Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in September 2024
Published Tuesday, 17th September 2024
August was an interesting month weather-wise with just
25mm of rain falling on an already soaked golf course. The average maximum
temperature was 21 degrees with a couple of days in the high 20’s thrown in at
the end of the month.
Our greens have come through Winter very well with full grass
coverage and great health. The greens renovations were carried out successfully
mid-month with 3/8” hollow tines removing cores. Approximately 40 tonne of sand
was applied in the form of top dressing followed by soil amendments. The greens
recovered well and we were able to return to 3mm cutting height within 10 days.
Green speeds prior to renovations were sitting around the
10’2” range and have returned to 10’ since renovations just 3 weeks ago. A
second light dust will be carried out mid-September to assist in maintaining a
smooth firm surface for the Championships at the end of the month.
Early applications of preventative insecticide have been
carried out as we are expecting an early hatch of insect activity this year
given the warmer temperatures. In all I’m very pleased with the way our greens
are performing.
Winter was not kind to our tees, but they have come
through quite well. The couch grass has begun to green up with the sun and warm
temperatures. As with greens, tees received an early hit with preventative
insecticides along with a feed to encourage root growth and plant health. The tees
have remained clean of any weed, including winter grass, or disease
I’m expecting the tees to be in great shape by the time
Championships roll around and our annual Tee renovations are scheduled for
November.
Once again, I’m very happy with the condition of our
fairways outside of the Ground Pearl and flood affected areas. It has not taken
long for them to dry out with the wind and warm temperature experienced at the
end of August and early September. We are already seeing an effect of this
drying out on plant health and patching of bare patches is back on the agenda. Patching
will continue throughout Spring as the weather allows. Amendments are scheduled
for application in early September.
Tree work has been carried out on the 13th
with further work scheduled for the beginning of September on the 13th,
18th and 14th ladies’ tee.
Shay Tasker
Course Manager