We have applied a slow release fertiliser to the greens which will provide the main nutrients slowly as a trickle feed through the winter months into the early spring without releasing  too much nutrient all at once..This is achieved by modern technology applying a polymer coating to the fertiliser which only allows the nutrient to be absorbed into the soil over a period of time .This time frame can be altered by varying the polymer coatings,and the fertiliser can be a 3,4,or 6 month product.

The grenstaff have spent some time out on the range on there hands and knees literally,collecting "lost" golf balls.The right hand side mound of the range has grown over with weeds and brambles which we first had to cut down so we had access to the many balls that had not been hit straight.

 

These balls were then hand picked up as the range was to wet to use our ball collector and tractor

 

The worst areas of hydraulic damage on the 5th and 6th greens was not going to quickly recover in the wet cold weather so we decided to returf them using material from the putting green and patching in those areas.

removing turf from the putting green

 

removing damaged turf 6th green hawk

replacing turf into damaged area

 

On Wednesday the 20th November 2013 cold rain kept many golfers and seniors from playing in the morning,The cold front that had passed across the country brought snow to the north of England and rain further south but by the afternoon as it moved away  it was followed by sun and blue sky. As we work outside most of the time weather plays a BIG part in what we do so weather information is vital in our decision process

The cold weather front seen moving south across the course followed by blue skies approximately 14-00hrs

 

Finally it was good to meet and talk with one of our golfers who reads this blog thanks for your comments,I hope all who read it gain an understanding of the varied work that we do on the course for your benefit as golfers.

The wet weather through October and into November has meant that we have started implementing our winter controls to protect the course from wear and tear. This has meant we have been putting out post and rope control to direct golf traffic  away from damaged areas, limiting the use of golf carts for safety reasons, and put out the winter tee mats on the par 3 holes again to protect these turf surfaces. Our aim is to nurse the course through the winter to limit any damage to the playing surfaces and come into the early spring months with the course in good condition for the new golf season.
6th heron tee path cart damage

7th hawk fairway cart skid marks

We hope to start our worm control programme on the green , tees and other selected areas when we are able to use the sprayer in more suitable ground conditions.
When the weather is so wet the greens are hand mowed as we can use our gators and trailors to move them around the course,

Sean Eady mows the 1st green Hawk

 

We have surffered some hydraulic oil damage on the greens 4,5,and 6th Hawk when a pipe on the mower developed a leak,most of the damage will grow out but there may be some turf repairs required.

6th green Hawk

 

Terry Sapsford has moved on to Orsett Golf Club after being on the greenkeeping team for nearly 6 years so our team is some what depleted at the moment after also losing Luke Heron recently to Hobbs Cross G.C.

 

Pond 7th heron