Spring Maintenance 2023

Greens and Approaches

Weiedenmann Terra Spike greens & approaches @12mm diameter @254mm depth

Greentek thatch away units / Verti Cut greens and approaches@ – 2mm

Cut Greens and Approaches

Trim Sprinkler heads on greens & Approaches

Toro Porcore 648 / solid tine “pot” greens and approaches @12mm diameter @20mm depth

Toro Porcore 648 / Hollow Core approaches @ 12mm diameter @ 60mm depth

Drop spread – 200kg/ha fescue to greens and approaches, switch seed into holes

Toro Propass /sand topdress greens and approaches – 40 Tonnes

Sweep and fill brush to ensure all holes filled with sand

Tru Turf roll to restore smoothness

Tees

Greentek thatch away units/ scarify tees, range tee and green

Toro Porcore 648 / Hollow Core all tees @ 12mm diameter @ 60mm depth

Trim all sprinkler heads on tees

Drop spread Dwarf rye/fescue seed

Toro Propass /sand topdress tees – 20 Tonnes

Sweep and fill brush to ensure all holes are filled

Walkways

Disc seed pathways to aid recovery

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Pot Seeding Greens

After a slight increase in organic matter levels during COVID due to reduced staff levels, we have worked hard to bring these numbers back within target levels of around 5%. This once again will give the perfect environment for fine links grasses to thrive. With no real significant amendments needed to the soil profile within our greens it means that we have commenced with a sustained overseeding programme aimed at re-establishing the fine textured turf that once dominated this links before excessive fertiliser and irrigation applications caused an unfortunate botanical change.

The composition of grass species within the surfaces in early 2016 when we began this journey was a Poa / Bent mix varying in quantities from green to green and our plan was to introduce more fine leaved grass species into the surfaces and reduce the amount of Annual Meadow Grass content.

We took the decision to apply Barenbrug Bar Fescue seed which is a 50/50 blend of Chewings and slender creeping fescues which offers the best solution for year-round performance. The mix also Contains both the top-rated Chewings and slender creeping cultivars for greens use. Firstly we ran the TORO Procore across the greens to create as many 10mm holes as possible, a process called “pot seeding”. A drop spreader was used to apply the fescue seed before we worked any excess seed into the holes using a switch and AstroTurf drag mat then covering the seed within the holes with our own indigenous dune sand topdressing. This provided the seeds with the correct growing medium and some protection from the elements. We Overseeded with around 440kg of BAR Fescue and the seed should germinate within the next month due to the slightly cooler conditions. To achieve maximum seed establishment and rapid surface recovery without creating a flush of growth that would negatively affect playing characteristics we applied a granular feed called ICL Invigorator . We chose this product as it has proven to be effective in aiding recovery while maintaining turf health and vigour without any negative effect on playability.

Fescue is the most appropriate species to links sites across the UK and with adequate management will provide characteristics that are typical of links golf here at Nairn Dunbar. The practice of overseeding is a vital aspect of what we are trying to achieve at and will now remain part of our annual maintenance at least twice a year.

 A botanical change, although a little disruptive for a short period we have been able to work around a busy member competition schedule, daily member and visitor golf.

Although disturbance is minimal please be patient as we attempt to change the botanical composition of the sward to a more desired species and in turn finer links like surfaces.

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Staff Training – BIGGA CPD Approved member Certificate

On 04/03/2023 Course Manager Richard Johnstone was awarded with a BIGGA CPD Approved member Certificate in recognition of his continued education and training in 2023.

The BIGGA CPD Scheme is made up of members who are looking to improve their professional knowledge and competence within the industry while developing skills and personal qualities necessary for the execution of technical duties throughout their working life

“No professional should stand still – we’re all learning, all the time.”