide a nutrient store for spring.

In early April our focus will be on suppressing Kikuyu growth and preventing winter grass germination.

The fairways are really benefiting from the rain, warm Autumn weather and the new fairway mowers. Fertiliser has been applied to push them into winter and to help them retain nutrients and slow growth.

The March rain tested our bunker drainage. The compacted sand will be loosened and or replaced above the drains during April.

The Council work on the Gross Pollutant Trap’s on the 12^th and 8^th is progressing slowly. Work on the 12^th is nearing completion and the stone work on the 8^th looks quite good.

Shay Tasker

Course Manager