Over the past twelve months, we have seen a large increase in both member and public rounds. Competition and public rounds are up by 15%. Whilst this is great for golf and the Club, it does have an impact on course maintenance and wear.
During the summer months the turf is in full growth, which allows wear areas to recover and or be replaced. During the two week lockdown in December 2020, I was amazed how well the course recovered from all the increased rounds after such a short break. This gave us a great platform to produce quality surfaces for the summer and autumn months ahead.
Course Wear in Winter
Since March 2021, we have received 613mm of rain which is half of the annual rainfall. Once we reach the end of March and evening temperatures drop, so does the growth in warm season turf. Kikuyu (fairways and rough) and Couch (tees) have very little growth and very little recovery until spring. Managing wear in winter is always difficult, particularly during a wet winter.
As a result of the autumn rain and recent course usage, the course is extremely worn and we are doing what we can to spread wear. I understand that ropes and directional signs are not always desired. However without them everyone would walk in the same direction, which results in loss of turf and or poor turf quality. Please help us by following the signs and if you move a rope or post, please replace it as you found it.
Over the past few years, carts have only been off the course for around 30-35 days per annum. This used to be around 50 days prior to the Club’s major drainage installation. I am very aware that some golfers cannot play golf without the use of a cart. The decision to take them off is always a tough one, however, course care is always the highest priority. Currently, the course is very wet. Even though the course may look dry, many areas are worn and once damaged they will not recover until spring.
GPS in Carts
We have made some significant changes to the action zones on the GPS’s in the carts. If your cart slows down, please observe the message on the screen as it will direct you away from wet or worn areas. These changes are temporary during the winter months and once growth returns we can allow carts to drive in all the usual spots.
Stay safe and happy golfing,
Sam Neylon
Course Superintendent
