Greens Update - Oct 26
We have started to plan our work on the reconstruction of the bunkers on 13, 14, and 15. Work will begin next week on the bunkers, starting with the removal of some of the existing turf around the edges. Some of this will be used to fill in the side of the swing studio which is currently bare soil. We will also use some of the existing turf as part of any reshaping work, therefore reducing costs slightly.
Figure 1: 13th, 14th and 15th bunkers will be redeveloped and lined in the coming few weeks.
These bunkers are not currently designated as Ground Under Repair (GUR). However, we have put some white paint down as a guide for where we will be stripping turf. Once the turf is stripped, we will designate the bunker GUR. There may have to be some hole closures while we do this work for safety reasons, and this will be communicated daily.
Figure 2: New seed coming through on the greens.
The greens are recovering well after the recent maintenance work and the creeping bent seed, which was put down via a contractor, is already starting to come through, just one week after the seeding work began. You will notice lines of fresh grass appearing on the greens. This bent grass is ultimately a better quality turf to putt on and we drill it into the greens to try and outcompete the meadow grass which is the dominant species. All our work on the greens, culturally and biologically, is designed to encourage these better grasses to dominate.
Figure 3: New synthetic tee at the back of the 18th.
The new mat at the 18th tee has also been installed, having postponed the work from early spring. This is not just a full time winter tee for all golfers to use. It was installed on the advice of the STRI last year, to be there as an alternative to the main tee, should it need resting, as it has been very poor in recent years. It can also be used for winter competitions, should there be a need. Some finishing work remains around the back edge and side, together with the installation of a safety rail to the back edge. A new, smaller, winter tee will be installed at the front of the tees, for general winter play. Next week we will be looking at the areas where the new winter tees will be sited.
Finally, on behalf of the greenstaff and myself, I would like to thank Ian Parkinson for all his hard work and excellent support that he has given us in his role as Greens Chair over the last six years or so. Being the greens chair at a golf club is a thankless task, often open to criticism, but Ian has always supported us, providing constructive member feedback, and taking on board the different challenges we face throughout the year.
It’s a role that takes a willingness to listen and learn, and Ian has always done that, and has always had the aim of leaving the golf course in a better condition than when he started. Thanks Ian.
Steve
Head Greenkeeper
