Golf “
In terms of how a greenkeeper is perceived, I think the profile is being raised and appreciated more in recent times, especially when you hear the TV commentators from the BBC and Sky Sports heaping praise on them for the superb conditioned golf courses they are producing
7th hole - PGA course
under the management of the three workshop mechanics. Whilst the vast majority of analysis and monitoring is also done in-house, external help is called upon to measure firmness and smoothness of the greens and tees whilst also taking soil samples to determine nutrient requirements and give thatch level percentages.
Moisture levels are also measured, as well as the constant measure of thatch levels and the soil profile. Samples are taken down to a depth of 8 inches in order to get a full understanding of what is going on. Once you get past the topsoil on the PGA course, the soil is predominantly clay in the fairways and roughs. The soil on the Brabazon and Derby course is quite heavy and becomes quite sticky during wet conditions.
PGA greens and tees were constructed to USGA specifications. Tees have a full drainage system with a gravel carpet
and 8 inches of root zone. Derby greens have a full drainage system with gravel carpet and an 80/20 rootzone whilst the Derby tees also have 80/20 rootzone, no gravel carpet but have a drainage system.
Jamie explained that all of the construction work from drainage to building new bunkers and tees is done in- house. “We have a good skill set within the team and plenty of experience in carrying out these types of project. We have two excavators, 3.5 tonne and 8 tonne, a dumper truck and a trencher. We also have our own tree spade that we utilise during the winter. We move trees from overcrowded copses and re-plant elsewhere. This is a great piece of machinery to have at our disposal as we can completely change the way a hole looks and plays.
Teamwork is paramount for the smooth day to day running of the courses and
grounds, and Jamie continues: “We do have guys that specialise in irrigation, mechanics, construction and gardening but being a greenkeeper comes first. Our approach is all hands to the pump. Priority everyday is to make sure the courses are set up for the day’s play, so if we need help to do that then everyone will be involved. We are one big team. “I work with Angus to plan and prepare budgets, however renovations can affect the timing and completion of projects. Weather obviously plays a part in this however, for me the weather patterns are changing all the time so you just need to be prepared to adapt to any situation.
Renovations and improvements are ongoing at any course and the Belfry is no different. “In recent years, we have built a new set of tees on the famous 10th hole on the Brabazon and installed a new sleeper wall around the 10th lake.
Newly re-constructed bunkers on the 3rd hole - Derby course 46 I PC JUNE/JULY 2014
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