Over the last couple of weeks folks may be concerned about green firmness, dryness etc. so I will try and explain a few things about moisture in the profile of the greens. Martin monitors moisture levels in the greens on a weekly basis for moisture levels in the soil profile and the turf canopy, usually when the pins are changed.
In terms of irrigation, we only water the greens to keep them healthy and not to make them soft so the ball plugs in the surface, and the firmness at present is ideal. Too much water creates the perfect climate for fungal diseases (fusarium/take all/anthracnose) to name a few within the sward so this is another agronomic reason to keep moisture levels in the profiles low.
All greens have been further solid tined with Martin’s own Toro Pro Core with 10mm tines down to 2 inches at 2 x 2 centres, then overseeded. The seed was brushed into the surface tine holes, and then given an application of summer fine turf fertiliser along with a foliar nutrient spray mix. Over watering/excessive rainfall can herald the arrival of disease, as mentioned above, so a fine balance is required.
Golfers will see the growth along the tine holes ie lots of green dots of young grass. These dots will slowly expand and join up and we will have a return to the quality greens we had last year. Bear with us, our greens will take time. We are not alone as members who play other courses will testify.
Ken
