As I write, winter is hitting hard now, windchill factor of -3°C , ground conditions are extremely hard followed up with driving snow into the bargain but that's January at Cathkin Braes! Never the less we must take advantage of hard ground conditions to continue drainage work on the 14th fairway.
This week for three days i will be attending our Industries Annual Machinery, Golf Course Equipment and Education Conference in Harrogate, Yorkshire (BTME). There I will be viewing the latest machinery technology and attending education seminars, keeping up to date with legislation, improvements in new products and techniques, not forgetting a blether or two with colleagues, no doubt the 2012 season being main topic of conversation!
You can view details of this show by visiting www.btme.org.uk.
In my absence our staff will continue installing further drainage to the beginning of the 14th fairway. To date, we have installed approx 160m of piped drainage and up to now no existing drainage pipe has been found, mainly rock! Therefore relying on natural drainage is not an option if our unpredictable climate continues.
Wheel Marks on Greens
I have been asked on several occasions recently why we have Tyre Marks on our greens considering we have introduced some course protection measures for this winter period, understandably!
There are only a few occasions throughout the winter period that our vehicles are on the main greens. Firstly, if ground conditions allow essential aeration work to be carried out and secondly if we require to 'blanket' spray all our greens with a fungicide or fertiliser.
As you know our winter period offers a limited amount of acceptable spraying days, dry/calm required! Therefore it is essential that we take full advantage of this by spraying all of the greens in one day. This is carried out by using our smallest and lightest available tractor and sprayer to minimise tread depth and compaction pressure. You can be assured that it is our policy as always to minimise the unnecessary use of vehicles on our main greens as much as possible, especially throughout the winter period.
Work Schedule for This Week
- Continue installing piped drainage to the 14th fairway.
- Pitch mark repair forks have now arrived and will be available shortly at the first tee and the pro shop.
Until next week,
Regards
Douglas
