Storm Damage work continues

Some trees fell during the recent high winds and in certain areas have created obstructions. These were tackled first. 

And one across the perimeter fence...

Bridge Construction after the Storm

Before.....

Now that the storm has passed and the water level has dropped; work can begin...

Finished.... For now!!!!!

A Very Wet and Windy Merry Christmas

December rainfall figures currently stand at 149.8mm, that's 75.3mm above the December average and 53.7mm more than December last year 2012. I Guess that means it's wet!

A few trees have also fell from the strong winds.

Sleepers from the bridges float away

 Remains of a bridge rest on dry land 

Winter Projects and Improvements

Due to uncertain circumstances some winter projects have been put on hold. These are mostly projects which were due to be undertaken by outside contractors. Other winter projects planned to be completed by our own staff remain on target, however their may be some general changes as certain projects take priority over others.

Projects and Improvements:

Improvement:
To the area between the 1st & 12th tees.

Tree work:
Focusing on improving sunlight penetration and air movement to the playing surface, particularly around greens and tees. Reducing bunker contamination by removing or pruning overhang.

Tree safety management, pruning or removing unsafe trees and trees that pose risks to machinery and operators.

Tree and shrub planting:
Focusing on screening behind the new 15th tee and other areas.

Adding colour and improved aesthetics behind the 2nd green and adding to the planting area behind the 5th green.
Replacing fallen or removed trees where necessary.

FAQ's

(Frequently asked questions)

How do we decide when to put a temporary green on?

All Greenstaff follow a procedure and guidelines which determines whether a temporary should be used. These are:

• Walk on and walk off areas (traffic management around greens and on greens)
• Standing water (localised flooding/surface water)
• Unstable putting surface (root shearing/compaction)
• The long term detrimental effects to the playing surface
• During a thaw following freezing conditions
• Light dusting of snow of thawing snow
• Undergoing maintenance 

Example: The 8^th green on the left is firm and dry but the green is on a temporary. The right side is soft and unstable underfoot. The main walk on, walk off area is from the right. Continued traffic will increase damage and worsen surface stability, which will impact on the long term recovery of the green. 

Do we need to take heavy machinery onto the course all the time?

No we do not, however it is impractical to carry out certain tasks without using certain machinery. Sometimes circumstances outside our control determines what machinery needs to be used and where it needs to be taken. Machinery where possible is driven clear of the main playing surfaces. During prolonged periods of poor weather machinery tracks away from the main playing areas can also become unusable, therefore alternative routes need to be taken to prevent machinery getting stuck or damaged.  

What is the policy regarding leaf clearing?

The leafing policy follows a set procedure. The first part of the policy is to identify the main playing surfaces and list them in priority for both the playing aspects and the area or access, in relation to any detrimental impact leaf clearing will or will not have.

1.    Greens

2.    Approaches

3.    Around greens

4.    Tees

5.    Fairways

6.    rough

The greens, approaches and collars are cleared using knapsack blowers. In ideal ground conditions the remainder is blown clear using a tractor mounted blower into woodland or piled for collection. This is the same process for tees. Fairways and rough are cleared using the tractor mounted blowers, again blown into woodland or piled for collection.

In poor ground conditions it is not always practical to follow these procedures.

During periods of high activity and limited resources involving a variety of others tasks (i.e. tree work, mowing), it is impractical to expect all areas to be cleared at any one time. If conditions are poor the leaf clearing process can become more time consuming as the larger machinery cannot be used.

Leaves that are piled are collected using a tractor pulled leaf collector/vacuum. Due to the weight and access required to areas using this particular machinery, some piles may remain static for prolonged periods of time. Priority of clearing these piles again focuses on location and ground stability.

Fallen Trees and Safety Management

Over the last couple of weeks following the storm and heavy rainfall, it is no surprise that their have been a few casualties. Some trees have been damaged from the storm, with broken limbs and some have been uprooted and fallen over. The large oak between the 6th green and 7th tee developed a huge crack through the centre of the main trunk/stem. This gave us no opportunity other than to remove it for safety reasons. The  old monolith tree stump between the 14th and 15th fairways has also become a casualty of the recent weather.

Luckily in each scenario no harm has come to any golfers, staff or members of the public. We must remember that this Golf Course is over one hundred years old with many old trees and these recent occurrences highlight just how important it is to maintain trees to a safe standard throughout.It also emphasises just how much skill, time and effort is required and the costs involved each year by both staff and contractors to maintain safety requirements.  It is therefore imperative that we continue to remove any trees or limbs that display specific signs of decay and major limb or stem failure. It's is far better to be safe rather than sorry.

TROLLEY LINES

Trolley lines are now being marked and are in use. Please keep fairway side of the white lines marked in front of the greens and aprons to help protect the finer playing surfaces. 

1st & 12th Tee Improvement Project

Plans to improve the immediate area around and in between the 1st & 12th tees has begun. Their are a variety of reason as to why this is being undertaken and some are listed briefly below.

To improve the immediate first impressions members & Visitors have when walking onto the Course.

To improve grass coverage on the side of the 12th tee.

To reduce on-going maintenance required to clear debris from the path & tees.

To reduce water usage on the 12th tee and to limit the annual attempts to turf and seed the 12th tee.
To reduce the future risk of damage and lifting of the pathway from trees roots (similar to those experienced in the Car Park). 

Although the project is in its infancy, the initial stage to remove the trees has been completed. 

Staff remove the higher limbs before felling the main stem

The trees were felled by LPGC staff and the Stumps ground out using outside contractors.

wood chippings removed

The next stage is to develop a hard standing area surrounded by seating and planting arrangements. This area will also become the recognised area for placing the drinks tent for certain Club & Visitor events.

Tee Step Maintenance / Safety

Maintenance to improve overall presentation and maintain safety from slippery surfaces.

Our steps have been covered using an astro-turf type product for the last 4-5 years. This was originally applied to remove the risks of golfers walking over potential slippery surfaces.

Initially this looked and worked very well; however over a period of time the astro-turf has become worn, torn and untidy in appearance. Any deterioration to the steps/timber also goes unnoticed as it cannot be seen under the astro-turf. To replace some coverings using astro-turf to a set of steps is also a costly exercise.

After evaluating the presentation of the steps and the on-going problems faced, including costs, it was decided to consider a change in the maintenance practice.

A product was sourced called Gripclad. For a number of years now the Golf market has recognised the long term benefit of using this product on slippery sleepers and timber steps. Many Golf Clubs around the country are now using this product.

Gripclad Cleats can be applied to Railway Sleepers, Club Entrance Steps, Trolley Ramps, Bunker Steps, Viewing Platforms, Footbridges, walkways and even on Grass Cutting Machinery footplates. The product has a diamond hard anti-slip composite surface and offers a tough, durable surface ensuring safety on the course. The expected lifespan of this product is 40 years + dependent on conditions and traffic.

The sheets are fixed to the timber using an adhesive sealant and screws

This product will now be applied periodically to all the steps replacing the existing  astro-turf.

Some steps will have also become rotten and unsafe and will require new timber replacement where necessary.

The 18th Tees Steps

18th Lake Reed Removal

The maintenance strategy of the lake is to remove reeds twice a year to prevent over population on the lake edges. 

This is the second time for 2013.

Sprayer MOT

A new way of keeping your Spraying Equipment up to date, working efficiently and within the legal Safety requirements is to undergo a Sprayer MOT. Just like a car MOT, it checks everything is in a safe working order and flags up any potential faults. It is not a compulsory requirement yet, however it offers piece of mind and highlights any issues otherwise not recognised.

Fairway Maintenance

Last week the Fairways were Verti-Drained to a depth of approximately 8-10 inches. This week the Fairways are being Scarified.

Next week the maintenance continues with overseeding, followed by a granular feed application.

Picture Pleasure

One of the advantages of starting your work early in morning... You get to see some stunning sun rises..

Heating Fuel Tank Leak

A tank that contains the heating fuel which feeds the Greenkeepers maintenance facility needed some parts replaced following a small seeping leak from the outlet point. Before the part could be replaced the remaining fuel had to be pumped out a pumped back again after.