Since the last update we have made great progress on course work, especially the hedge changes, the weather update is sounding like a broken record, more rain, wind with the occasional dry spell in between.
We had to pick our moment to start the 13th hedge removal, as the area around the 13th tee and the 10th green is saturated and working during poor conditions would only deteriorate the ground further.
Finally we had our chance, the forecast was frosty and dry for two days, this could of been our only chance for a while so we took it.
Access to the area was limited as we were only taking out one side of the double row. This was to allow the new hedge row to establish before removing the second side, the hedge in this particular area of the course serves a purpose, visually protecting the 13th tee from the 10th green which is very close, it also directs traffic from the 12th green to the 13th tee.
We protected the grass by laying boards which were old drainage boards that were due to be burnt anyhow. The amount of work that would have been done in the area would have soon have damaged the turf once the frost started to come out of the ground. Once set we removed the tee side leylandii.
Once removed the stump grinder we had on hire removed the stumps from the area and then we brought in soil to fill in the remaining holes. The excess dead limbs were trimmed and we lowered the remaining section to allow the new hedge to grow as healthily as possible.
29 new leylandii plants were purchased and have been planted and staked. The new plants will be watered using the sprinkler system on the 13th tee during dry conditions. Leylandii aren't the most suitable of choice for a golf course but they do serve a purpose in this instance. They are quick growing, evergreen and will make a reasonable hedge. If time of establishment and cost wasn't such a factor then ewe, box or laurel would be more subtle options.
Other work has also continued on the 7th tee area where the leylandii was completely removed. The leylandii was removed a couple of weeks ago, so all was to do was remove the stumps and tidy with soil. Trying to get soil up to the 7th tee has been an issue due to the wet ground however we have had a couple of hard frosts which has allowed us to travel with a couple of loads of top soil. We have also started planting 2 pine trees and 2 laurels near the 7th tee just to fill in a couple of areas where we felt it would benefit from more separation from the 6th hole, without compromising the line of sight issue we previously had. The remaining area will be turfed, as will the soil area at the 13th.
Elsewhere the team have been busy with the stump grinder, we have done a lot of tee work over the last 2 months, which have left a number of stumps. We hired in a stump grinder from Beaver Plant Hire and ground down all the stumps, these will then need some soil and the in play areas will be turfed. The other areas will be seeded.
One large tree that needed removing due to poor health was the large ash tree to the left of the 18th hole. The tree showed signs of dieback in summer and we were monitoring the health of the tree for the rest of the year. Unfortunately the tree showed no signs of recovery and was becoming dangerous. It was agreed to remove the tree, once we cut it down it was obvious that the tree had issues for some time, with a large amount of rot inside the main trunk, a lot like the ash near the 15th ladies tee that had to be removed. Once down the tree was cleared, with the hole left to tidy and turf
We have also put out the first application of sand to approaches, worn areas and some surrounds, this is in an attempt to improve the presentation and quality of the approaches where the winter cups sit. Topdressing, fertiliser and aeration is needed regularly to get them in better condition. The winter cup areas then will be able to be made more playable.
Lastly I bring disappointing news, our Deputy Head Greenkeeper Adam Newell is leaving the club after 15 years service. Adam will be a great loss to the club and also to the team, as he has been passionate about his job, dedicated, a great friend and will be difficult to replace. He says 'its been the hardest decision of his life but is now looking forward to a fresh start'. Adam will be leaving on the 9th of March.
