Unseasonably warm weather means the courses are growing constantly. The greens have been feed on the Priors which has seen an outbreak of disease, which has been treated, something of a plant health merry-go round. Abbotts greens have had an extra disease treatment in early December which has meant very good coverage and a dense tight sward being maintained. Hydraulic oil scaring is now filling in with only a couple of areas that might have turf loss into the spring.
 |
| horses of course |
The Priors has suffered horse damage in the last few days on 2 greens so once had repaired and divotted the green we attempted to close the area the horses came in from.
 |
| new path |
The path in the picture above has been laid all the way through the par 3. This will enable all staff to access the Priors without driving through the Abbotts and damaging turf at sensitive times of the year.
The mild weather does have some benefits, tees are growing strongly mitigating wear, allowing tees to be used further into the winter. This came be seen everywhere around the course, with wet areas no dryer than normal but visibly less damage to weak parts of the course.
Once Christmas is out of the way, mats, sanding, more rope and a stricter attitude to damage on the course will hopefully keep conditions playable but ensure better quality in early spring.
