CAPEL GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE

A busy week both on and off the course with preparations for the Pro Am and Capel Cup in full swing, besides the increased grooming and conditioning of the golf course we also spent some time refurbishing our cups, flag sticks and practice green cups and sticks, members will see the finished products over the coming days.   Last weekend’s rain (close to 80mm) has all but ensured the irrigation pumps are now off for the season with only minor use required if no follow up falls occur which would be unlikely. As we head into winter and the wetter period of the year, last weekend’s rain event is a timely reminder for the importance of pitch mark repair, after rain events like last weekend the greens can remain soft for a few days specially with less evaporation until the natural drainage can remove excess water in the profile, all players need to be extra vigilant in repairing their pitch marks. It was disappointing to see several large gaping pitch marks on seve...

A promising start to the month with 60mm rain recorded has tapered out and now we are back to dryish conditions for the past 2 weeks, the dry conditions are forecast to continue for another week at least. A sign that winter is upon us with much colder morning weather resulting in a patchy frost areas on the course, these areas are mainly in the longer cut roughs, we rarely have blanket frosts but with the weather over the past few years being anything but normal who's to say we won't. 10th rough frost  We ask any early morning players to be aware of frost areas, and more so AVOID them, travelling over frost covered turf can damage the plant and leave unsightly brown marks. More info on this will be posted as the need arises. Other than the staff teeth chattering first thing in the morning, the weather for golf has been fantastic by midday, clear skies and warm weather perfect for the afternoon comp players. This week the staff have been busy with preparations ...

The blue lines on the approach to the greens are back for Winter    For those of you who do not know what they mean or why we put the lines out here's why....... The blue lines indicate to cart uses NOT to cross or go past the line towards the green and to follow directional arrows when approaching the greens. They also indicate to players with push buggies they are in a high wear area and to avoid if possible or at least take care when they pass the blue line. Pretty simple hey, if your in a cart DON'T cross the blue line. We do this as one measure through the non growth and wet months when the turf wears down easily in high traffic areas to protect the surface and continue to give you a decent lie for your short approach shots. These areas extend to the outside of the greenside bunkers, again where high traffic forces the grass to lay over or at worst wear out, remember the grass isn't growing so no recovery = poor lies for you.  It is...

5 days after greens Renovation and they are coming back strongly, however I have noticed quite a few unrepaired or incorrectly repaired ball marks. This slows down the recovery process for us, and for you that means a bumpier roll for longer when putting. The greens are very soft at the moment due to renovations and are more susceptible to damage at this time than any other from rough treatment or ball marks so PLEASE follow these very simple steps which take 30 seconds................. Ball Mark Repair - Did you Know an unrepaired or incorrectly repaired ball mark can take 3 weeks to heal the ugly scar where a correctly repaired ball mark can heal itself in 24hrs? 1. You can use a ball mark repair tool, tee or even your keys. 2. Start at the back of the ball mark, insert the tool just outside the indent and gently push towards the center. 3. Continue to repeat this from around all the sides of the indent. 4. Pat down the area with your putter. Never insert the tool and ...