PIKE HILLS GOLF CLUB. Advisory Report on the Golf Course incorporating the STRI Programme. Making great sport happen

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1 Making great sport happen PIKE HILLS GOLF CLUB Advisory Report on the Golf Course incorporating the STRI Programme Report Date: 2 nd May 2018 Consultant: Adam Newton

2 Date of Visit: Tuesday 1 st May 2018 Visit Objective: To assess the spring condition of the golf course, review laboratory testing results and confirm ongoing maintenance recommendations. Present: Alistair Burns General Manager Dave Bell Greens Chairman Liza Griffiths Greens Committee Les Dickinson Greens Committee Adam Newton Senior Agronomist Weather: Fine, dry and breezy with temperatures of around 11 C. Headlines Weather conditions through the winter were some of the worst experienced for several decades with extreme wet weather combining with persistent cold spells. This saturated soils and notably delayed grass growth and recovery until recent weeks. The greens were retaining good density, with minimal winter scarring evident. The surfaces are still relatively soft and grass growth uneven, therefore work is needed to perfect ball roll quality. Organic matter levels have increased over the last year in wake of the wet weather. Values remain too high which is exacerbating surface softening and a more intensive summer renovation is needed. The drainage vulnerabilities of the 5 th and 16 th greens have been exposed this winter. Both greens have remained saturated for prolonged periods with the surfaces becoming unstable. Recommendations were made to introduce tighter mowing around the green complexes to complement contouring and widen shot selection when chipping. Reducing semi rough mowing in lesser used areas is a key objective to avoid wasted maintenance inputs and improve course definition. Key Actions Spring renovation work is to be avoided this year and instead the focus is to be on light sanding, micro aeration and textural refinement to help perfect ball roll quality. Apply a penetrant wetting agent as soon as possible to encourage more rapid drying of soils. Avoid play where possible on the 16 th green over the next 2 3 weeks to allow the surface to dry out and prevent further damage. Hand mow both the 5 th and 16 th greens until they firm up suitably. The 16 th green needs ideally rebuilding or at least pipe draining to address its drainage issues. A combination of hollow tining, sanding and Graden sand injection was recommended for the summer renovation window to help reduce organic matter content and offset the impact of winter. Introduce tighter mowing and reshaping to key green surrounds. Reduce semi rough mowing in out-of-play areas, e.g. right of the 5 th green and right of the 2 nd tee etc. Objective Measurements Measurement Average Target Range Soil Moisture (%) 41.2% (range %) 15-30% Hardness (Gravities) 72 Gravities (range 60 79g) g Organic Matter 0-20 mm (%) 8.8% 4-6% Organic Matter mm (%) 7.4% <4% Soil ph Phosphate (P2O 5) 14 mg/l >10 (mg/l) Potassium (K 2O) 71 mg/l >30 mg/l Key: In Target Marginal Variance Out of Target

3 Photo Observations and Comments Figure 1: After a very difficult start to the year, the greens are starting to strengthen in conjunction with conditions drying out and temperatures improving. The surfaces have come through the winter with very little scarring this year but do remain relatively soft which is currently hindering ball roll performance. Figure 2: The density of grass cover was generally good but growth is still relatively uneven, with some species growing quicker than others. This is the main challenge in spring and compromises the smoothness of ball roll. The picture above highlights the situation perfectly, with bentgrasses growing actively, with a coarser texture (yellow arrow), whereas annual meadow-grasses are still sat down in the sward and laying relatively dormant (red arrow). Figure 3: A combination of the wet conditions through the autumn/winter and a lack of Graden renovation last year have led to an increase in organic matter (see appendix). This is increasing water retention at the turfbase and causing the surfaces to soften further when wet. We must tackle this build-up of material during the summer renovation window to continue progress with the greens. Figure 4: The wet weather has really exposed the drainage issues on the 16 th green. This surface has struggled to cope with the persistent wet conditions and has lost complete stability and is currently extremely soft. As it stands, I would suggest that play should be limited on this green until it dries out suitably. Further heavy play on the surface whilst it is soft and wet will cause further damage. Figure 5: The soil profile beneath the 16 th. Heavy clay at depth is the main hinderance to drainage. This green needs either reconstructing or at the very least intensive pipe drainage installed to address its issues. Figure 6: The 5 th green has suffered similar issues to the 16 th and again it is heavy clay beneath the green which is the main cause. Plans are to move and rebuild this green during the course development project.

4 Photo Observations and Comments (continued) Figure 7: The 6 th green is the strongest I have seen it at this time of year. The green approach however is rather thin and weak and has suffered drainage issues through the winter. Inspection of the soils beneath highlighted considerable compaction at depth. Figure 8: Introducing tighter mowing around the greens would make the most of the wonderful contouring and also widen shot selection when chipping. The 6 th (pictured) is a good example where the green approach should ideally be extended to the front-left and a band of fairway introduced to the right and back of the green. Figure 9: The 3 rd green is another example where tighter mowing should be introduced around the full green. This can be taken to the outside of both greenside bunkers (left and right) and around the back of the green. This would greatly enhance the character of this tricky green complex. Figure 10: I was delighted to see the leylandiis removed around the 10 th tee. This is a very positive move and the environment around the tee is now much more pleasant. The remaining leylandiis are to be removed shortly and turfing completed. Figure 11: The 8 th carry is far better visually nowadays and drainage is reported to have been much improved this winter. It was agreed that the area immediately in-front of the tee is being needlessly mown and a rough grassland carry should be created to link up with the area to the right side. Figure 12: Reducing semi rough mowing in lesser used or out of play areas should remain a key focus. This will reduce the vast amount of time spent mowing whilst also adding character, definition and biodiversity to key areas. The start to the 2 nd hole is a good example where semi rough mowing can be relaxed to the left and in the copse of trees to the right. Introducing a carefully shaped grassland carry would also be very appealing here.

5 Recommendations Greens We agreed that hollow coring should be omitted this spring to avoid imposing too much disruption to the surfaces. Instead, the focus over the coming weeks is on allowing the surfaces to dry out and settle down whilst also perfecting ball roll quality. Apply the in-stock Aqua Rapido penetrant wetting agent over the next few days to encourage more rapid drying of soils. Initiate the monthly Breaker wetting agent programme towards the end of May. Once the recent granular feed has broken down and strengthened the swards, carry out a light verticut (- 1mm) to refine sward texture. Follow this with a light sand topdressing to help improve surface levels and ball roll. Maintain this cycle of refinement and light dressing on a frequent basis over the next month until ball roll quality and sward texture is where you want it to be. Avoid verticutting to the 5 th and 16 th greens until they strengthen but keep the sand dressing going to improve surface levels. If conditions are too soft, then apply dressing via hand application to avoid wheel marking. Maintain frequent, light topdressing through the growing season aiming to exceed an annual total of 130 tonnes. Verti-drain the greens with 8mm diameter tines over the next 2 3 weeks once soils have dried and coincide this with a light sand topdressing. This will help aerate soils and offset the negative effect of the wet winter but won t be disruptive to ball roll. Avoid the 5 th and 16 th greens as these have recently been verti-drained. Switch to monthly star tining with the Aercore thereafter in conjunction with weekly/fortnightly Sarel rolling. Cutting heights are fine at present but should be reduced down gradually in 0.25mm increments as growth strengthens over the next few weeks. Maintain summer heights at 3.5 4mm again this year, only dropping to 3.25mm for brief spells during productive periods or for tournament preparation if needed. Given the soft and weak nature of the 5 th and 16 th greens at present, I would highly recommend that they are rested wherever possible over the next few weeks to allow the surfaces to recover and prevent further damage. Look to also switch to hand mowing these two greens for the next few weeks until the surfaces firm up suitably. Turf ironing can be introduced once the surfaces have firmed up a little more. Avoid ironing the 5 th and 16 th greens until they have notably dried out this will only cause the surfaces to seal. Begin Primo Maxx applications once growth is full and air and soil temperatures are consistently above 10 C. Maintain applications on a 3 4 week basis thereafter at a rate of 0.4 l/ha, tank mixed with water soluble urea. If conditions turn warm through the summer, then increase the frequency of Primo application as this will break down quicker under warmer temperatures. Our aim should be to sustain annual nitrogen inputs at 80 95kg/ha to avoid excessive organic matter production. Soil ph has crept up slightly over the last year but is ideal at an average of 5.6. Phosphate levels are much improved in comparison to last spring and satisfactory on all 3 greens. Values on the 16 th are the lowest but not posing any cause for concern at present. Reducing potassium inputs has worked well over the last year and values have dropped into much more favourable ranges. The sand based 11 th green offered the lowest values (but still satisfactory) and the 3 rd and 16 th were perfectly satisfactory. The next potassium input should take place within the summer granular feed after renovations.

6 Greens Renovations It is imperative that the greens are renovated during the summer maintenance window in August to help drive down organic matter levels and offset the negative effects of the wet autumn and winter (see appendix). A more intensive programme is needed this year and the following would be recommended: Protect the surfaces with a preventative fungicide application (e.g. Azoxystrobin) Hollow tine to 100mm depth using 15mm diameter tines at 50 x 50mm spacing. Remove cores then sand topdress and brush to fill tine holes. Follow this with Graden sand injection over the top using 2mm blades to 25mm depth. If funds allow, inject browntop bentgrass seed through the Graden at 8g/m 2. Apply a granular feed to promote recovery e.g. C-Complex 4:3:4. Green Surrounds and Approaches Verti-drain, sand and feed the 6 th approach as soon as possible to crack underlying soils and strengthen the turf. Assess each green complex to identify where tighter mowing and reshaping can be introduced. The 3 rd and 6 th greens were examples given above but there is also scope on many of the others e.g. 1 st, 5 th, 8 th, 16 th, etc. Remember that mowing patterns do not need to be symmetrical around green complexes and should be adapted in accordance with slopes and bunkering. Bring the height down gradually in these areas and supplement them with some light sanding and additional feeding if needed to allow the turf to adapt to its new height. This may be particularly required in higher traffic routes. Tees Remove the remaining leylandiis behind the 10 th tee as soon as possible, along with the overhanging cherry tree to the back-right. Once turfing is complete, then bring the height down gradually and introduce light sanding to perfect surface levels. Inevitably the new turf will also need some additional nutrition through the course of the year. Maintain the Primo Maxx programme on the tees again this year to help regulate growth and speed up divot recovery. Start applications over the next few weeks (same conditions as mentioned above for the greens) but start at a rate of 1l/ha increasing up to 1.6l/ha during periods of stronger growth. Fairways It is crucial that selective herbicide treatment is carried out to the fairways and semi roughs in early summer to control weed populations. Another year without applying control will see populations become excessive. Given the broad range of weed species on the fairways, I would suggest that you select one of the 3 way active products, (e.g. Praxy s, Greenor etc) which will control a whole host of species. Key target weeds at Pike Hills are notoriously daisy, plantain and clover. The Club are currently exploring the possibility of purchasing a larger sprayer to carry out fairway/rough spraying more efficiently. This is fully supported and will not only be beneficial with weed control but can also be used to treat the fairways with iron sulphate through autumn to help with worm casting.

7 Roughs Look to reduce semi rough mowing in key out-of-play or lesser used areas around the course. Examples include: Carry in-front of the 8 th tee. 2 nd carry to the right and left sides. Behind the 5 th green leading to the 6 th tees. Ensure that these areas are cut with the Amazone flail collector in autumn (with clippings removed) to help reduce the productivity of the grasslands and improve playability. Signed Adam Newton BSc (Hons), MBPR, FQA Senior Turfgrass Agronomist Official Agronomist to the R&A Championship Committee t. +44 (0) e. adam.newton@strigroup.com

8 Objective Data Objective Data Graph 1: It is no surprise to see that soil moisture levels are high following the wet start to the year. Moisture testing did highlight how wet the 16 th green was in comparison particularly through the central section. This supports the need to pipe drain this surface. Objective Data Graph 2: All 3 greens were softer than ideal but the 3 rd and 11 th greens were not far away from the lower end of target ranges. The 16 th however was extremely soft and the surface is very vulnerable to damage at present.

9 Soils Laboratory Data Soils Laboratory Graph 1: Organic matter levels have increased over the last year on the 3 rd and 11 th but remained relatively static on the 16 th due to an increased level of hollow coring and aeration. The fact that the 16 th green offers similar values to the other greens does highlight that the excess water retention is caused by fundamental drainage issues rather than thatch. With progress being stalled over the last year, we must increase the pressure on organic matter reduction for the year ahead and a more intensive summer renovation is advised. Soils Laboratory Graph 2: Values at 20 40mm depth have slightly improved over the last year but do remain too high.

10 Soils Laboratory Data (continued) Soils Laboratory Graph 3: Values at 40 60mm depth have seen a further increase and are now much higher than target ranges. The addition of hollow coring during the summer renovation window is essential to tackle this organic matter at depth. Soils Laboratory Graph 4: Values at 60 80mm depth have remained static and are ideal.

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