COURSE REPORT

We have experienced a very welcome dry spell, with no rain recorded since Christmas eve.  As a result, the course has been drying out nicely, which has enabled us to get machines out to do some cutting and therefore, improve definition and overall presentation.

It is also pleasing to see how well the fairways have recovered from the Summer and the decision to invest in overseeding in September paying off.

Greens:  With the dry weather and firm greens for the time of year, conditions are perfect to aerate.  A deep aeration using our tractor mounted verti drain, at a depth of 9 inches, has now been completed.  It is important to make the most of these windows of opportunity to carry out this kind of work and to vary the depths we aerate, particularly in the winter months when we are looking to keep surfaces as dry as possible. 

The greens are generally cut twice a week at the moment and this will help smooth the surfaces out again after aeration.

Tees/Approaches: These areas will be deep aerated using our verti drain.  Worms and worm casts will be monitored and controlled if necessary. We will also apply a winter feed at the end of Jan or beginning of Feb.

Fairways:  Again, it is pleasing to see the new seed coming through and establishing into the sward well. It has been good to be able to work on cutting and improving presentation as well.  We have had some worm casting on fairways and will be applying an alternative feed when the time is right, in order to discourage worm casting activity.

Leaves: The majority of leaves have now been picked up, although there are still some lying around in the woodland areas, which during windy conditions may blow back onto the course. These will be cleared up as required. Most ditches have now been cleared and again, we may have to clear these again when necessary.

Tree work:  Working in line with our 5-year plan for course improvements, the 13th hole is one we are looking to make a number of improvements to. Phase 1 will include taking out a line of 6 trees on the left side from where the fairway begins.  This will open up the tee shot a little more and improve grass coverage in this area, meaning more definition and better presentation.  Another Oak tree will be taken down on the right side of the 13th green, near the ditch crossing, because of its deteriorating condition. Other tree work over the Winter will include canopy raising around the course.

Post and Rope:  At the moment we have no post and rope out on the course. However, when the next period of wet weather comes, we will need to start protecting areas, particularly around the greens and your co-operation with these control measures is greatly appreciated.

Mark Ogden

Course Manager