Further to our recent post on Upping Our Game - Nick and Michelle have been enjoying considerable success with their new lunch time menu trial.

Freshly prepared... Toasties, Sandwiches and Jacket potatoes with mouth-wateringly tasty fillings - available 7 days a week.

The Chilli Con Carne Jacket Potato has been particularly popular with the ladies...

"I had some great feedback today from ladies about the food yesterday.  The jacket potatoes with chilli con carne went down a storm and their availability at short notice was much appreciated" ... Sue D'Arcy

Great work Nick and Michelle!!

Per previous posts we are working with our Agronomist to maximise the health and playability of our greens during the colder, low light winter months.

Over the next two weeks we will be applying a revolutionary pigment technology which increases soil and surface temperatures and creates a more desirable microclimate for growth. In short it increases the grass plants photosynthesis rate and its metabolism in periods of slow growth.
This is used on the top courses in the USA and we are trying it here!

Key Benefits...
* Increases turf quality and playability during periods of slow growth
* Increases turf colour in the colder, low light winter period
* Looks and works in tune with nature

I will keep you posted

John
Head Greenkeeper

We are currently feeding the greens with a 'spring starter' fertiliser. It comes in a fine granular form which dissolves relatively quickly and so should not interrupt your putting but if you see some granules - you'll now know what they are!

The fertiliser we are applying delivers multiple benefits...

* It contains potassium and iron to improve disease resistance and minimise the incidence of moss
* It is premium 'fine granular' to ensure even coverage and response (it also means minimum to zero disruption to play)

This is one of a sequence of procedures that our agronomist is prescribing as part of our drive for outstanding greens this season.

We will keep you posted on all the green enhancement activities taking place over the coming weeks - particularly where they may impact on your putting in any way.

John
Head Greenkeeper

set fair for a cracking season...

I have just received confirmation from our agronomist that we have made substantial progress on our greens over the last 6 months. The use of the new 'thatch away' equipment and the ongoing chemical treatments have both reduced the iron layer and increased the general health of the grass plant and soil base. To quote, "well done, you are set fair for a cracking season". Please note that the fusarium patches have been fully treated and are under control. He is not worried about these as they will quickly disappear when we accelerate grass growth in the early spring. 

For those interested in a little more science regarding fusarium, please click here

We are working hard on course maintenance over the winter period and you can expect to see some nice little surprises...

John
Head Green Keeper

This November Bruce took a group of golfers - including some of our lowest handicappers on a coaching trip to Portugal.

In addition to grabbing some much needed sun and relaxation some of the feedback was very enlightening!

Too many golfers in the UK see coaching in the context of 'lessons are for beginners' or 'any coaching now will just ruin what I've already learned'.

Neil Terry, a single figure handicapper now sees coaching in a very different light.  Learning to improve your game, whatever standard you currently are, just makes golf more fun!

"...We went out onto the course to demonstrate real life positions I found a personal challenge. I did not even have to hit a ball because after the first few practice swings he knew exactly what the problem was and then focused on correcting. We then proceeded to other holes and approach positions to gain a
different perspective on varying 60-80 yard shots. Since the first session I have received further coaching on my chipping which has made a significant difference to my game as I have now grown confidence in playing these very critical type of shots. I highly recommend spending some time with Bruce for all levels of capability.
Neil Terry,
single figure handicap player

As part of our Bunker Enhancement Programme we have invested in the latest Strimmers - one very happy Head Greenkeeper!!