We will not complain about the weather. Despite lots of rain in October, as well as in September, our 18-hole course is still standing, open and still providing plenty of good opportunities for wonderful golf experiences. The last elite tournament of the year, the Royal Trophy, was held in mid-October with lots of praise for the greens in particular and there is no reason why we cannot stay close to that quality for a very long time. The greens are firm, healthy and roll well despite the minimal care we have on them now.
The only downside is that we have run out of putting greens to practice on. The putting green by the terrace is closed to give it peace over the winter, while the large putting green by the driving range is also closed due to extensive damage from deer. However, we have a slim hope that we can open part of it up again, as the deer's focus is now elsewhere after all the chestnuts have been eaten. Very soon the winter feeding grounds will open and they will head there.
This season we try to keep the fairways, tees and surroundings mowed and maintained for as long as possible, but otherwise the focus of maintenance tasks is on leaves, worm castings, disease prevention and bunker repairs.
Our very own greenkeeper student Mathias Crillesen passed his greenkeeper exam at Sandmoseskolen in North Jutland on October 25. Mathias was born in Dyrehaven and grew up in the house right next to the golf club. His father Carsten is a forester and hunter here in the forest. Mathias has only just turned 22 and first became acquainted with golf course maintenance in 9th grade when he was doing an internship with us. Since then, he had a few summer jobs and internships in connection with other education before, 3 years ago, he decided to become a greenkeeper. That feat is now well and truly accomplished, but a permanent place on the team here at Dyrehaven will not be possible. On the other hand, he will now have to find a new workplace that will benefit from his always good mood, willingness to learn and machine knowledge. Mathias will stay with us for the rest of the season and then look for new golf greens. We send him off with the very best wishes for a good and long working life as a greenkeeper.