We are now entering the period where we can expect uneven growth. As the soil temperature is starting to pick up different grass species will grow at different rates. Not only do we get different species growing at differential rates we also get what can only be described as tufting. This is where the grass plant is growing down a tine hole and is more healthier than the plant next to it. As we know grass plants grow in air spaces not the soil, hence a healthier plant.There are a few ways we can try to keep the greens smooth during this period. Light regular top dressing, light vetri cutting and rolling. Inevitably there will be a slow up in pace. The surfaces are not growing much this time of year. When the temperatures allow we will be applying a granular fertiliser, a base feed that will trickle feed the greens through out the playing season and then be topped up by liquid feeds. This will encourage a bit of growth and slow the pace down until we get into the playing season. Aeration has been the name of the game over the past few weeks especially with all the dry weather, it has allowed us to get the areas aerated we previously could not get to. Fairways, tee's & approaches have all been verti-drained with a 20mm x 240mm solid tine. Approaches have been hollow cored with 19mm x 75mm tine. Greens are being solid tined this week with a 13mm x 150mm solid tine. All greens will be turfed ironed after aeration.
Speed is tested using a stimpmeter. There is no target speed for this time of year. We are aiming for a consistent speed between 9.0 - 10.0 during the playing season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EB7Ms58vkY
Firmness is tested using a clegg impact hammer. We had some very good readings considering the wet winter we have had. The dressing we have applied during the winter has help keep the greens firm going into the spring.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GGSWnU7NDg (not BBGC greens)
Truness is measured by using the STRI trueness meter. This machine replicates a golf ball and measures movment from side to side and bumpiness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMxSHX27xg
Soil temperature is taken using a basic temperature gauge. there is a optimum temperature the grass plant and biological species need to start functioning. The magic numbers are 6-8 degrees (4 degrees at the time of STRI visit, 4th march 2015). Efficacy of granular fertiliser is greatly reduced anywhere below the magic number by as much as 70%. This is why we tend to use liquid feeds during the winter months it is absorbed straight into the leaf and there is no need for the nutrition to be broken down by organisms.
Visual assessment is done taking core samples and visually inspecting the organic matter levels (thatch), root depth and general plant health.
Something that did come to light from our STRI visit was the build up of organic matter (thatch) at the 20mm-40mm levels on the 6th green, why this green has built up these levels and no other on the course has is a bit of a mystery at the moment. We are still investigating. Hence this green needed a more aggressive approach in the spring. Monday 9th March we hollow cored with 19mm hollow tines to a depth of 75mm, top dressed and brushed in to fill the holes. Then we heavily dressed again and vert-drained over the top of the dressing forcing as much dressing into our target area as possible. brushed the dressing in again and rolled with the turf iron. This is a good start to reducing the thatch levels but will probably have to be repeated before the playing season starts. But all said a very positive visit.. I will attach the report in the next few days.
OTHER NEWS
We will be scrifying the tees and approaches over the next few weeks.
The carpark has been cleared around the edges to prevent any damaged or old trees from falling onto cars.
We have tidied our yard creating more space and a cleaner working area.
The greens are currently being vert-drained then rolled.
The 10th sleeper bunker should be in play during the next 2 weeks. The sleeper face needs treating then back in play.
Leaves have been cleared from the bottom of the 14th slope, 150+ balls were found there, we have donated them to the cadets or you guys have, thank you.
We will be introducing barn owl, kestrel and tawny owl boxes to the course during the next 2 weeks. Thankyou for all your donations and a big thanks to Hugh Somerville for getting the ball rolling.
Thank you to those of you that have been able to carry during the winter (we do understand not all of you can). With the relatively mild winter we have seen the increase in rounds of golf and unfortunately with that comes extra wear areas so please be patient we will get around to repairing the areas that have suffered more wear this year.
Thank you for reading.
Lee & The greenkeeping team