This week has not started well, we have had a number of breakdowns on various pieces of equipment. A pin on the 4500 needed attention, the 6500 fairway mower radiator sprung a leak, the stiga steering shaft and bearings need replacing, the alternator bracket on the vibrating roller machine needed fixing and finally we possibly have another leak on the irrigation system, this needs to be investigated further. Most of these problems have been repaired, others are on going, however we are working around these problems to maintain the quality of the course.

Radiator removed for repair

 

The weather has been glorious and helps us present the course in the best condition we can, however the heat is starting to stress the turf. The irrigation system is being worked every night on greens and tees to ensure they don't dry out and the turf health is maintained.

 

Additional water is being applied by hand applicator and wetting agent tablets where needed on selected greens, generally the driest areas are around bunkers where sand splash is a common occurrence.

Isolated areas of the greens were solid tined with 12mm tines to aid water penetration and aeration into the rootzone. These were done Friday 28th June, with good growing conditions in the growing season the holes soon recover, in fact the surface was back to normal 4 days later.

Solid tined green 4-5 days after tining.

We aim to carry out solid tining to all greens before mid September, this should ensure we have full recovery before soil temperatures fall, extending the golfing season. Following tining we would sand and seed instead of leaving the surface like we have on this occasion.