09/10/2026
Hi Folks, an update and pictures from the course.
It’s been a productive couple of weeks on the course as our Greens Maintenance Program has been progressing well. The key aim and objective with this work is to breakdown, remove and dilute the organic/thatch layer just below the surface of the green. This material contains dead grass, moss etc that has built up over time and hinders the air, water and nutrients passing through the profile and reaching the root structure. Most, if not all greens have an organic layer below the surface but it has to be monitored and managed accordingly. This issue may not be visible for golfers but when the surface has a spongy feeling to it and it’s holding water this is due to excessive thatch buildup. The goal here is to produce firm and true putting surfaces and aid playability during wet weather.
Last week we scarified the greens, double pass, different directions. We removed a substantial amount of material from each green. The previous week’s spray treatment aided the volume removed by loosening/breaking down this layer. The greens were mown straight after with the brush attachment fitted to help collect any remaining debris from the surface and finally the green was blown leaving a clean and tidy putting surface.
This week aeration work was carried out using 15mm diameter solid tines. We opted for a large diameter as at this time of year it’s not ideal for sand drying prior to brushing/matting. These openings in the surface and through the top profile allow air, water and nutrients to pass through.
The next step was carrying out over-seeding. The seeds are spread and then switched into the aeration holes.
The greens were then top dressed with sand, an average of just over a ton per green was applied. Once this has dried we drag/brush the sand into the surface.
After 15mm of overnight rain to wash the sand in,(great timing) we rolled the greens using vibrating rollers to help true-up the surface.
We understand some of this work may have a slight inconvenience for some but it’s essential maintenance.
Short term pain, for long term gain.
Thanks,
Gregor.
Head Greenkeeper.
