Saturday 2 November 2013

Not feeling like November

Were into November and we haven't had a frost or any sign of really wintery weather as yet, this on the positive side has helped the condition of the course. The grass is still growing, albeit slowly, its green and definition is still great. The greens have performed really well as late with a lot of positive comments from members and visitors recently. They are currently being cut at 4mm(bench setting) with the triple mowers, ground conditions have dictated that the use of the triples is still possible without causing any damage to the turf. Usually when we come into the winter period we need to use the hand mower and raise height of cut a little more to protect the turf. On the downside the mild weather is causing high disease pressure, creating worm castings which make isolated areas messy and there are a lot of leaves which are falling slowly but surely and being blown around the course by the recent strong winds.
From the 1st November the white tees are for competition only, we will still use the summer grass tees until the weather does go downhill. Next week we will start the routine closure of loops of 9 holes, this for course maintenance, resting 9 holes and to encourage members to use the 19-27 hole course more. Next week 1-9 will be closed Tues, Wed and Thurs.

On Friday we had a afternoon of very wet weather, with a couple of puddles of water standing on the 12th green we are considering looking at the drainage on this green, with a possibility of installing another drain.

About Me

Im the Head Greenkeeper at Malton and Norton Golf Club. I began my greenkeeping career at Malton and Norton Golf Club straight from school as an Assistant Greenkeeper. Wanting to climb the greenkeeping ladder I gained my NVQ level 2 and 3 at Askham Bryan College. I continued with my education gaining a HNC in golf course management and took the position of Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Malton and Norton Golf Club in 2005.In 2008 I was promoted to the position of Head Greenkeeper, leading a team of 6 hard working and dedicated Greenkeepers. Our aim is to continue to improve the condition of the course year on year maintaining our high reputation within the area.