Don’t cast a clout til May is out!
Well the current conditions certainly put these words to the test!
The bright sunshine means that more of you than ever for this time of year, are enjoying
the course and the great run on the ball.
Our greens
Still lower than average temperatures mean we can’t put the sprinklers on on some
nights, as cold water onto cold greens does not encourage growth.
The eagle eyed amongst you will have noted different levels of grass growth on our
greens, as the new mixes designed to give us greater leaf density, slowly get growing.
This will naturally result in the odd bobble until the growing rate increases. We have
“hand cut” every green this morning, and it is amazing how little grass has been
collected.
Our 15th green is looking and playing really well after the remedial work. It’s incredible
that it too now needs daytime watering, which is some comeback from the surface we
knew previously.
Long standing members will know that our greens usually take until the end of this
month to “come good”, and we are on target for this to happen despite the issues we
face.
Please repair pitch marks as you find them.
Please also be extremely careful as you take the ball out of the hole. Flag first, then
reach down to collect the ball, or use your putter handle gadget! Using a putter face to
get the ball out is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
Fairways
Our fairways are in good condition and we have delayed taking preferred lies off, just to
give us more time to review areas around our greens which need repair. We will not sow
grass or returf an area without ensuring we have sufficient water to nurture it.
We may invoke a local rule which would help in drought affected areas, and/or simply
mark specific areas and guide you away from them.
Tees
We will be repairing tees on a rota basis next week. We will use the green tees as
alternates for “fun golf”, but the grass tees will be presented on Tuesdays and at
weekends.
And until further notice, Casual Play Cards on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and
Fridays must be played from the green course.This will give us valuable time to repair worn areas and set up a portable water supply to
these tees to encourage growth.
Bunkers
Members familiar with the recent appraisal of the course by the STRI will know that the
maintenance of our bunkers is something we struggle with due to a variety of factors.
We will be concentrating on improving our greenside bunkers in the coming months to
try and avoid balls settling on the slopes of our bunkers.
Please rake the sand to the centre of each bunker as you leave them to help us out here.
Many of you rake towards the edges. That may result in your ball not finding the level bit
of a bunker. So take your time and leave the bunker in good order.
The GUR markings on the former bunkers on holes 2 and 3 have faded and will not be
renewed as the areas are ready for play.
The former bunker on hole 9 is still GUR and relief must be taken.
The Rough
What rough? we hear you say...yes, it too is very shy and slow to grow on exposed areas.
We will scarify the rough in the coming weeks to reduce the thicker leaves and
encourage fescue. Grass has come through on the area to the right of the 16th tee so the
GUR signs have gone today.
The area to the right of hole 9 designated as a no play zone, is struggling at the moment.
We had seen heather beginning to grow a month ago but the drought will have set it
back. We are actively reviewing our plans for this hole and will communicate these
plans as soon as possible.
That’s it for today. Remember your sun screen and water and enjoy your golf.
The Greens Tea