Approach to Ealing’s 11th green
Poa greens that have evolved to become a dense, fine leaf sward
Prism gauge measuring the ‘effective height of cut’
Relief grinding
“I have completely changed my views on Poa Annua since my college days”
Greg Evans, Course Manager, Ealing Golf Club
users, the golfers, have become more demanding. Naturally, over the years my own views on maintaining greens have evolved as well. My confidence has also grown and I want to encourage fellow greenkeepers not already trying the “short cut” to give it a try. I know from experience that it is possible to cut greens to a 2mm height, and maintain sustainability year round, and at reasonable cost. I conclude with the following observations:
1. Golfers love greens cut short. At Ealing, the Club is seeing the membership numbers increase and golf society bookings are up on last year by 26%. Although this is not solely down to the speed of the greens, it is undoubtedly an important part.
2. Colonial bent can and will germinate while the surrounding grass is being cut at 2mm. It will continue to establish and grow whilst being cut at this height. I am noticing large pockets colonising sections of my greens.
3. Cutting at 2mm will not mean certain death for the grass. Quite the opposite. The greens are getting finer, denser and disease is decreasing. Also, the playing surfaces have become playable to a very good standard all year round.
4. Poa Annua can become your friend and not your foe. I have completely changed my view on it since my college days. Research bodies, agronomists and unions all push the
What are you like?
Greg Evans - depending on who you listen to - hard- working, honest, driven, single-minded and irritating!
Who are you? Greg Evans, Course Manager at Ealing Golf Club and Managing Director of the Complete Golf Solutions consultancy firm.
Family status (married, single, children etc.)? Married with two lovely girls.
Who’s your hero and why? Tiger Woods. Took the word ‘complacency’ out of the golfing dictionary.
What is your dream holiday? Anything that involves lying in past five o'clock for a change.
What annoys you the most? Golfers who play with spikes in their shoes!
What would you change about yourself? I’d become a longer and straighter driver of the golf ball.
Who wouldn't you like to be? Anyone who has to sit behind a desk five days a week.
Who would you choose to spend a romantic evening with? I’d better say my wife!
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Buy a golf club and do away with committees.
If you were to describe yourself as a
Young ‘Evans’ apprentice overseeding a green with Colonial bent grass
What do you do in your spare time? Play golf.
What’s the most stupid work related question you have ever been asked? “How often do you cut the greens, once a week?” Former Course Director.
What’s your favourite piece of kit? The Rain Bird Freedom electronic irrigation controller. Golfers everywhere be warned!
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Hard-working, honest and driven. My wife’s version ... single-minded, irritating and golf-mad.
have? To be able to carry the ball 300 yards into the wind!
What makes you angry? A snap hook.
What law/legislation would you like to see introduced? That greens may only be mowed at 2mm!
What talent would you like to
musical instrument, what would you be and why? I’ll be anything as long as nobody has to hear my horrendous singing voice.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Cut it low!
What’s your favourite smell? A cool beer in the hot sun.
negative side of Poa. I find that, correctly maintained Poa can produce the most fantastic surfaces in winter as well as summer. It becomes relatively disease resistant and roots will not be shallow if they are given the chance to descend. In my view, we as greenkeepers need to manage Poa better and stop trying to get rid of it just for good public relations.
About the author: Greg Evans leads the consultancy, Complete Golf Solutions, which provides practical advice and assistance to organisations and individuals in the golfing industry. He can be contacted on 07951 157 208 or by email at
gregevans1973@hotmail.com
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