Golf
One of the new pot bunkers
“The truth is, he was being directed by the then committee rather than the other way round. He went along with them for an easy life,
New planting and practice putting area
Golf programme, and we used this as a back up to explain our new maintenance regimes to the new board of directors that had replaced the committee.”
which I could understand”
“I immediately dispensed with the chemical inputs and concentrated on a more organic approach, starting with aeration, aeration and more aeration, raising the heights of cut, brushing and boxing off grass clippings from all mown areas. We now make our own compost from the clippings, and the waste from the kitchen is also collected and added to the mix. I’m also hopeful that we will be given permission to harvest seaweed from the beach in the not too distant future as well.” “Within a couple of years, the benefits could be seen by all. Now our greens are returning to fescue - seventy percent in most cases - and outbreaks of disease have been reduced.” Keith has a staff of three. His deputy is Nick Olds, who has been at the club for eight years. He is also the mechanic, performing all the day to day maintenance tasks required. Steven Elliott has forty years service and Luke Jefferys is on his second stint at the club, this time for four years. All are qualified to level 2. And then there is Wilson, the Collie x Weimaraner, who accompanies Keith everywhere. The team are compliant with Health & Safety regulations and first aid, and
are offered level 3, although Keith accepts that some might not want to take their careers any further. “The team have taken to the new maintenance regimes very well,” says Keith, and I sense that his frustrations had also been shared by them. Working hours are 7.00am to 3.30pm in the summer and 8.00am to 4.00pm in the winter months. Holiday entitlement is twenty-eight days, including bank holidays. Weekend work is shared on a rota system, but Keith admits that he is often out on the course outside working hours, either with Wilson or his four-year-old son, Jack, who loves the surroundings. Much of the equipment is John
Deere, which is purchased from local JD dealer, Mason King, who are based in the middle of the county at Winners Perch. “I’m a fan of everything Deere,” confesses Keith. “Their machines are very reliable and user friendly. If we’ve ever needed spare parts, they are always with us next day. Great service. We also use DGM in Torquay for other equipment that is outside Mason King’s remit.” “Greens are kept at 5mm during the summer, and between 6-6.5mm in the winter. Clippings are collected, so we always have the tractor/trailer combo close at hand. The greens are now weeded by hand.” “Tees are cut at 12mm all year round
One of the wild flower banks 12 PC JUNE/JULY 2012
Clippings being taken to the compost area
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