Another hectic week on the courses with the planting of 9R green on Tuesday then the construction of the new practice green on the short range.  The photo below shows one of 9R stolons on Thursday afternoon about fifty hours after planting with some new white roots evident which is a great start.  You almost couldnt have better conditions to grow a green in with the current heat, humidity and moisture.  It may look a bit strange that the sprinklers are still operating when it's raining but it is absolutely critical that while the new plants have virtually no root system that the stolons are kept wet at all times to ensure théy have the best chance of surviving.

9R planting day.

 

New roots = great start.

The new practice green has been completed and is ready to be planted next Tuesday.  The idea behind its design was to replicate as many shots as possible that players find during a round within 25m of the green.  As mentioned last week there will be some contamination by foreign couchgrass as the material came from the old 9R green but we will endeavour to keep out as much as possible.

The target greens on the long range have also been completed this week and the grass will naturally grow through them over time and flags will be installed.  Due to the varying distances available when playing to the new ''greens'' the distance signs will be removed once they are in play.  There is no intent for them to be managed at greens height as they are simply practice aids.

And a little excitement (well for me anyway) with the first physical on course action taking place for the new irrigation system after the foundation material for the new pump shed that is to be constructed arrived onsite this week.  A brand new shed and pump set will be installed and the old shed will also remain after it is de-commissioned and used for storage.

And we're off.......