Course Manager’s Report 13/06/2014
Fortwilliam Golf Club
Greens Committee Meeting
Course Manager’s Report
June 4, 2014
 
Spring & Summer programs update.
 
Aerification and Fertilizing: The spring aerification to the greens and tees was completed in the first two weeks of April. Greens were over seeded with bentgrass and 35 tonnes of sand was brushed into the rootzone. The tees were over seeded with ryegrass and 20 tonnes of sand was brushed into the rootzone. Both areas were fertilized and recovered well with good germination of the new grass seed.
 
Up until now has been strong growth in the fairways and as a result the annual application of fertilizer has not been applied. In the coming weeks the fairways will be fertilized. 
 
Weed control: The program has begun with fairways being treated with a selective herbicide to kill the clover, dandelions and daisies. When the weather settles the rough areas will be treated. This spray is later than scheduled but the passing showers and rain prohibit us from spraying and getting a good kill of the unwanted weeds.
 
Irrigation: The replacement of the irrigation pipes on the 3rd and 8th will be done by NI Water tomorrow. Their project requires water to be pumped from one area of the course to another. To minimize disruption to play the pipe will be laid in the open drain on the 3rd and drainage pipe crossing the 3rd and 8th. They will leave those pipes behind when their project finishes. This saves the club around £500 for pipe and hire of a chain trencher for that area.
 
Fairways extended towards tees: During last year’s golfing season there had been a request from a number of members to reduce the carry from tee to fairway on a few holes. This spring the 2nd, 4th, 10th and 13th fairways have been extended closer to the tee boxes.
 
Greens.
The greens have almost fully recovered following the outbreak of disease called Fusarium. The disease came in very quickly following a change in the weather to more humid and wet climate. This weather pattern stayed over us for two weeks making it difficult to spray a fungicide to kill the disease as the product needs to dry onto the plant.
 
Rough: Over the past few weeks most of the feedback from the membership involved the height of the rough. The club has taken delivery of the new tow behind rough mower. This mower is set up to cut lower than the machines that the club has had in the past. The height of cut is 1 ¾ inches. I have contacted other clubs in the Belfast area to compare rough heights of cut:
 
  • Hilton Templepatrick- 2 ¼ inches
  • Malone GC- 2 inches
  • Balmoral GC- 2 inches
  • Shandon Park GC- 1 ¾ inches
 
 

NI Water update: After six months the NI Water project is close to completion. The curbing and stone on the path in front of the 6th tee is due to be reinstated Monday week. The path along the 2nd fairway over to the 7th green will be dressed with a pea gravel and stone dust. The car park areas that were filled in, will be levelled and white lines repainted.

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