TECHNICAL
platform. So how has the system been performing? Recent photos, taken at Denham Golf Club in West London, clearly show how the turf around the bunkers we installed last winter on the first and eleventh holes is coping with the drought. Normally, during dry weather, bunker edges tend to brown off before the surrounds. In the photo left, it is very interesting to note how the bunker edges (which benefit from the new system) are actually greener than the adjacent rough and fairway. The ultimate plan, wherever practicable, is to connect groups of bunkers to the pressurised irrigation network and use solenoid valves to enable the course manager to take full interactive control over them. The system uses water in a very sustainable and efficient manner, and we are very excited about the prospect of providing a very effective solution for many golf courses in the UK.
Before concluding, it is also worth commenting on the effect of super-dry sand on playability. I’ve seen lots of social media complaints about plugged lies in bunkers, along with comments about the sand being too deep, or the wrong type, or uncompacted. I am a keen golfer, and I’ve had an increased incidence of plugged lies recently, but I feel that I have to support greenkeepers here.
Golf clubs, understandably perhaps, are
nervous of taking a strong line with members and standing by the principles of ‘play it as it lies’ and ‘nobody has a right to a great lie’ and an ‘automatic line straight to the flag’. Super dry sand is weak. There is no moisture within the intraparticle voids which is essential to generate strength via the cohesive and adhesive forces.
There are sensible measures that can be
taken to reduce the potential for plugging; for example, it is always wise to check the sand grading curves (they should be provided by suppliers) and the sand particle shape which should feature more angular grains. One of our services is sand grading analysis and, on occasions, we have found sand to be ‘less than perfect’. However, this summer, perfect bunker conditions are very difficult to deliver and all we can do is provide our committed greenkeepers with the tools and let them do what they do best. We all know that amateurs like to emulate the professionals. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to see amateur golfers accept those challenging bunker lies just like the professionals did during the wonderful Open at Carnoustie? I didn’t once hear the depressing cry ‘get in the sand’ and it was great to see the bunkers gaining respect for what they are. Hazards!
It is also worth
commenting on the effect of super-dry sand on
”
playability. I’ve seen lots of social media complaints about plugged lies in bunkers, along with
comments about the sand being too deep, or the wrong type, or uncompacted
Dry,Dry, Hot Su Time FoTime For Turf T
During prolonged periods of intense sunshine and low rainfall, grass plants are exposed
of heat and drought pressure summer of
hot, dry w eather, surfaces . With a
without sufficient irr igation will suffer, and grass coverage will lik ely be adversely affected.
W ay weha ith playing cond ditions fav ourable av
for golfers, increased wear is also a consideration for greenkee pers, and e hav
ave seen plenty o autumn overseeding. A
invested in new equipment to enable us to seed areas quickly and effectively, with little disr uption to play or players.
y, lay ay Early Start Contact the team on 01952 898518/9 or email
enquiries@alscontracts.co.uk •
alscontracts.co .uk
of interest in early ALS Contracts ha
Customer Satisfaction av ave N
Reliable Punctual &
ed to abiotic stress in the forfo m
, Hot Summe or TurfTo Reco er!
er R
ummer fTo Recover!
PC August/September 2018 135
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