Update on course closure.
The
continued wet weather has, in no doubt, tested the patience of both the golfers
and greenkeepers in most parts of the country in recent weeks. With one of the
wettest winters on record, we are in a state of saturation (when the soils are
full of water) in most areas on the golf course.
This has meant
it has restricted the amount of work being achieved out on the course. Not only
has it restricted some maintenance regimes but it has put a stop or hold to any
winter works, such as bunker, tees, greens and path construction works.
The wet
weather has culminated in us having to close, with no golf being played due to
wet and waterlogged greens and fairways and walkways.
It is just a case of waiting for the course to dry
out naturally and being patient.
Although
some areas on the course are drying, the majority is still saturated again
leaving them prone to flooding and lying wet, keeping play off surfaces until
they are again playable is very important.
We have reduced
vehicle movement around the course, especially when ground conditions are wet
and saturated. Working on and in wet conditions will, and can, do untold damage
to grass surfaces.
When play is
again possible we need to control the amount of golf buggy and trolley movement
with carrying only being the preferred option, or restrict them to designated
paths to reduce unwanted wear and tear and serious damage which with close to
freezing temperatures will offer no recovery before the major competitions, we
must realise the importance of not damaging the course prior to these events.
We have been
carrying out aeration where possible to provide a suitable environment for
plant growth.
The correct
balance of these components is critical for sustaining healthy plant growth.
The spaces between the particles of solid material are just as important to the
nature of soil, as are the solids themselves. It is in these pore spaces which
create the environment for the plant to obtain the necessary nutrients, air and
water it requires to respire and grow.
These pore
spaces can vary in size and are generally classified into two sizes - macro
pores (larger than 0.08mm) and micro pores (less than 0.08mm). Macro pores
generally allow movement of air and the drainage of water, and are large enough
to accommodate plant roots and micro-organisms found in the soil. The ability
to retain a good balance of macro pores in soil structure is essential for
maintaining grass plant health. It is when these macro pores are either reduced
in size, or filled with water, that we see deterioration in surface playability
and resistance to wear.
The main
contributing factor that reduces and damages pore spaces in soil is compaction,
typically caused by compression forces normally associated with play and use of
machinery, particularly during wet weather periods. Over time, these
compression forces reduce the pore spaces so that air, water and nutrient flow
through the soil profile is restricted, and leads to the many problems
associated with compaction.
Compacted or
sealed surfaces can also promote anaerobic soil conditions that, once formed,
reduce root growth and restrict microbial activity.
The above conditions will adversely affect a surfaces performance in many ways, such as ball bounce, ball roll, reduced ball speed, player welfare and, in the long term, damage the soil structure.
The above conditions will adversely affect a surfaces performance in many ways, such as ball bounce, ball roll, reduced ball speed, player welfare and, in the long term, damage the soil structure.
The major
concern also is that we can also lose grass cover down to hypoxia (lack of
oxygen). When a rootzone becomes saturated it contains less oxygen because
water is filling some of the pore space normally occupied by air. If this
water-logging continues whilst temperatures are mild enough for the grass plant
to continue growing (as they typically are in our mild autumn periods now) the
process of grass growth will further compound the problem. If you look at how a
grass plant produces energy it breaks down carbohydrate molecules manufactured
by photosynthesis, utilising oxygen as it does so and producing CO2 (Carbon
Dioxide).
So if we
have a rootzone that contains low soil oxygen because it is saturated with
water and the grass plant continues growing, it will deplete the soil oxygen
level and increase the soil carbon dioxide level. If uncorrected this leads to
plant death.
So where are we now? Unfortunately
totally unplayable at the moment.
We will see
progress I hope in these next few days in the reduction in the water table I
hope but before any play is possible these playing surfaces must be allowed to
dry out properly reducing the risk of damage and compromising the condition of
the golf course for this season which is a very important year for us.
1st green surrounds,saturated!
2nd walkway
2nd appraoch
4th walkway, totally
unpassable.
cant get off the 5th tee
7th fairway
The impassable 9th walkway
The 10th walkway
The start of the 10th fairway!
The 11th walkway, thats a hand wheel mower mark, imagine 100's trolleys and golfers through that area, mudbath!
The 12/13 th walkway, unpasssable!
The pumping from12th/13 tee area
the very wet 13 th walkway
13th fairway
14 green to 15 tee walkway
15th walkway
16th fairway
17th fairway
18th hole
As you can
see the golf course is in an unplayable condition, the Links Team have been
working hard to pump,keep drainage clear and aerate wherever we can.
What must be
noted though is that this is a water table issue now and we must wait for this
to lower, all the drainage is working well. It is also simply the volume of
water that is in the ditches that we must also be patient with.
We aim to
get the golf course back open as soon as possible but as I noted earlier that
we must only open when the saturated ground conditions have gone so we do not
damage the playing surfaces and risk compromising the condition of the golf
course for the year ahead.
Your
patience, cooperation and understanding is greatfuly appreciated.
