GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE
MONTHLY REPORT: MAY 2021
Prepared by Course Manager, Robert Bacon
Weather Summary
After a very cold and dry April we have wondered into a relatively mild and often wet May. The soil temperatures are on the rise and approaching the consistent double figures that we require to begin increasingly aggressive practices on our greens, designed to improve ball roll and green speed.
101mm of rain has fallen in May to date, often in sharp heavy bursts that result in flooding. Hopefully, the weather begins to stabilise, and we see increased temperatures and drier weather. May will finish, unsurprisingly, with below average temperatures. The normal average temperature for May hovers around 12oC, we will finish this month around 9.4oC.
A challenging start to the season.
Course Status
Greens
Again, our greens are ‘ok’ at the moment. They have received a granular fertiliser during this month in the form of a 14.2.10 slow-release granule, this will provide base nutrition over the next 8 to 10 weeks. The greens have also received a wetting agent application to assist in moving water through our, sometimes saturated, soil profile.
Our greens will receive the following treatments over the next reporting period…
- Deep Aeration 10mmx225mm
- Verti-cutting & Light Topdressing.
Tees & Approaches
Our Tees and approaches received a 15.2.15 slow-release granular fertiliser this will provide base nutrition over the next 10 to 12 weeks.
Our tees will be divoted soon as we continue to recover from a tough winter and a harsh spring.
Fairways
Our Fairways have received an application of liquid Iron, this will burn of some moss and encourage growth that will ultimately improve the ball lie.
Other Issues
It is time, again, to highlight the serious issue of LEATHERJACKETS.
We will, again, be using the silage sheets to draw these grubs to the surface on some of the worst affected greens. There is a lot of chat in our industry right now, however, no, truly effective, chemical control is available at present.
Pastures New
With my final day at the club fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support throughout my time with the club and to wish you all well during what is a very exciting time for the club.
In Billy, Iain & Shey you have the nucleus of a very good greens team who, with the right Course Manager, will continue to go from strength to strength.
Thank you & Good luck.
Robert Bacon – Course Manager