A word from the Greenkeeper
The purpose is to enable members to get a better understanding of the work taking place on the course.
POT SEEDING FESCUE
Over the last 3 years we have worked hard to reduce Organic matter in our greens surfaces in order to give the perfect environment for fine grasses to thrive.
With no real significant amendments needed to the soil profile within our greens it means we have commenced with a sustained overseeding programme aimed at re-establishing the fine textured turf that once dominated our
course before excessive fertiliser and irrigation applications caused an unfortunate botanical change.
The composition of grass species within the surfaces in early 2015 was Poa/Bent varying in quantities from green to green and our plan was to introduce more fine leaved grass species into the surfaces
and reduce the amount of Annual Meadow Grass content.
After carefully studying the competition calendar we found the perfect window of opportunity to carry out the maintenance as to cause as little disruption to play as possible and during
optimum growing conditions.
We took the decision to apply Fescue seed which is a 50/50 blend of Chewings and slender creeping fescue which offers the best solution for year round performance. The mix also contains both the top-rated Chewings and slender creeping cultivars for greens.
Firstly we ran the Barroness verti-drain across the greens to create as many 12 mm holes as possible, a process called "pot seeding". A drop spreader was used to apply the fescue seed before we worked any excess seed into
the holes using an Astro Turf drag mat and covering the seed within the holes with topdressing sand to provide the seeds with the correct growing medium and some protection from the elements.
We overseeded with around 300kg of Fescue and the seed germinated in 10-14 days and established nicely in the warm conditions. To achieve maximum seed establishment and rapid surface recovery without creating a flush of growth that would negatively affect playing characteristics we applied some liquid products including a seaweed solution. All products are used regularly throughout the maintenance calendar and have proven to be effective in
maintaining turf health and vigour without any negative effect on playability.
Fescue is the most appropriate species to golf sites across Europe and with adequate management will provide characteristics that are typical to how the Grand-Ducal was when it was first built in 1936. The practice of overseeding is
a vital aspect of what we are trying to achieve, and will now remain part of our annual maintenance for at least twice a year.
Although disturbance is minimal please be patient as we attempt to change the botanical composition of the sward to a more desired species and in turn finer grass like surfaces.
