Green Keepers Update
November / December 2025
Dear Members,
As we approach the end of 2025, I would like to share an update on our recent course maintenance activities and look ahead to closing out the year.
1. November - Challenging Conditions
November presented us with particularly challenging weather conditions - heavy rainfall, temperatures dropping as low as -8°C, and even a light dusting of snow. Despite these obstacles, the team has maintained consistent effort to keep the course in optimal playing condition.
2. Course Maintenance Completed
Our primary focus throughout November has been leaf clearing - a labour-intensive but essential task that comes with maintaining our beautiful, tree-lined parkland course. The benefits we enjoy during the summer months naturally bring this significant autumn workload. All greens received applications of granular fertiliser and were treated with fungicide following early November disease pressure. We have continued cutting selected rough areas to improve overall presentation, particularly where leaf accumulation had become problematic.
The persistent wet weather has resulted in increased worm casting across the course - an issue that continues to worsen each year due to the absence of available chemical controls. To address this challenge, we trialled two different fairway brush systems and are progressing towards a purchase decision.
3. Equipment and Infrastructure Progress
Our verti-drain has completed the first stage of its repair programme, which means we will begin verti-draining and sanding tees and approaches as soon as weather conditions permit. Work has commenced on addressing the wet areas at the start of the 16th fairway, with this project continuing over the coming weeks. The road through the course has also been successfully repaired.
4. December - Exceptionally Wet Conditions
December has been an exceptionally wet month, with 102mm of rain recorded as of the 17th of December (monthly average is around 112mm with two weeks to go). The course is extremely wet, and the forecast for the remainder of the month does not look promising. These conditions have significantly limited our maintenance operations and ensured for a wet Christmas.
On a positive note, we have now taken delivery of our new fairway brush, which will be put to work after the holiday period. We have also scrapped several old machines that were taking up valuable shed space, and with the proceeds received, we purchased a second-hand utility vehicle to replace our old one, which was no longer usable.
All tees have now been verti-drained; however, the weather has been too wet to sand them. This will be completed as soon as conditions allow. Verti-draining and sanding of green approaches will be carried out early in the new year, weather permitting.
5. Volunteer Appreciation
I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteers - Graham Harrison, Pat O'Connor, Mike Reglinski and Scott Marr- for their ongoing support throughout November. A special mention goes to Robin Lindsay, who has returned after a lengthy lay-off. Your hard work and commitment remain invaluable to maintaining our high standards.
As we close out 2025, I would like to thank all our members for your continued support and cooperation throughout the year. The progress we have made towards our goal of making Wishaw Golf Club the finest course in Lanarkshire is reflected in the condition you have experienced throughout the season.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year, and look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.
Best regards,
Gerry Bradley
Head Greenkeeper
Our volunteer team continues to make a huge difference - join us Mondays from 8:30 AM or any day that suits. Contact the club office if interested.
As we approach the end of 2025, I would like to share an update on our recent course maintenance activities and look ahead to closing out the year.
1. November - Challenging Conditions
November presented us with particularly challenging weather conditions - heavy rainfall, temperatures dropping as low as -8°C, and even a light dusting of snow. Despite these obstacles, the team has maintained consistent effort to keep the course in optimal playing condition.
2. Course Maintenance Completed
Our primary focus throughout November has been leaf clearing - a labour-intensive but essential task that comes with maintaining our beautiful, tree-lined parkland course. The benefits we enjoy during the summer months naturally bring this significant autumn workload. All greens received applications of granular fertiliser and were treated with fungicide following early November disease pressure. We have continued cutting selected rough areas to improve overall presentation, particularly where leaf accumulation had become problematic.
The persistent wet weather has resulted in increased worm casting across the course - an issue that continues to worsen each year due to the absence of available chemical controls. To address this challenge, we trialled two different fairway brush systems and are progressing towards a purchase decision.
3. Equipment and Infrastructure Progress
Our verti-drain has completed the first stage of its repair programme, which means we will begin verti-draining and sanding tees and approaches as soon as weather conditions permit. Work has commenced on addressing the wet areas at the start of the 16th fairway, with this project continuing over the coming weeks. The road through the course has also been successfully repaired.
4. December - Exceptionally Wet Conditions
December has been an exceptionally wet month, with 102mm of rain recorded as of the 17th of December (monthly average is around 112mm with two weeks to go). The course is extremely wet, and the forecast for the remainder of the month does not look promising. These conditions have significantly limited our maintenance operations and ensured for a wet Christmas.
On a positive note, we have now taken delivery of our new fairway brush, which will be put to work after the holiday period. We have also scrapped several old machines that were taking up valuable shed space, and with the proceeds received, we purchased a second-hand utility vehicle to replace our old one, which was no longer usable.
All tees have now been verti-drained; however, the weather has been too wet to sand them. This will be completed as soon as conditions allow. Verti-draining and sanding of green approaches will be carried out early in the new year, weather permitting.
5. Volunteer Appreciation
I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated volunteers - Graham Harrison, Pat O'Connor, Mike Reglinski and Scott Marr- for their ongoing support throughout November. A special mention goes to Robin Lindsay, who has returned after a lengthy lay-off. Your hard work and commitment remain invaluable to maintaining our high standards.
As we close out 2025, I would like to thank all our members for your continued support and cooperation throughout the year. The progress we have made towards our goal of making Wishaw Golf Club the finest course in Lanarkshire is reflected in the condition you have experienced throughout the season.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year, and look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.
Best regards,
Gerry Bradley
Head Greenkeeper
Our volunteer team continues to make a huge difference - join us Mondays from 8:30 AM or any day that suits. Contact the club office if interested.