Course Report

“PLAY AS IT LIES”

 GREENS WEEKLY NEWLETTER

3^rd September 2010

This week has seen the successful completion of the spring green’s renovation. With the hard work of the staff, the good weather and the use of all the necessary equipment (and added extras from Toro) we were able to complete the most successful renovation in my time here. There were some minor delays with drying time for sand prior to rubbing in so the staff were utilised in other tasks that added to the overall condition that the course is in prior to the weekend’s play.

Some members may ask “why do we do the greens renovation” or “is it really necessary”? The short answer is yes and the reason I say that is that the greens over a period of time and especially after a wet winter and a long hot summer become quite anaerobic. That is, the ability for the growing medium to “breathe” becomes more difficult. The surfaces become sealed with fine particles of organic matter from the decaying grass (despite the use of catchers).. Added to this is the effect of traffic and maintenance equipment that tends to compact that initial layer as well.

Renovation primarily comprises of 12 main processes. There are also smaller “processes” within the main ones. These consist of:

1. Coring – physical removal of cores.
2. Clean up and blowing of surfaces
3. Wash down of surfaces to ensure that all core holes are open ready for
4. Top dressing – the addition of new sand to create clean vertical pathways through the surface, allowing better air exchange and moisture movement.
5. Rubbing In – the process of dragging the sand around to get the core holes filled
6. Rolling – greens are double rolled to “smooth the surface” prior to
7. Blowing – the use of Pro Force blower to move excess sand around to areas that may be “skinny” for sand and to limit the sheer physical amount left over the plant.
8. The additions of any inter seeding that is required to marginal area (such as collars of high traffic or wear areas).
9. Rolling – this helps with incorporation of the seed and also with the smoothing of any blemishes or irregularities caused by the entire operation.
10.  Irrigation – this settles all the dry “product” down.
11.  Fertilisation – the addition of nutrient to aid in growth and recovery and finally
12.  Secondary Irrigation – final settling of products and to aid with nutrient break down and uptake.

Following on from these processes the greens will also have secondary amendments added (such as calcium, magnesium etc.) Follow up topdressing and dusting will also be undertaken so as to get putting green smoothness reinstated.

Within these main processes there are other works that are required to ensure that everything goes smoothly these can be as simple as marking of all irrigation points prior to coring, to blowing sand off irrigation points after topdressing to ensure correct sprinkler performance and to minimise damage to internal rotors. All of these processes need to run very smoothly to achieve the finished product, one break down or missed task has a significant knock on effect.

All the staff take great pride in their work and work long hours on both days to ensure that the course that the members see on Wednesday is of the highest standard achievable….and this has certainly been the case this week.

GREENS

• Greens renovation completed on all greens and nursery area.
• All greens renovation waste material has been place in bare areas of rough, spread and marked.

TEES

·         The tee surfaces were blown and mown.

FAIRWAYS

• All the fairways have been blown, cleared of major debris and double cut.

BUNKERS

• All Bunkers have been edged
• Bunkers have been raked Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
• Bunker matting issue being addressed as they occur.
• We have applied “paint” to some of the vertical lips to help with definition and appearance. We will monitor the longevity and on going maintenance time and cost before we pursue further action.

ROUGH

• No rough has been cut this week. We have vacuumed many areas of rough to pick up as much fallen debris as possible.

MISCELLANOUS

• Planting out of stock in numerous gardens on course and around clubhouse and car park.

• Mulching of some more gardens

• Spraying of some Couch areas for Kikuyu intrusion
• Car park clean up and blow down.
• Paths blown off
• Removal of some low branches.
• Some irrigation repairs and maintenance (low heads and minor leak)
• Removal of debris and dead trees in garden adjacent to 6^th green.
• Minor hazard trimming @ 10^th/11^th.

PROPOSALS FOR NEXT WEEK

• Possible start of Kikuyu renovation
• Further rectification works associated with 3- phase power installation.
• Application of magnesium amendment to greens.
• Course maintenance
• Hand rail @ 14^th tee
• Low branch pruning.

Mark Couchman

Course Manager