“At least we are now more confident that this has been a successful project yielding excellent results and has actually attracted more customers, business and income”


times per year will continue in the same vein. Fusarium is our only challenge as we only occasionally see minor occurrences of dollar spot, anthracnose, or take all patch, which we normally counter by agronomic means other than using a fungicide.


One observation. Despite not actively applying or resorting to an overseeding programme, it has been evident that, in certain areas of these greens, we now see small patches of natural bent appearing; perhaps the first indication that, coupled to a sensible maintenance regime, in pretty difficult circumstances, conditions can now start to swing towards more favourable surface conditions. This should keep the “sustainable”


prophets happy, but I can’t say my customers will notice the individual grass species in my predominantly poa putting surfaces. The fact that they are in play 365 day per year, firmer, and have full healthy grass cover is their main priority. It is noticeable that many private golf club members from the local area sheepishly sneak onto our courses during the autumn, winter and early spring


period. Play in general is on the up, despite economic pressure, a recession and talk of a downturn in golf business. Reasonable quality at the right price, or for us, an improvement in what we can offer, has been a real advantage and a testament to a very small, talented and loyal team here at Orpington - the engineering excellence of Gary Mumby, the skill of the two operators from ALS and what can be achieved with a well prepared and considered maintenance plan, with a clear objective. The Sand Master operation for draining clay based push up greens may not be the answer to everyone’s prayers, but it does give ‘half a chance’ in helping a normal maintenance routine achieve higher and better results.


It is important that the sand lines link into, or over, a previously installed drain line or system and the sand drain lines will not magically suck away your water or give you rock hard greens in the middle of a very wet January, but at least you will be on a better footing and have better playability.


How long these benefits will last, only time will tell. It may be that, in six years


time, we might need to repeat the operation, especially on the greens where the clay base is particularly poor, but at least we are now more confident that this has been a successful project yielding excellent results and has actually


attracted more customers, business and income. It has been a very cost-effective exercise with relatively little disruption. So far, so good.


Fertilisers - Chemicals - Grass Seed - Top Dressings & Aggregates Golf Course Equipment - Sprayers & Spreaders - Sports & Landscaping Equipment Contract Spraying - Technical Advice - Total Weed Control Solutions


Northern Depot: 01925 758886 Southern Depot: 01638 721888 www.sherriffamenity.com sales@sherriffamenity.com 61


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