The last few weeks have thrown just about everything at us. After a prolonged dry spell, the course took on 40mm of rain in one week alone before temperatures pushed into the 30s. Conditions like these keep a greenkeeping team on its toes.
Our recent fertilisation programme produced a strong flush of growth, so the greens, tees and approaches have since received a nutrition package along with a growth regulator to keep everything in balance. The greens have also undergone a double verti-cut. This helps reduce thatch levels and encourages more upright growth, which means a truer, more consistent putting surface for members and visitors alike.
The timing mattered. That 40mm of rainfall arrived just ahead of both the Ladies' and Men's Captain's Prize competitions, naturally softening the greens. Even so, we achieved speeds of 10 feet on the Stimpmeter on both days - a result the whole team was proud of.
We've also continued fine-tuning the greens to reach tournament-style speeds. Watch this space!
Neil Cullen
Course Superintendent
Posted on 22 Jul 2026.
