GOLF
An 18-hole golf course was developed on former farmland in 1992, and Bowood Golf has since become a PGA Championship Course
The second hole is called Brick Kiln, due to its heritage as the area
”
where clay for bricks to build the estate was extracted
clients and societies, plus hotel guests, so it’s a real mix, and the parkland course is scenic and challenging with large areas of long rough, wildflowers and specimen trees with two plateaus and a valley in between.” He describes it as a typical Dave Thomas design with numerous bunkers, and enjoyed the opportunity to give the designer a tour of the established course a few years ago. “It’s a par 72 for men and a par 75 for ladies, as it’s a long course at 7309 yards off the back tees, and was a true test for the recent English PGA Championships.” Soil types dictate how it is managed, with sandy loam on the plateaus and pure clay in
the valley.
“The second hole is called Brick Kiln, due to its heritage as the area where clay for bricks to build the estate was extracted.” Jaey comments that he has worked to improve the heavier areas and extend the playing window, tackling numerous fairways that struggled to support buggy traffic through the winter.
“It has required ongoing aeration, deep tining and topdressing, plus flocculation programmes such as adding calcium sulphate to manage clay and increase infiltration. Timing is key and we have to fit aeration into the golfing schedule to get the most out of it.”
Drought-tolerant varieties and extra irrigation are targeted at the drier areas, and Jaey has also instigated a greens conversion programme.
“Overseeding has focused on increasing bents, supported by topdressing to create a fine, free-draining surface. I have also updated fertility inputs, using less nitrogen to stress poa,” he explains. “The aim is to create strongly dominant bent grass swards, and most greens are now at 80% bent grass, with some stragglers. The challenges include the aspect of some greens, with
Head Greenkeeper Jaey Goodchild 28 PC October/November 2019
A greens conversion programme is underway, with several greens now at 80% bent grasses, offering sustainability and more consistent performance
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