So it's almost April after an April-like March. Cold and beautiful weather characterized March. There were about 20 frosty mornings, but with good warmth in the afternoon. Will April be the same? It starts with a bit of changeable weather, but also with nice rain to soften the course a bit again. I think it will be May-like.
Despite frosty mornings, March has been a really good month of work for the greenkeepers. All the greens, green surrounds and tees have been given a proper go and that means that there is actually not much major maintenance work on them in April. We are waiting for the heat (and rain) and thus for the growing season to start. Fairways and semirough have been fertilized and are also waiting for the rain. We are instead focusing on a little occasional mowing and tumbling to maintain a good playing quality.
Important dates:
Wednesday, March 30: The par 3 course opens for play along with the 3 practice greens.
Saturday, April 2: The order was lifted. After that, play will continue with a lay-off until this also lapses.
Depending on the weather, the following work will be carried out on the track in addition to regular maintenance:
Fairways reseeded
Bunkers are being renovated
Work on foregreens to reduce the spread of witches' rings
Construction work on driving range
The opening of the driving range is long overdue. It will come one day. The driving range is still surprisingly wet, and opening too early will result in many balls being driven into the ground. The teeing ground on the driving range will also be opened when it is actively growing and has become denser.
The golf season starts in earnest in April. This year we have a really good starting point for a good season. We have been taking care of the course by using mats throughout the winter period and it has gone fantastically well. Now you can get rid of the mats, but instead remember the nice divot bags and divot tubes that are available to you. They are ready at the starter's house and out on the course. Use the contents on the fairways and in the semirough and you are helping to take care of the course.
Enjoy. Martin Nilsson, Head Greenkeeper