For the past three weeks the East putting green has been closed to rest the green after a decline in the putting surface health. Before any testing was done, curative fungicide applications were made to cover any fast acting diseases that may have been present. Following this we saw a slight improvement and the green was opened again only to go further backwards over a weekend of heavy traffic.
Since this time, we have done two disease tests as well as a turf health assessment to determine any other disease or insect pest activity that may be occurring. This has lead to other fungicide, insecticide and fertiliser applications to try to resolve our problem. Potable water has been applied to the green to also offset any effect that bore water may be having with little to no impact on the surface.
In observing the surface, the higher ground is less effected than the lower lying areas so multiple possibilities from water quality or pooling, fertiliser or pesticide run-off may also be a cause. Our new air injection machine and pro core have been used to keep the surface open and an intensive 8 week fertility program is about to be adopted for improved root structure and depth.
Suggestions to open smaller sections of the green have been put on hold so more localised traffic doesn’t disrupt recovery. We have been doing everything to get the green back to the standard we saw in its first season and look forward to that being the case.
We thank members for their patience and understanding.
Rowan Daymond
Course Superintendent
7th December 2022