Golf
“My philosophy is to keep greenkeeping simple, giving the grass plant what it wants and not working to a pre-determined set of programmes”
Fairways and semi-rough areas have been redefined
150mm and put in plastic bags, labelling them with time, date and location. “I was pleased with the look of the samples,” said Simon, “as they showed a visual improvement in terms of root development, with white, healthy roots going beyond 100mm, and there was little thatch to worry about, and certainly no signs of anaerobic activity.” “My philosophy is to keep
greenkeeping simple, giving the grass plant what it wants and not working to a pre-determined set of programmes because, often, the weather dictates otherwise. It’s a case of working with the weather, not trying to do things when conditions aren’t right because the programme says so. For example, we often get strong winds here and we have to take that into consideration when spraying feeds, biostimulants and wetting agents.” “When I joined the club back in 2007, my main objectives were to improve the course both aesthetically and functionally. Getting the greens into a condition where they could be played on
all year round, without the need for temporaries, was important for the members,” he states. “We’ve also redefined fairways, semi rough and rough areas to speed up play and give some shape and definition to the course whilst, at the same time, evaluating and enhancing ways to improve the natural environment and biodiversity of the course.” “This has also involved working on
tree plantations; carrying out pruning, crown lifting and, in some cases, felling to enhance the course and help improve air flow around greens and tees.” Work on the greens is centred on good cultural practices, with plenty of aeration and effective renovation programmes, with the judicial use of topdressings and feeding regimes to ensure the grass plant remains healthy and able to withstand the rigours of golf all year round. Without doubt, Simon’s regimes are working well. The greens looked good and were very firm, especially considering all the wet weather we have had in the past ten months.
“I’m aware that their construction was not to any real specifications and, that on first inspection, the soil profile may not be considered ‘ideal’ for high quality greens. However, that said, they drain extremely well and we have seen a significant increase in the percentage of Browntop Bent. The greens were originally topdressed with straight sand, but we’ve seen great improvements since we started using Fendress, so I’m confident the greens will continue to improve and we can keep providing the members with consistent, firm and smooth playing surfaces throughout the year.” “The greens are maintained at 5.5mm during the winter months - we use pedestrian greensmowers - and 3.5-4mm, using the triples, during the summer,” explained Simon. “We generally cut them five or six times a week, and give them a ‘turf iron’, or a rest, on the days they are not cut.” “The deepest aeration we perform is 175mm due to the construction of most of the greens. There is a stony layer that
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2013 PC 27
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