Green Report - July 2025
Green Report - July 2025
Greens Maintenance
Scarification was completed across all greens to help reduce the thatch layer and improve overall plant health. Following this, sand topdressing was applied to smooth the surfaces and aid recovery. A calcium-based product was also added to support root development and turf resilience post-scarification.
Earlier this week, a granular fertiliser was applied to strengthen the greens against disease pressure through the next 4–6 weeks. As part of our ongoing greens management, non-disruptive aeration (such as sarel rolling and pencil tining) will continue on a fortnightly basis to improve oxygen levels in the soil and assist with organic matter breakdown key to long-term turf performance.
We’ve also continued monitoring organic matter and thatch accumulation as part of our seasonal management plan. Our target remains to reduce organic matter levels from ~9% to 6.5–7% and thatch depth from 12 mm to under 10 mm by autumn. We’ve seen encouraging early signs of improvement as a result of consistent cultural practices.
You may also notice the use of star slitters during periods of surface moisture stress and disease risk, particularly near areas affected by anthracnose. These are used to ventilate the surface and improve water infiltration with minimal disruption.
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Machinery
Like many clubs, we’ve faced a few machinery challenges this month. Work carried out includes:
- Ball Joint and clamp replaced on greens mower
- New blades and bearings fitted to the semi-rough mower
- One of the greens mowers sharpened and fitted with new bottom blades
The sprayer has also presented a few issues. You may have noticed some dark and light patches on greens following liquid applications—this is due to inconsistent output, and a mechanical issue with the centre boom that isn’t visible during operation. We’re looking into a solution for this, but until then, you may see some short-term cosmetic effects from this problem.
With heavy dews in the morning the tractor blower has been working round the clock and we have been trying our best to disperse all debris left by mowers.
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Looking Ahead
We’ll continue with routine mowing, aeration, and monitoring disease pressure closely. August is a key month to keep the turf healthy and stress-free as we move toward late summer and autumn renovation planning.
We will continue to track progress across key turf health metrics and align cultural practices more effectively. This includes monitoring organic matter, thatch, moisture content, and greens firmness and tailoring inputs based on observed conditions rather than a fixed calendar. The aim is to improve consistency and playability while ensuring the turf is resilient heading into cooler months.
I have noticed that some hole cups have been damaged lately, this is caused by scooping the ball out with putters. We kindly ask all to please remove their ball by hand.
Regards,
Gary Wilson
Course Manager
Scarification was completed across all greens to help reduce the thatch layer and improve overall plant health. Following this, sand topdressing was applied to smooth the surfaces and aid recovery. A calcium-based product was also added to support root development and turf resilience post-scarification.
Earlier this week, a granular fertiliser was applied to strengthen the greens against disease pressure through the next 4–6 weeks. As part of our ongoing greens management, non-disruptive aeration (such as sarel rolling and pencil tining) will continue on a fortnightly basis to improve oxygen levels in the soil and assist with organic matter breakdown key to long-term turf performance.
We’ve also continued monitoring organic matter and thatch accumulation as part of our seasonal management plan. Our target remains to reduce organic matter levels from ~9% to 6.5–7% and thatch depth from 12 mm to under 10 mm by autumn. We’ve seen encouraging early signs of improvement as a result of consistent cultural practices.
You may also notice the use of star slitters during periods of surface moisture stress and disease risk, particularly near areas affected by anthracnose. These are used to ventilate the surface and improve water infiltration with minimal disruption.
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Machinery
Like many clubs, we’ve faced a few machinery challenges this month. Work carried out includes:
- Ball Joint and clamp replaced on greens mower
- New blades and bearings fitted to the semi-rough mower
- One of the greens mowers sharpened and fitted with new bottom blades
The sprayer has also presented a few issues. You may have noticed some dark and light patches on greens following liquid applications—this is due to inconsistent output, and a mechanical issue with the centre boom that isn’t visible during operation. We’re looking into a solution for this, but until then, you may see some short-term cosmetic effects from this problem.
With heavy dews in the morning the tractor blower has been working round the clock and we have been trying our best to disperse all debris left by mowers.
---
Looking Ahead
We’ll continue with routine mowing, aeration, and monitoring disease pressure closely. August is a key month to keep the turf healthy and stress-free as we move toward late summer and autumn renovation planning.
We will continue to track progress across key turf health metrics and align cultural practices more effectively. This includes monitoring organic matter, thatch, moisture content, and greens firmness and tailoring inputs based on observed conditions rather than a fixed calendar. The aim is to improve consistency and playability while ensuring the turf is resilient heading into cooler months.
I have noticed that some hole cups have been damaged lately, this is caused by scooping the ball out with putters. We kindly ask all to please remove their ball by hand.
Regards,
Gary Wilson
Course Manager