We have really started the season. Long sunny days and lots of rounds of golf. Now the restaurant has also joined in after the reopening and that means even more life and activity. Everyone wants to get going – both players and greenkeepers.
There is also a lot of activity at the greenkeepers, but not yet so much with the usual mowing tasks. In addition, it is still too cold and dry for the grass to really grow. Then the time is spent improving the grass surfaces with aeration, top dressing and reseeding. This week, the green surroundings have been top dressed, the greens and surroundings have been supplied with rinse aid and micronutrients, the par 3 course's greens and tees have been dotted, dressed and reseeded and 2 bunkers have been repaired. Now we have gone through most of the preparatory routine tasks and are ready for general care and maintenance. Most of the mowers will be in play again from next week. It will be beautiful.
The irrigation system has also been started up. We have so far postponed the start-up of the irrigation system for a few weeks because the well driller has not finished establishing our new water supply. Originally it was supposed to be finished at the end of April, but now the announcement is mid-May. We can't wait for that.
Because it is true April weather. The driest month of the year is again dry, windy and temperatures are alternately at freezing or pleasantly warm. The growth of the grass is just as quiet, but different. The areas with a covering of grass are doing fine and looking nice, while other thinner or bare areas are lagging behind. We see this, among other things, on fairways and on a few weak greens with relatively large damage from the winter's fungal attack. All members should remember that we play golf all season, we have more than 2000 resident deer and we look after our course without the use of pesticides. These conditions make us different from other courses - especially in the spring. Unfortunately, this presents challenges, both in terms of care and play. But these are challenges that we are used to handling.
Important dates:
Monday, April 26: Greens 1, 3, 9, 18 and putting greens will be reseeded. Expect some disruption to the playing surface.
Wednesday, April 28: All greens will receive a light topdress.
Thursday, April 29: Fairways are mowed for the first time.
Thursday, May 6: Large putting green opens
Think about your teammates. As always:
- Remember to align your impact mark – preferably two or more.
- Tear nicely after yourself in bunkers
- Use divot bags for fairways
Enjoy!