Wishaw Golf Club
June 2025 Green Keepers Update
Dear Members,
Apologies for the late update - we aimed to get this out at the start of the month, but as often happens during our busiest period, we've found ourselves towards the end of August. On this occasion, we've decided to extend the update to cover both July and August given the significant developments over these summer months.
1. July - A Challenging Month
July had been a particularly hectic month for us, during which we had to pick and choose which jobs were completed as we didn't have the staff to handle all the tasks we would expect to do on a weekly basis. It was even harder this year as we also had a member of staff on paternity leave, leaving us with only two staff to look after the course. I'd like to thank Wullie for volunteering to help us for a few days to get some of our work completed.
2. Course Maintenance During High Growth Period
The growth during this period has been pretty heavy, so you will have noticed grass clippings lying in the rough and fairways. These would usually be blown or re-cut later in the week, but this hasn't been possible due to staffing constraints.
All greens have had their second application of liquid fertiliser and have also been sprayed with fungicide as there has been some disease pressure due to the warm, wet weather. All greens have also been tined with the Air2g2. The Air2g2's pressurised air blasts break up compacted layers of soil, immediately alleviating compaction caused by foot traffic, machinery and other factors.
Our divoters have also been on course helping us by repairing divots on tees, fairways and repairing worn areas around greens and walk-off areas.
3. August - Storm Response and Championship Preparation
Early August brought an unexpected challenge when a significant storm blew through the area. However, our dedicated team worked their socks off to get the course prepared for the club championship. The response from our green keeping staff has been nothing short of exceptional - working long hours in difficult conditions to clear debris, repair damage, and restore playing surfaces to championship standard.
As we head into the final day of the club championship tomorrow (16th August), the course is in fantastic condition and serves as a real testament to the team for their hard work all year round. The transformation from storm-damaged course to championship-ready conditions in such a short timeframe demonstrates the skill and dedication of our green keeping staff.
4. August Course Maintenance and Championship Conditions
With our staff member returning from paternity leave, we've been able to catch up on some of the maintenance tasks that were delayed during the busy July period. We've continued with our regular cutting schedules and have been able to address the grass clippings that had to be left in rough and fairway areas during our busiest weeks.
The course is now presenting beautifully for the championship finale, with greens running true and fairways in excellent condition despite the challenging weather we've faced.
5. Member Reminders
I have again been approached regarding pitch marks not being repaired - please take a minute to look for and repair your pitch mark. This simple action makes a significant difference to the playing surface for all members.
6. Looking Forward
We hope that members take notice of the exceptional condition of the course during the championship and spread the word to invite new members to experience what Wishaw Golf Club has to offer. The quality of our playing surfaces, even under challenging circumstances, showcases why we continue to strive towards our goal of making Wishaw Golf Club the finest course in Lanarkshire.
Hope you enjoy your golf.
Best regards,
Gerry Bradley
Head Greenkeeper
________________________________________
Our volunteer team continues to make a huge difference - join us Mondays from 8:30 AM or any day that suits. Contact the club office if interested.
Apologies for the late update - we aimed to get this out at the start of the month, but as often happens during our busiest period, we've found ourselves towards the end of August. On this occasion, we've decided to extend the update to cover both July and August given the significant developments over these summer months.
1. July - A Challenging Month
July had been a particularly hectic month for us, during which we had to pick and choose which jobs were completed as we didn't have the staff to handle all the tasks we would expect to do on a weekly basis. It was even harder this year as we also had a member of staff on paternity leave, leaving us with only two staff to look after the course. I'd like to thank Wullie for volunteering to help us for a few days to get some of our work completed.
2. Course Maintenance During High Growth Period
The growth during this period has been pretty heavy, so you will have noticed grass clippings lying in the rough and fairways. These would usually be blown or re-cut later in the week, but this hasn't been possible due to staffing constraints.
All greens have had their second application of liquid fertiliser and have also been sprayed with fungicide as there has been some disease pressure due to the warm, wet weather. All greens have also been tined with the Air2g2. The Air2g2's pressurised air blasts break up compacted layers of soil, immediately alleviating compaction caused by foot traffic, machinery and other factors.
Our divoters have also been on course helping us by repairing divots on tees, fairways and repairing worn areas around greens and walk-off areas.
3. August - Storm Response and Championship Preparation
Early August brought an unexpected challenge when a significant storm blew through the area. However, our dedicated team worked their socks off to get the course prepared for the club championship. The response from our green keeping staff has been nothing short of exceptional - working long hours in difficult conditions to clear debris, repair damage, and restore playing surfaces to championship standard.
As we head into the final day of the club championship tomorrow (16th August), the course is in fantastic condition and serves as a real testament to the team for their hard work all year round. The transformation from storm-damaged course to championship-ready conditions in such a short timeframe demonstrates the skill and dedication of our green keeping staff.
4. August Course Maintenance and Championship Conditions
With our staff member returning from paternity leave, we've been able to catch up on some of the maintenance tasks that were delayed during the busy July period. We've continued with our regular cutting schedules and have been able to address the grass clippings that had to be left in rough and fairway areas during our busiest weeks.
The course is now presenting beautifully for the championship finale, with greens running true and fairways in excellent condition despite the challenging weather we've faced.
5. Member Reminders
I have again been approached regarding pitch marks not being repaired - please take a minute to look for and repair your pitch mark. This simple action makes a significant difference to the playing surface for all members.
6. Looking Forward
We hope that members take notice of the exceptional condition of the course during the championship and spread the word to invite new members to experience what Wishaw Golf Club has to offer. The quality of our playing surfaces, even under challenging circumstances, showcases why we continue to strive towards our goal of making Wishaw Golf Club the finest course in Lanarkshire.
Hope you enjoy your golf.
Best regards,
Gerry Bradley
Head Greenkeeper
________________________________________
Our volunteer team continues to make a huge difference - join us Mondays from 8:30 AM or any day that suits. Contact the club office if interested.