Golf “I feel that
introducing this model has certainly not had a negative effect on performance and, if anything, it has improved”
data, it is hard to pinpoint one thing that makes certain things happen and, without doubt, the wet year in 2012 played a part, but I feel that introducing this model has certainly not had a negative effect on performance and, if anything, it has improved!
My Conclusions
Having implemented this model for one year it is hard to say for sure how well it works. I like the fact that it gives you guidelines on how and when to apply certain nutrients but, without several years of doing this, it will be hard to say for sure that this is the way to go. At present, I do not recommend this system to the golf clubs that I do agronomic work for, as I would like to be sure that it does what it says on the tin first, but my initial findings are:
- My inputs have been completely reversed. In the spring, when I was pushing for a good surface, I would apply lots of nitrogen but, once we hit the summer, I would drop off. This model suggests the opposite. If the temperatures are not there in the spring, there is not point applying heavy rates as the plant doesn’t have the ability to absorb it and you are wasting lots. Also, when temperatures do pick up, you will get that flush of
growth as a lot of the residual nitrogen is now working
- The one negative thing that I have witnessed in my greens performance has been a slight increase in moss in two of the greens at Ealing. Like all courses, we have some temperamental greens, and ours are 6 and 17. Over the years, we have had to watch these greens carefully as they can go off very quickly. Moss has been a slight issue on these greens, but nothing really to worry about. However, last year, I saw a definite increase in activity on those two greens.
Is this anything to do with GP? At this stage, I don’t know. The only other thing that we did differently last year was a reduction in verti-cutting. My gut feeling is, because we have basically eliminated two granular applications in the spring, this has weakened the sward slightly in those greens. Maybe this year we will continue with the granular applications in those greens only and see if this helps. The major thing for me has been the
reduced fertility inputs and the resulting cheaper fertility bill, even though performance increased. It allowed us to hit that ‘magic line’ on a daily basis. I feel that this type of model definitely has a place in a maintenance programme and will be good to analyse it further
Telephone: +44 (0) 7951 157208
www.gregevansmg.com
Give your greens a health check with an ‘Agronomy Audit’. Understand what’s going on with your playing surfaces.
Price £1,450 plus Travel Expenses (travel free within 1 hour of London)
Full audit will include: • Infiltration Rate • Compaction Depths •Firmness
• Soil Moisture Levels •Sward Density • Organic Matter Levels • Full Nutrient Analysis
• Cutting Height •Root Depth •Speed • Smoothness
To book your audit: Email:
gregevansmg@gmail.com Tel: 07951 157208
“If you want someone with passion, vision, serious attention to detail and above all someone who will help you deliver exquisite surfaces at an affordable budget look no further than Greg Evans, he is a true pioneer in our industry”
Matthew Hazelden - General Manager, Cottesmore Golf and Country Club
Greg Evans is a Master Greenkeeper who offers full agronomy services to allow golf clubs to maximize their potential, no matter what the budget.
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 PC 81
over the next few years. For now, I can say that it has helped to allow us to achieve our goals and certainly gives direction on when to apply nutrients. The fact that it makes fertility more scientific compared to historic programmes is something that I will always embrace.
Alongside his duties at Ealing Golf Club, Greg runs an agronomy company offering full agronomic services to golf clubs across Britain and Europe. If you would like to contact him further you can reach him through his website
www.gregevansmg.com or by phone 07951 157208
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