Newsletter - Greenkeepers Report - September 2008
Over the summer months the rainfall has resulted in rapid grass growth. This has meant that most of our work has been mowing, followed by mowing, followed by even more mowing. However the wet weather has benefited the overall look and condition of the course through the season.
The new pond on the 11th has caused some extra work. There was a problem with retaining water to the desired depth and after a few failed attempts to reseal the clay we decided to install a rubber liner. This seems to have fixed the problem.
We have also decided to tap into a spring by the left of the first green and divert more water into the pond. We are hopeful that this will have another benefit by reducing the waterlogging on the 11th fairway in front of the green during the winter months.
Plants will be planted in the pond during the winter and eventually we hope to have fish in the pond as well.
We plan major renovation work on our greens, which will start in the week commencing 6th October. This unfortunately will cause inconvenience but the work is essential to maintain healthy greens. Please bear with us as we carry out this important work.
18th Fairway
The Hawthorn tree in the middle of the fairway on the last hole has recently been damaged by strong winds creating a large split in the trunk. One of the branches has been removed to make it safe, and thanks to the quick actions of Derek Wheatley our Vice Captain the tree was braced on the day, and Derek subsequently arranged for steel bands to be fitted to minimise any further potential damage.
The tree has recently been aged at 350 years old. We have been advised that the tree is now in decline, both due to age and to the recent damage. Like many older trees external appearance is good but rot in the heart of the tree is increasing year by year, weakening the tree and making it less able to survive the weather. The strong winds have taken their toll on what is a feature of the course.
The course committee believe the club should begin to consider the options for this important feature. It is not clear how long the tree could survive in its present condition, but certainly each year is taking a toll on it. If the tree ultimately cannot survive there are many options that can be considered. Lee Challinor (club professional) and Jon Barr (head green keeper) have already given some thought to this, but we also want to know your thoughts and ideas.