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Tee To Green February

18th February 2026

Find out the latest from our Greenkeepers in this month's Tee to Green.

 
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The Downs course

It’s certainly been a lively start to the year on the Downs course and by lively, we mean wet! We’ve recorded 320mm of rain already, which, to put into perspective, is the same amount of rainfall we had up to September last year. The course has taken it remarkably well overall, but it has understandably made certain areas more vulnerable to wear and damage.

Despite the weather doing its best to slow us down, there has been plenty of positive work happening behind the scenes.

Improving airflow around the 5th green

One of the key projects this month has been clearing the area at the back of the 5th green. By removing excess vegetation, we’ve significantly improved airflow around the green surface. Better air movement helps the turf dry more efficiently, reduces disease pressure, and ultimately supports healthier, firmer playing conditions. It also opens the space visually and also gives us the opportunity to plant some wild flower seeds next winter to help the flora and fauna.

Irrigation installation – over halfway there

The new irrigation installation continues to progress well and is now just over halfway complete. This is a major investment in the future of the Downs course and will give us far greater control over moisture management during dry periods. Once complete, it will allow us to:

· Water more precisely and efficiently

· Improve turf health and consistency

· Reduce stress during hot and dry spells

· Enhance overall playing quality

While the installation has inevitably caused some disruption, we are pleased with the pace of progress considering the weather we have had.

Repairing mainline areas – please help us help the seed

As sections of the mainline are completed, the team has begun repairing and reinstating the affected areas. These sections are being seeded and dressed and are now at the crucial germination stage. We kindly ask members to please try to keep off these newly repaired areas wherever possible. Seed establishment is delicate, particularly in cold and damp conditions, and a little extra care from everyone will make a big difference to how quickly these areas recover.

Looking ahead

With what has been an exceptionally wet start to the year, our focus in the coming weeks will be on continuing to repair damaged areas and encouraging recovery wherever possible. As temperatures begin to rise and we (hopefully!) see a more settled spell of weather, we expect to see clear signs of improvement across the course. Spring growth will allow us to really push on, and the groundwork being done now will put us in a strong position for the months ahead.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all members for your patience and understanding during this prolonged wet period. We know conditions haven’t always been ideal, but your support allows us to protect the course properly now so that we can all enjoy the benefits later in the season.

Here’s hoping for a drier spell ahead – I think we have all deserved it.

Dan Cornish, Head Greenkeeper, The Downs course

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The Park course

Well, what can I say about the last 2 months, very wet. 323mm (12.7inches) of rain so far this year as I write this with another band of rain incoming. Compared to last year's totals at the same time of year we had 123mm (4.8inches). Unfortunately, the course has been closed a lot. As mentioned in previous blogs, Health and Safety and playability are factors we take in before closing.

Despite the poor weather, the team has been very productive on the course. All our winter woodland work is now complete. This included raising canopy’s, brush cutting and flail work. You may have also noted trees being planted down holes 3/4/12/13. This is all part of The Park Masterplan. We have planted well over 750 trees so far, with roughly another 150 to go in. As you can see, they range in size from small whips to 5-meter-tall ones. Species also range from Holm Oaks, Lime, Yew and Hazel. This is a very labour intensive, time consuming job, ideal work for the conditions we have been having. There are many stages to get through. Planting, woodchip, stake and tree covers. Our priority is to get them all planted as soon as we can. We will then follow the other stages. All trees have stakes by them and are colour coded so we know what species goes where. There is a rule in place that you do get relief from staked trees. If you do have to move one, can you please replace it, thank you.

The greens have been performing well and consistent. We have continued with our monthly foliar and fungicide applications. With the weather being so wet, disease pressure has been very high. We’ve seen a lot of activity and have scarring from disease on the greens but had limited opportunity to spray because of the weather. The fungicide must be sprayed in dry conditions to get maximum affect and not waste money. Some of the scars are now healing and grass is coming back. We will look to plug some of the bigger ones. We have noticed a big rise in pitch marks not being repaired. Please could we ask if your ball does land on the green, the likelihood of leaving a pitch mark is high. If you can’t find your own, please could you repair another one, thank you.

The Copse

The Copse, like the other 2 courses, has been closed a lot. Even though it has more drainage, it is still of the same make up of The Park. We have had the same problems with disease as The Park but have also been performing well. The path around the Academy area was due to be re-laid, this has been put back until the driving range work is completed otherwise sections would have to be dug up again. In the meantime, once a bit drier, we will fill in the potholes.

See you on the course.

Scott Peterson, Head Greenkeeper, The Park and Copse courses

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