Weather;-

A mild month with 11 days with rain showers amounting to 56.5 mm of rainwater. Only 8nights were cold enough to produce ground frosts.

- Temporary greens were in use for 2 days due to the main greens being too saturated .

- A trolley ban was put in use for one day and buggies for a further 8 days.

Competitions & Societies;-

All medals &  Stablefords were played. Other Competitions include;-  The Flag Competition and Ladies Friendly Competition.

No Societies visited the course this month.

Greens;-

The following operations were carried out on the greens (other than routine maintenance);-

- Sprayed Iron Sulphate @ 40 kg per ha. (6th/1).

- Vertidrained to a depth of 9”.  (9th, 10th & 11th /1).

Iron sulphate was used to “burn off” any small amount of Fusarium disease activity present.

Recent high winds has have blown a lot of debris on to the greens such as small twigs & Pine needles, these were blown off with hand operated blowers on several occasions.

Tees & Surrounds;-

Following removal of adjacent Conifer trees, the 18th competition tee was extended by cultivating the root zone layer and introducing new turf.

 Bunkers;-

  • Sand was added in bunkers where warranted.
  • Leaves have been removed regularly.
  • Solved the problem of stones appearing in the sand in the L.H.S. 8th greenside bunker. This was due to the damaged membrane on the stone drainage sump which has been replaced.

Fairways;-

  • Fallen branches, twigs & leaves have been harvested brought about from the recent strong winds.
  • The perimeters of the fairways have been pedestrian mown to signify definition to the rough.

 

 

Automatic Watering System;-

The pop up sprinkler on the 18th competition tee has been moved to allow for the extension.

Work Completed;-(other than routine or already mentioned).

  • Completed enlarging & re-shaping the practise bunker. The practise green has also been enlarged and now hosts three holes & flagsticks.
  • Harvested fallen leaves & branches on the course.
  • Cut down the Tiger rough in order to regenerate new growth next spring.
  • Continued with re channelling “roping off” walkways to control wear. Worn areas that cannot be extended have had a layer of sand applied in order to firm them up;- utilising the  stock of free sand that was not suitable for top dressing the greens last spring!
  • Cleared debris such as Elder/Ivy in tree copses behind the 1st green , between the  2nd green & 15th hole, between the 5th tees & 16th green, behind the 16th green, R.H.S 14th hole & 6th fairway, between 6th & 13th holes and finally between 7th green & 11th holes. The  Ivy  at the base of the trees & the cut Elder will be sprayed in springtime to kill the source.
  • Removed fallen tree in Members car park.
  • Cut branches to head height on the Willow trees at the 3rd hole.
  • Fitted new brush on electric boot cleaner.
  • Sorted rabbit burrowing damage on the 15th competition tee.
  • Re turfed  bare area around the 9th R.H.S greenside bunker.
  • Moved old stock pile of wood at bottom end of practise pitching site.
  • Controlled burning some of the old stockpile of wood in “Panshandle” plot.
  • Repaired “Redpave” pathways.

Equipment;-(other  than routine servicing).

J.D 2500B

greens mower;-     Fitted new bottom plates.

                    Fitted new bearings of two rotary brush shafts that keeps

                    the rear rollers clean on the cutting units.

J.D 8700 (older)

fairway mower;-    Relief ground cutting cylinders & fitted new bottom plates.

                    Replaced worn bearings on cutting units where warranted.

J.D 2653B

tees mower;-       Reground cylinders on cutting units.

 

J.D 8800 Terrain

rough mower;-      Replaced front wheel bearings on cutting unit.

 

Allen National;-    Carried out winter overhaul including regrinding cutting 

                    cylinders.

Next Months Work;-other than routine activities (& work already mentioned).

  • Continue with Verti draining operations.
  • Continue cleaning out shrub Elder & Ivy in tree copses between 7th & 12 holes, between L.H.S 1st green & 18th hole and behind 15th green.
  • Clean out the canals at the 3rd water hazard.
  • Carry out repairs to memorial bench.
  • Remove Bramble & shrub covering the eastern boundary rabbit fence & carry out repairs.
  • Possibly carry out winter overhauls on Ransomes Sports gang mowers.
  • Possibly install drinking fountain close to the 18th tees.
  • Possibly install information signage regarding next hole on the approach to the tees.

 

 

                       Andrew Kennett- Course Manager.

 

 

Knebworth Golf Club,  Deards End Lane,  Knebworth,  SG3 6NL
Telephone: 01438 812752  / Pro Shop: 01438 812757   -  Email us