Yelverton Golf Club

Greens Department

Winter Newsletter - February 2011

What a winter we have had – so far. Ice, snow and sustained very low temperatures have meant that the Course has been closed for periods and temporary greens in use during periods of frost. Unfortunately this weather cycle continues from 2008/09 with another very harsh winter. This has been extremely frustrating for all concerned!

Frost
The frost situations have been the most frustrating; as we have experienced severe low temperatures and deep soil frosts that have been very slow to thaw. As explained in other documents and Newsletters that I have produced in the past, there are times when the green (from 6ft away!) can look perfectly fine to play on. The soil underneath can tell a different story and it is when the surface is beginning to thaw and the underlying soil remains frozen that most severe damage can be caused.

Long-Term Greens Objective
The Clubs combined objective is to encourage the indigenous fine grasses back into our golf greens and reduce the amount of coarser grasses, in particular Annual Meadow Grass. This objective is in place for a number of reasons, including the ever-increasing pressures from European Regulations to reduce chemical and nutritional inputs and water usage. Coarse grasses demand higher levels of nutrition and water in order to produce acceptable surfaces. They are also more susceptible to fungal diseases and therefore increase the need for chemical fungicide use.
The main reason that we want to encourage these finer grasses is that they will produce firmer, faster and more consistent greens year round. This objective will differ from other clubs and is site specific to the course and environment at Yelverton Golf Club. The finer grasses (bent and fescue) we are aiming towards encouraging are Perennial plants. Therefore, if damage or loss of plant occurs, the repair process can be very slow during spring and early summer with extensive overseeding required in order to compete against annual plant invasion. Annual meadow grass, being predominately an annual plant, will reproduce, establish and recover much quicker in the lower temperatures during spring and early summer. Extensive damage could cause a huge step backwards toward achieving our agronomic objectives and could severely compromise the playing surfaces leading into spring and early summer.

Frost Policy
The frost policy we adopt at Yelverton Golf Club has not changed for more than 10 years. The policy was put in place to ensure the long-term health of the main greens and to protect them against severe damage that can be caused from frost situations. The policy has been highlighted in recent years due to the severity of the winters we have experienced. It is important to remain consistent with the policy to ensure the long-term health and performance of the main greens here at Yelverton Golf Club.

Winter Project Work
The weather has also influenced our winter program of project work. Having said that, we are still managing to achieve most of our project objectives. We have had to adapt to the weather changes, which has meant that certain projects have been halted and then started again at a later date. The Leat crossings on the 8th, 9th and 10th are nearing completion. These will all be covered with synthetic turf matting on completion. The 3rd viewing platform has been installed. Again, synthetic turf matting will be added along with post and rail to complete.

Traffic Damage
The course itself remains in good shape with the greens performing very well in recent weeks. However, there have been increased signs of traffic damage of late, which is unfortunately a sign of the times. The culture of the game has changed. Years gone by, winter golf was infrequent and if played only a few clubs were carried. These days the general expectations of the golfer has evolved and changed dramatically. Now winter golf is demanded along with the use of heavy powered trolleys carrying all the latest gadgets! It is unrealistic to enforce total trolley bans through the whole of the winter months, especially in these economically sensitive times. We must adapt as a Club to encourage access to as many members and visitors to play golf without compromising the aesthetics, playability and sensitive nature of our unique environment. Future projects will include the upgrade and extension of path networks, the use of turf reinforcement products to combat erosion and improved surface drainage qualities in specific areas.

Greenkeeper’s Day
On Saturday 26th of March, we will be holding a “Greenkeeper’s Day” for members here at the Club. The day will consist of a Shotgun start competition in the morning. After lunch, there will be the opportunity to attend a Presentation by myself in the dining room. The presentation will focus on the Golf Course objectives including agronomic, ecological and design issues. It will also include an explanation of current policies in place at the club. There will also be the opportunity to visit the maintenance facilities including the new staff welfare building that as been recently installed. We hope you see this as a positive opportunity to meet the Green Staff and see first hand the systems and procedures in place to ensure that the course remains in optimum condition year round. It will be great to see you there!

Finally, and as always, a big thank you to Adam, Mike, Neville and Mark for all their hard work.

Enjoy your golf!

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