The Links Trust would only open the course when it was absolutely ready
The 9th on the Castle course
By the autumn of 2007 the greens were all mature, with play planned for June 2008. Through the spring of 2008, the greens developed beautifully due to expert greenkeeping and sound agronomic principles. Regular topdressing, hand mowing, rolling and brushing were sufficient to prepare smooth and true surfaces. Our general strategy was (and will continue to be) creating the right environment to favour the finer grasses. This means keeping damaging treatments to a minimum. In terms of fertiliser, ammonium sulphate was used through the spring in granular feeds and then liquid formulations through the late spring to early summer. This supplied sufficient nutrient to maintain the development of a dense and healthy sward. Primo-MAXX was also used to retain density and minimise the need for aggressive treatments. Again, retaining turf density and avoiding the presence of gaps in the turf was the underlying greenkeeping strategy. We continue to monitor the level of
organic matter accumulation to optimise firmness, ball-to-turf interaction and moisture control. Loss on ignition tests are carried out twice a year to determine the precise level of organic matter through the upper soil profile. In spring this year, the readings were around 5.0% in the top 20mm, which is just right. Regular topdressing, along with appropriate nutritional and irrigation inputs, is being used to maintain these desirable levels. A top priority is to avoid the need for aggressive thatch removal operations such as hollow coring or scarification to minimise the production of gaps and thus opportunities for annual meadow-grass invasion. As the course opened for play, Allan and his team started to receive the positive feedback they deserved. The greens and turf areas were simply top
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class. It was the model grow-in; a real shining example. This is how it worked:
• The greenstaff did what was necessary to produce a dense turf dominated by the finer grasses, resulting in high quality greens commensurate with such a prestigious development.
• The Links Trust provided the necessary resources and ensured there was no pressure to open too early.
• STRI gave technical agronomic support to the expert greenkeepers.
The result has been delight all round! Our pride and the golfers’ joy. Once the course opened for play, some adjustments to maintenance were required as Allan and the team had to move from a programme of turf establishment to one of daily maintenance.
It soon became apparent that
controlling the green speed would be the most important issue. Due to the contouring of the greens and the exposure of the site, green speeds of over nine feet on the Stimpmeter would be too quick on breezy days. Therefore, careful regulation of surface preparations in response to weather conditions was required. Invariably, there is a need to ease back on the refinements, which is a bonus.
It was also found that liquid
ammonium sulphate based feeds (which were successful through the spring to early summer) were insufficient to retain density under play, so a granular feed containing ammonium sulphate and methylene urea (Sierraform GT 16:0:16)
The greenkeeping staff
was applied in mid-July to good effect. Topdressing has been applied between the golf, using a spinning disc topdresser. Regular hand watering, HydroJecting and wetting agent applications have been continued to combat fairy ring development. The autumn programme tested
organic matter content in the laboratory to determine the level of dilution required. It is hoped that regular topdressing and careful fertiliser application through the summer will have avoided any drastic accumulation. Fescue overseeding was very important to fill in any gaps arising from play and to restore a strong and full cover. This was done three times using a dimple seeder. You cannot overseed too much on new establishments. It is essential to close down the gaps to avoid meadow-grass invasion. To provide rest, avoid damage and retain turf density, the course was closed from 1 November 2008 and will not reopen until 31 March 2009. Protection of new greens through their first few winters is paramount. So, that’s the story of The Castle Course grow-in. It is a story of first class greenkeeping from Allan and his team. It was a challenge to meet the standards laid down in the breathtaking design, but we think that the surfaces do the course proud. Go and see for yourself, it is a treat for any lover of real golf. The Home of Golf remains a fine turf heaven.
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