This part of the fairway(14(a) on plan) is now showing encouraging signs of improvement as far as surface water removal is concerned. A few weeks passed contractors installed sand band slits approx 7 inch deep across the fairway linking up with lateral drainage installed over the winter period by our greens staff. This has proved to be a good investment as last weekend saw approx 3/4" (19mm) of rainfall over approx 24hrs, the following morning the fairway was inspected and we were pleasantly surprised how well the fairway drained compared to similar areas throughout the course.
To date we have made two applications of granular lime/calcium to adjust the soil ph with additional monthly application there after until the correct ph level is achieved. Root zone mixed with seed and pre seeding fertiliser has been applied to the drain lines, however fluctuating temperatures recently is hampering seed germination in addition hollow coring and top dressing have also been carried out to the rest of the fairway, hopefully as temperatures increase we will see an improvement in grass coverage.
As i have mentioned in recent blogs contractors (Souters) are scheduled to arrive on 1/7/13 to begin installing approx 800m of lateral drains and sand banding to the worst part of this fairway (14b and c) on the drainage plan. The 16th fairway will also be included in this work schedule.
Hopefully the weather will be extremely kind to us during this period so that the work can be carried out to a high standard that we all expect. As we try to keep inconvenience to a minimum, can i ask for your patience and co operation during this time.
6th Medal Tee
Due to pest infestation and deterioration in the turf in the winter period it was necessary to returf the surface of the tee. Approx 70% of the tee has been completed using a new grass species specifically grown for shaded areas. The new turf is rooting well due to the warmer temperatures lately and we should have it back in play in approx a few weeks time. The remainder of the tee will be returfed once play resumes from the new turfed area.
Renovation to Aprons, Fringes and Walk Offs
Last years appalling weather caused a gradual deterioration to certain areas of aprons, fringes and walk ways. High rainfall has contributed to the lower areas holding water for longer periods than usual causing the turf to deteriorate and die. Throughout the next few months, weather permitting (stay dry) it is our intention to renovate these areas by hollow coring, top dressing and re seeding all bear areas. Ropes and polls with be installed ti divert traffic away from these areas so that full recovery can be achieved.
Our Work Schedule For This Week
Out with normal maintenance
- Hollow coring, top dressing and re seeding various aprons, walkways and winter tees.
- Apply root zone and seed to new drainage lines at the 7th/13th, 16th and 6th fairways.
Thank you for your attention,
Douglas McIntosh
