Golf
Stoats and weasels are occasionally seen on the course
possible. “Where possible, we aim not to use plant tonics and soil improvement agents, but we do have to keep the soil healthy and the grass sturdy so, on some parts of the course, we simply have to use them.”
“I’m always looking at new and innovative products and, if we use any of them, then quantitative documentation will be prepared to show their impact and effectiveness. After an appropriate time, we evaluate the results to measure their precise effectiveness.” “There have been so many legislative changes recently regarding the use of pesticides, so it is clearly very important that we understand the needs of the course,” says Wolfgang. “I guess there will come a time when we will no longer be able to use any chemicals, so other solutions will have to be found.”
Hertzenhof’s undulating terrain
All the work is carried out in-house and the machines are serviced regularly in their own workshop. This keeps downtime to a minimum. It is only the more serious problems, that cannot be resolved without the need for specialist tools, that are outsourced. “We carry out our own grinding and that usually results in us spotting any likely problems before they happen. My team are very professional,” he states. Wolfgang believes in purchasing
quality, machinery, but that does not always mean the most expensive. “I look for value for money, customer service back-up and the availability of spare parts from my suppliers. I have no special preference for one manufacturer over the other. Ultimately, what counts for me is the quality, and that the machine will do the job it is intended for.”
Maintenance extends through mowing,
ironing, scarifying, aeration and topdressing. “With twenty-seven holes we can generally schedule our maintenance work so that we are not disturbing the golfers,” he explained “Greens are mown daily on a rotating cycle, interspersed with ironing, to
Wildflower planting has attracted a variety of insects
Driving Range
3.4-4mm. The fairways are mown two to three times a week as required.” “Aeration of the greens begins in spring. The older greens have a relatively high silt content, so these are hit with 24mm solid tines down to a soil depth of 290mm. On the newer greens, we use 12mm hollow tines to a depth of around 120-150mm, and then, at regular intervals, with 8mm solid tines to a depth of 120mm. We generally try to carry out a thorough aeration at least three times a year. Of course, there is a continuous overseeding programme.” Wolfgang says that it is no
exaggeration to say that the natural surroundings, due to the variety of colours and shapes, takes visitors breath away in astonishment. “Besides the typical
Clubhouse
Plan of Golf Club Hetzenhof showing the layout of Course A, Hohenstaufen; Course B, Rechenberg; and Course C, Stuifen
Right: Red Kite are often seen on the course
36 PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013
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