The recent rains over Easter, coupled with a light dressing of fertiliser, really sparked the greens into growth, with 12 ‘boxes’ being taken off on one occasions - that’s 4-5 times a normal yield of cuttings. Growth is now at more normal rates. The greens height has now been lowered to its normal summer level of 3.5 mm. Even with the Easter rain things are really quite dry, and we’ve had to do a fair amount of spot hand watering for ‘Dry Patch’ on the tops of slopes. Apart from those areas, elsewhere on the greens show decent moisture levels, which means an overall increase in irrigation is not appropriate.

This week we measured the speeds (‘Stimp’) for the first time this season and found them running at 8’ 6”, but we know that they are still 3-4 weeks short of their summer condition. In addition the current forecast for the next 2 weeks is not offering any rain, which will be problematical - especially for the farmers. On the course, historically there is a clear correlation between speed readings and prolonged dry spells.

Elsewhere the team are tied up with routine course work: paths have been sprayed, and bunkers strimmed. There is another short week coming up: it ends with the Chester Festival, meaning Gavin is likely to need the team to work overtime to present the course as he would like.

Course Committee