Off-Season Greenkeeper Newsletter

Dear members,

As we draw to the end of another fantastic  playing season, I would ask that you please read the following information carefully and revisit it if needed, it will be available on the website if you wish to direct other members to the information. I put considerable effort into producing detailed, informative newsletters, yet I am often asked for information they already contain. The November newsletter is especially important because it explains the strategies we use—and the steps members can take—to help protect the course throughout the winter.

Trolley ban
With regards to the trolley ban this decision is dictated by the weather and as it stands right now with the regular periods of wind along with the significant rainfall, we are able to allow everyone to continue using trolleys for the time being. However, I would expect this to change over the weeks ahead. Once the trolley ban is put in place the single buggies will also be removed for the season.

This year as with last year we will permit over 60’s and those with medical exemptions to use trolleys throughout the winter period (weather permitting) Should the weather deteriorate to a point where the golf course is being damaged by trolleys, the over 60’s will initially be banned, followed by the over 65’s if conditions have not improved. Please keep an eye on the splash on the website for latest information. The permit requires that there is a “Trolleys OK” mark on the bag tag marker, this can be obtained from the Pro Shop.

Winter play
We are all aware that at Simon’s we are very privileged to be able to play the course, including regulation greens, even during the winter months from November through to April, weather permitting. To allow for this benefit we must do everything we can to protect the course, especially for the greens and tees during these very challenging conditions. Over the past many years, I, SG A/S and the Club’s Board have worked to compose a list of actions which can help us to achieve this goal. Not all of the points below will take place immediately, but as the weather dictates. This information is provided so that members/golfers are aware of what can be expected to take place during the weeks and months ahead.

Pitch marks
During winter, grass growth slows significantly, meaning ball marks can take much longer to recover. Unrepaired pitch marks damage the grass and create depressions where moisture can collect, providing favourable conditions for fungal diseases to develop and spread. These damaged areas can also leave the green more vulnerable to further deterioration. By repairing pitch marks correctly, we help protect the health of our greens and maintain the best possible playing surfaces throughout the winter months. It is imperative that all members take extra care to repair their own ball marks correctly and if possible one other.

Winter information

1. All daily course information will be provided on the main information sign and on the splash on the homepage. Every member/golfer must read this information before commencing their round.
2. The 9-hole course will be closed Monday to Friday to allow us to carry out our tasks, such as aeration. All 27 holes should be available on weekends unless the weather deems it impossible.
3. We will continue our fight to overseed the greens with more desirable creeping bent grasses, rather than the Poa annua which encroaches naturally and is the least resistant grass to wear, drought and disease.
4. The cutting heights of the grass have, and will continue to be, gradually raised and will remain at the higher height of cut until the soil temperatures deem it possible to reduce it in the springtime. This helps to alleviate wear and promote better photosynthesis.

5. As grass growth levels are now greatly reduced and we mow less often, we will continue to try to roll greens as often as possible to help smooth wear. On days when we do not cut or roll, we will remove the dew from the greens by brush.

6. During the off season it can at times prove to be very difficult for my staff to manoeuvre around the golf course. We will continue over the weeks/months to continue to set up the course as best we can. We will brush, blow, repair pitch marks on greens as often as possible ahead of golf.

7. The course, as in previous years, will be closed on mornings/days when frost, fog or snow deems the course unplayable. Note: there is often a delay in reopening the course following a heavy thaw. No grassed areas will be available for play during this period, the artificial Driving Range tee will be available.

8. We have observed that during these periods we are unable to pick the balls due to the range being too wet, frozen or under snow. We will provide information on the splash on our homepage when this is the case. However, buckets filled with water and a manual collector will be available.

9. Please refer to the recent course closure procedure located on the homepage under Course, (Winter Communication) so you are fully briefed on how this affects golf.

10. When wear and weather demand it only one putting green will be available.

11. We will no longer use the 1-2-3 pin positions to allow for more flexibility for pin placements to help to spread traffic wear on the greens.

12. We are completing fairway aeration on all loops, only grass pathways and heavy wear areas are being addressed as and when possible, weather permitting.

13. We endeavour to try, and solid tine aerate the greens whenever possible, to alleviate traffic wear, improve drainage and to help the grass plant stay as healthy as possible.

14. As in recent years white, blue and black tee markers will be removed, and yellow and red markers will mark the tees in play. Again, this year we will set the course up to redirect traffic and wear to tees that are not heavily used during the growing season. This winter we will install fixed metal frames on the par 3 holes where golfers will play from a driving range mat. Please note once this takes place it will be possible to regulate handicaps as it was last winter, winter scorecards and conversion tables will be available. I will give notice of when this will be implemented.

15. We will also remove all the water from the irrigation system to protect it from frost damage.

I hope you all enjoy the off season and assist us as best you can to help protect our course.

Kind regards,

Reamonn O’Neill
Golf Course Superintendent