Greens Update - December 2022
Hi everyone!
Even though the course has been closed, work has been carrying on as normal for the Greens staff - but we have been quite limited in what we can do. Having said that, it has been great to drive around the course without fear of being stuck in the wet ground. The course is going to be very wet soon, but more of that later. Firstly, let me share what we have been getting up to over the last week or so.
As part of the agreed winter programme, we were able to make a start in preparing some areas ready for when the ground conditions allow us to work properly. We did as much prep work as possible, before turning to much needed tree work during the icy cold snap.
Having already turfed the 18th tee, two other tees are being worked on. We are extending the tee at the front of the 10th and also replacing the tired old mat on the 15th, replacing it with a newer, smaller version. This will allow us to extend the 15th tee turf sideways, creating more playing area on the par 3 tee.
Figure 1- 10th tee extension prep work
We will go back to this tee as soon as we can, as the soil base (taken from down near the practice ground) will need to settle and consolidate first after it defrosts.
The 15th tee mat has been removed, and the majority of the sleepers too. Many have been retained should we need for another job. Small piles of excess material are still to be picked up, before more soil will be added to shape the edge of the tee. A small adjustment to the irrigation on the tee may be necessary for the corner sprinkler, but we will find out if it is once we have our final shape.
Figure 2- 15th tee mat removed and sleepers coming out
The path down to the 13th green is being updated this winter, much like the system used on the 17th path. In preparation for this task we have removed a few smaller trees at the bottom of the path, which clears the overhead space around it.
Path on the 13th
The large tree at the top of the path will be removed by a tree surgeon shortly. The work carried out has opened up the space nicely.
Three other areas have been worked on in the last few days. On the third hole the tree to the left of the path has been causing some issues for members as it has encroached over time onto the hole. So this has been removed which opens up the left side of the hole better. Some higher branches on the other tree local to it will be removed by the tree surgeon shortly. This should make the hole more playable.
Figure 3- 3rd hole before
Figure 4- 3rd hole after
Behind the tee, the large bushes were removed to allow more light and air onto the back of the tee. This area of the tee is always wet so this should help with that issue. The bushes to the right of the tree have been trimmed.
Figure 5- 3rd tee before
Figure 6- 3rd tee removal
On the 12th hole the right hand side of the par 3 was particularly unsightly and unplayable should you be unfortunate enough to go in there. We have spent a full day in there trimming back where we can so that in the future we will be able to manage the area much more efficiently. There is more work to do in the area, especially towards the right of the green, but it’s a good start.
Figure 7- 12th hole before
Figure 8 - 12th after
On the 6th hole, the hedge to the right of the green was very poorly managed and untidy. We have cut it back and tidied it up so it is much more in keeping with the surrounding area.
Figure 9- 6th green hedge tidy
So lots of work has been going on during your absence from the course, and I am sure you are eager to get back out there on the course as soon as possible. However, conditions at the minute are very unsafe with many areas of the golf course extremely slippy, as sheet ice has formed over large areas. Below is a video of me bouncing a ball on the ice on the 6th green. Next to that spot I had cleared a spot of ice to find a concrete hard green. It is that hard I haven’t as yet been able to determine how deep the frost has penetrated through.
It is at this time of year when we expect a thaw after a repeat frosty period that is crucial to look after the course, especially the greens, as it is very easy to cause damage to the root system. For those on social media, you may have seen these graphics in recent days. It’s a good explanation on what happens.
Figure 10-Explanation of rapid thaw
Figure 11- Another view
As you can see, it is critical that we manage this time carefully and don’t all rush back onto the surfaces too quickly. It is going to start thawing out this weekend, but it is also due to rain and so the course could well become unplayable due to possible flooding. We will monitor the situation very carefully and communicate to you as much as possible. I am hoping that at the start of next week, we will start to see some progress with the course condition, so that you can be out playing again shortly. As always we thank you for your patience during this frustrating period.
Steve Hemsley
Head Greenkeeper
