Golf
the individual's learning that bit further, requiring the student to demonstrate the ability to research issues such as pest and diseases and to develop management control programmes for implementation on the golf course. The Foundation Degree course encourages
the students to be independent learners, to try and develop their skills of critical thinking and inquiry. Both Level 3 and Foundation degree
courses require the student to carry out an investigative project on a work-related topic. In the context of golf greenkeeping, most students opt for field based research topics rather than survey collection and analysis type projects. The design of the greenkeeping and golf
facility means it can facilitate a number of such field trial projects simultaneously, without incurring the wrath of the club golfer and away from the potentially disruptive influences of a user driven maintenance programme. Four putting green surfaces, each sown out with their distinctive mixes i.e. Creeping Bent, Dwarf Rye, all fescue, and traditional 80:20 Bent/Fescue have provided platforms for students to carry out research on a number of topics. More general topics, for example, setting
criteria for bunker sand selection, comparisons of the effectiveness of fairway drainage systems, reseeding techniques and the efficacy of slow and controlled release
The Greenmount machinery shed doubles up as a training facility for the greenkeeping students
fertilisers have all been investigated and the results relayed back by the students for adoption in their home courses. Another feature of the academy design is the inclusion of zones sown out with turf species not commonly encountered in the UK - Rhizomatous Tall Fescue and Deschampsia. Incorporation of these species into tee
boxes or fairway areas gives students an insight into different management techniques for these grasses. Given that not all the graduates go into the mainstream course management sector, and that a proportion end up working in the fairly buoyant Ireland sports turf
construction industry, some experience of design and construction are seen as necessary on the courses. Level 3 and Foundation Degree students
have designed, project managed and physically constructed a new putting green for the golf academy, sponsored by GUI and, similarly, have been closely involved in remodelling a range of revetted bunkers which are integral to the short game practice area.
The venue also plays host, from time to
time, to the wider sports turf industry, providing the trade with a recognised focal point and ideal demonstration arena for seminars and show days.
SANDBANDER
For excellent secondary drainage. Fast, easy installation of sand slits from 25mm to 40mm (1" to 1.5") to a depth of 250mm (10").
AFT Trenchers Limited T: 01787 311811
E:
info@trenchers.co.uk www.trenchers.co.uk
PC FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 I 31
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