At last a dry greens renovation week and what a difference it made with the volume of thatch we were able to remove from the West greens.  It was the first time in 3 years that we were able to hollow tine (remove a core) the greens and although only a 7mm diameter core was used the amount of material was huge.  A good definition of thatch is - The intermingled layer of living and dead grass stems, roots and other organic matter that is found between the soil surface and the leaf blades. The biggest benefit of the coring as well as removing thatch, is getting oxygen to the root zone.

We also verti cut the greens at -5mm meaning that the blades cut 5mm deep into the surface.  This was done 3 times up and back then followed by another pass at -2.5mm and a final clean up pass at -1mm.  The video below shows a -5mm pass in action.

 

The greens were sanded on Thursday with a sand containing various amendments and fertilised with a slow release granular product on Friday.  We are aiming for a first mowing on Thursday next week.

The fairway fertiliser that was applied a few weeks ago is showing obvious results and the renovation and follow up fertiliser on the tees is having a similar effect.  I have mentioned many times over the years of the issues we have with shade, not only on greens but also tees.  Both 18 tees have always been badly shaded with a thin cover but thanks to TC Alfred a number of the trees causing the issue blew down.  I can't recall ever seeing both the 18's this healthy at this time of year.

18 R tee.

18W tee.

Although the AGM was postponed due to a lack of a quorum it was nice to hear several members I spoke to comment that the courses are in the best condition they have seen them in.  An absolute credit to the hard working Coolie Tweed course crew.