Course Update
Head Greenkeeper, Richard Stephens
This summer has been particularly challenging. With almost no natural recovery and long periods without irrigation water due to system issues, some areas of the course have struggled. Despite these difficulties, I would like to thank my team for their continued hard work and commitment in doing everything possible to provide the best playing surfaces for members and visitors.
Drain Lines
Growth along the drain lines has been slow this year compared to a normal spring. We would not turf over these areas, as doing so would cap the drains and reduce their ability to take in surface water, shortening their lifespan. Instead, we have been topping up these areas throughout the season and will overseed them in September when cooler temperatures will give the seed a better chance to establish.
Green Surrounds
The surrounds – especially walk-off areas – have suffered more than usual, largely because their construction is different to the greens themselves. Improving these areas will be a major focus this winter and beyond. With the recent purchase of the new Verti-Drain, we can now aerate more deeply and more frequently, which will make a big difference. We will also drill-seed with hardier grass types to encourage quicker recovery and provide better definition between greens and surrounds. In addition, we are expanding the fertiliser programme to give the turf greater resilience and improved growth.
Tees
Work on repairing and divoting tees is ongoing. The 16th white tee will be rebuilt in September, with new irrigation installed as planned now that the conifers have been removed and the area has settled.
Irrigation System
Irrigation has been our biggest challenge this year. Plans to finance and deliver a new system are well underway, although a project of this scale requires careful design, especially given the added pressure on water supply. A bespoke, future-proof solution is already in development, and we will be presenting proposals to the club later this year.
In the meantime, our new irrigation contractor has helped us achieve around 80% automation, with the remaining areas still being watered manually. Although coverage is not yet perfect, we continue to use hoses to target specific areas until the system is fully upgraded.
Final Note
I would like to thank all members for your patience, support, and understanding as we work to improve course conditions. These projects take time, but they are all part of ensuring Vicars Cross continues to develop and provide the best possible playing experience.
Richard Stephens
Head Greenkeeper
Drain Lines
Growth along the drain lines has been slow this year compared to a normal spring. We would not turf over these areas, as doing so would cap the drains and reduce their ability to take in surface water, shortening their lifespan. Instead, we have been topping up these areas throughout the season and will overseed them in September when cooler temperatures will give the seed a better chance to establish.
Green Surrounds
The surrounds – especially walk-off areas – have suffered more than usual, largely because their construction is different to the greens themselves. Improving these areas will be a major focus this winter and beyond. With the recent purchase of the new Verti-Drain, we can now aerate more deeply and more frequently, which will make a big difference. We will also drill-seed with hardier grass types to encourage quicker recovery and provide better definition between greens and surrounds. In addition, we are expanding the fertiliser programme to give the turf greater resilience and improved growth.
Tees
Work on repairing and divoting tees is ongoing. The 16th white tee will be rebuilt in September, with new irrigation installed as planned now that the conifers have been removed and the area has settled.
Irrigation System
Irrigation has been our biggest challenge this year. Plans to finance and deliver a new system are well underway, although a project of this scale requires careful design, especially given the added pressure on water supply. A bespoke, future-proof solution is already in development, and we will be presenting proposals to the club later this year.
In the meantime, our new irrigation contractor has helped us achieve around 80% automation, with the remaining areas still being watered manually. Although coverage is not yet perfect, we continue to use hoses to target specific areas until the system is fully upgraded.
Final Note
I would like to thank all members for your patience, support, and understanding as we work to improve course conditions. These projects take time, but they are all part of ensuring Vicars Cross continues to develop and provide the best possible playing experience.
Richard Stephens
Head Greenkeeper