COURSE NEWS 1st JUNE
Change in the weather
Another short (Bank Holiday) week. There has been a significant change in the recent weather pattern, with some good rain at last. Last weekend produced 13 mm; the week itself yielded 33 mm, including some heavy showers. As ever, now it is summer the course takes it all in its stride, and could easily take more: the shrinkage cracks caused by last winter's gravel banding are still quite prominent, but they will disappear.
Having plentiful rain has helped growth to kick in across the course. It also stiffens the grass, slowing the greens, which this week were running at 8’ 9” on the stimp. We still have quite a strong showing from the meadow grass seed heads, but that part of the season is nearly over. This coming week the greens will be sprayed with growth inhibitor - it’s important to stay ahead of nature whenever possible.
We’ve learned more about the robot mower - the cut height can be adjusted remotely in operation via an App, which makes it even more adaptable. The manufacturers are coming to set up our trial machine so we can let it loose on the 18th. It will operate during play, but it is programmed to give way to players.
There is news on the course staff front. Our most recent recruit Mike has resigned and is moving to Ellesmere Port GC - it’s nearer to where he lives. And, contrary to our pessimistic concerns Gavin has managed to hire a replacement. We are not offering him more money, but we do make it clear we will fund staff development - NVQs, specialist skills certification, etc - which he was not being offered at his current course. And he lives fairly locally.
Course Committee
Having plentiful rain has helped growth to kick in across the course. It also stiffens the grass, slowing the greens, which this week were running at 8’ 9” on the stimp. We still have quite a strong showing from the meadow grass seed heads, but that part of the season is nearly over. This coming week the greens will be sprayed with growth inhibitor - it’s important to stay ahead of nature whenever possible.
We’ve learned more about the robot mower - the cut height can be adjusted remotely in operation via an App, which makes it even more adaptable. The manufacturers are coming to set up our trial machine so we can let it loose on the 18th. It will operate during play, but it is programmed to give way to players.
There is news on the course staff front. Our most recent recruit Mike has resigned and is moving to Ellesmere Port GC - it’s nearer to where he lives. And, contrary to our pessimistic concerns Gavin has managed to hire a replacement. We are not offering him more money, but we do make it clear we will fund staff development - NVQs, specialist skills certification, etc - which he was not being offered at his current course. And he lives fairly locally.
Course Committee