Golf Allan MacDonald
Moving with the sands...
In a question and answer session, Askernish Head Greenkeeper, Allan MacDonald, further details the work that he carries out on the world’s most natural golf course. It’s a case of moving with the sands and from running the general store to running with an educational programme in greenkeeping
How long have you worked at Askernish Golf Club?
As a volunteer (secretary, treasurer etc.) since 1995 and, as an employed greenkeeper, since 2005.
How did you get into the industry and where did you work prior to your current position?
As part of the restoration of Askernish and, prior to that, I ran the family business of a general store, which was sold in 2002.
What training and education did you undertake?
Initially learned from course consultant Gordon Irvine MG during his visits whilst restoring the course. Also spending time with him at some of his clients, including Royal Cinque Ports. Then undertook SVQ level 2 block release with Elmwood college between 2008 and 2010, with financial assistance from the R&A. I’ve recently graduated from SRUC Elmwood with an HNC in Golf Course Management undertaken via distance learning over three years, again with financial help from the R&A.
Was there one person who inspired you? Gordon Irvine MG.
Are you responsible for budgets or do you report to someone else - for example a greens chairman or committee?
Yes, I am responsible for the golf course budget and I am answerable to the Board of Directors of Askernish Golf Club CIC (Community Interest Company) Ltd.
What additional staff do you have?
Donald “Nollie” MacKinnon has worked alongside me since the restoration began, initially on a full time basis but, unfortunately, now only on a part time basis.
18 I PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015
This season, Kevin Wilde has helped out during the main season on a part time basis also.
Is servicing and machinery maintenance carried out in-house or outsourced?
All done in-house as we are over 100 miles and a ferry journey away from our nearest dealer!
What additional help do you get?
Gordon provides all greenkeeping and agronomic advice, generally making two trips out per year.
How would you describe the soil profile generally?
Wind blown sand made up of 90% shell. How were the greens and tees constructed?
Mown out from the native grasses, rabbit damage repaired, top dressed with locally sourced sand and seaweed mixture.
Do they require any special maintenance techniques?
As the greens are very contoured, including many micro-contours that are not found on modern golf courses, they are maintained at a higher height of cut than most courses.
Does the course suffer from any regular natural occurrences such as flooding, high winds, excessive snowfall/frosts, drought etc?
We are located in the wettest part of Western Europe but, on some occasions, have endured six week droughts during summer (2009 and 2012). Winters can be severe, with high winds and rain; snow and frost is uncommon.
How do you cope with these?
By promoting the native deep rooting drought and salt resistant fine fescue grasses
which are naturally found on the machair.
Do you have a driving range/practice facility?
Yes. In mid July, it is also used to hold the local South Uist Highland Games.
Tell us about your weekly/monthly maintenance regimes - cutting heights, aeration, scarifying, weed and pest control, overseeding etc.?
Greens are mown 3-5 times per week during the summer at 6mm using Jacobsen GKIV triple mower. During winter, they are cut once a week at 7mm.
Fairways are mown from April to September as necessary, but typically once a week at 14mm using the Jacobsen Fairway 250. Due to time and manpower restrictions, tees are currently cut using this machine at the same height of cut.
1st cut rough during growing season once per week at 2”, second cut once per fortnight at 4” in order to promote the machair wildflowers. Cut using a Jacobsen AR250.
All other areas are maintained by grazing sheep and cattle from October to May (greens are protected from animals with the use of electric fences).
Topdressing is carried out throughout the growing season using a mixture of locally sourced sand and dried milled seaweed.
Overseeding has been carried out on all greens over the last four to five years using an Iseki TH43 tractor and Charterhouse green seeder.
Winter work, currently, is the ongoing process of repairing rabbit damage to the fairways. This winter, Gordon and a group of volunteer greenkeepers from some of his other client courses are coming out to help
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