It is a special time for the greenkeepers, being the only ones at the club and on the golf course. In many ways, it is every greenkeeper's dream to have an empty course to work on, but it also happens against a very sad backdrop. We know that it is very hard for you members to be prevented from playing golf, but if it can be any consolation, the course is thriving in the knowledge that it is not being worn down during this last part of a long winter season. The deer have also disappeared. They are hiding from the wind and cold inside the forest.
The weather is beautiful, but freezing cold, especially in the morning. It has quickly become very dry on the course again. It is as if the last 6 months of rain are a long way off already. The irrigation system has now been started to avoid drying out and to support the application of spring fertilizer and germination of grass seeds. I have actually started to worry about some rain, but it usually does not come at this time of year.
We have been working a little restlessly over the past two weeks, as we have only started projects that could be completed in 1 or 2 days before a possible shutdown. We must also be ready at all times for a possible reopening for games. At the same time, we must take all the health precautions we can to keep each other and our families safe. The team is healthy and strong, and together we have found a solution for how to keep the field staffed and active for as long as possible until this crisis is over or reduced to an acceptable risk level.
The first "corona" week was all about the annual fairway project. It has been carried out in fine style. Fairways, areas around tees and many paths have benefited from approx. 600 tons of sand, aeration and reseeding with a small 700 kg of grass seed. Fertilizer was also about to be laid out, but we got caught up in the chaos the freight companies have experienced over the past several days.
This week we have mowed the greens for the second time this season and the tees and surrounds for the first time. Now they are ready for next week's reseeding and top dressing. This will be done in the very first days of the week so that we don't get stuck among you players when play opens again.
The ugly path to the first tee has been renovated. The break in play has meant that we have brought this project forward. Several other construction projects are ready to be carried out if golf is still prohibited. That way we are ready to take advantage of the silence, but also still be ready to play on the course again.
The optional fairway mats have become popular, but they are not completely Corona-safe. That is why the course committee has decided to make an additional 100 pieces as a free corona gift for you members. Therefore, keep your fairway mat after the game. It is a gift that both helps you out there and protects the course until active growth returns, perhaps at the end of April.
/Martin Nilsson