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August / September Course Report

 With most of the UK still in need of substantial rainfall to supplement moisture loss, irrigation has been widely used throughout the summer.The last 4 months since the beginning of April has tested out our irrigation system and i am pleased to say we have come through in good shape. As we get to the end of August there is a noticeable change in daylight hours and the start of damper dewy mornings. These type of mornings often have a tendency to cause outbreaks of disease and every day we inspect our greens for fusarium as it can devastate playing surfaces.

The August maintenance week went the best ever, we verti drained, hollowcored, overseeded and filled all the core holes with topdressing in three days, and then the heavons opened to wash every thing in.

The greens are almost back to top condition and are running at a more even pace.

We always get asked why do we dig up the green when there at there best ? Well first of all we take advantage of the  much drier conditions. Secondly the day light hours are longer and recovery time is quicker. Thirdly germination of seed is much greater.

Liquid fertilisers are applied throughout the summer as opposed to granular types, this is because they do not interfere with the roll of the ball and the nutrient up take is quicker.  Nutrient requirement will largely depend on the needs of the turf.  In hot and dry conditions, the plant partially shuts down and therefore has less need for nutrient.  However, to help the turf through such periods, then it is important to apply a mix of seaweed extracts and humic acids, along with a very small amount of Nitrogen to give the plant sufficient nutrient to restart the photosynthesis process, albeit gradually.

Cutting  is still a priority and presentation of tees, fairways and aprons remain high on our list.  Following recent heavy rain and a return of growth, definition should be good and sufficient to give a good contrast between semi-rough and fairway.  Mowing of the fairways, tees and aprons are still  twice a week .  In September, 'dewy' mornings may become the norm with increasing levels of dampness at night and during the early morning when temperatures are cooler, the risk from disease attack increases and this can be a key issue for our greenstaff at this time of year.  We brushed / switched prior to mowing to reduce the incidence of disease outbreaks on greens.

The fairways have been scarified to a depth of between 10mm to 15mm with powered reels with our Sissis Veemos which will help to get rid of a lot of fibrous thatchy material.  Ground conditions need to be moist underneath and dry on the surface for this operation to have maximum effect therefore timing and ground conditions are the all important consideration. In severe cases, some over-seeding may be required.

Dont forget to use the divot boxs on tees !!

Graeme Macdonald
Course Manager