AGM 2013

Drayton Park Golf Club
AGM 2013
Maintenance Report


As you are aware, 2012 has seen an unprecedented amount of rainfall. This has put a lot of strain on the greenkeeping staff when trying to carry out their duties. On occasion it was necessary to close the 6th, 7th and 8th holes. We subsequently dug out a small ditch along the side of the 8th tee, which intercepted the flood water ensuring that we could keep these three holes open. During times of heavy rain the 7th hole was played from a shortened, temporary tee. Most of the flooding in this area is caused by the high level of the river. We have already excavated a new ditch at the back of the 8th tee to intercept the water coming through the bank. I have more work planned for the 7th hole to stop the water coming through the bank. We will also install a storm drain on the 7th fairway in the coming months.
The course has maintained good grass cover throughout the year with only a few areas becoming muddy. It was inevitable that the bunkers would be a major problem. At times it was not possible to maintain them properly so it was necessary to mark them as Ground Under Repair. We have topped up all the bunkers with new sand, as a lot of silt had been washed into them from the surrounding ground thus contaminating the sand.
The greens have remained in good condition albeit a little softer than I would like and ball pitch marking has been more of a problem than usual. The incidence of disease has been low so any scarring is minimal. I will be working to firm the putting surface throughout the Spring by carrying out regular scarifying and topdressing. I will also carry out extra deep tine aeration on the 6th, 7th and 8th greens as these have remained wetter throughout the winter.
Moss levels have increased on some tees and banks. I will be treating this and removing it by scarifying where possible.
Investment in the course and its machinery has continued with the purchase of a new banks mower, new rollers for the greens and an irrigation pump. We have completed the construction of a new green on the Pitch and Putt course and have now started work on the practice pitching green at the side of the Pro Shop. This will be completed in the summer.
Many Thanks

Mark Smith
Head Greenkeeper

Thanks to all the members for their continued support.

Ditch on the 1st fairway & trees on the 12th fairway.

This week we have cut back the brambles growing in the ditch on the 1st. ( see pictures for before and after). The trees on the left of the 12th fairway have had their lower branches removed, this will allow a better view of the green from the corner. (See 3rd picture).

Scarifying the greens.

I started scarifying the greens this morning, Followed this up with the groomers to clean the surface then a final cut with the mower. I hope to carry out scarifying again next week followed by topdressing with sand.