February 2025 Green Keepers Update
Course Updates to Members
This is the first of monthly update from our green staff. We will aim to improve the format and content as we progress. We hope you enjoy this initiative.
Dear Members,
As we move into February, I'd like to share an update on our course maintenance and development work. January certainly tested us with challenging weather conditions, particularly the significant storm on the 24th. However, I'm pleased to report that our team, supported by our dedicated volunteers, has made remarkable progress in recovery operations.
Winter Programme
You may have noticed dark patches on our greens - this is actually good news! These patches are the result of our liquid iron applications targeting winter moss. As we increase mowing frequency with the return of growth, you'll see these areas gradually improve. This treatment strengthens our grass plants and provides natural disease resistance as we head towards spring.
Our comprehensive winter programme has included:
• Deep tining of approaches with 80 tonnes of sand incorporation
• Extensive fairway deep tining programme
• Complete verti draining of tees with sand application
• Hollow tining across key areas
Course Development
The tree management programme has made substantial progress, with necessary removal of approx. 37 trees affected by ash die back across holes 3, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, and 18.
We're developing a comprehensive 2-5 year course improvement plan to ensure systematic development. At the upcoming AGM, members will have the opportunity to discuss the proposed removal of the left-hand bunker at the 11th hole, which has faced ongoing maintenance challenges due to animal damage.
Specific Areas of Focus
The 13th and 15th greens are receiving extra attention due to some winter scarring. While this isn't a major concern, we're implementing targeted maintenance to ensure they're in top condition for the main season. Similar work is planned for the 4th and 7th approaches, where we'll be carrying out some patching work as conditions allow.
Infrastructure Development
Work continues several key projects:
• Path improvements from tees 1st to 3rd, between 8th and 9th , 16th and the walk-off area at 18th. This includes sourcing and testing of new path materials from Patersons Quarries
• Drainage solutions for 12th and 18th holes
Looking Ahead
The longer days mean we'll soon be back to regular cutting across the course. Our bunker maintenance is also stepping up, focusing on edging, raking, and making sure sand levels are right where they need to be.
Working together, our green staff and volunteers put in significant hours to keep the course in top shape. The team covers 6,000 hours throughout summer and winter, with our volunteers adding another 750 - 1000 hours each year. This extra help has been especially useful during storm clean-ups.
From 2025 onwards, we're looking to increase the total hours spent maintaining the course to ensure that our club is one of the best in Lanarkshire to play golf. While the weather is always our biggest challenge, particularly with our parkland layout, we're in a good position as spring approaches. Members will start to see the benefits of our winter work as growth picks up again.
Our goal is to make Wishaw Golf Club the best course in Lanarkshire.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Our volunteer program makes a real difference to the course. We meet regularly on Mondays from 8:30 AM, but you can help any day that suits you. Give as much or as little time as you can – it all helps. If you're interested, just contact the club office or email.
Best regards,
Gerry Bradley
Head Greenkeeper
Dear Members,
As we move into February, I'd like to share an update on our course maintenance and development work. January certainly tested us with challenging weather conditions, particularly the significant storm on the 24th. However, I'm pleased to report that our team, supported by our dedicated volunteers, has made remarkable progress in recovery operations.
Winter Programme
You may have noticed dark patches on our greens - this is actually good news! These patches are the result of our liquid iron applications targeting winter moss. As we increase mowing frequency with the return of growth, you'll see these areas gradually improve. This treatment strengthens our grass plants and provides natural disease resistance as we head towards spring.
Our comprehensive winter programme has included:
• Deep tining of approaches with 80 tonnes of sand incorporation
• Extensive fairway deep tining programme
• Complete verti draining of tees with sand application
• Hollow tining across key areas
Course Development
The tree management programme has made substantial progress, with necessary removal of approx. 37 trees affected by ash die back across holes 3, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, and 18.
We're developing a comprehensive 2-5 year course improvement plan to ensure systematic development. At the upcoming AGM, members will have the opportunity to discuss the proposed removal of the left-hand bunker at the 11th hole, which has faced ongoing maintenance challenges due to animal damage.
Specific Areas of Focus
The 13th and 15th greens are receiving extra attention due to some winter scarring. While this isn't a major concern, we're implementing targeted maintenance to ensure they're in top condition for the main season. Similar work is planned for the 4th and 7th approaches, where we'll be carrying out some patching work as conditions allow.
Infrastructure Development
Work continues several key projects:
• Path improvements from tees 1st to 3rd, between 8th and 9th , 16th and the walk-off area at 18th. This includes sourcing and testing of new path materials from Patersons Quarries
• Drainage solutions for 12th and 18th holes
Looking Ahead
The longer days mean we'll soon be back to regular cutting across the course. Our bunker maintenance is also stepping up, focusing on edging, raking, and making sure sand levels are right where they need to be.
Working together, our green staff and volunteers put in significant hours to keep the course in top shape. The team covers 6,000 hours throughout summer and winter, with our volunteers adding another 750 - 1000 hours each year. This extra help has been especially useful during storm clean-ups.
From 2025 onwards, we're looking to increase the total hours spent maintaining the course to ensure that our club is one of the best in Lanarkshire to play golf. While the weather is always our biggest challenge, particularly with our parkland layout, we're in a good position as spring approaches. Members will start to see the benefits of our winter work as growth picks up again.
Our goal is to make Wishaw Golf Club the best course in Lanarkshire.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Our volunteer program makes a real difference to the course. We meet regularly on Mondays from 8:30 AM, but you can help any day that suits you. Give as much or as little time as you can – it all helps. If you're interested, just contact the club office or email.
Best regards,
Gerry Bradley
Head Greenkeeper