Greens Report - January 2012

Course and Greens Report - January 2012

It is always good to get the first month of the year behind us as we move into February wishing for little disruption for golf and work projects. The last two months have not been too bad for golf disruption with only a couple of weeks where temporary greens were required to protect the main greens. Although unpopular temporary greens are a good alternative from course closure which has been evident at a couple of neighbouring clubs throughout this period.

The soil profile of the greens is the first to freeze when temperatures drop with little protection for the surface and is also the first to start thawing. As the thaw progresses walking on a green which is soft on the surface yet frozen below can shear roots off at the point where they are stationary in the frozen profile; therefore it is essential to show patience and allow the greens to thaw out gradually and resist the temptation to return to playing on the greens too soon.

The greens at present are disease free and only one application of dew suppressant has been required during January to reduce the impact of frost disruption at the end of the month. As usual frost is the best preventative for fungal activity. An application of contact fungicide is in stock in case required during February.

Plenty of work has been carried out during the cold spells creating a new entry point for vehicles to the course behind the first green, when this is completed the old point of entry will be closed off thus preventing disruption to play on the first green from distracting vehicles passing at the same time also adding additional security to the green.

The hedge has been laid along side the protective fencing adjacent to the 9^th and 10^th tees. Work has progressed reshaping the bunkers at the 5^th and 6^th to increase accessibility in and out of them, some more turfing work is required to complete the task when ground conditions allow.

Good progress has been made with decreasing the rabbit population we now have on board some dog handlers using high powered lamps and young Lurchers to hunt them at night on one occasion 18 were removed in a night, in total they have taken 37 from the one area near the 10^th tee and 9^th green, they are now planning to starting to work 14^th and 18^th holes. There are still Ferreters working on the burrows as well. The rabbit fence along the bottom of the hill continues to progress as and when work schedules allow, with the aim to be finished before spring before the influx of new arrivals. An experiment of mixing garlic powder into the divot mix seems to have been successful deterring the rabbits from digging at recently repaired scrapes although we will defer this action until spring when the seed gets a chance to germinate.