The rough comes alive defining the beautiful links…strategy to the fore!

We have chosen to utilise the sarrel roller over recent weeks to keep on top of any thatch build up on the greens whilst also minimising surface damage. The spikes used by this process are able to press 2-3 inches into the surface layer of the greens helping to aerate and ensure we don’t suffer from excess water being retained close to the surface. However it is highly important that we continue to use the deeper pencil tines as well to allow aeration through the entire rootzone. Stronger deeper roots promote healthier grass and also help us in the battle to reduce the relative level of sub-optimal poa annua grasses on greens.

Over the last month we've taking time outside of work to get out and do what’s necessary to help in controlling rabbit numbers. They really have been “breeding like rabbits”!!

Whilst we’ve had lots of positive feedback on the new bunkers it also became evident that the sand has not yet settled down as we would have hoped with feedback of balls plugging close to bunker edges too regularly. The advice of the creators of Ecobunker was to initially more sand than optimally required over the longer term as it would compact and reduce in depth over time. Our initial course of remedial action around this is to create a larger bowl shape to the surface layer of sand which should aid in more balls moving towards the center of the sand. Please do give us your feedback on the playing effects of this so we can keep learning.
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With an unsettled run up to this weekends Open competitions all of the tees have been treated with weed killer and wetting agent to take advantage whilst the moisture is on the ground. The beauty of this moisture is that it will allow us to double cut fairways, greens, and tees between now and the weekend to get everything playing as well as we can for you. ENJOY!

Mark Kitching

Head Green Keeper
Castletown Golf Links