Yelverton Golf Club

Greens Department

Spring / Summer 2011 Newsletter

Weather

Our favourite subject! Again, we have experienced some unique weather patterns during the spring and early summer, the driest for 100 years. The course only received 59mm of rain during March, April and May, the 3 years previous we averaged 270mm for the 3 months! So, less than quarter of what we would normally expect. This in itself would cause sufficient stress to the grass plant, but on top of this we had some periods of sustained high temperatures and strong winds causing the plant to lose moisture through transpiration and evaporation. The two combined has produced a severe moisture deficit to the plant.

Course Maintenance

The course has coped extremely well, especially areas that do not receive intense maintenance and are predominately made up of the indigenous grass species. These grasses have evolved and adapted to survive in dry impoverished soils.

Greens. Unfortunately, the mixed grass species we have on the greens are not so hardy and therefore require more work to keep them healthy and to produce an acceptable playing surface. A programme of “Wetting Agent” was implemented back in March and this product has helped to retain moisture within the soil profile. During the very dry period, Seaweed was used to help with plant stresses and to encourage some growth. In recent weeks we have experienced a flush of growth, due to a build up of nutrient and the soil temperature and moisture levels improving. This has really helped to match up the different grass species, but it has also meant that green speeds have reduced. Now that we have the sustained growth, the focus will be put on improving the greens speed and trueness. This will include regular top-dressing, so please bear with us during times of application.

Tees. The tees have also suffered during this period, due to increased playing pressure but insufficient growth conditions for repair. Recently we have applied a “wetting agent” product to the tees and with the recent rains; we should start to see some significant signs of recovery.

Fairways. The fairways, with their predominately indigenous grass species, have remained in good shape. Regular divotting will now start to commence along with divotting parties to be arranged for the season. It would be great to see you join in on these evenings. Refreshments and a drink will be provided after the work and it is a great opportunity to meet some of the green staff and other members here at the club. Details of these parties will be posted on the website and notice boards. Many thanks to those who attended regularly last year and I look forward to seeing you all again this season. Once moisture levels improve, the fairways and rough areas will have a very light application of soluble fertiliser to improve health and definition and to aid divot regeneration.

Bunkers. The bunkers have been difficult to keep consistent through the dry period too. The sand has become very dry and mobile and therefore the bunkers lose their shape and we even lost sand during the period of strong winds in early May. The other issue are the stones, which become more apparent in dry conditions and we have been working hard to remove as many as possible on a regular basis. The site in its make-up is very stony. We are researching different methods and systems to reduce stone contamination in the bunkers and keep you posted with our findings and any new bunker construction we implement.

Projects

Recent projects include addition bunker drainage to the 18th fairway bunker and the two 11th fairway bunkers. All the steps have been covered with new matting to improve how they look but more importantly their safety by reducing the chance of slipping. The Leat bridges have also been upgraded and covered with the same matting for the same reasons. The 7th Fairway bunker has been reconstructed and drained. The 1st tee area has been improved to reduce wear patterns from golf traffic. The astro-turf practice mat has been removed to improve safety and will be relocated in due course. A viewing platform has been constructed on the 3rd and this should be used to ensure that the 3rd green is free of golf before teeing off. At the 12th tee we have upgraded the path by improving its shape and landscaping any areas of erosion; new benches will be positioned on completion.

We have many projects pending including some path upgrades and bunker improvements. Please see a current copy of the “Course Maintenance Plan” on the green staff notice board at the main entrance of the clubhouse.

Practice Area Improvements. The Academy / Short course project was due to start in the early spring, but due to the very dry conditions it has now been postponed until the Autumn. The new greens that will be constructed will use the indigenous turf from the practice ground. The reason for this is that this turf will survive drought conditions once established and will not require any irrigation. During the laying of the turf, water will be required and this is why we will now try to time it with some wet weather going into autumn. The new Chipping green area will be reconstructed at the same time.

Green-keepers Day

Thanks to all who attended the Greenkeeper’s day competition. Thanks especially to those who also attended the presentation and tour of facilities. I hope it gave you an insight into our department and our philosophies regarding the maintenance of the course. I will be delivering the same presentation to the Ladies section on Thursday 28th July. If any of the other sections within the Club would like to do the same, then please contact me to arrange this.

Lastly, thanks for all the positive feedback we have been receiving recently and thanks to the team for all their hard work!

George Pitts
Course Manager
Email: gpitts@yelvertongolf.co.uk