Calcot Park Golf Club

Interim Report - 31st January 2012

Greens

Renovation works in September were a success removing three trailer loads of organic matter from the greens. They were heavily top-dressed, fertilised and seeded following this operation and recovery was good. Aeration has been ongoing throughout the winter period as conditions allowed. Pearlwort was successfully treated and isolated silver moss ingress also treated. Disease management has been high on the agenda although an outbreak of fusarium patch disease early October left its mark with some scarring primarily on greens 2 and 8. Since that initial outbreak greens have been clean and with mild conditions through the winter months recovery has been good.

Verti draining in October highlighted the need to improve on root development and this has been implemented by applying turf conditioners and raising the height of cut to 5mm through the winter period in order relieve stress and generally improve on plant health. Ironing has also taken place as conditions allowed (not to wet) in order to maintain surface smoothness.

Despite their relatively dormant state the greens at present are being cut once or twice a week depending on conditions, have a good coverage of grass and are disease free.

Key Objectives moving forward

• Continue to focus on reducing the organic matter towards our target range as set out in STRI report. 

• Remove coarse grasses and weed ingress by spraying with selective herbicides and Rescue.

• Adjust fertiliser program to reflect the need for root development. Phosphorous input will be increased.

• Implement a program of applying Primo Max for enhanced root development and thickening the sward without excessive top growth.

• Overseeding with finer grasses.

• Regular brushing, verti cutting and grooming to refine lateral growth. These operations will take place when grass is actively growing.

Nb. Primo Maxx is a plant growth regulator that we successfully used on the tees last season. Primo Maxx works by redirecting plant growth. It inhibits vertical growth and diverts growth downwards into the root system. This in turn produces a thicker, healthier sward that is better equipped to withstand temperature extremes, moisture loss, traffic and wear.

Programme

• Aeration monthly using different tines at various depths.

• Fertiliser application beginning of March (6-5-18+4Fe).

• When actively growing, reduce the height of cut and resume brushing, grooming, and top dressing.

• As conditions dictate target coarse grass, weeds and worm cast control.

• Week beginning 9th April apply fertiliser and fungicides in preparation for the renovation works to follow.

• Monday 16th April contractor Bury Turfcare will scarify greens down to 20mm to remove organic matter. This operation should take approx 6hrs to complete.

• Over-seed and top dress with 25-30 tonnes of sand.

• Spray greens with turf conditioners and Primo Maxx to aid recovery and enhance seed germination and root development.

• Recovery time 7-10 days given favourable growing conditions.

With a solid renovation programme and the introduction of applying Primo Maxx, I am confident we will deliver sustainable, quality putting surfaces that will meet the demands and expectations of all golfers for the coming season.

Further testing for % organic matter content will take place next month. This will then determine what progress has been made and enable us to plan for the future.

Tees

Aeration has taken place on a regular basis this winter in order to relieve compaction, aerate and improve drainage.  A slow release fertiliser was applied last autumn to keep them ‘ticking along’ and they were treated for worm casts.

The focus again this year will be on producing quality teeing surfaces that will withstand traffic and wear. A similar programme to last year will be adopted.

Fairways

Verti draining, slit tinning and harrowing took place prior to last season and with contractors applying fertiliser and iron last spring the fairways came through in reasonably good shape following a drought spell in May/June.

To move them forward again, I would recommend at least two treatments of fertiliser this season at a cost of £2,620 per application.

General feedback from clubs who have introduced a program of spraying fairways with a tank mix of Primo Maxx, Fertiliser and Iron on a monthly basis throughout the growing season has been excellent. Drought tolerance, sward density and quality have reportedly all improved significantly. The cost of this programme would be £12,700 for four treatments. I will trial this programme on a couple of our weaker fairways this season to enable us to evaluate for ourselves before committing to a full program.

Bunkers

Maintenance is high on the agenda with staff focusing on good raking practices and sand distribution. The 10th bunker was renovated to a very high specification and so far is performing well.

Moving forward

• Address general drainage issues and washdown.

• Renovate 4th and 5th greenside to the same specification as the 10th.

• Trial a new sand called Heddon fine in renovated bunkers.

Trees

A tree condition survey and management plan has been put in place. Recommendations for works have been prioritised and will be carried out accordingly.

Tree works to be carried out.

• Fell Horse Chestnut adjacent to 6th green.

• Crown reduce Lime tree on east drive.

• Reduce three Lime trees on 8th practice ground leaving 4m monoliths.

• Pollard Willow trees on 13th for line of sight for 17th tees and tree health.

General

• Holes will be moved more regularly as required throughout the Winter months and therefore spreading the wear.

• Samples will be taken more often to identify the extent/progress of the reduction in organic matter.

• Sand splash clearance and watering will be prioritised on new bunker faces.