SNOW GO AREA R
With the heaviest snowfalls in over twenty years many of the UK’s already beleagured golf courses were forced to close, further denting their income.
As many people slithered and slipped their way to work, or even decided to stay at home, our editor ‘popped next door’ to talk to one greenkeeper about the problems of prolonged snow and how his club copes with adverse conditions
hys Thomas is Course Manager at South Staffordshire Golf Club, just a stone’s throw away from the Pitchcare offices.
Established in 1892, it is one of the oldest clubs in the West Midlands. Current membership is set at 400.
The 18 hole, par 71, 6513 yard course was originally designed by Harry Vardon, and ‘tweaked’ by such golfing luminaries as Harry Colt, James Braid and, more recently, Donald Steel. When over 75mm (3”) of snow fell one morning in early February, Rhys had to assess the extent of the snow cover and then consult his weather forecasting systems to see what the longer term forecast was. In this instance falling temperatures and further heavy snow were predicted, so the decision was taken to close the
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course, the clubhouse and the pro shop.
When this happens the club secretary, golf professional, course manager and various other club officials keep in contact via mobile phone for regular updates. The greenkeeping staff
are tasked with clearing paths and steps around the clubhouse and pro shop areas. In addition, there are several public footpaths running through the course so they monitor the foot traffic and ensure nobody is causing any damage. Snow cover also allows the staff to keep an eye on wildlife activity out on the course; it’s surprising what footprints you find and where they go to and from.
Once all the essential clearing has been
completed it is just a case of waiting for the snow to thaw. Staff are kept busy
Disease outbreak is
likely, particularly on the greens where the snow has acted as an incubator, so Rhys keeps an eye out for Pink Snow Mold, Fusarium Patch and Microdochium nivale. Any outbreaks will be treated with a
combination of cultural practices and fungicide as required. At the earliest opportunity aeration will be carried out to help
painting and repairing equipment and carrying out tree work, felling dead mature trees, coppicing and cleaning out unwanted scrub, keeping warm by the fires built to burn the debris. Once the snow begins to thaw Rhys and his team monitor the parts of the course that are liable to flooding, usually the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th greens. Here, temporary greens will come into play until they dry out sufficiently.
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