COURSE REPORT

Greens:  Though the weather has remained dry, it is the time of the year where we usually have high disease pressure so preventative fungicide sprays will be applied over the next couple of months. The frequency of these will depend on the weather conditions we have.

This is also the time of year where we will look to do a deep aeration on the greens using the verti drain.  This is a tractor mounted machine and so is best to carry out the operation whilst the greens are still firm, causing minimal disturbance to the surface.  Going in at a depth of around 9 inches, as opposed to the 4 – 5 inches we aerate at during the summer months, will relieve compaction and allow air and water to move further down the soil profile and also encourage deeper root growth.  This will aid surface drainage going into the winter.

Tees/Approaches:  These surfaces will be aerated using ¾ inch solid tines, at a depth of 5 inches.  Whilst all worm suppressant pesticides have been banned from use and are no longer available to purchase, there are soil conditioners which can supress worm activity once the worms become active. This must be applied in the rain and we will do so when we have the right conditions.

Fairways:  Since over-seeding the fairways, it has been difficult to keep moisture in the ground because of the continued dry weather. As a result, germination and recovery has been slower than we would have liked. Though recovery is slow, we are seeing some good signs that the seed is germinating and starting to establish. A foliar feed has been applied along with a bio stimulant to encourage growth and regeneration.  Hopefully we can hold onto these temperatures a little while longer and with a bit more moisture, further recovery will occur before the winter months.

Moles:  The moles are causing more and more damage on the course, particularly on the 16th tee and behind the 17th green. We have also had some damage on the 12th and 17th greens as well as other areas around the course.  We have placed traps to try and eradicate this problem and these are marked with the red flags which you may have seen placed in and around where the mole hills are.

Shoe Cleaning Area:  Our grate has finally been made up and will soon be in place, this just leaves the electrician to come in to wire up the compressor.

A more detailed report on our plans going into the winter months will be sent out at the end of this month.  This will include traffic control and restrictions, ‘worms’ situation, leaves, tree work and path work.

*The course information line will be updated every day from Monday 15th October.

Mark Ogden

Course Manager