Course Conditions and Recovery Update

Dear Members, As we continue to navigate our way through the recovery period, I feel it would be beneficial to give everyone a better understanding of the challenges we have faced this season and the work currently being carried out to help the courses recover.

As many of you will be aware, this summer has once again presented significant challenges. With five heatwaves reaching 30°C plus, record-breaking dry periods and prolonged high winds, the courses have suffered in certain areas, particularly across the fairways.

We are currently carrying out extensive overseeding, feeding and traffic management on the fairways to give them the best possible opportunity to recover. However, the continued dry weather and high winds are making this process more difficult. As we head into October, I would ask that members continue to appreciate the challenging position the greens team are working in and the time required for the recovery process.

Notable statistics and points:

• Between 12 June and 26 August, we recorded 68 days without rainfall, with just 1.6mm recorded in July, making it the second-driest month in 31 years of recording.
• Only 28.2mm of rainfall fell across March and April, further contributing to the dry conditions heading into summer.
• September is currently the third-driest September recorded in 31 years, and with no significant rainfall forecast, this may continue.
• Yearly rainfall currently sits at 446.7mm. Our average yearly rainfall at Burnham is 807.7mm, therefore it looks like we are heading for another incredibly dry year. This is following on from last years record low of 570.4. It also worth mentioning that 218.9mm of this years rain fell in the first 2 months.
• The fairways have been overseeded with a fine fescue mix, with selected areas, notably the 12th fairway, receiving a dwarf ryegrass/fescue mix.
• Topdressing the fairways with our own native rootzone has been put on hold. This is due to how quickly some of the seed established, and our reluctance to drag heavy equipment across the surface, which could damage or pull out the young seedlings.
• The fairways have been fed at 250kg/ha with a 15-5-22 slow-release, urea-based fertiliser. This will support recovery and provide ongoing nutrition throughout the winter months.
• Alongside the lack of rainfall, record heat spells and prolonged periods of high winds placed considerable stress on the turfgrass canopy, contributing to the damage experienced across the fairways.
• Wetting agents were applied monthly throughout the summer to help manage moisture retention across the greens, tees, walkways, fairways and surrounds.

Green Speeds and Why They Slowed Down

During the drought, we raised the height of cut on the greens from 4mm to 4.5mm to help protect the turfgrass at a time when it was particularly vulnerable. While this naturally resulted in a reduction in green speed, we continued to manage cutting and rolling to maintain smoothness and trueness at a consistently high standard throughout the summer.

The combination of heat and firm ground conditions meant that the greens remained around 9ft on the Stimp meter until the rainfall eventually broke the dry spell.

When the rain arrived, the surfaces softened, and the increased moisture and release of previously locked-up nutrients resulted in a significant growth response. As the greens were still being maintained at 4.5mm, this led to a noticeable reduction in speed for a couple of weeks, while we worked to regain control of growth and surface firmness.

The dry spell we are now experiencing again has allowed us to manage the greens at approximately 9ft 8 inches on the Stimp meter, while still maintaining healthy growth and recovery.

The reason for including this section is to highlight that environmental conditions and the weather forecast have just as much influence on ball roll performance as greenkeeping practices. Temperature, rainfall, wind, moisture levels and turfgrass growth all play a significant role in determining the speed and performance of our greens.

Our priority throughout this period has been to protect the long-term health of the turf while continuing to provide the best possible playing conditions. Recovery takes time, particularly following the extreme conditions we have experienced, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as the greens team continues working hard to bring the courses back to their best.

Thank you for your continued support.

Liam Pigden – Courses Manager