What’s in the shed?
Tees are double-cut two or three times a week and, when required during the year, vertidrained, topdressed and divoted to maintain levels and appearance. Last winter, Paul renovated a number of bunkers to improve both the look and maintenance capabilities of those around the 2nd, 7th and 9th holes. Plenty of tree work was completed, thinning out plantations and reducing canopy cover on certain parts of the course. This not only increased air flow but improved the visual appearance of the course. Paul works closely with local nature
groups and conservation trusts, enlisting their help and advice on maintaining scrubland and limestone grasslands. Part of the course is registered as an SSSI, along with tracts of ancient woodland, all of which require appropriate management regimes in place. Paul’s two gardeners - Patrick Kelly and Chris Cowley - are kept busy looking after the formal gardens around the Manor House, along with growing a range of vegetables and fruits for use in the hotel. The remains of the castle, after which the village is named, are also situated on the site. This ancient monument prevents Paul from carrying out certain types of work, for example drainage and tree planting.
The club are hoping to become an Open qualifying course in the coming years and have recently secured the services of the STRI’s,
John Lockyer MSc, MBPR, RIPTA, to help evaluate what needs to be done agronomically to improve the condition of the course in terms of sward composition and performance. Improvements are generally achieved when the level of maintenance inputs are increased along with better monitoring of existing practises. For example, monitoring the level of organic matter content, and ensuring prescribed feeding regimes are not exceeded, will help overcome any problems of blacklayer or hydrophobic issues such as dry patch. Tweaking the feeding regimes will help the sward retain vigour whilst, at the same time, withstanding the rigours of play.
The overall aim is to refine management practices to encompass little and often regimes that help improve surface playability. For example, by careful use of water and taking regular soil samples to detect moisture content of the profile, Paul will be able to make better judgments about irrigation requirements. Like most things, it is having the time and resources available to achieve these objectives. The Manor House course presentation is second to none, and is a credit to Paul and his dedicated team. The course is visually stunning and makes the very best use of the natural topography. It requires not inconsiderable talent and commitment to achieve, what is, a golfer’s paradise.
John Deere 2243 and 2500A triple mowers for tees, collars and approaches
John Deere 220 and 220A hand mowers for greens and tees
Toro Sidewinder 3100-D for greens and tee surrounds
John Deere 3235A mower - fairways John Deere 3235C mower - fairways Ransomes Backwing 951 plus - rough Kubota F2400 Outfront rotary mower Flymo hover mower John Deere Gator Kawasaki Mule Toro Workman Amazone Profi Hopper Charterhouse Verti-drain Kubota tractor Iseki tractor Massey Ferguson tractor Ford tractor Hayter pedestrian mower - hotel lawns
Rotary pedestrian mower JS63C (mulcher) - hotel lawns Various strimmers and hedgecutters Topdresser
Blue trailer (large) - 2 tonne Blue trailer (small) Red trailer - 4 tonne Slitters Tornado leaf blower Tractor brush Drag brush Turf cutter Log splitter Cultivator
For all your golf, sportsturf and landscape irrigation needs.
Buy online at
www.lws.uk.com
Telephone 0845 230 9697 •
enquiries@lws.uk.com •
www.lws.uk.com 77
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