Golf
Gareth Rees mowing the 9th green watched by Phil Evans and son, Robert. Average height of cut during the summer is kept at 3 to 4mm
surface of a consistent speed,” said Phil. “I am delighted to say that the greens have responded well to the treatment, which is accompanied by regular aeration using a ride-on aerator fitted with hollow, needle or solid tines, depending on turf needs and weather conditions.” The golf club employs one full-time member of staff, Gareth Rees, who has worked at Priskilly Forest since 1998 and is responsible for daily course maintenance, concentrating primarily on keeping the greens and surrounds, tees and fairways closely mown and nicely presented. Course machinery is mostly pre-owned, but certainly not outdated, being sourced mainly through magazine and internet adverts placed by specialist fine turf machinery dealers who have come to learn that Priskilly Forest is an important and genuine golf course customer for high quality second-hand equipment. Such knowledge has helped the club
acquire, over the past three years, a five- gang fairway mower, a greens triple and a diesel work vehicle, the latter coming complete with mounted topdresser and a sprayer. “We plan our major course work schedules according to the season and upcoming league or club matches,” explained Phil. “The primary focus is on maintaining first-class playing surfaces for golf at all times. No week is ever the same.”
Pointing out that his long farming
experience had provided a good foundation for growing and looking after high quality sports turf, Phil stressed that he has learned, and continues to learn, a great deal about the skills and science of greenkeeping by studying magazines and web-based information resources. He also receives monthly visits from a local amenity representative, when they take the opportunity to walk the course and chat about issues and concerns regarding course maintenance, turf performance and health.
“It’s a continuously evolving situation, governed primarily by our ever-changing weather patterns,” commented Phil. “One thing we can do in this part of Wales is grow grass, and I am delighted that we are able to keep the course looking and playing so well throughout the year. That said, we have no irrigation and have to bowser-in water for the greens and tees during hot, dry weather.”
Phil admitted that such events place added pressure on his limited greenkeeping resources, a situation which will not be helped if he increases the number of tees on the course. “Subject to cost, I think it might be sensible to install underground water pipes and a series of hose points at the same time,” he said. “There are two things I’ve learned about golf greenkeeping over the past twenty-one
Phil Evans under the bonnet of the JD X495
years. Nothing stands still and one is always looking to make improvements.” “Overall, the end results have been most worthwhile and it is very rewarding to be complimented by golfers on the condition of the course. The land was great for farming and is proving equally suitable for sport and recreation. I am delighted that we took the plunge when we did.”
www.priskilly-forest.co.uk What’s in the shed?
Ford 1920 32hp compact tractor Jacobsen LF3800 five gang ride-on fairway mower
Jacobsen Greens King VI
Amazone Groundkeeper collector/scarifier (purchased new) Ryan GA30 aerator
Cushman Diesel Turf Truckster (x 2) c/w drop-style top dresser and Hardi 6m sprayer
John Deere X495 1.2m ride-on mid mower
Port Agric Cutlass roller mower Scotts pedestrian spreader Telescopic handler (shared with the farm)
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 PC 21
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