Storm Imogen took down a very large tree on the 11th hole, which we managed to cut up and burn on site.
The storm also took down a number of small trees and branches and also created alot of unsightly debris. Fortunately we have been lucky enough to have had the help of some volunteers to help clear up some of the debris, and for this we are very grateful, thank you.
If anyone else would like to do some voluntary work then please get in touch with us.
Projects completed in the last month include:
- Renovating steps and pathway by 16th tee, and up to 15th green.
- Cut back hedges behind 5th, and 7th tees.
- Cut back hedge behind 15th green to open up view of valley down to Farway.
- Renovate path between 11th green and 12th tee.
- Renovate and widen path between 12th green and 13th tee.
- Renovate path around 1st and 4th tees, to 3rd green and 4th fairway, making a trolley park by ball washer in front of 4th tee.
- Replace drain on 10th fairway.
- Replace steps to 5th ladies/winter tee.
In the last few weeks we have started to cut some grass again, with presentation and definition slowly improving as the growth increases. The greens have had 2 feeds of low amounts of nitrogen with some iron and seaweed, this is to encourage growth and to harden the plant, the Iron will also blacken off the moss and stunt its growth.
We have just taken delivery of 2 new John Deere greens mowers, these will allow us to 'demote' our 6 year old greens mowers to tees and aprons mowers, improving the finish on both of these surfaces, the old tees mower was nearly 15 years old!
In the week beginning Monday the 4th April, we will be carrying out our tees and greens maintenance. This may include solid/hollow tining (weather dependant), and scarification of the greens and tees, followed by overseeding, topdressing and fertilisation.
We encourage all golfers to give way to machine operators in this week, and we appreciate your patience.
Some sad news also, this month we have lost our Apprentice Lewis Arscott. Lewis had the opportunity to join the greenstaff at Woodbury Park, and he saw it as an opportunity that he could not turn down. We would like to thank Lewis for his hard work and dedication whilst being with us at Honiton Golf Club, and wish him all the best for his career in greenkeeping.
Lewis has been replaced on the greenstaff by Jeff Peace, a member of our club for 20 years and a golfer with a current handicap of 7. Jeff has joined as a trainee, we hope that he will enjoy his time with us and with his golfing experience we are confident he will be able to adapt to the job very quickly.
