April Course Update
Course Managers update
Course Report April 2026
General Overview
April has been an exceptionally challenging and stressful month—the most difficult period I have experienced since becoming Course Manager.
Weather conditions have been highly inconsistent. Following prolonged wet weather, we experienced a sudden shift to dry, hot days paired with cold nights, including morning frosts and afternoon temperatures reaching up to 20°C. These extremes have made course management particularly difficult.
Despite the team’s best efforts, the course remains well below the standard expected for this time of year.
Key Challenges
• Unpredictable weather conditions causing stress on turf
• Irrigation issues due to controller failure
• Reduced ability to maintain optimal course conditions
At the start of the month, the greens were deep-tined and heavily top-dressed. This will be the final major invasive work on the greens for some time.
Unfortunately, the new irrigation controller failed due to a power surge. After being returned and reinstalled, it was still not functioning and has had to be sent back again. As a result, we have struggled to apply sufficient water during the recent dry spell, which has negatively affected the greens. To mitigate damage, we have had to manage and protect them more cautiously than usual.
Pro Turf are scheduled to return this month with the Air2G2 system. This will inject air deep into the soil profile and, importantly, can be carried out without disrupting play.
On a positive note, the club’s Facebook page continues to perform well and is proving to be a success.
Greens
Significant work has been carried out on the greens in a short period.
Completed Work
• Deep-tining and heavy top-dressing
• Overseeding of weaker areas
Ongoing and Planned Work
• Additional overseeding weaker areas in the coming weeks
• First verti-cut scheduled shortly
• Current cutting height: 4mm
Cutting is not yet being done daily due to low soil temperatures, but frequency is expected to increase as temperatures rise.
Tees and Aprons
Tees and aprons have received a fertiliser application, expected to last approximately 4–5 months.
Progress
• Regular cutting schedule has begun • Poorer areas have been: o Seeded o Top-dressed
These areas will continue to be treated until their condition improves to the required standard.
Fairways
Fairways have received their first application of fertiliser from the annual programme.
Current Approach
• Light initial feed to encourage controlled growth
• Avoiding rapid early growth
Planned Work
• A stronger feed planned at the end of May, including Primo
• Terra raking is prepared and will be carried out when weather and staVing allow
General Overview
April has been an exceptionally challenging and stressful month—the most difficult period I have experienced since becoming Course Manager.
Weather conditions have been highly inconsistent. Following prolonged wet weather, we experienced a sudden shift to dry, hot days paired with cold nights, including morning frosts and afternoon temperatures reaching up to 20°C. These extremes have made course management particularly difficult.
Despite the team’s best efforts, the course remains well below the standard expected for this time of year.
Key Challenges
• Unpredictable weather conditions causing stress on turf
• Irrigation issues due to controller failure
• Reduced ability to maintain optimal course conditions
At the start of the month, the greens were deep-tined and heavily top-dressed. This will be the final major invasive work on the greens for some time.
Unfortunately, the new irrigation controller failed due to a power surge. After being returned and reinstalled, it was still not functioning and has had to be sent back again. As a result, we have struggled to apply sufficient water during the recent dry spell, which has negatively affected the greens. To mitigate damage, we have had to manage and protect them more cautiously than usual.
Pro Turf are scheduled to return this month with the Air2G2 system. This will inject air deep into the soil profile and, importantly, can be carried out without disrupting play.
On a positive note, the club’s Facebook page continues to perform well and is proving to be a success.
Greens
Significant work has been carried out on the greens in a short period.
Completed Work
• Deep-tining and heavy top-dressing
• Overseeding of weaker areas
Ongoing and Planned Work
• Additional overseeding weaker areas in the coming weeks
• First verti-cut scheduled shortly
• Current cutting height: 4mm
Cutting is not yet being done daily due to low soil temperatures, but frequency is expected to increase as temperatures rise.
Tees and Aprons
Tees and aprons have received a fertiliser application, expected to last approximately 4–5 months.
Progress
• Regular cutting schedule has begun • Poorer areas have been: o Seeded o Top-dressed
These areas will continue to be treated until their condition improves to the required standard.
Fairways
Fairways have received their first application of fertiliser from the annual programme.
Current Approach
• Light initial feed to encourage controlled growth
• Avoiding rapid early growth
Planned Work
• A stronger feed planned at the end of May, including Primo
• Terra raking is prepared and will be carried out when weather and staVing allow