Update on the greens and current winter works... It is fair to say there has definitely been a shift in the weather as of late, as we are now starting to see the frost on a regular basis. As a result of this, we have prepared frost holes out on the greens and adjusted the height of the cut on the green mowers to help protect the greens over this cold period. The greens are recovering nicely from the hollowtining and a slow release feed has also been applied to help further the health of the greens and the progression of the recovery. The tees, fringes and approaches have also been given a winter granular feed, to help keep them green and healthy. The recent trolley ban has helped the course dramatically and the ground is now much better. We have even been able to get trolleys back out there over the last few days. It is however still too soft in areas and would have caused too much damage to get the fairway/rough mowers out in places. We are however going to be cutting the tees and approaches tomorrow, with the aim of cutting the rough and fairways later this week if the weather holds. Whilst we have been off the mowers, the team have been busy carrying out the winter works. Recently, considerable work have been carried out on the left hand side of 10 to clear the trees and open the hole to the left. The lake on the 17th has been cleared of much of the growth in front of the lake, to both give a better view of the green and also clean up the hole. An ongoing job is the work to the drainage outlets all over the course. These are being cleaned and rodded to ensure the golf course drains as well as possible. Another ongoing job is the works to the paths, with all pathways on the course are being edged, tidied and the potholes on the buggy paths continue to be filled. Focus over the next week will be turned to the ditches/lake in between the 8th and 18th, along with clearing areas around the 9th lake and the growths up to the fountain. Following all of the drains being cleared in the bunkers last week, they will also have the flymo treatment and will be edged, to make sure they all look much more presentable. We would like to finally remind of the importance of repairing pitch marks and replacing divots with the ground being so soft.
Ash Oakes, Head Greenkeeper.
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