GOLF
techniques by using H2Pro DewSmart during the winter and FlowSmart, as a penetrant wetting agent, to pull the water through the profi le. We also apply liquid iron and tank mix with Phosphites to control disease. In autumn, they will get a fi nal granular application of Invigorator to help harden the turf going into winter.”
The club’s improvement programme was
eff ected in 2020 with staff being furloughed on a rota basis and the heavy and prolonged rain at the end of the year has not helped. “Covid meant it was a strange year, so a lot of our projects were put on hold. Hopefully, this year, we have several projects to carry out - prioritising drainage work. On the seventeenth fairway we need to install a pipe drainage system, as it’s one hole that’s often
waterlogged during the winter consequently aff ecting play - which is far from ideal when we are looking to promote eighteen holes throughout the year. We also have a few bunkers we need to renovate and tree work to be carried out, so fi ngers crossed for a better 2021.”
The Baroness front line machinery is leased through GGM Groundscare, but the current deal runs out this year. Phil and the club are starting to look at putting a new replacement plan together, but it has not been an easy time fi nancially for the club. “I hope to stick with Baroness products as we have really enjoyed using their cutting machinery. With the course being very undulating the Baroness mowers three- wheel drive system has been perfect for the site. Our local dealers and the service they provide has been excellent and they have helped us out a lot.”
What’s in the shed
New Holland Tractor Boomer 25 New Holland Tractor Boomer 35
New Holland TN60DA & MC40 Loader Kawasaki Mule Jacobsen G Plex Mower Toro GM1000 Hand mowers x 3 Toro Reelmaster 3100-D x 2 Jacobsen GP400 Greens Mower Toro Reelmaster 6500-D Toro Groundsmaster 4300-D Toro Groundsmaster 4500-D Jacobsen Greensking V mower Baroness LM2400 Fairway mower Baroness LM315GC Greensmower Dakota Topdresser AFT45 Trencher Toro ProCore 648 SISIS Brush
“My Deputy Head carries out our servicing and regrinds of the machinery; he is mainly self-taught, improving his knowledge as he goes along; he does a great job.” Phil tells me leatherjacket control has become a signifi cant issue in recent years with an eff ective chemical not being
available anymore. “Last year, a lot of the damage was caused to surfaces by leatherjackets, eating away at the roots of the plant and also crows pecking at the surface of the greens, aff ecting the quality of the turf. We have tried a few new products and techniques, but only time will tell if they have been successful. I believe it is a signifi cant issue for the industry going forward. Not only that, we have problems with the control of wormcasts. It would be nice to get a bit more help from the associations and manufacturers as we advance because who knows where the future is going with it?”
The site’s ecology is very important to Phil and the club, and they are always looking to improve. “We are aiming to increase the regeneration of pockets of heather and add wildfl ower areas to support the ecology and biodiversity of the site. We have installed bird boxes, and I’m considering getting a beekeeper to install hives around the course to promote a natural environment where wildlife can thrive. The club is always looking to develop its Environmental Policy to ensure that nature and golf can co-exist.”
28
PC April/May 2021
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