June 2018 Greens Blog

Greens Blog:    June 2018

1.     2^nd Hole:           Permanent signage will be displayed at the white tee on this hole to signify it as a “call on” hole.

2.     5^th Tee (new):    We have received some feedback about the lack of play from this. It will be on wef 21/6/18 but Douglas explained the main reasons for play from the older tee:

·         Wind conditions can determine the new one isn’t suitable to be on.

·         The prolonged dry weather we had caused problems on it as there were no pop ups installed when it was built. This work will be included in the winter programme.

3.     6^th Tee (white): This is back in play for medals & is looking good.

4.     Bunkers:

·         Despite e-mails & blogs on rake positioning, this is still causing problems with rakes being left half in & half out or along the back of the bunkers. We have considered other options on this, but the Greens Team/Committee believe the rake in the centre with the T towards the hole is the best & fairest way forward.

·         The Greens Team have been asked to ensure the rakes are placed in all bunkers as agreed when setting up the course in the morning.

·         We are continuing to monitor the bunkers & looking for ways to ensure consistency across the course.

·         Members are asked to support the Greens Team/Committee in ensuring bunkers are raked properly & the rakes returned to the centre.

5.     7^th & 14^th Greens: We have experienced some difficulty with these greens following the harsh winter & into hot/dry conditions. They had moss & fusarium problems which resulted in treatment. They hadn’t come back fully, so had to be small/thin core hollow tined as well as sanded this week. 

6.     Drain Lines 8^th & 17^th: These have yet to be seeded as we had been waiting on the right weather conditions. This will be done over the next couple of days.

7.     Irrigation: Douglas clarified the following points around our irrigation system as many members ask why he is manually watering:

·         Our system requires a significant upgrade & a wall mounted panel in the Greenkeeper office.

·         The pop ups do work but are operated manually, one green at a time & then one tee at a time.

·         If we operated it electronically the predominant East wind can throw the water to areas which do not require water & we end up using more water, resulting in unnecessary costs.

·         Douglas prefers to use a moisture tester & by manually operating the pop ups he has clear control over the application of water to the areas of the course which need it most.

8.     Machinery:       All the new aeriation, cutting etc kit has now arrived & is making a huge difference in the way the Greens Team can maintain the course.

9.     Team Pins:       Agreed to consider having 2 different sets of pins for the Ladies & Gents matches next season as those areas of the greens are getting pounded. It’s also unfair to the wider membership as the difficult pins are often on for prolonged spells.

We welcome your feedback on the course:         Greens@cathkinbraesgolfclub.co.uk

Jane Lees

May 2018 Greens Blog

May 2018 Greens Blog

1.     New aerating/blowing/cutting machinery has arrived on site & this will assist the Greens Team with the necessary hollow coring & seeding required on the white tee at the 6^th.  We hope to have this back in play within 2 weeks.

2.     Drainage lines @ 8^th & 11^th holes will be seeded & cut shortly.

3.     Dry weather has meant certain greens/fairways have had to be irrigated by sprinklers & hand where necessary. This work is a priority for the Greens Team.

4.     Bunkers:          A few concerns have been received about the consistency of the bunkers but we ask members to be assured the Greens Team are continuing to monitor this issue by taking the following steps:

·         As advised previously, we will firm/tighten the face & finely/lightly rake the bunkers we have already identified as ones where the ball has the potential to stick in the face.

·         Additional sand has been ordered & levels with be checked in all bunkers.

Prolonged periods of dry weather is compounding this issue & depending on the angle of entry some balls have plugged in the sand as it has become dry/powdery. With 59 bunkers on the course & a small Greens Team, there is little we can do to counteract this. Members are reminded to rake bunkers thoroughly & place the rake fully inside them with the T facing the hole. Please do not leave it half in & half out or outside the bunker.

5.     Practice Area: Members are also asked to note that under no circumstances should balls be hit from the back of this area towards the front.

6.     2^nd Hole:           With immediate effect this will be a “call on” hole. When you reach the green, mark your ball & stand aside waving those behind on. This is in the interests of safety as well as speed. A clear & early shout of fore should be given for any balls hit in the direction of the 4^th green/fairway.

7.     Accident/Incident/Near Misses:            Members are asked to record any such issues in the book behind the bar.

8.     Greens:            Our greens are the envy of many clubs around & we ask for your continued support by repairing all pitch marks, particularly on your alpha-split allocated holes – see below:

A                      -           Hole 1.

B                      -           Hole 2.

C                      -           Hole 3.

D                      -           Hole 4.

E/F                   -           Hole 5.

G                      -           Hole 6.

H                      -           Hole 7.

I/J/K                 -           Hole 8.

L                      -           Hole 9.

Mc                    -           Holes 10/11.

M                     -           Holes 12/13.

N/O/P/Q            -           Hole 14.

R                      -           Hole 15.

S                      -           Hole 16.

T/U/V                -           Hole 17.

W/X/Y/Z            -           Hole 18.

            Feedback to Greens Team: Greens@cathkinbraesgolfclub.co.uk