Course Report - Feb
Course Manager's Report for February
Weather Overview -
The year has opened with sustained high rainfall and limited growth opportunity.
• January rainfall: 138.2mm
• February rainfall (to date): 150.5mm
• Total year to date: 288.7mm
• February dry days: 7
• February wet days: 18
• Frost days (February): 4
• Cumulative Growing Degree Days (GDD): 14.7
We are approaching 300mm of rainfall before the end of February. With fewer than one in three days classed as dry this month, ground conditions have remained consistently saturated.
Growing Degree Days (GDD) measure accumulated temperature above a base growth threshold (typically 5°C for cool-season turf). It indicates how much actual growth potential the plant has had.
A cumulative GDD of 14.7 is very low. In mid-spring we would accumulate that amount in just a few days. At present, the plant is effectively in low-growth mode.
• Recovery from wear or thinning is slow
• Fertiliser response is limited
• Disease scarring takes longer to grow out
• Any unnecessary damage would take significant time to repair
Winter management therefore remains focused on protection and preservation rather than forcing growth during unsuitable conditions.
Greens & Surface Condition -
Despite the prolonged wet period, the greens are holding up steadily for the time of year. Recovery will accelerate once soil temperatures begin to rise consistently through March and April.
Drainage systems have been rodded to ensure they are functioning efficiently, and repairs to several sunken drain lines have been completed to restore levels and prevent surface water collection.
Targeted repair work has also been carried out at the back of the 4th green, where extended saturation had weakened the area. This has now been stabilised and will continue to firm as drying conditions improve.
Irrigation & Infrastructure -
Irrigation pipework repairs have been completed where required to ensure the system is fully operational heading into the growing season.
All areas surrounding the clubhouse have been pressure washed to maintain presentation standards ahead of the season.
Machinery & Seasonal Preparation -
A significant amount of servicing and preventative maintenance has been carried out in-house to prepare equipment for the main playing season.
Investment in Playing Quality & Performance Monitoring -
The club has invested in a new Jacobsen greens mower along with a new Jacobsen mower dedicated to tees and approaches.
• Improved cut quality and consistency
• Better presentation at lower heights of cut
• Reduced surface stress compared to older units
• Greater reliability during peak season
The club has also invested in the USGA GS3 performance ball to provide detailed data on putting surface performance.
• Green speed measurement
• Surface trueness and smoothness data
• Firmness consistency tracking
• Objective performance benchmarking over time
This technology allows us to make evidence-based decisions and track measurable improvements as drainage and surface refinement works progress.
Looking Ahead – Greens Drainage Programme -
Beginning this coming winter, the club will commence a structured three-year greens drainage programme, modernising infrastructure across all 18 greens.
Laser guidance equipment will be used to ensure accuracy, consistency and efficiency of installation.
1. Year 1
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 13th & 18th Greens
2. Year 2
• 4th, 5th, 8th, 14th & 17th Greens
3. Year 3
• 6th, 7th, 10th, 12th & 16th Greens
This phased approach ensures responsible investment, controlled disruption and measurable improvement in winter resilience each year.
Summary -
Despite challenging weather conditions, progress continues across the course. Infrastructure investment, machinery upgrades and performance monitoring tools position Caldwell Golf Club for steady, measurable improvement in playing quality.
Gary Wilson
Course Manager
The year has opened with sustained high rainfall and limited growth opportunity.
• January rainfall: 138.2mm
• February rainfall (to date): 150.5mm
• Total year to date: 288.7mm
• February dry days: 7
• February wet days: 18
• Frost days (February): 4
• Cumulative Growing Degree Days (GDD): 14.7
We are approaching 300mm of rainfall before the end of February. With fewer than one in three days classed as dry this month, ground conditions have remained consistently saturated.
Growing Degree Days (GDD) measure accumulated temperature above a base growth threshold (typically 5°C for cool-season turf). It indicates how much actual growth potential the plant has had.
A cumulative GDD of 14.7 is very low. In mid-spring we would accumulate that amount in just a few days. At present, the plant is effectively in low-growth mode.
• Recovery from wear or thinning is slow
• Fertiliser response is limited
• Disease scarring takes longer to grow out
• Any unnecessary damage would take significant time to repair
Winter management therefore remains focused on protection and preservation rather than forcing growth during unsuitable conditions.
Greens & Surface Condition -
Despite the prolonged wet period, the greens are holding up steadily for the time of year. Recovery will accelerate once soil temperatures begin to rise consistently through March and April.
Drainage systems have been rodded to ensure they are functioning efficiently, and repairs to several sunken drain lines have been completed to restore levels and prevent surface water collection.
Targeted repair work has also been carried out at the back of the 4th green, where extended saturation had weakened the area. This has now been stabilised and will continue to firm as drying conditions improve.
Irrigation & Infrastructure -
Irrigation pipework repairs have been completed where required to ensure the system is fully operational heading into the growing season.
All areas surrounding the clubhouse have been pressure washed to maintain presentation standards ahead of the season.
Machinery & Seasonal Preparation -
A significant amount of servicing and preventative maintenance has been carried out in-house to prepare equipment for the main playing season.
Investment in Playing Quality & Performance Monitoring -
The club has invested in a new Jacobsen greens mower along with a new Jacobsen mower dedicated to tees and approaches.
• Improved cut quality and consistency
• Better presentation at lower heights of cut
• Reduced surface stress compared to older units
• Greater reliability during peak season
The club has also invested in the USGA GS3 performance ball to provide detailed data on putting surface performance.
• Green speed measurement
• Surface trueness and smoothness data
• Firmness consistency tracking
• Objective performance benchmarking over time
This technology allows us to make evidence-based decisions and track measurable improvements as drainage and surface refinement works progress.
Looking Ahead – Greens Drainage Programme -
Beginning this coming winter, the club will commence a structured three-year greens drainage programme, modernising infrastructure across all 18 greens.
Laser guidance equipment will be used to ensure accuracy, consistency and efficiency of installation.
1. Year 1
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 13th & 18th Greens
2. Year 2
• 4th, 5th, 8th, 14th & 17th Greens
3. Year 3
• 6th, 7th, 10th, 12th & 16th Greens
This phased approach ensures responsible investment, controlled disruption and measurable improvement in winter resilience each year.
Summary -
Despite challenging weather conditions, progress continues across the course. Infrastructure investment, machinery upgrades and performance monitoring tools position Caldwell Golf Club for steady, measurable improvement in playing quality.
Gary Wilson
Course Manager