Golf course update as of the 8th July

Kalimera from Kefalonia

Finally, we got some weather and had the need to use the irrigation system, the team have been working hard to prepare the course and should be proud of their efforts coming out of the winter we’ve had.

Greens

• Spray applications of potassium silica to increase leaf stiffness for a cleaner cut and improve ball roll
• Brush mowing in different directions to reduce lateral growth.
• Daily mowing at 3.5mm
• Sarrel roll and light topdressing to improve trueness, aerate the surface to aid thatch break down and provide oxygen to soil.
• Spray of thatch degrading bacteria and wetting agent to aid irrigation.
• Hand seeding and dressing of scars and imperfections

Tees and approaches

• Mowing regularly at 12 mm
• Mowing against the direction of growth to groom and reduce lateral growth
• Hand divoting and Seeding
• Spray applications of seaweed, feed and growth regulator to increase sward thickness and reduce grass clippings

Fairways

• Regular mowing at 15mm
• Weekly brushing in different directions followed by a mow to help reduce lateral growth improving sward density and the way the golf ball sits.
• Spray applications of feed, growth regulator and selective weed killer to continue to refine surfaces.

Rough

• Mowing at 40 mm
• Selective weed applications and select areas receiving growth regulator.
• Mowing directions and order changed regularly to help management of growth and grass clippings

General

• Irrigation repairs including replacement of sprinkler heads and leak repaired
• Strimming/Flymo of slopes and banks and then sprayed with growth regulator
• Bunkers , sand topped up Levels checked and weeded
• Hand watering of hot spots

Our focus for the next month;

• Continue refinement of all areas
• Reduce green height down to 3mm increase brushing in the aim of increasing green speed and improving ball roll
• Fairways rotation brushed and rotary mown to improve sward quality
• Feed apps to greens, approaches and tees
• Cleaning of course signage and furniture

I’m looking forward to pushing on the next few months of the summer aiming to get the best out of the course for the remainder of the season.

Many thanks,

Rob Lawley
Course Manager
Oxley Park Golf Club