tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44395467824716067602024-03-13T21:29:38.049+00:00Malton and Norton Golf Club Greens DepartmentProviding a centre of information regarding the maintenance of the golf courseRichard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comBlogger550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-67861480456949044662018-12-18T13:33:00.000+00:002018-12-18T13:33:34.370+00:00December Course Report
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Course Report December 2018</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Up to now we
have been very fortunate with the weather this autumn and into the winter
period. It has been mostly dry and frosts haven’t been too severe, until this
morning (3rd December), where the coldest morning of the winter has arrived at
-3 degrees Celsius. During the middle of November however we had a wetter
period where there were heavy downpours giving around 10mm of rain on two
occasions. With the surface drainage that we have done and the dry underlying
soil conditions the water drained away well, and up to now we haven’t had any day’s
closure so far this winter. Overall not a bad year with 14 days closed to date,
most of those came in January through to March due to snow. The course has been
playing well of late, the weather playing a big part; however, the work that
was done earlier on in the year (if a little more disruptive) has certainly
made the greens more playable at this time of the year. I hope members do
appreciate the work put into the greens to make them better for the future.
Obviously solid and hollow tining plus sanding injection is scheduled again for
August 2019, giving us good greens come the end of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">On the course
the drier weather has allowed us to remain on the summer grass tees for much
longer without causing too much damage. Until this last weekend we had only 5
winter tees in play. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Soil temperatures
were still good until recently giving some recovery. However, when the grass
stops growing, and the surface conditions begin to deteriorate, as now is the
case. Especially when frosty, the winter tees are used to ensure there is good
grass cover on the summer tees when we get to spring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Leaf
collection has been our priority for the last 3 months; gladly it is ending
with one final round up all that is needed before the leaf collector comes off.
All hedges have been cut by the hedge contractor, leaving very little mess. Hand
cutting of the remaining thorn hedges is all that is left to finish and will be
done before the end of December</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The ditches
have all been cleaned out, this is an important job to get done before the
weather turns wetter. The ditches provide an important outlet for water coming
off the course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Machinery
servicing is now ongoing</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">; we are working through the 40+ units, which all need
grinding, cleaning and setting up ready for the new season. All the vehicles
also need servicing, cleaning and repairing where necessary. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Towards the end of this month
the greens will be slit tined followed by a light roll. The approaches will be
aerated, along with some of the poor areas on the fairways. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>An application of 2-0-10 fertiliser plus slow
release iron was applied to greens and surrounds. During the cold conditions
and with play on the frozen surfaces they lose colour and the iron content
helps them look greener and will also help keep the plants stronger and able to
withstand disease much better. Another preventative application of fungicide has
been applied to the greens, another will be sprayed before Christmas.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We have tried a new product on the tees and some of the surrounds that
irritates worms, its been tested on small areas with good success so we have
tried on other areas on the course to see if it is as successful.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Several young trees will be planted towards the end of the range and
around the 20<sup>th</sup> tee to finalise the existing plans we have in that
area. All the trees we are planting have been grown for free on the course. The
woodland management plan is to start in January. The plans for tree thinning
are to be put up in the clubhouse for all members to see. It explains the
reasons for the need for tree thinning on the plans, any further questions
please contact me on the email blow. This winter we will be concentrating on
the 4<sup>th</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup> and 12<sup>th</sup> holes.
The cost of the tree work will be very minimal as nearly all will be done by
the greens team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Preferred
lies will continue until spring. Ropes and hoops are now out across the course
to direct traffic away from wet and highly worn areas please ensure they are
abided by. Please ensure all pitch marks are also repaired, now there is no
recovery on the greens any unrepaired pitch marks will be visible until spring.
When restrictions on the course are in play, please could all golfers check in
the professional’s shop before starting. All buggy users must ask what current
restrictions are in place before going onto the course for safety and the risk
of causing damage.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Also, can I ask all buggy users to please stick to the
semi rough areas and use the driest routes possible as they can cause long term
damage to the course. Thank you</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Please can I remind all
members to take care when playing around the course in extremely cold weather,
as pathways and winter mats can become extremely slippery, the worst areas are
salted however this only has a limited effect</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">I hope all
whom play Malton and Norton Golf Club have enjoyed their golfing year. Merry
Christmas from all the greenstaff</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">January -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>23mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>January
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">February -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>February
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>30mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">March -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>March
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>75mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">April -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>18mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>April
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>40mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">May -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>26mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">June - <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>66mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>June
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>6mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">July -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>112mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>July
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>38mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">August -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>82mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>August -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>24mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">September -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>68mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>September
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>64mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">October -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>55mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>October
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">November-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>November
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>23mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>45mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017 Rainfall - 655mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018
Rainfall – 442mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Average annual rainfall- 620mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Richard Jacques</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Head
Greenkeeper</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-72396668219405004712018-12-18T13:31:00.001+00:002018-12-18T13:31:09.336+00:00November Course Report
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<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Course
Report – November 2018</span></u></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We have had
a relatively mild, dry spell over the last month, mixed in with some stormy
fronts which are coming in from the Atlantic. The mild weather has meant grass
growth still continues where it is slightly longer. On shorter areas of grass
such as greens, tees and fairways growth is slowing more rapidly as ground
temperatures decrease faster due to lack of protection from the elements. There
are only a few areas that are becoming sticky, mainly around greens and tees,
where wear is concentrated more. Ropes and hoops used where needed. As the
weather turns wetter more ropes will be put out. Due to the nature of the
weather leaf litter continues to cover the course. The mild temperatures are
allowing some of the trees to hold their leaves longer making it more difficult
for the greenstaff to clear the course and ensure it remains clear. Daily leaf
clearance is a priority task on the greens and tees, with the semi and fairways
being routinely attended to. Leaf litter is collected and composted in
designated areas of the course. Some of the leaf litter from around 5 years ago
is now decomposed enough to be used as a rich soil, which can be mixed with
other materials, which is then used during some construction projects. Overall
the course is playing reasonably well, the green staff are trying to extend the
playing season as long as possible.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Lots has
been happening since the last update, firstly to get some recovery on the
fairways before winter arrives we over seeded them with dwarf rye. We hired a
disc seeder to ensure we had maximum germination rates, nearly all the fairways
were worked on, with the worst seeded. We felt that there was some benefit on
slicing the turf to encourage new growth even if seed wasn’t being planted.
This has come through well and I would hope to over seed again in 2019 if budgets
allow. It is important to keep seeding hardy species into areas such as the
fairways, approaches, walk areas and tees, these will survive such extremes as
drought and cold much better than weed grasses such as Poa and Yorkshire Fog,
giving much more consistent playing surfaces. Dwarf Rye is such a durable grass
for a parkland course, but bents and fescues could also be used.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The fairways
have been the focus over the last month, we have also hired a ‘Shockwave’
machine. This decompacts the subsurface by pulling wedge shape blades through
the soil at a depth of up to 250mm. The shape of the blade is the important aspect
of the machine as the action moves the soil structure left and right creating
many fissures in the soil which constantly link to the surface. We had the
machine for around 8 days which we concentrated on the worst areas of the
course. We also trialed it on the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 5<sup>th</sup> greens to
see if it would improve the drainage. Following that we applied some ammonium and
ferrous sulphate to the fairways to feed the seedlings and discourage worm activity.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We have now
started slit tining all fairways, again to encourage root and shoot growth for
the coming year.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The greens
have been aerated with the Air2G2 as planned, we hope to do them again before
the end of the year. When leaf collection begins to slow we plan to restart
improvement work to the worst greens. This was put on hold due to the tractor
being needed to pull the Amazone machine. Work will hopefully done to the poor
areas on the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 3<sup>rd</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup>, 7<sup>th</sup>, 10<sup>th</sup>,
12<sup>th</sup> and 16<sup>th</sup> greens. We aim to solid tine them and brush
in kiln dried sand to improve drainage and the health of the turf in these low-lying
wet areas.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">An application of 2-0-10 fertiliser plus slow
release iron will be applied to tees, surrounds and approaches in the coming weeks.
An application of liquid calcium, iron and potassium has been sprayed on to the
greens and surrounds to aid strength and colour, this will be followed by one
more application before a granular feed will be put on to aid winter recovery
from foot traffic.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">All bunkers on
holes 1-18 have been edged and sand redistributed, one task we would like to
complete this winter is addressing some worn and damaged areas on bunker faces,
edges and lips.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The hedge
cutting contractor is now on site and mechanical trimming of hedges will take 3
days, however there are areas of thorn which still have to be cut by hand which
will take up to a month to complete, depending on other tasks. All tractor
marks are to be treated as GUR.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Preferred
lies will continue until spring. The casual play leaf rule continues.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The summer tees will be used for as long as possible going into the
winter as this year the weather has been on our side, giving more playable
conditions. However, when conditions determine grassed areas and installed
astro turf will be used for the winter tees, usually in front of the summer
areas. We have found over the last couple of winters the members prefer to play
off grass tees where possible rather than play of the smaller winter mats. Unfortunately,
some areas of the course suffer more in wet conditions and will have to remain
mat only use, like par 3’s, due to divot removal. The grassed areas have been
specifically been cut out where the ground is driest and moves traffic away
from the summer traffic patterns. Some of these areas do shorten the course;
however every effort has been made to make winter golf more enjoyable.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Routine hole closure will commence during November
once the weather deteriorates. This involves closure of loops of nine holes
been closed on a daily basis. This allows wear to be spread evenly across the
27 holes during winter and to allow works on the course without delay. At first
loops 1-9 and 10-18 will be closed alternately to allow play on 19-27 whilst it
is playable as a 9 hole loop. When wetter conditions prevail flooding is common
on holes 21, 22 and 24 making the whole loop unplayable. When this happens
loops 1-9 and 10-18 will be used more frequently. </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Now the
colder weather is approaching please could I ask that all golfers do not abuse
the traffic control measures we have in place, ie the hoops and ropes, I have
already witnessed golfers removing these to access areas with trollies and
buggies. They are in position to reduce wear around the course so in the Spring
we can promote recovery in the most worn areas during the year. Also, when
there is frost on the grass remove ice from shoes before walking on the greens
as this damages the surface of the green. I would also like to remind buggy
users to stay in the semi rough <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>at
all times</u></b> during frosty conditions, with the only exception to cross
the fairway to access the next hole. Members and greenstaff will and should
report anyone abusing club rules, they are in place, not only to maintain a
safe environment for golfers but to ensure the course is protected against long
term damage.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">A reminder that a fog policy is in place, stating
golfers should not start playing if visibility is below 250yards, easily
determined if the copper beech tree (marked with a sign) is visible from the
white 10<sup>th</sup> tee plate, if it isn’t please wait until visibility
improves. Please see the pro shop if you are unsure if you can start your round
or if there are delays in place. If visibility reduces after you have started
your round then you should not continue if you can’t see where your intended
shot will finish, should that be 250yards or less. Again, anyone abusing these
rules will be reported for breaching health and safety rules, it is not just other
golfers that could be on the course but staff as well.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">January -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>23mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>January
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">February -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>February
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>30mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">March -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>March
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>75mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">April -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>18mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>April
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>40mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">May -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>26mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">June - <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>66mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>June
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>6mm</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">July -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>112mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>July
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>38mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">August -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>82mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>August
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>24mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">September -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>68mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>September
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>64mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">October -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>55mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>October
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">November-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>November
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>45mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017 Rainfall - 655mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018
Rainfall – 419mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Average annual rainfall- 620mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Richard Jacques</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Head
Greenkeeper</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-7182890219297171052018-12-18T13:30:00.001+00:002018-12-18T13:30:12.430+00:00October Course Report
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Course Report – October 2018</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a mixed month
weather wise, the pattern of very little rain continues, generally dry with
spells of breezy and warm weather with the occasional cold spell thrown in. For
this time of year, the ground is very dry in places after the warm and dry
summer we have just experienced. However, I would take a drier spell through to
Christmas after last year’s continuous wet weather that started in September
and didn’t relent until March. Reflecting on the wet period from last year, the
fact the turf was severely wet for so long would have caused considerable
stress to the grass and possibly caused increased compaction increasing the
damage we have seen through summer, as the grass plant had very little time to
recover. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growth on the course is slow,
we now have the opportunity to start to de-compact some of the areas, to allow
better rooting and encourage more vigorous grass growth. Hopefully we will
start to see some recovery before the real winter weather approaches. So far,
we have micro hollow tined some of the poor approaches and surrounds, which
will be done again, weather permitting. Following those, we have micro hollow
tined some of the poor greens again, selecting the worst areas, the 2<sup>nd</sup>,
5<sup>th</sup>, 10<sup>th</sup>, 12th and front putting green have had sections
tined and backfilled with sand. We have seeded the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup>
and front putting green to improve the sward composition. These greens are very
poor primarily due to the drainage characteristics of the soil, other factors
that make these worse than others on the course are shade, shape and air flow,
all these can be improved over time. During such a dry year it is hard to think
that a green struggles to drain, but due to the amount of irrigation that has
been needed to keep the high areas of the green alive the low areas have really
struggled on such greens.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fairways are being disc
seeded, using the disc seeder will cause short term disruption to the surface,
however the action of cutting through quite a thatchy upper surface will allow
water to penetrate into the soil freely and it will also help create new grass
growth. The fairways will be sprayed with liquid fertiliser once the conditions
become suitable.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next week (w/c 15<sup>th</sup>
Oct) we will start the aeration on the greens using the Air2G2.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>With use of the hired machine we can
penetrate up to 45cm, blasting air into the soil structure which will cause
fracturing and allowing pockets of air where water and new root structures can
penetrate. The great benefit of this machine other than aiding drainage, is
that it causes very little disturbance, so from a golfer perspective we can
keep the greens in a good condition for winter golf.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A granular fertiliser has been
applied to the greens and surrounds (except 19-27), 4-0-14+Fe applying 9kg/N
over a 4-5 week period. At this stage of the year it is important not too over
stimulate growth as it leaves the grass plants more susceptible to disease,
however some nutrition is needed to keep the plants healthy to enable recovery
when growth is slow. A preventative fungicide has also been applied to the
greens (except 19-27). Now chemicals are becoming less toxic to the
environment, and rightfully so, fungicides are becoming very specific to the
target. Rather than being able to treat curatively, they are now applied
preventatively to stop initial disease infections. This is far more time
consuming and overall more expensive to ensure turf is under the minimum risk
of attack. Once the turf shows sign of disease it will not recover fully, we
can only limit the damage. Fungicide applications will increase from 4/5 to
around 6/7 mainly throughout winter for fusarium and during July and August for
Anthracnose. Applications will be made at intervals of 21-28 days based on
potential disease pressure. The increased applications would increase costs
significantly. To stay within the annual budgets, greens on 19-27 are not being
treated in the same way, I would expect to see increased disease activity on
those greens this winter, we have also reduced other expenditure on the Derwent
course to stay within allocated budgets for 2018.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The greens that were scarified
during summer are now fully recovered on 10-18, not quite as knitted still on
19-27, this is mainly due to the reduction in fertiliser applied. The whole
process has been interesting from a turf management point of view. Initially we
were happy with the amount of organic matter the machine removed, we estimate
the GKB machine removed 4 times the amount we removed via hollowcoring, the GKB
machine was faster and less labor intensive, however, and this is the big issue
we are faced with in planning next years renovations, recovery was slower. From
a golf point of view, we need to balance both sides. I still feel it is too
early to make a judgement as we may see significant long-term improvements to
the greens using the new method which outweigh the short term negatives. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elsewhere we have cut all long
rough areas with a tractor mounted rotary mower, these were the areas which
could not be accessed with the Amazone machine during spring.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The leylandii hedges are being
cut, the hand cut areas are being started initially then a contractor will come
to finish any areas that he can access along with sections of thorn.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now the leaves are starting to
fall we will constantly be clearing priority areas, the tractor mounted blower
is used to clear large areas of leaves, the back pack required for small, more
difficult areas. Once the volume of leaves starts to increase they will be
collected using the Amazone. Currently the tractor used to pull the Amazone is
tied up disc seeding the fairways. The local rule regarding lost balls due to
leaf litter is now in play. I stress this only applies to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>casual golf only. </u></b>If balls are lost it entitles the player
to drop a ball without penalty in the area which they feel it was lost. This is
to speed up play and not to punish the golfer during casual play.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preferred lies are now on (1st
Oct) due to the aeration work which is under way and for any poor conditions we
now may experience coming into the winter period.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately worm casts are becoming a real issue
once more, as previously stated there are no cost-effective chemicals to remove
worm casts, we are continuing to apply sand and iron to deter activity.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Winter tees are being cut in preparation for use and
mats will be taken out onto the course in the next few weeks where needed but
will not be in use until weather and growing conditions dictate the need for
them. The use of winter mats does shorten the length of the course but without
the use of them the course would suffer greatly and remain unplayable for
longer.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The winter programme of tree work includes removal of
all dead or dying trees and branches marked with white paint and removal of
obstructing and interfering branches with reduce playability from certain areas
of the course. Some woodland is also to be thinned such as left of 5<sup>th</sup>.
Other work in the winter programme will be finalised for the next monthly
report.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">January -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>23mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>January
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">February -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>February
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>30mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">March -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>March
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>75mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">April -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>18mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>April
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>40mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">May -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>26mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">June - <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>66mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>June
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>6mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">July -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>112mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>July
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>38mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">August -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>82mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>August
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>24mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">September -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>68mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>September
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>64mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">October -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>55mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>October
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">November-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>November
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>45mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017 Rainfall - 655mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018
Rainfall – 361mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Average annual rainfall- 620mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Richard Jacques</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Head Greenkeeper</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-356520041385172892018-12-18T13:29:00.001+00:002018-12-18T13:29:27.691+00:00September Course Report
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Course
Report – September 2018</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Over the
last month we have had typically seasonal weather. The end of august and into
September brought cooler nights which felt like autumn was beginning. Shorter
days and blustery conditions have started turning some of the trees golden and
the leaves starting to fall in some areas. It did stay relatively dry, in this
area we only received 24mm of rain during August; some parts of the country had
4 to 5 times this amount. The course is the driest I have seen it in the 20
years I have worked here, it is very difficult to see something, all the green
staff work so hard to make the best we can, be at the mercy of mother nature.
The drought conditions have left the turf very patchy and aesthetically poor
compared to what we are used to at this time of the year.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">We were
incredibly lucky with our yearly renovations, each week we worked on the greens
we had dry, windy weather which is perfect for ensuring the sand fills the holes
correctly. Any rain during the work would have slowed the pace and not
incorporated the sand into the greens as desired. At this point I would like to
give a mention to all the volunteers that turned up to assist us with the
greens maintenance on the 10<sup>th</sup> of September. Around 16 members
assisted in clearing and collecting all the thatch that was removed from the
Derwent 9 greens. Without these volunteers we would have not been able to
complete the clean up and get the Derwent greens open for the following
morning. To put how much the assistance helped, the same task done on holes 10-18
took 5 hours longer with just the green staff doing all the clearing and repair
work. Amazing effort from all that helped, and I’m sure some sore backs in the
evening. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Overall the
work was a success, however shortly after the tining had finished on holes 1-9 we
had an outbreak of anthracnose on a few greens (the 2<sup>nd</sup> and the 5<sup>th</sup>
worst effected), this is a disease that affects mainly poa (Annual meadow
grass). It infects stressed and bruised grass leaves, turning them straw like
before the plants die back. There are two types of this disease, the first is
foliar blight, this affects the leaves only, and giving the plant a chance of
re-establishing again, the second is basal rot. This is the more severe case of
anthracnose this enters the plant and kills the root system as well, leaving no
chance of recovery. We had mostly foliar blight, but in some areas the plants
did completely die back. I believe the working of the sand in to the wet areas
of the greens has probably bruised the grass plants leaving the susceptible to
disease ingress. On first sight of the disease all the greens were sprayed with
a fungicide to prevent further spread. Unfortunately, any plants already
infected could not be affected. Over the last couple of weeks, they have
recovered well, with most areas filling in. Long term we need to be considering
installing drainage and improving the structure of the soil to allow improved
drainage. We are microtining the worst areas again and brushing sand into the
profile</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">During the
next month and into winter the greens will be aerated with 8mm needle tines, to
keep the surfaces from sealing and to aid root growth/ plant density going into
the winter, followed by another light topdress. This will not affect play and
is important to ensure the greens are healthier during the end of the season.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Following the renovation work we
applied a liquid fertiliser to boost recovery times, with the good temperatures
we have been having, growth on the greens has been strong. However cooler
nights lead to heavy dews and increased worm cast activity which cause problems
cutting on a morning. Currently we are having to clear casts and debris every
morning prior to cutting. Casts are particularly bad on tees and surrounds,
however with no real cost-effective chemicals we are using sand to dilute the
casts and iron to try and deter them. We are noticing the most cast activity on
wetter and poorer soils and on high wear areas. We have trialled 4
different products on the market which claim to suppress worms, 2 of those had
no real effects to the cast activity, 1 had an immediate effect but its
longevity was limited to a couple of days and the final product which is an
organic soil conditioner showed the best results, however its longevity was
limited. It claimed to have an effective suppression of 3 months, however after
3 weeks casts have started to return. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">This
product is over 5 times the price per hectare than carbendazim, so reapplying
to large areas simply won’t be affordable. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">In a couple of weeks, we will begin to cut
down all the long rough once more. The Amazone machine will be geared up to
start the collection in all areas. At this time of the year we have seen a
noticeable difference in the thickness of growth. Albeit a dry year, the rough
is far more playable than previous years, given a couple more years of cutting
and collection we should see a big difference to our natural areas on the
course.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The pond in
front of the 8<sup>th</sup> green is very low, so we have taken the opportunity
to clear some of the weed from the water, ideally, we could use an excavator to
remove the rest of the reeds and weed around the edge, this is something we may
do later. The pond on the 24<sup>th</sup> is now full, with no issues with
water collection the dam has been lowered to reduce the water level. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Most of the
damaged trees have been made safe, the poplars on the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 24<sup>th</sup>
are still to be trimmed by a tree surgeon, hopefully these will get done in the
next month. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As we
approach winter we will start to think about course work over the next few
months. The focus will be on tree management, small repair work and renovation
of bunkers. More on these will be discussed in the next monthly report.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">January -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>23mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>January
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">February -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>February
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>30mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">March -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>March
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>75mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">April -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>18mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>April
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>40mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">May -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>26mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">June - <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>66mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>June
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>6mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">July -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>112mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>July
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>38mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">August -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>82mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>August
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>24mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">September -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>68mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>September
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">October -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>55mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>October
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">November-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>November
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>45mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017 Rainfall - 655mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018
Rainfall – 297mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Average annual rainfall- 620mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Richard Jacques</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Head
Greenkeeper</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-53385097222017001342018-08-21T11:54:00.000+01:002018-08-21T11:54:11.588+01:00August Course report
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Course
Report – August 2018</span></u></b></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">It’s been quite an eventful month, although the dry weather has generally
continued with only 38mm of rainfall during July. Thankfully the drought has
been broken with heavy bursts of rain. The only problem the humidity increased
to levels which initiated very isolated and severe thunderstorms. One of which
hit the course on the 27<sup>th</sup> July with devastating consequences. The
storm only last around 30 minutes however its intensity caused widespread
damage. Footage of the storm can be found on the clubs Facebook page.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Numerous lightening strikes rolled across the
course with at least 3 trees being struck and over 30 trees being damaged, not
to mention the debris that littered the course. The heavy rain which fell, due
to the firm ground conditions, stood very quickly. These bursts of rainfall
have done little good. Beneath the surface the soil conditions are very dry in
places, the water that falls only reaches the top few centimeters, which is soon
evaporated. The damage of the storm is still evident on the course and we are
collecting as and when time is available. The biggest damage came to the 6<sup>th</sup>,
12<sup>th</sup> and 21<sup>st</sup> holes. Three large trees were significantly
damaged on the 6<sup>th</sup>, thank you to 3 members in particular, who spent
2 days helping cut up and clear those trees, I won’t mention their names but
without them we would still be faced with the task of removing them. The 12<sup>th</sup>
was a complete disaster zone after a group of poplars were hit, one of them
fell onto the course damaging a few of our trees. Thankfully these trees are
owned and being cleared by Simon Howards team of gardeners, albeit slowly due
to the amount of other damage his property has suffered. Most of the in-play
areas have been tidied, with only the damage in the long rough to clear. The 21<sup>st</sup>
had another poplar struck by lightning, blowing off the top of the tree, other
poplars near the 24<sup>th</sup> green were also severely damaged. There are
still a number of trees roped off so please be aware of these when playing and
do not put yourself in danger until they are made safe.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The irrigation system has been crucial in getting us through this drought
period, without it I’m confident we would have lost a few of the greens, at
times the irrigation system was running 24 hours a day to keep turf alive. We
only need to look at fairways across the course to see how badly effected we
have been, these will take time to regrow. When we installed the system, I
would have never had thought that the weakest factor would be the water supply,
thankfully we got through this drought with pumping from other sources on the
course. In the future we could take more proactive measures to aid the storage
of water, such as ditch clearance and pond enlargement.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">On the course we have made a great start to our greens renovations. Holes
1-9 have been closed for the w/c 30<sup>th</sup> July. During this period, we
have tined the greens using 12mm cross tines penetrating 250mm into the root zone.
This was followed by 8mm hollow tines to a depth of 125mm. This process aids
aeration around the roots and increases the drainage capability. Around 10
tonne of sand was worked into the holes. Finally, we followed up by rolling and
fertilisation to ensure we get the surfaces back in good condition as soon as
we can. After the initial tining the greens will take a while to return to
normal speed and trueness, however after a week we have seen full recovery.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Tining of 10-18 greens was carried out the following week with 1-9
reopened to reduce disruption to golf.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
During the second week of maintenance we used a GKB Sandfiller, this machine
can inject sand directly into the profile instead of applying it to the surface,
as well as removing thatch, this also is a lot faster than hollow tining. This
will dramatically reduce disruption to the course, along with reducing the
organic matter content in the upper profile. Our aim was to complete 19-27
greens also during the second week. However,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">work on 19-27 greens had to
be postponed due to time and disruption, we will start them and a few poorer
areas in a maintenance period commencing on the 22nd August and will be
completed with the GKB Sandfiller w/c 10<sup>th</sup> September. Once all the
greens are complete regular micro tining will take place using 8mm tines which
will not affect the playability of the greens into the autumn.</span></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Many of you may wonder why we tine the greens right in the middle of the
playing season, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">to be honest the playing
season is a 12 month cycle nowadays. So there is no 'good' time to do it from
that point of view. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We feel this time of the year is the ideal time as
recovery is the quickest it can be. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The rest of
the year maintenance is planned to be of 'minimal' disruption, however it is
ongoing throughout the year. We have had a lot of compliments regarding the
course and the greens over the last few years and it all boils down to the work
that is put in to them to get them that way and make play on them possible for
a 12 month season. Other factors such as drainage would increase playability
further and is in the strategic plan.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Due to the treat of Anthracnose at this time of the year we have applied
a preventative fungicide before tining. Straight after tining and sanding has
been completed another application of fungicide will be applied to reduce the
risk of any disease outbreaks. Worm casts have also started to become an issue,
these are very difficult to deal with as there are still no chemicals to
suppress activity that are cost effective. We will continue to apply sand and
iron to try and deter them.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Selective herbicide application for weeds had to be put on hold during
the Spring as the ground conditions started to get too dry, this will
recommence when the weather turns wetter towards the end of August and into
September.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">All long
rough will start to be cut and collected again during the start of September</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">There have been several wasp and bee nests appear on the course in the
last month which have been treated as soon as they appear. Should any member
find one please notify myself, one of the team or someone in the pro shop or
office so it can be dealt with, thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">January -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>23mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>January
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>58mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">February -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>February
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>30mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">March -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>March
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>75mm</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">April -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>18mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>April
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>40mm</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">May -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>41mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>26mm</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">June - <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>66mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>June
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>6mm</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">July -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>112mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>July
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>38mm</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">August -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>82mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>August
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">September -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>68mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>September
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">October -<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>55mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>October
-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">November-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>52mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>November
- <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>45mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>December-<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">2017 Rainfall - 655mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>2018
Rainfall – 273mm</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Average annual rainfall- 620mm<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Richard Jacques</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Head
Greenkeeper</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13.33px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-6958032497479982012018-04-03T08:28:00.000+01:002018-04-03T09:51:19.622+01:00And.... its gone!!!As quick as the good weather came it went just as sharp. The wet weather has returned and with a bang. Over the Easter weekend we have had over 25mm of rain with the majority of it falling on Monday, 24 hours of continual rain has left the course in very sorry state, there are very little words needed to describe the frustration we are all feeling, ill let the pictures speak for themselves.<br />
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The course has suffered before and recovered just as quick, hopefully the year is heading in the right direction to get drier, warmer and allow some golf to be played. The ditches we installed on the course are working great, it is evident that a lot of drainage still needs to be installed to get standing water into them. Water will slowly move down through soils, it cant however move laterally with the same ease. Drainage is in the 'Strategic Plan' and something that we feel strongly is needed to increase the playability of the course. It does however come at an incredible expense as there is so many areas that need work.<br />
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Work doesn't stop on the course, we are continuing where possible, there are a number of small repair and renovation tasks still to completed on the course. The path at the rear of the 9th ladies tee is being improved by installing plastic reinforcement into the soil, the 10th ditch is in need of a repair where an old drain has collapsed, a few of the old winter tees are being removed and levelled, the irrigation pump house is getting a stone access path built to it, we have some leylandii to plant around the short game area to create screening from the greenkepers buildings and we have some old rabbit damage to level in the pine copses that were thinned. We are also starting to trim sprinkler heads and boxes ready to test the irrigation (as if we need more water), however we need to ensure it is in full working order should it be required.</div>
Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-91642355779801698132018-03-29T09:42:00.001+01:002018-03-29T09:42:30.655+01:00Finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes at last it finally looks like we are making some progress with the weather and the course. The last couple of weeks have been hectic, the rainfall has decreased, not to say we haven't had any but the quantities have been manageable. The course has therefore dried considerably since the snow we had a couple of weeks ago. The team have been out doing all possible to catch up on lost time.<br />
Firstly we were able to get onto the greens with the John Deere triple mower. This was the first time we have been able to go on them with a triple since November last year. The greens have been cut when possible with the hand mower but it was nice to get onto the greens to groom out long growth. The bent grasses in the greens are growing well but they do need grooming every now again, we managed two passes with the groomers to tidy any lateral shoots.<br />
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We followed with a light dressing of sand, we would have liked to done some micro tine aeration however its still a little soft to take the tractor onto the greens, hopefully we will be able to get on in the next couple of weeks.<br />
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We have also cut and topdressed the surrounds and approaches, groomers have been used on the green surrounds to try and improve these areas this year. The approaches are also getting more fertiliser, aeration and sand this year in an attempt to increase the playability of the course during the wetter months.<br />
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The tees have all been cut, we have reshaped some to make maintenance easier and to realign to the playing direction. Worm casts are a real issue, some tees are suffering more than others, to help reduce casts we have put an application of lawn sand on to the tees. This is very acidic due to the sulphate content of the product, this will help deter worm activity over time and reduce moss.<br />
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The first practice net was damaged during the last storm, this is being repaired.<br />
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The last of the debris has been once again tidied and collected. This has been a non stop task this winter and one that is very time consuming.<br />
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The rain and snow melt caused issues on hole 21-24 as this is in the flood area for the River Derwent. The land around the 21st and 24th green was under water for around 3 weeks, now the waters have receded the land has dried considerably, however the two greens are still not playable enough and therefore are on winter cups for the time being.<br />
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Work has been completed on the 8th pond, removing the unsafe front structure to reveal the structural wall behind. This is not as neat as the facia wall as it was never intended to be in view, however we feel it is a good temporary measure until we can review what we would like to do to the pond long term<br />
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Next week we would like to get the fairways, bunker faces, teesides and some areas of semi rough cut if the weather is dry enough. Some areas are quite long but conditions simply haven't been suitable to cut this week.<br />
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All fairways on the 1-18 course have been sprayed with iron and a penetrant wetter. This will add colour and improve the consistency of growth as we head into the growing season. Greens and surrounds have also been sprayed with a penetrant wetter. The greens surrounds, approaches and worn areas have had some low nitrogen/ high iron fertiliser applied to aid recovery.<br />
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All gorse and shrubs have been trimmed and tidied, Keeping on top of the shrubs and gorse is time consuming and something that often gets overlooked when we are busy cutting the course. Tree work has also continued on the few frosty mornings we have had the past few weeks.<br />
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<br />Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-40158092262410373242018-03-19T07:39:00.000+00:002018-03-19T08:10:23.071+00:00Beast from the East- Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It could well be a story from a far fetched film, but the weather is still dominating the headlines. After Storm Emma had been and gone we were optimistic that spring was on its way and work could start on the course, there are many tasks that have been delayed due to ground conditions, some even cancelled until next winter. It has been the most frustrating year for all, the relenting weather has took its toll on the course and the people involved at Malton and Norton Golf Club. The fact is we are now reliant on a good, dry spring to get the course back into good condition, without one, the saturated conditions will effect maintenance for some time yet.<br />
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Only a week after Storm Emma the cold weather returned bringing rain and snow back across the country, we have not had the volumes we did before but a couple of inches of snow has closed the course once again.<br />
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Just before the cold snap we had a deluge of rain, this has saturated the course causing localised flooding, however its increased the height of the River Derwent, flooding holes 21-24. This is a common occurrence and something we have to accept as those holes are effectively built on a flood area. The Environment Agency did install a flood defence system that protects Malton and Norton from potential flood damage, however if the river water remains excessively high for a period of time the water comes up through the soil, albeit a slow rate, but does cause flood issues on the course still. The benefits of having the flood defences are the water doesn't rise as quickly as it used to, it doesn't get as high and the water that floods the land is cleaner, so once it recedes it leaves very little silt damage.<br />
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I like to look on the positives of all situations, we have taken great steps forward in, hopefully, achieving a more playable course, assessing how Malton and Norton golf Club holds up to the poorest of weather, we have put in place a new policy that will hopefully improve winter golf going forward, taking steps to improve winter cup areas, plans in place to improve winter teeing areas, drainage plans, tree work to help strengthen weak areas of turf caused by shade and rooting and more intense aeration work to create healthier and stronger turf to combat wear. This all has to accounted for when budgets are set, but without targets to improve the course we will always suffer during these difficult times.<br />
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Work is always ongoing no matter what mother nature brings us, recently we have started work on the bunkers. All bunkers are to be edged, checked, repaired where necessary and topped up with sand. We have managed to complete 8 holes so far, with choosing the best conditions to lead sand out to bunkers we could get to. Some of the bunkers we are going to go back to when conditions improve to change some of the front lips. Its a common piece of feedback I hear and something I would like to address. Due to the design of some of the bunkers on the course ( designed for ease of maintenance ) the lips can get very steep, causing issues with balls settling under them. The grass faces we have are always going to create this issue, however I would like to see if we can improve the worst of them. If not then a redesign of some of the bunkers will be required in the future.<br />
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Tree work has continued, removing low limbs to allow access of the big machinery that is required to maintain the course. over the years the machinery has increased dramatically in size creating dangerous working conditions, putting staff and machinery at risk.<br />
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Work has started on the 8th pond , just to recap, the front wall has been damaged from a couple of years ago from a flood event, the soil and stone behind the wall has collapsed creating pressure and excess rot on the front supporting bars holding the facia sleepers. The issue we are faced with, is golfers come very close to the front edge of the wall to retrieve balls from the water. If the front facia was to give way then could cause possible injury to staff or golfers. The front part of the wall is non structural, so there is little risk of total collapse, however there is still a risk for all. To solve this we have looked a several options. The simplest is to remove the facia wall exposing the structural; element, should it be in good condition still. The other options involve removing the wall completely and reshaping the bank and/or the pond to create a long less acute slope for golfers and machinery to travel on. These two options cost money and something that hasn't been budgeted this spring. Until a final decision is made work has stopped, so please take care around the pond and DO NOT enter the restricted zone in front of the pond.<br />
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We are trying to get all greens cut, however this is proving difficult when fighting against the conditions, we have managed to cut half and have sprayed them with a preventative fungicide application<br />
Fertiliser applications to tees, surrounds, approaches, fairways, greens and selected areas of semi rough will take place this week, weather depending!!!<br />
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<br />Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-72701690710888179062018-03-05T13:49:00.000+00:002018-03-08T09:34:29.502+00:00Storm Emma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that storm Emma has just about passed through the country its time to look at how it has effected us at Malton and Norton Golf Club. There's no doubt the whole country has been effected in some way, the coldest start to March we have seen for some time, and certainly the highest snow accumulations for a number of years.<br />
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The 'Beast from the East' started on Monday night with light snow cover, initially around 20mm, however through Tuesday and Wednesday the snow fell thick and fast. Accumulating up to 150mm in places. This obviously has closed the course and with temperatures remaining low, the prospect of opening in the following days was not looking good. Along with the bitterly cold temperatures, due to air originating from Siberia, came very strong easterly winds. Gusting up to 40 mph, and averaging around 20-25 mph for a duration of more than 48 hours, this hasn't caused any real damage, but has drifted the snow fall into irregular depths, for example the entrance lane was covered in up to 400mm in places.<br />
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The team worked wonders on Thursday to clear and salt most of the car park and entrance lane to make the clubhouse and shop accessible, where they have hosted a few fun events to give golfers there daily fix of coffee and golf. On the course work is obviously limited, however this doesn't stop the staff getting on with machinery servicing, repairs and painting/staining course furniture. A lot of unseen work that keeps the course going takes time and weather like this is ideal moment to get on with it.<br />
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So what does this week have in prospect for us? It looks like the temperatures are going to rise and the winds ease, which will start to melt the snow. Unfortunately with the volume we have had that snow will turn to water and I would think we will have localised flooding and a very wet course. There will also be a high likelihood the River Derwent will rise quickly when the melt starts. This may well effect the holes (21-24) in the low lying area. There will also be a lot of debris blown from trees that will need clearing, this will all take time, so I don't expect the course to be instantly playable once we can see the turf once more. As usual the course information line will be updated daily, so please ring before making your journey, the information line will be updated at 7 at the latest from 1st March.<br />
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So lets rewind to before storm Emma arrived. Work on the course was continuing nicely, we managed to turf the areas at 13th tee and 7th tee where the hedges were removed, unfortunately we ran out of time to finish the 7th area so we will continue with that once we can access the tee once more.<br />
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We have been aerating the greens again using the air2G2 machine, this has been a vital piece of equipment to keep the greens aerated this winter. We would not be able to go onto the greens with the tractor regularly due the conditions. The Air2G2 is a lightweight machine that we can get onto the greens, and creates very little disturbance. We managed to get over half of the greens done before the snow came. We still have the machine so we are hopeful to complete the greens this week.<br />
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We started spraying the fairways with a penetrant wetter and iron, again only 7 fairways were completed. All greens were sprayed with a penetrant wetter, iron, calcium and potassium to help strengthen them for the upcoming bad weather.<br />
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Tree work has continued, pruning of low branches to ensure we can maintain the course during the summer. Tree work has been minimal over the last few years as we have had other projects to work on. That has given real problems for the staff trying to maintain areas around trees, the machinery we use is big and getting bigger, once the branches are loaded with leaves they get very low, making it dangerous for access. Woodland management is all part of maintaining a parkland course, without maintenance there would be a lot of issues, not only with safety of staff, but turf quality, efficiency and playability. More detail of the overall woodland management plan is in the course strategic plan available online for members. I would just like clarify some of the comments that have been mentioned to me during this winter regarding trees.<br />
Trees and drainage/flooding - many members are concerned that some of the trees we have lost/removed have resulted in the course being flooded more. This is simply not the case, trees do use moisture in the soil, however most of the moisture they require is during summer, or when the leaves are on the tree and the temperatures are warmer. During winter they do require minimal water to stay healthy, however the issue with the amount of water on the course has very little to do with tree work that has been carried out. As mentioned in other posts its simply due to the amount of rain that has fallen over the past 6 months and the fact that the climate is changing, something that is out of our control. Some trees will use more water than others, for example willow, poplar and leylandii are very thirsty trees, unfortunately this aggressive water hunting nature is bad news for golf course drainage systems and the need to manage fine turf. Any trees, especially the ones mentioned, will block drains and create root systems on nearby greens and tees where irrigation is applied. So we have to take a balanced and objective approach when considering tree management.<br />
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<br />Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-32901056761395134622018-02-20T20:09:00.000+00:002018-02-21T21:05:16.953+00:00Very wet times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some areas of the course are suffering more than others, I have documented that we have had the worst winter for some time but the issue at this time of the year is the grass isnt growing to recover from any damage. The greens are a real point of contention at the moment, understandably so as golfers are keen to play golf and take advantage of the lengthening days. Play on the greens has and is heavily restricted at the moment due to the incredible amount of wet weather we have had. There are several points to consider when deeming the greens fit for play and the factors which effect the condition of them during wet weather.<br />
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Drainage- Drainage is one of the most important areas for consideration when trying to maintain and present good playing surfaces, good drainage gives firm and dry surfaces which are easier to maintain but also satisfy golfers demands and expectations. The greens at Malton and Norton have no drainage installed, are built of the natural soil and are irregularly shaped leading to collection points. When the course was built, the demand for a 12 month golfing season was less, there would have been less demand for quality playing surfaces during winter and therefore the maintenance needed was less. Unfortunately the current weather patterns, coupled with the demand for golf at this time of year is not a great combination for over used, wet soils. To improve the general use of the summer greens during poor conditions we could install a comprehensive drainage system to each and every green on the course, unfortunately this would be very expensive, and something that is simply not affordable at the current time. Some greens are blessed with more free draining soils from the site, such as the 26th, however some like the 16th and 17th are constructed of very heavy soils which will not drain at all well. These greens are only 40 yards apart, however their characteristics are very different.<br />
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Shape-Shape has less significance than drainage however can be a factor which leads to detrimental wear if the wrong conditions prevail. Such as the 10th green, it is shaped poorly, leading to collection points where water tends to sit. Excess water and high frequency of 'wetness' will deteriorate the turf, if wear from maintenance or foot traffic was added to the equation the turf would be damaged permanently Other factors, such as access to and from the green/ tee has to be monitored, traffic management aids are used help us spread wear and increase safety.<br />
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Weather patterns- The weather obviously is what makes or breaks the condition of the course, the staff plan and implement the maintenance as best practice on an annual basis, however we often have to adapt our strategies to suit the weather. The weather will do what the weather will, annually we monitor the condition of all aspects of the course and focus on the areas which need priority. The greens are of highest priority and have the most money and time spent on them. If the weather is wet we need to protect them from long term damage. The soil needs to have a balance of moisture and air for the grass to grow healthily. Too much moisture during winter the soil reaches saturation point ( where there are no air air spaces and physically cant hold any more water), leading to surface puddling. Foot traffic on the turf at this point would create instability and damage to the root structure. This is why we use the winter greens. If that moisture in the soil then freezes, there is a high chance of permanent root and/or tissue damage, caused by root shear or crushing of leaf tissue during play.<br />
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I appreciate this means very little when when golfers simply want to get out on to the course to play and enjoy Malton and Norton. However the decision whether to play on the greens or not is not taken lightly, we more than anyone want the course to be at its best. The decisions are based on the long term playability, and plans are in place to improve the drainage characteristics of certain areas. In the meantime we are going to continue to use the winter cups when necessary. As these are being more common we are putting more work into improving the areas where they are placed. This is going to come at a cost. Time and materials will have to be used, as we do on the greens and surrounding areas. Aeration, sanding and fertilisation will be needed to ensure the turf can withstand the winter wear that they will face. This will not change them dramatically this winter however we hope over the next few winters they will show some improvements. I will stress and reiterate previous comments I have made on this blog, the winter cups are only a means to keep the course open.<br />
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There are some areas on the course which are really deteriorating due to the poor conditions, fortunately these are well out of normal play areas, generally between tree lines and at the outer edges of tees and green complexes. The time and money that would be needed to improve these areas isn't an effective use of the resources we have, when the areas I have previously spoken about, need work first. Below are a few examples of areas we are struggling with the most.<br />
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Hopefully the weather is heading in the right direction for an improving golf course.<br />
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.Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-56235998575285181452018-02-13T14:06:00.000+00:002018-02-15T09:04:39.887+00:0013th hedge replacement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-3p9PU_5FVqlEs6WUU0WWAfg_kDXthdNuQJ18rFRLcl9sytBUkyhdWB-ux6Ak5jmsyi0Uzff5qT8AHqLOGnJIlxuJIhnUszona96a1ZNh6bwacx2T8N3xQ0LU62QyNzcJNeCHQm8aUCS/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-3p9PU_5FVqlEs6WUU0WWAfg_kDXthdNuQJ18rFRLcl9sytBUkyhdWB-ux6Ak5jmsyi0Uzff5qT8AHqLOGnJIlxuJIhnUszona96a1ZNh6bwacx2T8N3xQ0LU62QyNzcJNeCHQm8aUCS/s400/IMG_7730.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-3p9PU_5FVqlEs6WUU0WWAfg_kDXthdNuQJ18rFRLcl9sytBUkyhdWB-ux6Ak5jmsyi0Uzff5qT8AHqLOGnJIlxuJIhnUszona96a1ZNh6bwacx2T8N3xQ0LU62QyNzcJNeCHQm8aUCS/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2eTkS3CDH6J_4qHO6SF-2PspgBCDfcVJ1KGCXlpSiQzhMjB9dUkxPU4GZSXpKJJslTiO3heaRxu9QehqPSLduQzuxYuAeKR-WODEM-EzOLqMIOw1YDLEacczQlm0Sfsp_8pBtylvlOFj/s1600/IMG_7729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2eTkS3CDH6J_4qHO6SF-2PspgBCDfcVJ1KGCXlpSiQzhMjB9dUkxPU4GZSXpKJJslTiO3heaRxu9QehqPSLduQzuxYuAeKR-WODEM-EzOLqMIOw1YDLEacczQlm0Sfsp_8pBtylvlOFj/s400/IMG_7729.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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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. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILoNQkgENGxk8opcR5BumIEWlnk22HYH_qqd9YhgoOkh5yNMQ-n1TlZDh-Vpxfe9qRak3qKede56lDDCgileJyXvI9mwSbyebijxdwF4D9mdwNmDpmUxTvCS-lfogmYAElfjEprHwc_-v/s1600/IMG_7740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILoNQkgENGxk8opcR5BumIEWlnk22HYH_qqd9YhgoOkh5yNMQ-n1TlZDh-Vpxfe9qRak3qKede56lDDCgileJyXvI9mwSbyebijxdwF4D9mdwNmDpmUxTvCS-lfogmYAElfjEprHwc_-v/s400/IMG_7740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyJ3igU1Y5lu_kW8fYHGedFrfFY4WcFeixM8_x_LTNRZCrLuRMqA4XhDYjZOvWRIulmVQHju_j-bKeHp0vcIx03FZYFxMuaIofQ_wiDGhND0If3uUYxZ3HyJsub69I0MM7FO7-gSbIRnM/s1600/IMG_7752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyJ3igU1Y5lu_kW8fYHGedFrfFY4WcFeixM8_x_LTNRZCrLuRMqA4XhDYjZOvWRIulmVQHju_j-bKeHp0vcIx03FZYFxMuaIofQ_wiDGhND0If3uUYxZ3HyJsub69I0MM7FO7-gSbIRnM/s400/IMG_7752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTP7KZrzO4DYV0zBp6qidAGoPyHwLLH9nKHHnP16Fe7_38gF-CJdMYA_7bWg2LKlIg0CpqCZvuMWybJ-3cFbwYI-ofBjXdm5vy5ersREgz6YXzRLm5v4Zk0J_17ZIHSkLCvr0r9PCkaoL/s1600/IMG_7760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTP7KZrzO4DYV0zBp6qidAGoPyHwLLH9nKHHnP16Fe7_38gF-CJdMYA_7bWg2LKlIg0CpqCZvuMWybJ-3cFbwYI-ofBjXdm5vy5ersREgz6YXzRLm5v4Zk0J_17ZIHSkLCvr0r9PCkaoL/s400/IMG_7760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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29 new leylandii plants were purchased and have been planted and staked. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">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.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxBq9CLerL9E3FOHth_emgNofvvwqA2HQtp6DuKUmQdsFjeXUZqj-OxvIz-wAogTStpvOxVG2yHTlfWhfg8acw4sYgq8d36iSmFuybc9048rDHrA-KtToGf1Ur95T7QsSB5RQzNLMzaLx/s1600/IMG_7792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxBq9CLerL9E3FOHth_emgNofvvwqA2HQtp6DuKUmQdsFjeXUZqj-OxvIz-wAogTStpvOxVG2yHTlfWhfg8acw4sYgq8d36iSmFuybc9048rDHrA-KtToGf1Ur95T7QsSB5RQzNLMzaLx/s400/IMG_7792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrVRV-M67Y7Mbt1jyEWlZvYF9I2oedwPsgpU7o20Eqwe7XiPEGFM5agMKFTqXV9ksHovINqWEijxoYUwNHS11QZEAfKZAer6apOSbH_OlwYJRdc46flUdx9ZkkgXjBouOhGYzWN6lTdAN/s1600/IMG_7793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrVRV-M67Y7Mbt1jyEWlZvYF9I2oedwPsgpU7o20Eqwe7XiPEGFM5agMKFTqXV9ksHovINqWEijxoYUwNHS11QZEAfKZAer6apOSbH_OlwYJRdc46flUdx9ZkkgXjBouOhGYzWN6lTdAN/s400/IMG_7793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">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.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqxarER9cBKMIbuYxedbkzwSmqz3gpAoaaDBVcnwAThjhGIqo4aRqFipDbJ568PDDELDnuIh5sZbzbCJpY88RNGrvibbCAi-9_f1iVxvWQbYcQwGRS_uBDba0mafF4LnCtVN_Jjzp6VjY/s1600/IMG_7804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqxarER9cBKMIbuYxedbkzwSmqz3gpAoaaDBVcnwAThjhGIqo4aRqFipDbJ568PDDELDnuIh5sZbzbCJpY88RNGrvibbCAi-9_f1iVxvWQbYcQwGRS_uBDba0mafF4LnCtVN_Jjzp6VjY/s400/IMG_7804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHsKCQIMgGny4djFNhasmVyedmv8pHObjgzaW03MvyJOj8kciJXgKuFaIt2-lsTFFN9Em_r4KnFMptercrYz4SAk5lXJxL0ucwqwDRqVHmTiiCLr3lU7dBILJDZacAzJnFQ1ZmgNUEr2Z/s1600/IMG_7597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHsKCQIMgGny4djFNhasmVyedmv8pHObjgzaW03MvyJOj8kciJXgKuFaIt2-lsTFFN9Em_r4KnFMptercrYz4SAk5lXJxL0ucwqwDRqVHmTiiCLr3lU7dBILJDZacAzJnFQ1ZmgNUEr2Z/s640/IMG_7597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPRGFdWPqcWc4EVFzo0a7ejQkhiN7pAHVruGlS5n8SZ7GXgmTC2nmrHVegT0cPyupxa69wPa16TlJ5RIyfQhss-iyLz-bpmYFxmpFfOPp5JCq47dubEiCL1AyCq1xKICPPFKwy5cL_bb4/s1600/IMG_7584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPRGFdWPqcWc4EVFzo0a7ejQkhiN7pAHVruGlS5n8SZ7GXgmTC2nmrHVegT0cPyupxa69wPa16TlJ5RIyfQhss-iyLz-bpmYFxmpFfOPp5JCq47dubEiCL1AyCq1xKICPPFKwy5cL_bb4/s400/IMG_7584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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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.</div>
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Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-8781265532763221622018-02-05T07:40:00.000+00:002018-02-05T07:40:17.678+00:00STRI info on course closures<h4 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato,sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">Below is some information provided by the STRI which can help understand the challenges turf professionals face and why each course is different.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></h4>
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by<span> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/striturf_paulw" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">@striturf_paulw</a></h4>
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For part three of our series of<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Golfers’ Grumbles”</em></strong>, I will be looking at the practical issues surrounding course closures and inspections. A significant headache year-on-year, however particularly relevant during the autumn and winter.</h3>
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Once again if you’ve got a comment about course closures and inspections, feel free to drop me a<span> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/striturf_paulw" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tweet</a> or post on<span> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/STRIGroup/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">STRI’s Facebook page</a>. I want to hear your opinion.</div>
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If you missed part one of<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Golfer’s Grumbles</em></strong>, where I discussed<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://strigroup.com/greenkeeper-dealing-golfers-grumbles-p1/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">top dressing following aeration</a>,<span> </span></strong>it’s still available if you click the link. You can also access part two on<span> </span><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://strigroup.com/golfers-grumbles-part-two-bunkers/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">bunkers</a></strong>. For now let’s get on with part three.</div>
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<a href="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="golfer grumbles part 3" class="aligncenter wp-image-4114" data-attachment-id="4114" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"5.6","credit":"Getty Images\/iStockphoto","camera":"NIKON D3200","caption":"Landscaping the golf course","created_timestamp":"1445791507","copyright":"Starcevic","focal_length":"200","iso":"400","shutter_speed":"0.008","title":"Landscaping the golf course","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="golfer grumbles part 3" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?fit=600%2C300&ssl=1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?fit=300%2C150&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?fit=600%2C300&ssl=1" data-orig-size="600,300" data-permalink="https://strigroup.com/golfers-grumbles-closures/landscaping-the-golf-course-6/" height="250" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" src="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?resize=500%2C250" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?resize=300%2C150&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?w=600&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?resize=150%2C75&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Dealing-with-golfers-grumbles-PART-3.jpg?resize=500%2C250&ssl=1 500w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 5px auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="500" /></a></div>
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“The course up the road is open so why aren’t we?”</h3>
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Managing a golf course throughout the last few years has been a challenge to say the least. Periods of extended closure due to prolonged snow coverage often tests golfers’ patience to the limit, let alone the frustrations and annual debate of whether to use the main greens during frost.</div>
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Perhaps the only thing we can conclude from climate change is that the extreme weather patterns witnessed in recent years will become more of a regular occurrence, including unpredictable, localised weather and flash flooding.</div>
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Assessing whether the course is fit for play is most commonly in the hands of the course manager or trusted senior staff. They will have a whole range of factors to consider. Most importantly the course should be safe to play. It is rare that a course will be closed for safety reasons other than in poor visibility, lightening or extreme high winds, but conditions should be inspected throughout the course and no judgement calls made from the comforting view of the club house window!</div>
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Perhaps the worst scenario for the greenkeeper is when the course has been subjected to heavy rainfall just before dawn and the sun is shining brightly when the golfers pull up at the car park. Yet again the view from the club house presents a wonderful vista, but on-course conditions require a period of closure while surface water drains and greenstaff repair key areas.</div>
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<a href="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="icy-green-closures" class="aligncenter wp-image-4115" data-attachment-id="4115" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.9","credit":"","camera":"FinePix S1000fd","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1262590101","copyright":"","focal_length":"6.9","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.0058823529411765","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="icy-green" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?fit=3648%2C2736&ssl=1" data-orig-size="3648,2736" data-permalink="https://strigroup.com/golfers-grumbles-closures/icy-green/" height="375" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" src="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?resize=500%2C375" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?resize=150%2C113&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?w=2000 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Icy-green.jpg?w=3000 3000w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 5px auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Frustrations run high when snow covers the course and as soon as a thaw sets in golfers expect to be out. Remember snow is water and all of that water needs time to drain away. Sub-surface freezing may very well restrict drainage and extend the closure period.</div>
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Managing frost conditions is however the most difficult one. Clubs come under increasing pressure when a neighbouring course decides on a policy of playing on main greens during frost. The winter of 2016/17 has seen numerous frosts and several before Christmas, which has been against the norm in recent years. Frost policies have subsequently become a hot topic in Clubhouse and Committee room discussion.</div>
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Many Clubs have boxed themselves in to policies using the main greens for longer periods, solely on the basis that this is what the course up the road does. And the course up the road does so because their neighbour does. These policies are driven by business models and financial requirements. It does not necessarily make them correct.</div>
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The most common policy seems to be to allow play on greens when frozen solid but to restrict play at times of white frost and when thawing is taking place. The latter situation is when most damage is likely to occur as roots can be sheared under the pressure of feet on a soft surface with frozen soils just below. The trouble is that not all greens will thaw at the same point so returning greens to play is a difficult policy to implement.</div>
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<a href="https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="hail-on-approach-to-green" class="aligncenter wp-image-4116" data-attachment-id="4116" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.83","credit":"","camera":"HP PhotoSmart 715","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1204466734","copyright":"","focal_length":"7.13","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"0.0059","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="hail-on-approach-to-green" data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1" data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?fit=2048%2C1536&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2048,1536" data-permalink="https://strigroup.com/golfers-grumbles-closures/hail-on-approach-to-green/" height="375" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" src="https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?resize=500%2C375" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?resize=150%2C113&ssl=1 150w, https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1 500w, https://i1.wp.com/strigroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hail-on-approach-to-green.jpg?w=2000 2000w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: auto; margin: 5px auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="500" /></a></div>
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Periods of extended frost have caused some concern at courses of late. Especially when the hole cup cannot be moved because the ground is too frozen. Concentrated doughnuts of wear around the hole cup has damaged sward and soils. This will recover but the green could be weaker heading into the spring.</div>
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A clear policy needs to be written by the Club and communicated to the members in an understanding manner. The policy also needs to be practical. Just because one green starts to thaw it doesn’t mean that all will. The depth of thaw is also critically important as most damage occurs if play resumes too early and only the surface has thawed.</div>
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The course should not be wrapped in cotton wool for the winter. Clubs need to maintain play whenever possible because essential income is generated, but sensible decisions must be taken. The following points therefore need to be considered when formulating a plan for winter play:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Courses cannot be compared against each other – issues such as construction, and topography will be different</li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand your ‘economic threshold’ of expected damage (short and long term) when considering opening your course or greens</li>
</ul>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Inspections should not be carried out in the dark even with the aid of a torch</li>
</ul>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">A thorough inspection may take at least 45 mins to an hour to complete</li>
</ul>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Consult the weather forecast for the rest of the day</li>
</ul>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Policies are there for a reason – communicate them effectively</li>
</ul>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-2649151753997022092018-01-26T14:05:00.000+00:002018-01-31T12:34:38.131+00:00Hedge work update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With no more improvement in the weather the work to the hedges is well under way. As mentioned in the last blog the 19th tee and the 7th hedge had been started. They are now finished, the 7th area has been tidied, however we will need to stump grind the remaining stumps before we can add a little soil and turf the area. The hedge along side the 18th green has also been lowered and is finished. Just removing the top 40-50 cm of those hedges around the greenkepers building has already saved a lot of time as we no longer need platforms or steps to work off. This time saving will be carried forward year on year.<br />
<br />
If the ground conditions are still wet next week we will start reducing the height of the leylandii hedge at the rear of the 10th green and along side the 13th tee. There is some of the hedge that will need to be removed completely next to the 13th tee but this will be down to the weather as to when we can start it.<br />
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As the weather has been poor we have been unable to cut any grass, at this time of the year there is not a great deal of growth but the greens are usually cut fairly regularly to keep them tidy and encourage dense growth. This winter we have struggled to cut them at all, as we had a couple of days of drier weather we took the opportunity to start cutting them with the hand mower. Not all the greens are dry enough to cut but we have cut the better ones and have managed to cut 75% of the summer greens this week. We may get the opportunity to cut a few more next week if the conditions improve.<br />
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<br />Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-72693768802072838832018-01-18T08:10:00.000+00:002018-01-18T08:10:42.834+00:00Hedge changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the weather still not playing ball, we are starting the winter hedge changes across the course, just to remind all the reasoning behind all the changes, below is the agreed proposal which has been communicated to all members via email, minutes and on the information board.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span style="color: #30383e; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; margin: 0px;">Hedge Management Work<u5:p></u5:p></span><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></h2>
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Following a
recent visit from our health and safety contractor, feedback from staff, and
concerns raised by members, the board have agreed to make changes to some of
the leylandii hedges on the course.<br />
Experts in golf course/woodland management also advise that certain trees can
be inappropriate on golf courses. Leylandii are non-native and short lived with
a lifespan of 30-40 years. As well as looking contrived and offering minimal
wildlife value, they start to degenerate, split and can blow over after 25-30
years.<br />
Access to many of the leylandii hedges is limited, therefore the contractor we
use to cut all hedges on the course can’t cut some areas using the large
tractor and flail, which are then left to be cut by hand using petrol hedge
trimmers. Due to the position of some of the hedges access is restricted by
slopes, fences, and uneven ground conditions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br />
The height and width of some of the leylandii also makes cutting difficult and
dangerous. The greens staff use trellises and scaffolding boards to create a
safe platform on which to work, which is acceptable if the ground is even, the
platform is stable, at a safe height and reach is not unsafe. The safety advice
given is that all hedges should not be excessively high, excessively wide or in
areas where line of sight for golfers or staff, compromises safety. When hedges
are excessively wide or high staff are more likely to over reach. From a
platform of no more than 1.5m a member of staff should not be cutting above
waist height, nor should the width of the hedge mean the member of staff is
unduly reaching to cut across the top surface. We are advised that all hedges
need not be more than 2m high and no more than a meter wide. <br />
We have assessed all the hedges that are cut by hand and have agreed on the following
course of action:</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">7th tee
leylandii to be removed</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
This is the worst example on the course and it will be fully removed. The hedge
stops clear line of sight for golfers on the 6th tee to golfers on the 7th tee,
in a report written by our Health and Safety advisor he has stated that this
hedge serves no purpose in protecting golfers from balls hit from the 6th tee,
it stops line of sight from both tees and is something he would like removed
for improved safety of golfers and staff. <br />
It is located close to the 7th tee banking which makes it difficult to build a
safe platform in which to cut the hedge. The hedge is excessively high at over
3 m and excessively wide at over 1.5m. Previously this hedge was cut from a
ladder which was dangerous; it also took two people a week to cut. From a
maintenance and cost saving point of view, removal of this section of hedge
would save the club valuable time and money in the long term.<br />
Once the hedge is removed low level shrubs (eg Portuguese laurel as we have
behind the 11th green) or additional pines/ birch or hardwoods (with respect of
the long term quality of the 7th teeing area) would be planted for extra
screening. The trees that were planted to the rear of the 7th tee several years
ago, were designed to create separation and screening from the 6th hole, which
they now do. The additional trees will create the additional separation
required.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">12th hole
leylandii, rear to be cut back</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br />
This stretch of leylandii would be left, as it is a great screen from neighbouring
properties and an unsightly fence which separates our property from the Coach
House property. The only hand cutting required on this hedge is the rear of the
hedge and a small section on the top where the contractor can’t reach. To solve
this and reduce time and risk, the rear of the hedge could be cut back to the
stem, leaving no cutting to be done on the rear (leylandii will not grow from
old wood, only from green growth). This would effectively narrow the hedge and
the contractor should be able to cut the entire top section. The height would
also be reduced by around 30 cm, this would reduce cutting, make cutting
easier, however still screen the fence to the rear of the hedge.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">13th tee
leylandii, reduce height and width, remove sections</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
The leylandii around the 10th green/ 13th tee has been planted at 2 different
times and therefore is in two different stages. The oldest section is double
width and is around 4m wide and around 3.5m high. The newest section is single
width and only 1m wide but is still 3.5m high. The newest section creates less
of an issue, this is accessible for the contractor and can be cut relatively
easily from the stone path side. We will however reduce the height of the whole
hedge to no more than 2m, this would make any cutting easier on the green side
and reduce risk, without compromising the effectiveness of that hedge. <br />
The double width, older section is a real issue. The staff must hand cut all
this section as due its position, height and width. The contractor can’t cut it
due to the 13th tee and 10th green, as they would have to travel on the tee or
greens surround to cut and would cause long term damage to the tee, bank and
turf around and close to the green. Leaving the only option, to hand cut the
majority of the hedge. Most of the top section is dangerous to cut by hand due
to the height and excessive width, even reducing the height would not solve
this issue. We can’t build a simple platform due to the tee banking, so must be
cut from steps which we have been advised are not a suitable option for the
amount of cutting required. The centre of the hedge can only be accessed by
steps through the centre of the hedge plants, again this is not safe practice.<br />
The solution is to remove the old, wider section of leylandii, due to its
width, position and the fact it’s creating unsafe working conditions and to
replant at single width and maintain to a safe height. Like the 7th tee, not
only will it be then safe to maintain but reducing cutting will create huge
cost savings to the club in the form of time/ labour saving. <br />
To reduce the impact visually during transition to the new hedge we will remove
one side of the current hedge (the 13th tee side), this would then look no
different from the 10th green side, as that section would remain in the short
term. Once removed we will replant the leylandii in single row to be like the
newer section behind the remaining hedge, alongside the 13th tee, there is
potential to reduce the length by around 10m near the 14th white tee and replanting
using other plants (shrubs, trees), to maintain some separation between the
10th green and 13th/14th tee, but giving a softer visual feel when approaching
from the 10th fairway. <br />
As soon as the new section has matured the older section alongside the 10th
green will then be removed. I would expect to have total transition to the new
hedge within 5 years, sooner if possible depending on growth of the new hedge.
Once fully changed there will be additional space around the 10th green which
will only improve the playing surfaces in that area. Should the hedge remain
the staff will not be able to cut any sections by hand.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">18th green/
19th path and tee, reduce height</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">
This section of hedge is in an area of level ground. This allows us to erect a
basic platform which is safe to cut from. The hedge is around 3m, we will
reduce the height of the hedge to around 2m which would reduce cutting time but
most importantly reduce risk to staff when cutting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br />
Cost of alterations would benefit the club to the equivalent of £2500 (time
savings) approx. per year, significantly reduce the risk of litigation, and
improve the overall playability and quality of the surfaces.</span><br />
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
I appreciate not all members will agree with the advice or the changes, but we are obliged as a club to take the safety of golfers and staff seriously, and act upon the professional advice we have been given.<br />
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Work has begun on the hedge around the greenkepers building due to the poor ground conditions on the course, this area minimises travelling and can be done as and when conditions dictate.<br />
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Yesterday (17th Jan) ground conditions were remarkably improved due to a cold easterly wind and slight ground frost, therefore we took the opportunity to remove the 7th leylandii hedge. The team worked hard, with the assistance of our Greens Chairman Colin Webster, to ensure the work on the main sections were completed in that day. Fortunately most of the work has been completed with just some off cut branches to collect. Now this has been removed we will look to grind off the stumps and turf the area before planting a few more trees, in selected positions as not to cause similar issues. Not only will this solve any safety issues but the tee benefit from the increased light and air flow and the area to the left of the 6th hole will be easier to maintain due to less restricted access around the 7th tee.<br />
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We will hopefully continue with the 19th hedge and move on to the 13th when conditions are next suitable. As I'm writing this the course is once again covered in snow, ice and completely saturated due to 12mm of overnight rain and sleet thanks to storm Fionn. The weather certainly plays a big part in course playability, we have been incredibly lucky over the past 3 years to have such mild and playable conditions through December, January and February. This winter has been severe, wet and relenting, however I'm always optimistic that we are now heading in the right direction towards better weather.<br />
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During spells of drier weather we have been cutting other hedges around the course, these are the sections that cant be cut with the tractor flail. With the changes we have made to the hedges this task is becoming easier every year.<br />
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Bins, benches, and course posts, such as OOB, water hazards, fence and 150 yard post are all being stained and painted. Once again the team doing a great job to ensure the course looks its best come the playing season.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">We have
solid tined the greens with 13mm cross tines to allow air and water penetration
and allow air to exit the turf when using the air2G2, which has been subsequently carried out. We will then move on to
smaller 10mm tines nearer the growing season. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="margin: 0px;">Before spring the tees and
surrounds will be solid tined with 13mm tines</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and sprayed with liquid iron to harden up the
sward. Fairways are to be slit tined in two directions and solid tined in the
worst and most compacted areas.</span> </span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-20550980041630241632018-01-03T11:30:00.002+00:002018-01-03T11:30:41.959+00:00A Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope all followers had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year. We start another year and hopefully a drier one than last. Over the Christmas period the weather continued to be poor and the course is really suffering because of it. It has been a few weeks now since the course was fully playable, there has been a mixture of holes closed and winter cups being used to keep the course open as much as it can be. However we are not alone, nearly every golf course that is comparable to Malton and Norton is in the same position and greenkepers around the country are toiling away doing there upmost to keep courses playable through what seems never ending poor weather.<br />
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It is at this point we have to be thankful that last year was the driest winter we have had for a long time and it coincided with the irrigation installation. I would not like to imagine the mess and chaos that would have been inflicted to the course if they were trying to install the irrigation this winter.<br />
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I'm fairly confident if we are patient and do not play on the course when conditions are not suitable we will be able to deliver a course in good condition come spring. I have witnessed many times at other courses and sometimes here when play is allowed during unsuitable conditions to see the long term damage come spring and summer. An example here at Malton is the 2nd green. A green with poor drainage due to the shape, position and soil used in construction, leading to saturated surfaces most of the winter. Last winter we tried to keep the green in play as much as possible leading to root and leaf tissue damage which was slow to recover in spring and not the surface we would like throughout the playing season. With no resolution to improve the drainage in the near future we have to take a more cautious approach this winter. Less damage when the grass plants cant recover should lead to a lot stronger plants come spring and summer when the greens need to be good. We have some work planned for the poorer greens but this will not address the bigger issue of subsurface drainage.<br />
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Drainage is still one of the biggest investments any golf course will need to make to battle against the weather in this country. Its an area which has no limits, at Malton and Norton we are aiming to continually improve all aspects of drainage and plans are in place to look at the most problematic areas to ensure we can remain playable in the worst of conditions. However there is a balance of what is affordable within the current budgets. The top championship clubs that aren't fortunate to be built on free draining land spend millions installing drainage and importing sandy soil which they construct the course out of, unfortunately we don't have that expenditure and therefore we need to be realistic about what is achievable on our site.<br />
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Looking back at the total rainfall last year we finished on 655mm, which is above average, but no where near the accumulations of 2012 when we nearly had 1000mm. As I mentioned last time it has been the timing of the rainfall that has been the issue this year. Around 75% of the annual rainfall has come in the Summer/ Autumn when the ground should be dry. Considering the wet conditions the course has only been fully closed 15 days. With 5 of those days due to snow. That shows the work we have done over the past 5 years on drainage and aeration has had some effect, as in 2012 we were closed 55 days.<br />
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Looking forward to this year we have very few big projects on the go, however we have a number of small but important tasks we need to schedule in to the next couple of months. Aeration is one of the key areas we will be focusing on, the greens will be micro tined, deep aerated using the air2G2 and slit tined to encourage new rooting. A number of small restoration projects will start including levelling out and removal of the old winter tees, these are becoming dangerous and are unnecessary. We will also attempt a couple of drainage improvements around the 14th and 16th. We will be continuing the tree work, pruning and thinning where needed, along with the hedge changes that have been approved, to the 7th and 13th tee areas.<br />
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Machine maintenance is high on the agenda at the moment, and is something that is good to concentrate on given the poor conditions on the course. all cutting units need striping down, cleaning and sharpening before the units are set ready for the start of the season.<br />
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Cleaning, staining and painting all bins, benches and posts has also begun, its a job that can be done inside when the weather is bad, however is also one that can be left when we are needed to get on with other course related maintenance.<br />
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All ditches, leaves and debris are continually being checked, its important to keep ditches running freely as any blockages will stop the natural drainage on the course. Most of the leaf litter is now collected from the course. Some areas are still too wet to access with vehicles and these are being done by hand. The clubhouse borders have been finished, most of the older shrubs have been cut back, to encourage new growth.<br />
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<br />Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-52955806688006242772017-12-15T13:50:00.002+00:002017-12-15T13:50:56.078+00:00Testing weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After the last serving of snow around a week ago we were treated to another very light covering, only a cm in total but enough to cause issues once again.<br />
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">With the course being partially closed for the last week we have taken
the opportunity to start pruning and removing dead and dying trees. Travelling
around the course has been a real issue as we don’t want to cause any damage.
We have been working around the 11<sup>th</sup>, 12<sup>th</sup>, 13<sup>th</sup>
and 14<sup>th</sup> holes, where we are near to the fire and minimises
travelling. All trees are being assessed and pruned with maintenance and
playability of the course in mind. </span></div>
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The team have worked hard to continue in some pretty bad conditions, however just as the course is closed it doesn't mean we take it easy. Sometimes the poor conditions on course can be used in your favour, for example the soil conditions are very wet across the course but after a severe frost travelling with heavy loads are not so much of an issue due to the frozen ground.<br />
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On the negative side, the severe frost has had a big impact on the condition of the course, the freeze/thaw pattern has left the greens waterlogged and covered in ice. <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The shorter the grass is cut the less
insulation the sward provides to the soil. Greens for example have the least
insulation, therefore after the recent overnight temperatures of -6 Celsius the
frost went into the soil around 25-35mm, whereas the semi rough only penetrated
down to 5-10mm. Any rainfall on top of frozen ground hasn’t anywhere to go,
this is when the conditions deteriorate quickly. The surface water then
refreezes creating sheets of ice and dangerous golfing conditions. It also
poses a greater threat to the turf. As temperatures rise during the day the
surface will begin to thaw slightly, with the lower profile remaining frozen,
any play or maintenance on the turf during these conditions will create an
issue called root sheer. This is when the top surface moves from the lower
surface breaking all rooting from the grass. No roots = no recovery for the
grass plant, resulting in long term and potentially severe damage. Obviously,
the greens are the highest priority areas, and these must be protected during
these circumstances, however we need to make a judgement regarding the
playability verses long term damage for the rest of the course.</span><br />
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Normally at this time of the year we expect to see a little wet weather and even some closures through the amount of rain, however the relentless summer rainfall totals have taken its toll.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">The total rainfall we have had this year isn’t
the highest I have personally recorded but it’s the timing of the rainfall
which has had a significant impact to the playability of the course. The year
started off really dry with only 175mm rain through to the end of May. From
then on, we received the average winter’s rainfall throughout summer and into
Autumn. This created several issues, firstly the grass growth through summer
was at times uncontrollable, but secondly and the problem we have now got, the
soils were saturated going into Autumn. Normally after a relatively normal
summer the soils are dry and can absorb the rains of Autumn and Winter, this
year they simply could not.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">The information regarding the leylandii hedge changes is now on the
website and in the locker rooms for all to see before work starts on those in
January.</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-2130034092296811032017-12-08T08:50:00.001+00:002017-12-08T08:50:04.515+00:00An overdue round up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk1uDeCyegKX1jvS1w2CMWKSbFXxPKcSZiO4jwmgH0fifl2P7U5JLNKuUBJHYeUoBAUNor_1GMw2fMHqlVKldrehXA-pgWMp-mhn6rYVPU0snNO8YYYr0oH6kuaM5nGCohxNWYwQtCaE5/s1600/IMG_6856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk1uDeCyegKX1jvS1w2CMWKSbFXxPKcSZiO4jwmgH0fifl2P7U5JLNKuUBJHYeUoBAUNor_1GMw2fMHqlVKldrehXA-pgWMp-mhn6rYVPU0snNO8YYYr0oH6kuaM5nGCohxNWYwQtCaE5/s640/IMG_6856.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apologies for the severe lack of updates during the last 3 weeks, very little time has left me unable to keep up with all that is going on around the course. So here goes a full round up of all the happenings, firstly we have had our first taste of a real winter with around 50mm of snow falling on the course and around the region around a week ago. This was short lived but did close the course for a few days.</div>
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The snow fell on already saturated ground so when the thaw came there was a lot of water standing. We have managed to dry out now and all 27 holes are back open after a period when we were only 14-18 holes.</div>
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During the thaw period there were some cold nights, freezing the wet soft snow and saturated ground, perfect conditions to cause long term damage to the turf should the course have been near playable. In those circumstances we will have to apply restrictions to prevent damage.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdYd1tHxPZ93E49x7uM_EMYgZTMP9ieh-tEW6XAAT4tnlGXyhxARnuthTQ3bHtuFT2wrRk56gZEilma5UJdA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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As you can see frozen surface with a very soft top layer on the turf.</div>
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The thaw also brought the first flood event on holes 21-24, this section of land is only around 1m above the River Derwent's natural level. As soon as excess water and snow thaw enters the river the levels soon begin to rise. When this happens the 21st and 24th greens become unplayable and we have to use winter cups to keep play going.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHj43ENdDUKl3jLseXdPJ_7BroErzp5Zuqy-_Pdif6a31u9neovkCaTSdjnAz_F7GcmVQXmyqFuaBOn3X8Vigvj5H_ZrS1iTFmlvS23GfmAFKjWDyKn1l8zRtVi2Rl3jCKgyNG2TCjT60/s1600/IMG_6962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHj43ENdDUKl3jLseXdPJ_7BroErzp5Zuqy-_Pdif6a31u9neovkCaTSdjnAz_F7GcmVQXmyqFuaBOn3X8Vigvj5H_ZrS1iTFmlvS23GfmAFKjWDyKn1l8zRtVi2Rl3jCKgyNG2TCjT60/s640/IMG_6962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once dried out our focus has been on collecting the last of the leaves now all are off the trees. This is a time consuming task but worth it in the long run to ensure the turf is in the best condition possible come spring. The ditches have also been cleared of debris to ensure all drainage can work as efficiently as possible.</div>
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Around tees and greens get a thorough back pack blow to remove any leaves settled in the grass, below is the finished result, the 5th green /6th tee is notorious for leaf issues, but the team have spent a long time ensuring all are blown and collected.</div>
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Some tees like the ladies 9th take a lot longer as they are surrounded by trees and permanently have leaf clearance issues, however now all leaves have fallen we should start to see these being tidied.<br />
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The team have also been busy starting pruning trees around the course, working where we can due to the ground conditions<br />
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All the range divider wires have been replaced as they were rotting from being exposed to the elements for so long, we have also started to replace the bolts holding the mats down and turn them to ensure they do not wear from play.<br />
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Before the wintery weather arrived we managed to get some winter fertiliser on to the greens after they were cut. This should strengthen the plant going into winter and help resist any further disease attack. Most of the greens are holding up well, we had a bit of disease on a few of the wetter greens, such as the 5th, 10th, 12th and 19th, this has been treated however a few scars remain. We hope to do some aeration to the worst greens before Christmas, they will benefit from aeration as the soil is so saturated. This is as long as the weather conditions allow.<br />
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Hopefully I will try and update again before ChristmasRichard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-34678666199998167492017-11-17T09:32:00.000+00:002017-11-17T09:32:00.536+00:00Trees and leavesAfter a long run of mild/wet weather it would seem that the normal weather for November is finally here. It looks like we are in for a spell of colder, windy and potentially settled weather. This is going to slow growth right down. Not only that should reduce disease pressure and remove the last of the leaves clinging to the trees.<br />
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Initially the week started colder with a couple of grass frosts. The frost didn't penetrate into the ground so went after around 9am each day. The picture below highlights why the front putting green is prone to disease. </div>
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The edge nearest the clubhouse is clearly not frozen like the rest of the green. I believe this is because the clubhouse reflects any heat and light creating a slightly different microclimate in this region. As this strip is always slightly warmer and therefore more dewy and less likely to freeze disease pressure is higher. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Other reasons we find problematic greens on the course is shade. Whilst working around the 5th green it was an ideal opportunity to show the problems we face. At just past midday this is as much sun this green gets at it's highest point. </div>
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With high disease pressure in mind we have applied another preventative fungicide to greens and surrounds. We will apply another application in December to limit disease through until spring. As mentioned last month the contact fungicide active ingredient iprodione has been withdrawn, the dates have been released and we will have up to the start of June to use all remaining stock. With this in mind we must now face the difficult challenge of balancing preventative and cultural strategies to minimise disease. This is going to be a difficult one, as already on the wet and shaded greens we have seen unbelievable disease pressure resulting in fusarium patches on roughly 6 of the worst greens. Clearly we want improve the environmental conditions to allow as much natural resistance as possible, this could be more aeration, improved drainage, tree removal or resorting to unnatural measures like more frequent chemical applications.</div>
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Most of the leaves are now down and are still being collected regularly, the breezy conditions are blowing what's left around the course which then have to be blown clear of playing surfaces. The team are still out daily ensure we can keep the course in the best condition possible.<br />
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Obviously greens, tees and fairways are the priority areas so bunkers have been raked less due to time, and the fact that all debris needs to be removed first. So we are currently doing them once a week. When debris and leaves reduce then we can then rake more often.<br />
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Greens and surrounds have also been sprayed with calcium, iron, potassium and bio stimulants to strengthen them going into this cold spell. We hopefully will apply a winter granular fertiliser to greens, surrounds and tees next week.</div>
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The only cutting we have done this week is to greens, surrounds and the Derwent fairways, just to keep them tidy. </div>
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This week we have had Neville Maw our regular hedge cutting contractor here to cut all hedges and ditches on the course. Following the 3 days he is here cutting we then have a number of areas that will need hand cutting.<br />
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We are making a start to tree pruning right across the course along with continued removal of dead, dying and weak trees. This is a long process which involves assessing each tree and removing low and hanging branches. This is to ensure machinery can access all areas and golf can be played without to many restrictions. </div>
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Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-14432754489119813422017-11-08T21:43:00.001+00:002017-11-08T21:54:02.538+00:00Start of some winter work<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNml13wnyUeRHDbLz3UQFwDP_fFn7XmYIpwENuHkUAQIIXolGjpNUhFxRbG7OG0lJqO43UpTVVw6o1hW5iKO0jEnuJl1hQJODNtAjsMyRgcFWAsm-uGWirvRRNGgQXamJTZaZnATcAt_uc/s640/blogger-image-1585390411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNml13wnyUeRHDbLz3UQFwDP_fFn7XmYIpwENuHkUAQIIXolGjpNUhFxRbG7OG0lJqO43UpTVVw6o1hW5iKO0jEnuJl1hQJODNtAjsMyRgcFWAsm-uGWirvRRNGgQXamJTZaZnATcAt_uc/s640/blogger-image-1585390411.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LgpF-f8MFUltcyRBgaW20KIj7B9H-wpV-WMpw3jdxno0Q_Z2Wgb4wKHaNuPiF2JVMxOHYwJ8gumB-neYvh8duvLIxltBr5LKipbduAiiWv5yzA1_OPMduxP8SAEgwPrMK-8lAuYFIG6d/s640/blogger-image-1152749628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LgpF-f8MFUltcyRBgaW20KIj7B9H-wpV-WMpw3jdxno0Q_Z2Wgb4wKHaNuPiF2JVMxOHYwJ8gumB-neYvh8duvLIxltBr5LKipbduAiiWv5yzA1_OPMduxP8SAEgwPrMK-8lAuYFIG6d/s640/blogger-image-1152749628.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Over the last couple of weeks we have made a start on a few winter jobs, grass growth is slowing slightly and we getting on top of a number of smaller tasks. First up was aeration of greens, the last couple of years we have used a machine called an Air2G2. This machine basically injects air into the soil at around 300mm below the surface. The great benefit we have found in using this machine opposed to the conventional vertidrain method of aeration is the reduced disruption to the surafce. The vertidrain machine punches thousands of holes into the turf, depending on tine size, ranging from 8mm to 15mm wide. The tines create spaces within the soil profile for new roots to develop, with the added benefit of providing air into the soil. The Air2G2 has 15mm tines but as it injects air there are a lot fewer holes. So few that after a roll it is difficult to see where the machine has been. The air is injected at high pressure, this fractures the soil structure creating horizontal airpockets, and those that break up to the surface. This again provides the soil and more importantly the grass roots with the air they need for healthy growth as well as increasing the drainage potential.<br>
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Some of the greens are struggling more than others due to the continual wet conditions we have seen this year, the 2nd, 5th and 10th are the wettest and softest on holes 1-18. Greens 21-24 are also soft but these are generally softer due to the position in a flood plain. We are thinking of trying to improve them over the coming years by installing drainage. We have to consider all the options, and provide a solution which is affordable. A new system has been launched called PC Duke drainage. This system is being installed in 3 greens at Hull GC. Adam and myself took the opportunity to go and see the installation for ourselves, with the intention of considering it for the greens at Malton and Norton GC. It was very impressive, very little disruption, the green was fully complete within 4 hours and playable immediately after. The system compromises of sand bands every meter apart, the difference to a normal sand band installation is the machine also pulls in a hollow fibre glass rope, which is then linked to an exit drain. The fibre glass rope absorbs all moisture within the sand drawing it away to an outfall. This allows the sand to continue absorbing water from the green. We will return to Hull GC to see how effective it has been over the winter. This method has a couple of advantages over a normal drainage installation, one is the cost, around 50% cheaper, and secondly the disruption is very minimal, the green is out of play for 4 hours, a conventional drainage system could take the green out of play for up to 4 months.<br>
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We have started an bunker improvement programme. The most comments I receive currently is regarding the bunkers, specifically balls getting stuck under grass lips. I fully understand the issue, to explain the reasoning the bunkers are designed as they are is to reduce labour needed to maintain the bunkers. Bunkers with flat bases are far easier to maintain as the sand remains in situ after heavy rain. As we are looking to increase staff numbers this gives the option to experiment with the bunker style and hopefully improve the playability of some bunkers on the course. To show how we are looking to present the new style of bunkers we have completed 4 of the practice bunkers, please have a look and give some feedback.<br>
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We have also started some tree work, removing some dead and dying trees across the course, there are number of trees on the course in very poor and sometimes dangerous condition. Below are a few examples of some of the trees that we are working on currently. They have rot and are structural unsafe. Other trees will be pruned to ease maintenance and increase playabilty in some areas of the course.Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-44363127571340631352017-10-26T18:41:00.001+01:002017-10-26T19:10:20.458+01:00Wet Wet Wet<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After the wet summer we have had it was only a matter of time before the course gave in to the relenting weather. More rain through October has left us with saturated surfaces, the rain has causes us many headaches not just with the amount of wet areas across the course but has not allowed us to cut grass or collect leaves as we would have wanted to. Access across the course is limited to only the driest of areas. Where we have been able to get to has made more mess than i would have liked but again we are working to a needs must philosophy until the ground conditions improve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are a lot of leaves falling at the moment and the new amazone machine is working great (if we could only get on to the course to use it), as soon as we can get on to the course we will have a full round up of all in play areas. It only takes one man a couple of days to cover the course, by far easier and quicker than the previous machine we had. The time saved has allowed us to spend more time on other areas. It's mainly been swallowed up by the amount of time we have to spend switching and brushing casts, and to be honest I don't think I expected the damage to be quite as bad as it currently is. The worm casts are worse in some areas than others but most areas are seeing visible damage and some turf loss. The amount of rain coupled with cutting and general play from golfers is making the damage more evident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To limit damage we have been out with hand equipment only, back pack blowing leaves from around greens and tees, using hand mowers to cut banks and wet areas around greens and tees.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DKR7y3M8PMB_hSUMsLoV6ddH2UYiYrP9cN3MvXepLVAmCFqhJSdnPXHoPHGfiXvDgeaEOq-Ij0E61nN6rPdMMjnxPRPaSOpEHVmBH5RaxBOudxpMZ5KzBoeorl8aPBqil6PPXKKM34cp/s640/blogger-image-1358185827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DKR7y3M8PMB_hSUMsLoV6ddH2UYiYrP9cN3MvXepLVAmCFqhJSdnPXHoPHGfiXvDgeaEOq-Ij0E61nN6rPdMMjnxPRPaSOpEHVmBH5RaxBOudxpMZ5KzBoeorl8aPBqil6PPXKKM34cp/s640/blogger-image-1358185827.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have a number of areas roped off to prevent long term damage, please could I ask all golfers to abide by the restrictions and to not move hoops and ropes to allow access. If a ball hits the ropes and hoops then you are entitled to retake the shot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we go into winter and the weather deteriorates further we may have to adopt a more sensible approach to the course playability. If we feel there is going to be long term damage caused to the course we will have no option but to limit play in some areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to thank the buggy users, so far the new restrictions we have applied this year seems to be working and the buggy users are sticking mostly to the semi rough.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA2fCo2ntyG-jy0FzhGw9nxWZLfImCgjnQWfwiZFshxkFJy4NpKnGLdwR87mER7K7INBb5Jn6YQrjJbx_kIKkeTvpNLSNW6z8ftxran25kHDnTWTf3kLRKU7OtHL2KEmG_mbrHuayZWK7/s640/blogger-image-1542856124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuA2fCo2ntyG-jy0FzhGw9nxWZLfImCgjnQWfwiZFshxkFJy4NpKnGLdwR87mER7K7INBb5Jn6YQrjJbx_kIKkeTvpNLSNW6z8ftxran25kHDnTWTf3kLRKU7OtHL2KEmG_mbrHuayZWK7/s640/blogger-image-1542856124.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All 1-18 fairways have been sprayed with iron, in an attempt to slow worm activity, but will help strengthen and add colour to the sward. The greens have been sprayed with a preventative fungicide, this was done on Monday of this week, thankfully before the weather took a turn for the worse. This will help limit damage to the greens turf caused by turf diseases such as Fusaruim. Another big chemical taken off the market this week has been announced. This is an extract from the Bayer press release which can be found online</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">''Products containing the chemical iprodione are to be withdrawn from sale following an EU ruling by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed banning use of the substance.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bayer makes iprodione products Chipco Green, which controls fusarium patch, red thread, dollar spot, anthracnose, leaf spot and rust, and Interface is used on microdochium patch, red thread/pink patch, dollar spot, anthracnose, leaf spot/melting out and rust.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bayer professional product manager Steve Bishop said the company would update industy in the coming weeks with timescales for the sell-out and usage periods of iprodione product based registrations.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bayer professional product manager Steve Bishop said: "We have a large regulatory team based in the UK who’ll keep the industry informed on all of the latest updates."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Earlier this year, Bayer launched Exteris Stressgard, which increased the available number of fungicide groups from five to six, with the new turf SDHI fluopyram. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"Unfortunately the loss of iprodione will reduce the available turf fungicide groups back to five, meaning that rotation strategy remains a critical element of integrated disease management," Bishop said. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"With other chemicals also due for assessment, a further reduction in the total number of products on the market, and therefore the number of available groups for rotation, for turf disease control is not out of the question.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"This is why we’re constantly investing into the research and development of new chemistry, to continue to deliver solutions to our customers well into the future."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is another bitter pill to swallow for anyone who has to manage turf, especially after the withdrawal of carbendazim. This fungicide active is the sole contact/curative left which can be used once active disease is visible. As greenkeepers we now need to be proactive, rather than reactive. Most greenkeepers will already be on a preventative fungicide strategy of some sorts but now we will have to be more careful both culturally and chemically, with more focus around preventative measures to keep the turf in good order. To now say we can keep the turf disease free is a stretch, even with all the products available it would be expensive and sometimes difficult to implement given such factors outside your control such as the weather. We still hope other alternative effective chemicals will become available over time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpyiwkUg1lcH2GQ9vLyWyqd0JTThlXPBQtJOJuy-eCVEJVGnSVDxpbQslZnhu-tTvTMqy6lgUPymyfoV36xfJMZSP66Fc3MwMcUbiOIKrdNBV2C5cGBqzQ9a4xwIDclJw3z2UFxX1M_eX/s640/blogger-image--1253799322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpyiwkUg1lcH2GQ9vLyWyqd0JTThlXPBQtJOJuy-eCVEJVGnSVDxpbQslZnhu-tTvTMqy6lgUPymyfoV36xfJMZSP66Fc3MwMcUbiOIKrdNBV2C5cGBqzQ9a4xwIDclJw3z2UFxX1M_eX/s640/blogger-image--1253799322.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The team have started to edge some of the practice bunkers, we are looking at ways to solve a recurring piece of feedback ive been receiving over the last year, the ball finding its way under the grass lips around the bunker edge. On the practice ground we are taking the grass edge a lot further up around the perimeter of the bunker, shaping the ground beneath to allow the ball to run into the center of the bunker. This style requires more maintenance as the sand constantly works its way down from the bunker edges, needing to be pulled up on a daily basis. Please try and view the bunkers in question and give us feedback.</span><br />
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Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-14699847758537521682017-10-10T15:31:00.001+01:002017-10-10T15:42:20.740+01:00Autumnal tasks<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Below is a great link which discusses some of the points I have previously made on this blog regarding the trees on the course.<br />
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<a href="http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/clubhouse/2017-ungated/10-17-ungated/five-things-to-know-about-trees-on-golf-courses.html" style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/clubhouse/2017-ungated/10-17-ungated/five-things-to-know-about-trees-on-golf-courses.html</a><br />
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This week we are making great progress with the rough management, nearly all the long rough has been cut down, along with some longer areas of intermediate rough. Leaves are starting to fall thick and fast, so we are out on a daily basis with the back pack and tractor mounted blowers. The leaf collector is also being used as and when possible on a morning.<br />
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We had another period of windy weather which brought down a number of larger branches and a couple of smaller trees, fortunately one of the trees was dying and probably the reason why it was weaker than it should have been.<br />
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With most of the debris tidied we are now concentrating efforts on tidying uncut bits of long rough and around trees which cant be accessed with the amazone. These areas are strimmed or will be cut with a smaller mower. This is a long process but will ensure we keep the course in the best possible condition going into winter. Leaving areas of rough makes leaf collection difficult. A long reach pruning saw will be needed in some areas to make collection easier in the future.<br />
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We are also starting to spray fairways with soluble iron, this will help deter worm activity, also strengthen the sward heading into winter. I'm normally not over keen on applying high amounts of iron to turf as it can lead to black layer as high iron levels limits natural aerobic activity, however it does lower the pH as iron sulphate is relatively acidic. The lower the pH the less worm activity we will hopefully see. I have tried a number of expensive worm suppressants with very limited results so applying iron is a very inexpensive way of trying to improve the turf. We will continue to apply treatments until weather conditions deteriorate. The greens have also been sprayed with a mix of amino acids and biostimulants with a very small amount of Nitrogen mixed in.<br />
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Unfortunately there are a number of areas that are getting a little sticky and cutting is making them look even worse. At the moment we cutting on a needs/ must basis, picking dry days and ground conditions to cut where needed. Its a difficult balance to keep the course tidy without making more damage than we need to, the team are doing a fantastic job to deal with an ever changing challenge. On a positive note the work we do to the greens on an annual basis seems to proving a success as the greens surfaces are healthy and performing ok. Due to the wet year there is a little moss on some of the wetter/shaded greens and the remnants of a little fusarium that was knocking around a few weeks ago. We have since sprayed a fungicide so there is no new activity, this will be monitored over the coming weeks. Nights and mornings are drawing in so most mornings the team are out with torches and lights on the machines, its essential we still start work early to ensure the course is checked, set up and ready for the days play. Please note the course information line will be updated at 7.30 at the latest from 1st November (currently 7.00am)Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-91005935382840231872017-10-03T21:49:00.000+01:002017-10-03T21:59:02.075+01:00Here comes the leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uBI9YR07JRF3PtNBgWzYE0SZnVjc_d61rcahoHxWQ3HvJ5usPeZGxCY2_oPa8fHCVEVszzQpvuQ16qj2ilbr2WV2s0Z586EJdUZEjAL0GK7LhhFFWlPodijWw7yNOLGipW2wgjiH_onh/s640/blogger-image-1675179288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uBI9YR07JRF3PtNBgWzYE0SZnVjc_d61rcahoHxWQ3HvJ5usPeZGxCY2_oPa8fHCVEVszzQpvuQ16qj2ilbr2WV2s0Z586EJdUZEjAL0GK7LhhFFWlPodijWw7yNOLGipW2wgjiH_onh/s640/blogger-image-1675179288.jpg"></a></div>As the temperatures begin to drop the trees are changing colour and the leaves are beginning to fall. We are gearing equipment up to start collection, the new amazone machine should make a real difference to the labour involved in the annual task. To make collection easier we have to cut down all the long rough on the course, again utilising our machine we are cutting and collecting all areas and composting the grass in our designated areas across the course.<br>
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The weather has been good for this task, dry and windy for a change. It certainly helps when the long grass is dry, it compacts better and makes the job quicker.<br>
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However the wind has been causing chaos on other parts of the course and causing a few issues for even simple tasks such as cutting greens and fairways. The wind has gusted at 40mph at times, fortunately no damage has been done to the course. However the strong winds have brought many small branches down and quite a number of leaves, there has also been a lot of pine needles, keys and bits from leylandii and other trees close by to greens and fairways. We have had staff out clearing areas so cutting can be carried out, adding time to all jobs, it is critical that debris is removed so damage to the turf doesn't occur.<br>
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Cutting is going to be a real test, one that is going to have to be thought about carefully as we head into winter, worm casts, as previously mentioned cause damage to the machinery and to the turf when cutting occurs, the drier the ground conditions and casts the less damage occurs, especially to the turf. Picking days to cut is going to be the key to minimising damage. Unfortunately they can be few and far between as we head into November and December, making the decisions ever more difficult. To help the cast smearing we can brush and switch areas, however sometimes this just isn't possible. Other measures we are trying, to prevent long term damage are; minimising traffic to cast prone areas such as fairways and high wear areas, buggies will cause a lot of damage to turf once grass growth stops, smearing casts on to the turf which then can't recover, so please try and keep buggies to the semi rough as much as possible. We are putting out the usual traffic management hoops and rope, we will be trying other chemicals and acidifiers to reduce general castings and sanding areas which we feel are getting to severe. Please appreciate that worm casting is a problem for most clubs now so we are not alone, its a very frustrating issue we need to deal with on a daily basis, and hopefully something we can strive to improve over time.<br>
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<br>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-55500123333290385352017-09-25T20:21:00.001+01:002017-09-25T20:32:47.683+01:00Quick update<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAAHQiGAft5cKPWfGs8qrytoz5rR1j035uSfB01eUVRK9n3d_WdZ3BaFYfVt76BJDRoGDajmoQh4G_y5RCygqnejasT_Ppx_DfDqGmw4tUuZOnIVxR5j26bpKr4Ml_JObuZ1vfmzcHimq/s640/blogger-image-338746047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAAHQiGAft5cKPWfGs8qrytoz5rR1j035uSfB01eUVRK9n3d_WdZ3BaFYfVt76BJDRoGDajmoQh4G_y5RCygqnejasT_Ppx_DfDqGmw4tUuZOnIVxR5j26bpKr4Ml_JObuZ1vfmzcHimq/s640/blogger-image-338746047.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Just a quick update to show how things are progressing on the course and the work that has gone on over the last week or so. Firstly the weather has been very mixed, we have had a spell of very Autumnal weather. Cool winds from the north dropped temperatures dramatically, almost to the point of a couple of frosty mornings. Temperatures dipped to around 5 degrees C. That has slowed grass growth down and given us a chance to catch up on a few jobs. With paternity leave for a couple of our staff over August and September, we have struggled to get on top of cutting until the growth slowed, thankfully now all areas are under control.<br>
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We have had chance to start a few of the winter type tasks, the first being clearing some vegetation from the 11th storage area to make room for leaf disposal. We will aim to clear a couple more areas in the next couple of weeks. All gutters on buildings around the car park have been checked and cleaned. The bridges across the 10th have been tidied and weeded. Also we have started to sharpen the back up greens mower units.<br>
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The cool nights have brought some dewy conditions which makes an ideal environment for disease. With this in mind we have sprayed a preventative fungicide which should reduce the risk of fusarium on the putting surfaces over the next month. should conditions prevail and we think disease pressure is high then a follow up application will be made in October<br>
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We have applied a slow release fertiliser to the tees which has now taken effect and are looking good.<br>
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The worn areas on 10-18 holes have been vertidrained before the machine was taken off in preparation for the leaf/grass collector to start work.<br>
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We are continuing to trial the worm suppressants which are on the market, with no real winners so far. Worm casts are still going to be the most damaging problem we will face this winter. Please be understanding, as there is very little we can do to prevent the smearing and mud that will build up in high wear areas.<br>
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Generally the course is playing well for the time of year, the staff are working hard to present the course in the best possible condition for the busy end of season period.<br>
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We are starting to mark trees which are for removal this winter, dying, dead or dangerous trees are 'ringed' before the leaves fall. This makes it easy to see which trees are for felling and which are to be pruned come the middle of the winter when we will start this type of work. We are also in the process of creating a tree management plan, this will involve analysing all tree areas and suggesting a plan to ensure that all woodland is managed correctly long term. We do not want to see the trees become over crowded, lose turf quality or lose the play-ability of the course we have.<br>
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<br>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-6580263174799349602017-09-14T11:44:00.000+01:002017-09-18T09:58:33.589+01:00Wormcast woes<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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As we head into the middle of September, the onslaught of leaf collection seems as its just around the corner. Some trees are showing colour change and a hand full of trees have started to drop their leaves. We are regularly out with the tornado blower dispersing grass clipping, from wet cuts, so these few areas are not an issue as yet. <br />
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Storm Aileen, the first of the season passed across the country on Tuesday night, this brought strong winds and a bit of rain, fortunately after a couple hours of clearing and pushing water off the greens the course suffered no real damage. Unfortunately this hasn't been the only rain the course has had over the last week, to be honest there has hardly been a day without rain. 37mm has fallen so far in September, followed by a wet August (87mm) and an even wetter July (112mm). The course is therefore getting sticky, the rainfall in July and August is not ideal, but there is sufficient heat in the sun to dry surfaces and remove moisture from the soil, in September the air and soil temperatures start to decline, therefore less moisture is lost from the ground and we start to see some damage. This has been exaggerated this year due to the worm cast issues we are facing after the removal of all effective worm suppressants from the market.<br />
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Carbendazim could be sprayed at this time of the year to supress worm casts on all areas of the course, with no means of preventing them we are seeing more and more as the soils get cooler and wetter. Ideal conditions for worm activity. These cause damage in a couple of ways, firstly they are smeared by machinery, foot traffic and other golf vehicles such as buggies and trollies. The smearing looks bad, but once the grass slows down in growth will not be able to recover as quickly as it would at this time of the year. This will lead to poor, thin turf in high wear areas. The second way turf can be damaged is the casts blunt the mowers, the soil is abrasive and will dull sharp blade edges. The poor cut will then lead to tearing of the grass plants, opposed a sharp scissor action, letting in diseases and adding stress to the plant, which can only be detrimental to its growth.<br />
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We are noticing the most cast activity on wetter and poorer soils and on high wear areas. We have trialled 4 different products on the market which claim to suppress worms, 2 of those had no real effects to the cast activity, 1 had an immediate effect but its longevity was limited to a couple of days and the final product which is an organic soil conditioner showed the best results, however its longevity was limited. It claimed to have an effective suppression of 3 months, however after 3 weeks casts have started to return. I will reapply the product to see it a build up of the organic substance is needed to have a longer effect on the casts. This product is over 5 times the price per hectare than carbendazim, so reapplying to large areas simply wont be affordable. The tests I have done so far are on singular greens so cost at this stage is not an issue. <br />
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In a couple of weeks we will begin to cut down all the long rough once more. The amazone machine will be geared up to start the collection in all areas. As mention on my last post we will be starting to clear some areas for grass and leaf disposal. Below are some pictures of the long rough areas around the course, compared to year end 2016 there is a remarkable difference. Even in the wet year we have had the rough is far more playable than previous years, given a couple more years of cutting and collection we should see a big difference to our natural areas on the course.<br />
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September 2016<br />
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Adam, Sam and myself attended a machinery demonstration day at Wetherby racecourse organised by CLS and Campeys. It was a good day and a chance to see some of the latest machines in action. Days like that always give inspiration and help us think about where we can improve the course here at Malton and Norton. Below is a disc seeder, one area I'm keen to persue once we have tackled drainage issues on some of the greens is to create a more uniform and dense bent grass coverage in the Poa dominated areas of the greens. The reason there is poor bent growth in certain areas of the greens is due to saturated soils providing unsuitable conditions for bent grass. Conditions that Poa loves.<br />
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Last but not least I'm pleased to say we have now a second new born on the greens team, Matty Turnbull and his fiancé Ellie have had there first child. Lola was born on Monday 11th September weighing 8lb 2oz. Matty is now off on his paternity leave, however I'm pleased to say Rich Malthouse is now back to work after becoming a new parent himself.Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4439546782471606760.post-91253447920757487602017-09-03T09:40:00.000+01:002017-09-03T18:58:31.598+01:00Happy Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81NU4k8tZtePGpRqcRO_yrjrtGS9-jAjhln1vKzSRG-EX1C4i6svOef2zCmA54TIJGcBLQc7X8j9KYhOuulIe_Hex_5zALLe6UXA0XWjG3dmNlUDKQI2DtJPQ1rp8mxntmqw_2xdyZOUB/s640/blogger-image--1467047464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81NU4k8tZtePGpRqcRO_yrjrtGS9-jAjhln1vKzSRG-EX1C4i6svOef2zCmA54TIJGcBLQc7X8j9KYhOuulIe_Hex_5zALLe6UXA0XWjG3dmNlUDKQI2DtJPQ1rp8mxntmqw_2xdyZOUB/s640/blogger-image--1467047464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Gm1C7dm30PAWlXQbVtWysxlxlkDA7ALmQ6_h9V2mjhPQmov0zELXPp_zE44BZUpoQPLzdBoUCk8tdJic6PIclc4T2uCKGbuF4cEABj7ZCjMI_TZk9JMQHnZmTe6mOd2JhOw7EUUM4tCC/s640/blogger-image--1154458870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Gm1C7dm30PAWlXQbVtWysxlxlkDA7ALmQ6_h9V2mjhPQmov0zELXPp_zE44BZUpoQPLzdBoUCk8tdJic6PIclc4T2uCKGbuF4cEABj7ZCjMI_TZk9JMQHnZmTe6mOd2JhOw7EUUM4tCC/s640/blogger-image--1154458870.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81NU4k8tZtePGpRqcRO_yrjrtGS9-jAjhln1vKzSRG-EX1C4i6svOef2zCmA54TIJGcBLQc7X8j9KYhOuulIe_Hex_5zALLe6UXA0XWjG3dmNlUDKQI2DtJPQ1rp8mxntmqw_2xdyZOUB/s640/blogger-image--1467047464.jpg"></div>This year seems to have flown by and now we are officially into Autumn(meteorologically). The leaves are already starting to fall in one or two areas of the course but we certainly aren't thinking about starting to get the leaf collector ready just yet.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzlhoM5gcjPacdn-JHwNbJS8dkogy-8zLjV0mYdXdto2qF0Nu-CIWf320VDBdoWm_4yeNl3gtqh2-OsIMHZUj8CKrnHYmVik6njALzdlceLBPoYTmQco4G9hl64B-qu5il2NTHXpbqVlU/s640/blogger-image--248122114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzlhoM5gcjPacdn-JHwNbJS8dkogy-8zLjV0mYdXdto2qF0Nu-CIWf320VDBdoWm_4yeNl3gtqh2-OsIMHZUj8CKrnHYmVik6njALzdlceLBPoYTmQco4G9hl64B-qu5il2NTHXpbqVlU/s640/blogger-image--248122114.jpg"></a></div><br>
With the routine settling back into some normality we will be concentrating on presentation of the course, with a few smaller jobs to catch up on. Sprinkler heads, winter cups and junior discs are the first priority, as mentioned the growth has been very strong and some of these are getting lost in the long grass. We also need to get caught up on lower priority areas of cutting, such as strimming, cutting copses, intermediate rough areas and the clubhouse border areas. Overall the course is looking great.We are now going to start grinding and changing blades on the greens mowers, as the sand we apply to the greens during maintenance weeks blunts the cutting edge, leading to a poor cut. When the units cut poorly they tear, rather than cut the grass. This sometimes isn't clearly visible as the grass is very short, however on closer inspection the quality of cut can clearly be seen. A torn edge can lead to more disease, stressed growth and slower greens.<br>
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We will be starting to look at removing some trees and vegetation around certain areas of the course to create disposal points for leaves and grass once we start to use the new Amazone machine. We are looking at minimising travelling across the course with heavy machines, so we need to have multiple areas across the course. initially we are looking at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 11th, 23rd, and the end of the range.<br>
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The greens have recovered really well, holes 19-27 will require another application of sand to fill any remaining holes in a week or so. We will be applying another application of fertiliser to all the greens in the coming weeks, we will also be applying a granular fertiliser to all the tees, this will boost growth and strength going into the Autumn period when recovery from play isnt quite as good as through summer. A granular application of fertiliser will be applied to the greens once we get into October, however when conditions are still good liquid applications are preffered.<br>
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We will be booking in the spraying contractor to apply another mix of fertiliser and selective herbicide to the fairways towards the end of September, its important that this is applied before soil temperatures dip away. The programme we are currently running on the fairways has worked well this year, they are dense and growth is strong, the fairways on 14, 15 ,16 and 18 still need a little more work, there is some dry patch which can be amended using wetting agents and in combination with a little more aeration. We will be also looking to get the Air2G2 booked in sometime in October to aerate the greens again. This machine causes very little disruption to the surfaces and is a fantastic tool which keeps the greens more playable and increases the drainage as we head towards the wetter months.<br>
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<br>Richard Jacqueshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00588677089617295036noreply@blogger.com