Greenkeepers update 18th February 2020
After some pretty horrid weather over the past couple of weeks I’m glad to say that both Cottingham Parks and Skidby Lakes courses have survived well, with minimal damage and closures only when necessary. Hopefully storm Dennis was the last of the heavy rain for a while, giving a chance for us to dry out again and get back on with Winter works ahead of the main playing season.
We managed to get Tees and Fairways cut ahead of the bad weather so that we could maintain some definition. Greens have been cut as and when required, at a height of 5mm to reduce stress on the plant and risk of Fusarium patch outbreak.
You may notice that the Greens are not the same ‘green’ colour they were a couple of weeks ago; the amount of rain we have had has washed available nutrients down through the soil profile, so we will rectify this shortly with a liquid application of Phosphite (designed for overall plant health with a colour boost provided by a large amount of Potassium), and we will aim to have bunkers back in play as they dry out.
This week John E, Andy and myself are undergoing chainsaw training for crosscutting and felling with Jamie also completing the felling part of his certificate. We will be doing most of the felling work between 7th, 10th and 11th holes. This will give us more than ample staff in the team able to use a chainsaw, which will help with course developments in the future.
Billy, our new apprentice, has settled in and continues to move forward and is progressing well, taking an interest in all the tasks he is set.
Our plans leading up to the end of April include finishing the 14th Green & 15th Tee project, continue our de-limbing of trees within the playing areas, and finish refreshing course furniture including new tee markers.
Greens renovations plans for the year have been setup: we will rotor rake, over-seed, top-dress and feed in April and hollow-core, over-seed, top-dress and feed at the end of September (post Pro-Am).
Should you have any questions you can contact me at greg.milton@cottinghamparks.co.uk or alternatively ask me in person if you see me about!
Greg Milton
Course Manager, Cottingham Parks and Skidby Lakes
