Rainfall for the Week: 0.0mm,  Rainfall for 2024: 232.5mm, Dam: 100%,  Green Speed: 9.5 feet

A large portion of this week was dedicated to repairing all of our bunkers after last weeks heavy rainfalls. It took the team the best part of two long days to remove any silt, remove runners, and push sand back up onto the faces. We were fortunate enough to have two milder weather days on Monday and Tuesday to perform this work, as it would’ve been unbearable having to complete this work in the warm humid conditions that we have been experiencing the past two days. The 18^th bunkers were trimmed up during the repair work, and we are planning to start trimming the Zoysia bunkers on course next week.

Growth regulator applications continued this week with fairways and roughs on holes 2 through to 10 completed. This is the third, and on some holes the fourth application of growth regulator this growing season, which is unusually high in a single season but required due to the high humidity levels which have been present so early in the growing season. The growth regulator is in no way harmful to the plant, with studies concluding that regulating the growth has many benefits and produces a strong, more resilient plant. With upright leaf growth supressed, the plant develops a stronger, deeper root system which in turn helps the plant deal with climatic stresses which are placed upon it from time to time.

Can you apply to much growth regulator?

There are two answers to this question. Yes, you can but it’s not harmful to the plant and is only wasting money. The turf plant will only absorb so much growth regulator to a tolerance point. If more than this tolerance is applied, it simply washes away. Once applied, a formula has been developed at Universities in the US and relates to how long the growth regulator stays in the plant controlling the growth, and it varies between different turf species. This formula is called Growing Degree Days (GDD) and is worked out as follows: –

GDD = (Maximum Daily Temperature + Minimum Daily Temperature) / 2 – Base Temperature

The base temperature for cool season turf is 0^oC, and warm season is 10^oC.

This formula provides a number for each day. The numbers are added together starting from the day of application and when the total reaches 200 for cool season turf and 250 for warm season turf, the growth regulator control in the plant has elapsed and needs to be reapplied.

Work is progressing down at the 9^th pond with a run of dry weather helping. The large tipper truck is crossing the course to bring clay over from Oatlands Mountain (tip area on the left of the 15^th) to consolidate around the new concrete pits and pipes and ensure waterproofing / sealing of the pond. Built up silt in the bottom of the pond has been removed and will be buried beneath the new sloping banks of the 7^th tee. This is why some early excavation work has already begun at the 7^th tee. All going to plan and without any further weather interruptions, the pond works should be at a stage ready for turfing by the end of next week.

Our volunteers were on course Monday morning, helping to remove silt from the bunkers, edging paths, fairway sprinkler head trimming, drainage pit trimming and cleaning, practice nets checking and cleaning, and clubhouse maintenance. We also held our annual Volunteers Ambrose golf day on Wednesday, with all involved having a great day on the course and sharing a meal afterwards at The Bettington. Thank you to everyone that assisted on Monday and congratulations to the winners on Wednesday!

We will be cutting greens both mornings this weekend.

Have a great weekend and happy golfing!

The Course Team.