Greens Report
April 2020 Greens Report
There has been a lot happening since the last report but the most significant events were not on the golf course. As you are aware the global pandemic has effectively stopped golf for the foreseeable future and I will concentrate on what is happening on the course during this intermission.
A little later than predicted the rain has stopped and the course is now benefiting from the drier conditions. The early treatment of the greens has been successfully completed and it is clear to me that we will benefit in the future if this work is done early in the year when there is least disruption to golf. But for the present situation I am sure we would now be benefitting from this excellent work and it is fortunate that it was completed before the present total shutdown. As a result of the exceptional circumstances we find ourselves in the following guidance was produced by BIGGA and the R&A which is relevant to our situation.
British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), following guidance unveiled by The R&A, has made it clear what work should be considered essential at courses throughout this current situation.
Ensuring the safety of staff, the work of greenkeepers is recommended to be kept to a minimum, and the lessons of hygiene, disinfecting machinery and social distancing are paramount, but there are key areas that require continued maintenance.
Here are just some of the main suggestions from the governing bodies.
• Greens should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of three times per week. Dew removal should be considered on non-mowing days as required to prevent disease spread.
• Tees and green surrounds should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of once per week.
• Fairways should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of once per week.
• Managed roughs and grass paths should be mown according to need to a maximum of once every two weeks (fortnightly). Only roughs considered to be in direct play should be mown allowing for naturalisation to areas largely out of play.
• The height of cut adopted for all these areas is site specific but the elevation of the cutting height on fine turf areas is advised to minimise unnecessary stress on the turf. The aim of the above operations is to maintain uniformity, density, texture and health to allow surfaces to be quickly brought back to an appropriate playing standard once play resumes.
Additionally, irrigation and nutrition should be carried out as necessary but with the objectives of keeping the turf alive, maintaining a full sward and preventing turf thinning.
However, operations such as maintaining bunkers, penalty areas, wider practice facilities (other than greens and tees), aeration, top dressing and spraying are not considered essential.
Wychwood Park is committed to following these recommendations and the work on the course will continue for as long as possible. Ultimately this crisis will pass and the club will reopen. It's thanks to the dedicated greenkeepers that the magical day will happen and we can all look forward to playing golf again.
A little later than predicted the rain has stopped and the course is now benefiting from the drier conditions. The early treatment of the greens has been successfully completed and it is clear to me that we will benefit in the future if this work is done early in the year when there is least disruption to golf. But for the present situation I am sure we would now be benefitting from this excellent work and it is fortunate that it was completed before the present total shutdown. As a result of the exceptional circumstances we find ourselves in the following guidance was produced by BIGGA and the R&A which is relevant to our situation.
British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA), following guidance unveiled by The R&A, has made it clear what work should be considered essential at courses throughout this current situation.
Ensuring the safety of staff, the work of greenkeepers is recommended to be kept to a minimum, and the lessons of hygiene, disinfecting machinery and social distancing are paramount, but there are key areas that require continued maintenance.
Here are just some of the main suggestions from the governing bodies.
• Greens should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of three times per week. Dew removal should be considered on non-mowing days as required to prevent disease spread.
• Tees and green surrounds should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of once per week.
• Fairways should be mown according to the rate of growth to a maximum of once per week.
• Managed roughs and grass paths should be mown according to need to a maximum of once every two weeks (fortnightly). Only roughs considered to be in direct play should be mown allowing for naturalisation to areas largely out of play.
• The height of cut adopted for all these areas is site specific but the elevation of the cutting height on fine turf areas is advised to minimise unnecessary stress on the turf. The aim of the above operations is to maintain uniformity, density, texture and health to allow surfaces to be quickly brought back to an appropriate playing standard once play resumes.
Additionally, irrigation and nutrition should be carried out as necessary but with the objectives of keeping the turf alive, maintaining a full sward and preventing turf thinning.
However, operations such as maintaining bunkers, penalty areas, wider practice facilities (other than greens and tees), aeration, top dressing and spraying are not considered essential.
Wychwood Park is committed to following these recommendations and the work on the course will continue for as long as possible. Ultimately this crisis will pass and the club will reopen. It's thanks to the dedicated greenkeepers that the magical day will happen and we can all look forward to playing golf again.