uneven and there was little definition to the course. What I find really unprofessional, and unnecessary, is a golf course that lacks definition. When I first arrived here it was typical of many that I have seen, but one of the simplest problems to rectify There were about five different heights of cut that left the golfer wondering if he was on the fairway or semi rough, semi rough or rough, green or apron, and apron or surrounds.


Most of the golfers that I know like to see clearly defined fairways that lead nicely up onto a green which has a clear definition between green and collar, then another clear definition between collar and the next cut. As a greenkeeper this suits me as it means that I can simplify my maintenance regime to present this. At all my previous courses, and


here at Cavendish, I have kept the cutting heights simple. These are as follows: greens 4-6mm, tees, collars and approaches 10-12mm, fairways 14-16mm and rough 50mm. Following this simple cutting plan means that I only have four cutting heights on the course, the fairways


go straight into the rough, as do the tees, collars and approaches. So far, I have not had anything other than compliments on how well defined the course is and, as I have said, it has a major bearing on how easy it is to maintain. Due to the relatively simple


presentation of the course we are able to get by with a comparatively small fleet of machinery. We have three triples with varying units that cut the greens, tees and approaches; these are 2 x John Deere 2500 and a Jacobsen Greensking VI. We also have a Toro 5410 for cutting our fairways and a Toro 4500 for cutting the rough. In addition we have a New Holland TC27 tractor, Kubota 4150 tractor, John Deere 6x4 Gator, a John Deere Pro Gator with HD200 spray system, a Dakota 410 topdresser and two Ransomes Super Certes. Leading on from the machinery, and again linked into our simple maintenance plan, is our staffing. Even in the height of the growing season we are able to cover all mowing operations with just three full time staff. This includes, at its peak, cutting the rough, fairways and


Peter Smith


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