Golf
‘Weather’ is 90% of Graham’s job
were cutting greens almost daily through last January - a combination of climate change and demand.” It’s not so much frost as weather generally
that can consume greenkeepers’ thoughts. “Weather is 90% of my job,” Graham states. “Failure to receive the right amount of sun, heat, light, water and oxygen means we
cannot do the job, no matter how proficient we are.” “Weather patterns are so important today and dictate our maintenance programmes. Major aeration is undertaken in the early part of the year and we watch weather patterns and rainfall. For instance, experience tells me we receive 10-12 days of fine weather in
March, so we take advantage of that to complete essential maintenance. April always goes cold into early May, so we need to do what’s needed in that window of warmth. If we miss it, the grass plant doesn’t grow.” Maintenance practices have shifted as
climate change has taken root across the country. “I never dreamt we’d be scarifying in February. The timing of processes has changed dramatically.” “The north/south weather divide is very
real. The south and Ireland are certainly warmer but, over my years in greenkeeping, I’ve noticed how weather patterns are changing. The movement of the Jet Stream means we can experience four seasons in a single day. That’s why data collection on weather is becoming ever more important in managing turf. It’s huge now and formulates our programmes.” The team retains site-specific rainfall and
temperature data and receives a weather blog every Monday morning as part of that process, Graham adds, but it can take three to five years for patterns to crystallise. “The only thing we can control is the
Members filling after drilling
quantity of water we apply to the course. Too many uncontrollables and everything is affected.” We turn to greens maintenance - the bane
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