Golf
“
On a few of the wetter greens, we may use temporary greens for a short period, but our goal is to use the main greens as much as possible throughout the entire year
around the course, which means dew does settle on the greens, but doesn’t last for long.” “Temporary greens are used in winter, mainly when it is frosty. On a few of the wetter greens, we may use temporary greens for a short period, but our goal is to use the main greens as much as possible throughout the entire year.” “In the past year, greens have been lifted
and rebuilt in order to improve drainage to make them more playable all year round.” There are constant upgrades and changes being made at Donaghadee to keep it ahead of the competition. “In 2009, a new practice facility project got under way. It was designed by Swan Golf Design and cost just over £130,000. The new facility consists of nine mini golf greens, two new practice tees and a large putting green.” The team run a straightforward
maintenance programme. The greens are cut to 2.7mm for most of the summer period, whilst tees and aprons are cut at 10mm. Fairways are cut at 12mm and the rough areas at 40mm; semi rough is maintained at 24mm.
Aeration is carried out in spring and autumn by hollow tining, using different sizes of tines depending on the weather and season. A John Deere tractor mounted aerator is used, and needle tining is also carried out throughout the playing season to allow air to travel deep down into the soil structure. James added: “The only weed control
programme we have is for spraying herbicide on fairways and rough areas to improve presentation.” “Scarifying is carried out throughout the
season to improve the putting surface by removing the lateral growth.” “All staff have their own role to play on the
course. This is the best way to maximise the presentation on the course as each member of staff knows exactly how to carry out their own specific tasks. Presentation rates very highly indeed here, as it is what members pay their money for. They expect high standards throughout the course, in all areas, and that is what we aim to achieve on a daily basis.” “At the end of the main season, we attend to bunker renovations; more so on the links
side of the course as the sand based bunkers tend to have more problems than on the parkland side.” “Renovation works are, of course,
governed by budgets but, thankfully, we can carry out this work in the majority of cases.” In order to keep the members abreast of
the work going on around the course, the team place regular newsletters on notice boards. More recently, they are taking to social media to keep them informed. Staff receive regular training from the
latest courses that apply to them. All greenkeepers are trained in first aid and safe lifting and handling techniques. They also receive training for the use of all the machinery at the club. “All machinery required for the course is
bought on hire purchase, which gives us the advantage that they can be changed when necessary,” said James. “We use local dealer Laird Grass Machinery in the main, as they have the dealership for Toro and Kubota machinery. We try and stick with these two brands generally because they are so durable and reliable. I guess this is the reason why we do
48 I PC AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016
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