Our spring renovation has continued and moved from the Greens and Tees to the Fairways.We have used one of our implements called a Quadraplay which has 4 attached tools.The scarifer was set to run into the sward of the fairway to open up the surface and scratch out the thatch and fibre that accumulates  there,this helps to improve the sward density and a more upright growth habit.In April we hope to apply a soluble feed to stimulate growth.Some of the fairways have had a large ingress of moss growing from the wet winter so we have sprayed a heavy application of soluble iron to the worst affected ones,you will notice this by the very dark appearance.

As the course starts to recover from the wear and tear of the winter  and signs of spring show themselves  we are upgrading some of the course furniture,new flags are now on the green flag pins,broken bins replaced with new ones.new bunker rakes replacing broken ones and we have installed new pins and flags on the chipping greens.

An area behind the clubhouse has been developed mainly for those playing football golf so they have direct access into the proshop rather than through the clubhouse.Geoff and Craig worked well together to put this in place.

Two new flowerbed areas are in the process of being constructed in the clubhouse garden area which we hope to plant up through the year,(we would be happy to receive donations of plants or cuttings to help us in this project)

Many have commented on how quickly the course dries out especially if its windy, unfortunately we think it has too, so we sent out our machinery to start mowing the course, only to find out that not all of the course had dried out

The tractor came to pull out the mower but got stuck as well,fortunately  we got both out with another tractor with no damage to either machine, only damaged turf which was then repaired.

Spring has now arrived at South Essex so its time to get the clubs out and come and enjoy the scenery and golf

March has seen us carrying out renovation work to alleviate the wear and tear on the turf through the winter months.This year spring growth is later than 2014 delaying recovery.There is a formula used to calculate this, known as Growth Degree Days (GDD).By using a base line of 6C (temperature) at which grass begins to grow and then taking the maximum from the minimum day temperature this gives a number for growth.This year has had a very low GDD compared to last year which is estimated to put us 4 weeks behind in growth and hence slower recovery.The work has consisted of using our heavy deep tiner fitted with 10mm solid tines to a depth of175mm on the greens in a close pattern to reduce compaction and open up the soil profile.

This was later followed by scarifying the greens in 2 directions to remove surface fibre and thatch to a depth of 10mm and blowing off the debris.A granular feed was applied to the greens at 40grams per metre,using an Organic fertiliser based on cow manure mixed with seaweed and humic acid.

We will be carrying out further work when the greens have recovered from this work and top dressed to smooth the surfaces.We have also recently had soil samples taken for analysis from 6 greens which are done on an annual bases and we are awaiting the results.

We then turned our attention to the tees,these were  first solid tines,and the main wear areas seeded and dressed before applying a granular slow release fertiliser which will give a regular feed over a 2-3 month period depending on temperature.

The winter control measures of rope and post have been brought in as well as the winter mats,and with greens tees,aprons and fairways cut the course is slowing coming out of winter mode.

To the right of the 1st fairway on the Heron we have add wood chip around the tree area.

 On the 6th Heron we have completed the drainage work on the greenside bunker and topped it up with new sand.The one on the fairway is awaiting sand to finish it.

I would like to introduce our new Assistant greenkeeper to our team Ross Sullivan who has had some experience working a few years ago at Risebridge G. C. We now have a complement of 4 full-time greenkeepers as well as our casual Geoff Turner.

Our spring bulbs are now showing off and providing that spring colour around the clubhouse.