Now that soil temperatures are rising, the grass is beginning to grow and our frequency of mowing the course has started to increase .This will start to define the course areas and bring it out of winter.This increased activity coincides with our spring renovation on greens and bunkers as well as our normal routinue maintenance work which will keep the the green keeping team very busy.

The fairways have been brushed and scarified to remove any moss and dead grass and stimulate an upright growth habit.This will be followed soon by applying a soluble feed mixed with  a selective weed contol  to remove those plants which detract from the playing surface.(A weed is a plant growing were we don't want it to) In another place it would be left and be part of the natural flora of the course

Daisy
A part of our work not seen by the golfer but is still an essential element in the operation of the course is our Irrigation system.Our Mechanic Justin Plumbridge has finished servicing our main puup, fitting new seals and bearings as well as altering the pipe system in the pump room.We have also had a new Variable speed Drive linked in to the main pump which will not only improve and control flow rates and pressure in the system but be more energy effient and save some pound notes in energy bills

The gorse is now well into flowering and looking attractive  at various locations around the course and being enjoyed by both honey and bumble bees

 

 

We have recently hollow cored the greens with mini tines to remove any thatch build up and relieve the compaction in the soil.This also encourages root development and gaseous exchange allowing air and water to move through the soil profile.

We then verticut the greens in 2 different directions to remove dead matter  from the sward and help promote upright growth. The greens were topdressed with sand and then brushed to help provide a true and smooth putting surface.These operations are carried out on a regular bases throughout  the growing season.

 

The hollow cores from the greens are being used to extend the 3rd tee on the heron which will be developed in the autumn

 

We  have sprayed the perimeters on the inside of the bunkers to control weeds using a total weed control ,we add a blue dye so that we can see were we have sprayed and avoid overlapping or missing any areas,this is also  carried out on pathways and other selected areas

 

 

 

 

We have re-edged and strimmed all the bunker faces to give them definition,and we are in the process of topping up the bunker sand to those which need it most.

1st hole vixen

Drainage work is being carried out on those bunkers which have held water for a long period of time,the first to be completed was on the 6th Hawk,the material was removed over the drainage pipe, and the blockage flushed through before new shingle and sand add.



Add caption

 

Our long term plan is to improve the visual appearance along the entrance drive in and around the club house and carpark,so over the last few months we have been making new planting areas for plants and shrubs,the photo shows Sam Cooke planting lupins which we grew from seed behind the 9th green Vixen near the road

 

Spring has sprung on the course,primroses on the 7th vixen,cowslips behind the 6th tee heron and wood anenomes by the ditch on the 6th hawk as well as our october planted daffodils now in flower around the clubhouse.


Primrose

Wood anenomes

daffodils

 






 

WELCOME to this new blog for South Essex Golf Course,with updates photo's and information on work carried out by the Green Staff.