Winter work update.

This last year has seen a relatively dry winter period so far with only 85mm of rain in November compared to 235 the previous year.
It has enabled us to make great strides in the winter work programme and the changes on the golf course.
From an agronomy point of view we have increased our population of bent and fescue fine grasses, and with a purchase of a Vredo Disc overseeder this will enable us to overseed when the weather and golfing calendar is in our favour.
I see a lot more fine grasses in the sward at the end of this year and firmly believe we are on the right track to produce top class , smooth, firm,true putting surfaces.
We have already vertidrained the greens twice and require another two passes in the new year. This is an essential part of our greens maintenance to relieve compaction, help water movement and provide air in the root zone.
On the golf course we have seen many positive changes ,mostly relating to tackling the ever changing climate and tackling the high water table which has caused many problems with flooded bunkers, areas with poor grass coverage following repeated flooding.

The Winter work programme changes that have been carried out so far.
Hole 1-
Raised wet hollow area at end of path/ start of fairway

Hole 2-
Raised and create undulation’s on the low lying wet areas on the fairway/approach so that they are above the water table

Lowered left hand approach to accommodate approach mower

Hole 3 –

Raised hollow on fairway which was low in water table and struggled for grass coverage.
Raised the rear hollow
Thinned out rough at the rear of the green and create small sand scrape similar to rear of the 18th
Re shaped humps and hollows on right side of the green to be cut as approach and offer more shot variety options

Hole 4 –
Raised and created undulation’s on the low lying wet areas on the approach so that they are above the water table and reshape greenside bunkers to blend in seamlessly with raised approach

Hole 5 –
Raised path level between matt and roadway out of water table.

Hole 6 - Fairway bunkers reshaped

Hole 7 –
Thinned out rough in front of sandy waste area.

Hole 8-
Filled in greenside bunkers on the left hand side and reshape area surrounding bunkers to make into approach with humps and hollows to offer a variety of shot options.
Raise path before fairway out of the water table.
Sandy waste area to be done on the right side of the green

Fairway bunkers reshaped

Hole 9 –

Filled in front greenside bunker,and created mound to be cut as approach.

Reshaped and raised greenside bunkers.

To be done in the new year.
Raise the wet area of reeds etc approximately 50 yards short of the green and translocate turf from the 8th sandy waste area and the agreed turf from by the pond in front of the 9th tee and use to form an area of sandy waste area with a little marram and chunks of turf on the border.

Hole 10 –
To be done in the new year
Widen cross ditch
Renew drainage on fairway
Install new drainage on fairway
Hole 11 –
Closed path on right side of green and build new path on left

Hole 13 –
Gently reshaped left hand side approach/semi rough to accommodate approach height cut

Hole 14 –
To be done in new year.
Raise path at rear of green

Hole 15-
To be done in new year.
Thin out burnett rose,Yorkshire fog at rear/right hand side of green.
Lower left hand approach traffic route to flatten walkway to improve grass
coverage.

Hole 16-
Hopefully to be done in new year.
Build new championship tee 30 yards back in dune ( on approval and NRW consent)

Hole 17 –

Sand scrape in rear humps similar to 18.
To be done in new year. Plastic matting and sleepers to improve pathway by widening and levelling.

Also included in the Winter work will be
-Rabbit hole patching
-Scrub Clearence
-Rough Management

We have also been reshaping the bunkers as agreed and raising the levels where we can.
This is making a big difference already with many positive comments about the increased visual appeal and also better and fairer playability of the bunkers

I feel we are making great strides in the condition and playability of the golf course as well as providing the member and visitor with a links experience they will enjoy.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year.

Rhys Butler, Links Manager, Royal St Davi