Didn't go to Plan
The past 3 weeks have been a little frustrating for the course staff as we had planned a number of constructional type works in the small window of opportunity between the Capel Open and commencement of course preparations for the next Major Event the, Summer Cup.
involving tree root removal, face reshaping and base levelling
as best we could without carting the extra sand required in.
This will be attended once we have the tractor in operation.
just one more benefit to hitting the fairways and not the rough....
Works planned included, some urgent bunker repairs to a few bunkers, initial site preparations for the new proposed 5th black tee and 15th tee extension, all requiring our Ford Tractor playing a major role in the works.
Unfortunately we experienced a worsening fuel leak, we couldn't operate the tractor safely. The fuel leak was traced back to the diesel fuel injector pump which required removal and being sent off to the fuel injection specialists to partially / fully rebuild seals etc.
Long story short, as with all things many have experienced since covid, parts availablity and short staff in highly skilled areas have meant delays in getting the tractor back in operation.
The majority of the planned works have been postponed, though we did attend urgent bunker repairs to the 4th and 7th bunkers
Other planned maintenance impacts include fairway and rough area nutritional and surfactant applications.
Two applications have been postponed to date, these applications are at light but regular rates and will see the couch lose some colour and vigour but more importantly less efficiency utilising irrigation applied, particularly on the margins of the uniform irrigation pattern where less water is applied and we rely on surfactants to assist the plant to maximise the moisture that is.
The missed surfactant applications will result in some turf in these areas, namely the carries and 1st cut rough, which generally receive 1/2 to 2/3rds of water rate applied to fairways, start to have brown turf patches and generally dry looking patches mixed with healthy green turf that are not consistent.
These are typical signs of dry patch or less effective moisture availability/ utilisation generally overcome by a number of means one being the application of surfactants.
As can be seen in the above and below pictures the stark difference in water application between the rough area carries and fairways is becoming increasingly visible without surfactant applications.
It is not a catastrophic effect by any means, will soon be rectified once the tractor is back in operation and applications resume with no long term issues caused.
In the meantime some rough areas and wind effected fairways may appear drier than normal with some of the symptoms described above visible.
Maintenance work requiring the use of the tractor will not be attended or at minimum will take longer to attend manually.
These are some relatively minor inconveniences in the scheme of things but at the same time can cause some anxiety for those not aware of circumstances, the relative temporary nature of issues arising and the plans to address those issues.
For those of you who read this blog we appreciate your understanding, plans are in place and we are attending as best we can to limit any impact to play and please, if you hear of concerns regarding these matters from playing partners who do not read the Maintenance Blog please feel free to educate them.
The past and coming week are focussed on presentation, we have been upping the ante with course preparations for the Summer Cup, extra grooming, bunker edges, paths and retaining walls all receiving extra attention, the strong winds being experienced don't help things so hopefully with a little luck and determination winds will ease to the later part of the week and all our efforts will combine to present the course in as best condition as possible.
Till next time
Happy Hooking
