Course Update

With the temperatures rising 'slowly but surely' we are starting to push our cultural practices on the putting surfaces. Brushing, grooming, double cutting along with some rolling the last week. Hoping to get some top dressing down early in the week if the weather helps us, this will stand the greens in good stead for the Normans Open on 20th April. We then plan on 'punching' the greens with the pencil tines the Monday after. Along with slitting tees and fairways, aeration is such an important task on our golf course it is vital we carry out these methods to improve and maintain all surfaces.

The course is shaping up nicely for the season, despite the wet weather. The remainder of bunkers have now been completed, fingers crossed they will all be in play for the 20th, I do have my doubts about the 4th hole as the water table is so high in that area, we have nowhere to pump the water to. On that note, water was somewhat 'flushing' out of our drainage lines we recently completed on hole 11. So these bunkers will be in play end of next week.

We also repaired the sink holes on the 1st approach. I have noticed this area getting worse over the last year, holding water along with making it impossible for the surrounds mower to get a good finish. Looks like we also be spraying for chafegrubs next week, these insects live off grass roots, therefore not helping our turf quality.

Other jobs this week included repairing the path along the 6th tee, fertilising greens (12-0-8), cutting tees, surrounds and fairways, changing holes (Mon & Thurs), strimmed path edges.

Enjoy The Masters, please don't expect the greens running at 14 on the stimp next week!

Regards