This week sees the next stage of the back 9 greens project. In our efforts to minimise disruption to our members we have scheduled an earlier than normal fairway renovation on the closed back 9 holes. Normally this is a 2 week process to complete all 27 holes, but this year it will be split into a week long process on the back 9 fairways then another week in December, directly after Club Championships, to complete the front 9 and North Course. We appreciate the patience that members have shown throughout this reconstruction work and we looked at how we could reduce disruption as much as possible.
Fairway renovations are extremely important and the main reason why we have high quality fairways. The process of renovating fairways is quite intensive and has various stages;
- Scarify fairways at -25mm.
- Sweep all debris using a team of tractors and sweepers.
- Second scarification at -25mm in a different direction.
- Second sweep of all debris using a team of tractors and sweepers.
- Low mow at 6mm to remove all the soft growth.
- Third sweep of all debris using a team of tractors and sweepers.
- Second low mow to pick up any areas which need additional attention
- Fourth sweep of all debris using a team of tractors and sweepers.
- Spray moisture retaining wetting agent.
- Apply granular fertiliser.
- Spray a chemical to prevent couch mite stunting new growth.
It is a busy week with a large number of contractors assisted by the LKCC team, from a members point of view we aim to minimise disruption by completing the 10th and 11th fairways first. However contractors will be dumping material at the pit. Contractors will be briefed to be aware of members around the 3rd tees as they make their way to the pit but we would also like members to be aware of the contractors moving to the pit and back.
The work on the back 9 continues to go to plan. The greens are now starting to really tighten up and the surfaces are close to greens quality. We will continue to progress these over the next few weeks ready for opening day. Considering that the construction has taken up a significant period of our Autumn/Winter we have still managed to complete significant winter work. In particular, we have been very aggressive with our pruning program. The work completed by the team, largely on back 9 at this stage, really has improved the relationship between the trees and golf course. Also by removing damaged, broken and low hanging limbs the trees themselves now stand out.
