Changes!

Since last weeks post of short sleeved shirts things certainly have changed,this morning's shotgun start delayed by a very sharp frost is testament to that. The winds have certainly changed to a much more constant northerly direction with the temperature dropping to around 6oC winter certainly appears to be on the way. We are still currently enjoying a fantastic spell of dry weather,it's certainly been a bonus being able to work in dry conditions which has enabled us to carry on with our winter work programme. The links is still playing fantastically with the greens nice and firm and rolling well.
We do have to start on vertidraining the greens this next week with the seed having germinated fantastically it's time now to carry out one of the most important tasks that causes minimum surface opening with maximum sub-surface cultivation and heaving the soil after the seasons compaction as well as playing a vital role in improving drainage,therefore preventing flooding after heavy rain and keeping the environment dry that will favour the finer grasses of fescues and bents.

The walkway from the 3 rd green to the 4th tee is now complete, this included removal of the astroturf matt and the shell path towards the 4th tee replaced by turf and rubber matting.

The picture below shows the removal of the astroturf matt,the new turf and matt and the removal of the trees and bramble replaced by heather and marram on the sandy bank.

Also on the rear of the 3rd green was the change from the thick rough which has been replaced by lifting the enriched hollow and replacing it with a closely mown hollow which will now form part of the approach making this area much fairer and more playable whilst giving the golfer many shot options.

There is another busy week ahead of the links team this week with the replacement of the 4"pipe to a more effective 6" pipe that carries out the water from the drainage ditches on the 10th hole,we are hoping that we can complete this work whilst the weather is still favourable.

After the completion of the 3rd walkway our next project in the winter work programme is to renovate the walkway from the 5th green to the 6th tee,we have started on the side nearest the 6th tee already but with the 10th drainage taking priority it is hoped to get back to continue the project as soon as possible.

There is a lot of tree and scrub management to be carried out this winter with the aim of reducing the amount of trees in the dunes and bramble etc around the golf course. This work shows the commitment of Royal St Davids to enhance the golfing environment alongside Natural Resources Wales's help in carrying out these works.Below is a picture of the rear of the 9th green in which all the bramble,buckthorn etc was removed and the bank replanted with maram. The piece on the right will be scraped and cleaned out this winter which will return the dunes to their natural state.

 There are many signs giving valueable ecological information on the flora and fauna  on the site. Being a SSSI (Site of special scientific interest) also means we have great responsibility as custodians of the land to look after and enhance the environment.

On Friday saw the retirement of Head Greenkeeper Roger Kerry and his twin brother and Deputy Head John Kerry. There was a fabulous party on the friday night to celebrate their dedicated 35 years of service in which there were many excellent speeches outlining the outstanding work that they both have done for the club. True gentlemen and greenkeeping legends,it has been an honour and a privellage to work alongside you both and everyone wishes you both a very happy retirement.

Left to right ,Llion Kerry,(First assistant),Gareth Evans,(Assistant greenkeeper), Rhys Butler,(Links Manager),Owain Aeron,(Deputy Links Manager),John Kerry,(Retired Deputy Head Greenkeeper)

,Roger Kerry,(Retired Head Greenkeeper),Emyr Price,(Assistant Greenkeeper).

Time to get the winter mittens and bobble hat on to get golfing!

Regards,

Royal St Davids Links Team.