HEAD GREENKEEPERS REPORT – ANNUAL
GENERAL MEETING 2014
The winter of 2013/2014 was particularly wet which severely disrupted our plans for course alterations/ improvements. In January 2014 155mm of rain fell and in February 106mm fell, both amounts being over 2.5 times the normal rainfall for this area. Fortunately however large proportions of this rain fell overnight and due to the free draining nature of the greens golfing was not too badly disrupted. I believe only two days golfing were lost to inclement weather over the entire winter period, significantly less than many local courses.
General course conditions throughout the Summer have been good. Green speed, trueness and smoothness have all been within our desired range. Being one of the driest years on record I feel that the course has performed well, as a ‘links’ type course, as is intended.
Greens Management
Greens are still following the same maintenance program that we have followed for many years now. Slight changes were made this year to the watering and wetting agent program in order to reduce the visual aspect and playability of the fairy rings. This proved to be reasonably successful with significantly less hydrophobic areas than 2013.
The 13th green underwent extensive drainage work last winter. This was thought to be a simple pipe replacement but resulted in a much larger job due to other problems being encounteredbut I am glad to report that this green is draining much more in line with the others and the returfed area is now blending well with the surrounding turf.
The first green is due for remedial work. It is proposed that the low area in the centre of the green where water collects will be lifted and the left area of the green and surround will be lowered to allow water to escape. This work has been scheduled to take place in February and hopefully with Springbeing around the corner recovery will not take too long. A temporary green has been constructed and is being maintainedin line with the other greens to provide a suitable surfacewhich will lessen the disruption when the main green is out of play.
Autumn maintenance was competed in late August this year to allow good recovery from the fine weather experienced at this time. This worked well and will be performed again in August this year, due to start on the 14th.
Tees
The 6th medal tee was reshaped in July and is now more than adequate in size to allow us to spread wear. Slight uneven settling has occurred and sand dressings in the spring time will recreate the desired levels.
Green Surrounds
As in previous years a chemical called Rescue has been applied to the surrounds to reduce ryegrass infestation. In certain places these areas currently look a little bare as control was good and a lot of grass kill was obtained. Areas have been overseeded and dressed early October and grass will slowly recolonize these areas, a desirable fescue grass, which will make chipping and particularly putting from these areas much more easy.
Long Rough Management
The sheep have been grazing the heavy rough areas for around a year now and early indications are this grazing is having the desired effect. Areas where grazing have occurred this year have been far more playable. Continual rotation of the sheep will help to create the fine whispy roughs that we seek. We are currently looking at purchasing a cut and collect type machine which will aid the sheep in thinning out of the roughs.
Gorse
The gorse plants are beginning to gain size rapidly now.Approx 160 further plants were put out in October to holes 5,7, 10 and 13 and a further 300 plants are currently being grown on in pots for planting in the spring/ autumn 2015.
For further information on golf course maintenance please view our blog, compiled by Deputy Head Greenkeeper Steve Hirons at www.kirtlingtongreenkeepers.blogspot.co.uk
