We have finally had a taste of winter in the last couple of weeks with a period of frost and frozen surfaces followed by a brief scattering of snow.The course remains wet under foot  so care is required when playing.

                                                snow covered surface lasting a few hours

frost still on the 1st green Vixen at midday

We have carried out some bunker drainage work on the 4th Heron and 2nd green Hawk.These were not draining well after rain due to contaminated  sand or blocked pipes from tree roots.We hope to continue this work on other bunkers when we have the materials in stock.

                                               investigating the problem 4th Heron

                                              trying to rectify the problem

                                                         removing the blocked pipe

Putting in new shingle over the pipe followed by 

clean new sand

The hole cups and flag pin ferrules have not been replaced for some time and had become worn,this meant that in windy conditions the flags  would blow out and lie on the green or lean over damaging the sides of the hole.

                                               Sean cleaning off the pin for the new ferrules

New ferrule and cup

On the Vixen we are replacing the old painted distance  marker posts with new plastic ones,this will be completed  soon

new post looking clean and informative

One of the operations that we regularly carry out through the winter months  is to apply grit sand to high wear areas when the surface is dry.This helps firm the areas up and improves the wear tolerance  of these high volume traffic areas.

Craig sand dressing 9th Hawk

I recently attended the BIGGA and British Turf Management Exhibition show in Harrogate where there are many different  workshops and seminars to attend as well as trade show.It is important to Continue to Develop as a Profession (CPD) so that we are improving our courses and ourselves to benefit our golfers and customers alike.

The outdoor furniture from Chesfield Downs Golf Club has been In our Maintenance Building so that we can repair ,renovate and clean them up ready for use on the veranda of the clubhouse,this work is still on going 

Sam sanding down the wood

                                           applying 1st coat of wood stain

                                                     Craig apply the final coat of wood stain

Unfortunately while many users of the course enjoy playing there golf or foot golf they forget to  place there empty cans in bins around the course or take them back with them.
How heavy is an empty plastic drink bottle to carry anyway .......?

                                       This pile from one tee area on the Vixen in the bushes

                                        Hand mowing of the greens gives good presentation

                                           
The end of January saw Sean Eady my Deputy  finally finish employment at South Essex as he takes up the role of Head GreenKeeper at Ballards Gore G C. I wish him Success.

How to solve Slow play on the course ..............play quicker