Simon Olver, course manager at Ganton, on helping greenkeepers through the winter months ahead
In the coming weeks, the heat and sunshine of summer will be replaced with autumnal winds and wetter conditions as we move into the final quarter of 2022.
Winters in the UK can be volatile and unpredictable times, and test every team’s ability to prepare courses. If we experience frosts, winter projects may be delayed as the ground is too hard to work with, while wet weather makes for long, taxing days and the dreaded swathes of mud, particularly on inland courses, we all dislike seeing.
As temperatures cool and moisture levels increase, we also face a higher risk of turf disease. With fewer chemicals on the market, and those remaining being less potent, we must take a long-term, holistic approach to disease prevention and return to more traditional and sustainable techniques as reaching for a quick fix from a bottle is no longer an option.
One of the biggest changes during this time is the presentation of putting surfaces. In order to protect fine turf areas, they are kept longer in cold and wet periods. You’ll potentially see speeds drop and the surfaces become bumpier as mowing heights are raised to protect plants from mechanical damage (mowing and foot traffic) and minimise environmental stress (from the weather).
With less growth, our work on fine turfs will also decrease, so the finished product will be less refined.
As daylight hours reduce, we also lift the height of cut to increase the leaf’s surface area, boosting energy production through photosynthesis to strengthen the grasses and empower them to fight off disease. Each greenkeeping team will constantly be assessing this situation and adjusting to their specific site and grass composition.
Over the coming months, please endeavour to do your part to aid a fast recovery in the spring. If you’re able to, carry your clubs as this reduces wear around high traffic areas such as greens and tees. Repairing pitchmarks and divots is essential year-round, but when growth slows and stops it is vital these are repaired immediately to prevent long-term damage.
From there, follow the rules. If winter wheels are required on trolleys, please use them as they greatly reduce damage to soft areas. Where they are used, fairway mats can make a huge difference come April, allowing courses to start the season with much cleaner turf. And do follow the routes marked out as these move you away from areas which are important during the playing season or particularly wet spots where any damage will take longer to recover. Ignoring these may ultimately lead to course closures due to safety concerns.
Finally, remember we’re in winter golf season. Greens and bunkers will play differently, and you’ll be navigating a different golf course to ensure we can have it back to its very best as early as possible in the spring. Enjoy a brisk pace, wrap up warm and try to make the most of the next few months.
