What a winter so far - breaking records for high levels of rainfall and temperatures!
This wet and mild weather puts a lot of additional stress on the course. Disease pressures are at an all-time high with growth still quite strong, so cutting grass is still on the programme. There are lots of hand-cutting of greens and tees just to avoid using ride-on mowers as much as possible, due to the very soft conditions.
So what have the greens staff been getting up to during the winter?
The greens staff have been cutting the course on quite a frequent basis up to the Christmas break, and now into the new year there is a large fleet of course vehicles which need servicing. This entails dealing with on-going repairs, sharpening of cylinders and a full clean throughout, so they are in tip-top condition for the coming season.
A large number of trees have been felled in and around the 12th green, to allow light and air into the area, with the intention to improve turf condition.
A similar project will take place around the 2nd green once ground conditions become favourable. A great deal of low branch work on the rest of the trees around the course is additionally planned.
The paths have become a real eyesore over the past twelve months, and they will be tidied up, with red ash where needed. This action will certainly smarten up these problem areas. Construction of a new dry stone wall on the 17th tee is currently underway. Concrete back blocks will aid the wall's overall strength, giving it stability and structure.
What's up doc! We have a large population of rabbits that have taken rather a shine to our 13th green and are having a cheeky nibble! Control methods are underway to hopefully resolve this issue.
During this wet spell no two seater/ club car buggies will be allowed on the course. English Golf dictate we can't have a blanket ban on all buggies (to conform to recommendations under the Disabled Act), so a short loop has been provided that potentially is a little drier and safer for the use of single seaters. This will be the practice area, 16th 17th 18th but will be reviewed going forward.
Other news!
We welcome Adam Johnson to the greens staff. Adam has lots of grounds' experience prior to joining Leek Golf Club. Adam is a Leek lad and his attitude and enthusiasm will make him a great addition to the team. A former member of greens staff Mr. Simon Blagg has been appointed as assistant superintendent at the Lakes Golf club in Sydney, Australia. We are very proud of his achievements and wish him the very best.
FREE LOGS
If any members would like any logs please feel free to take them from the overflow car park.
TREE WORK
The greens staff are in full swing with tree maintenance-currently on the left side of 14th fairway all the way up to the 15th green, as can be seen from the "Before" and "After" pictures below.
A few large trees have been removed from the course because of damage or safety.
Check us out on Twitter- Leek Golf Club- (just a trial on social media) but please follow us!
John Turner, Head Greenkeeper
Valentine's Dinner-dance
Saturday 13th February
7pm for 7.30pm
See the posters for the delicious choice of menu!
Share a romantic evening with a loved one!
Tickets available at the bar.
£28.50pp
Booking is essential to avoid disappointment
COMPETITION RESULTS
Pro's Sunday Comp
1st Dave Robinson, Pete Nixon, Neil Shenton, Mike Andrews- 113 Points
Pro's Winter League
1st - Pete Nixon 38 Points
2nd - Dan Smart 37 Points (Back 9 - 18)
3rd - Ralph Harrison 37 Points (Back 9 - 17)
4th - Steve Matthewsd 36 Points (Back 9 - 19)
5th - Dave Fowler 36 Points (Back 9 - 17)
LADIES REMINDER
Ladies, please remember that you are eligible to play in county level competitions (subject to rules of specific events). Details of competitions are on the notice board outside the ladies locker room and sign up sheets. Latest Minutes of meetings of the Staffordshire Ladies County Golf Association are also on the board and rules governing competitions. More details are on the county website - staffsgolf.co.uk (see specific pages for ladies golf). Contact county representative (Karen Wilshaw) if you have any questions or queries. Email karenwilshaw@hotmail.co.uk