The last few weeks has seen work on the golf courses slowly change from focusing on regular conditioning through to more focused improvement work as we are now approaching the winter months. All Greens were verti drained using 12mm solid tines at the end of October, this will be our last deep aeration of the year as we will now be focusing on slit tines every two weeks. This will be completed on both Greens and tees.

Verti draining greens

All greens are currently being cut at 5mm our preferred winter height with pedestrian mowers. We aim to cut greens three times per week at the moment as growth has really reduced, we also roll once per week to maintain surface smoothness. As part of our winter management of the greens, collars and aprons they receive monthly applications of Chelated iron and seaweed to keep the grass plant healthy through the winter period without encouraging growth.

Spraying Greens.

Pedestrian mowing is also the preferred option on tees throughout the winter period as we feel the presentation is far greater and the action on the turf is far less severe.

The planned programme of renovation and improvement is also underway with the alterations to the 15th Lodge being the first project. The approach bunker is the first to be constructed and then we will be improving all the greenside bunkers. All of the existing bunkers will be taken out and replaced with two new greenside bunkers improving both the playability of the hole and the aesthetics.

This was the first cut in the ground.

The new approach bunker almost ready for turf.

We have also competed planned drainage work to the fairway feature on the 8th Highgate along with stripping out rank turf and replacing with fine fescue turf.

Presentation of both courses always remains a high priority even during the winter months and the picture belows shows how good the course can look in the winter.