Covid -19 Week two of the Lock Down

Hi All,

Week two of the lock down has been abit different. Mixed feelings of frustrations at times and worry as most of you will be feeling I assume. The Queen delivered her speech last night and we all clapped for all the key workers on Thursday night.  If you are a key worker we thank you for all you are doing to keep the country running and especially for our NHS staff who are truly amazing. 

This week due to the frosts we had very little growth, we split the team up into pairs working three days in the week and then we had the staff in fully for two days. These were obviously staggered but unlike before we have pushed this to hour gaps so there is no pinch point in the greenkeeping yard. 

Watering has become a daily activity already. I can’t believe how quick we have dried out, our last day of rai was the 19th March, so different.. We managed to get our semi rough mower fixed so this has been out and we have caught up without mowing. We still haven’t cut greens yet. These have been left to rest and recover. The bent grasses have gone mad in them. Great to see but would be very noticeable if golfers were out here playing. 

Hand watering has started

Cutting taking place

Tees looking good after feed

Apart from that, cutting aprons, tees and semi has been all we cut this week. The areas around the clubhouse have been mown to keep tidy and weed removal from pathways and around clubhouse started and only to keep the place tidy. We fertilised the green on Friday. This will give us a good base feed for the coming year ahead and keep the turf healthy.  

Fertilising greens 

On Wednesday I came in with James Ferris to a heavy frost so we took the opportunity whilst here to get on with divot filling the crow damaged and areas damaged from the winter.

Lots of talk within the industry about what the next step of essential works will look like. It's a hard one but I know long term but  if we are allowed to work to maintain the course we should be allowed keep all areas in a good condition. One of my worries at the moment is golfer's thinking they will come back to clubs after a break and it will be like Augusta. This simply isn't possible or allowed under current guidelines. Watch this space, I will update when I can! One thing for sure is the course has never had rest like this before and this will help aid recovery from last winter.  

The range work is still continuing. TJ are working on moving the soil to the right place while its dry. This will speed things up once we are up and running as normal

That's enough from me this week. A quieter than normal week but the week ahead looks warmer so hopefully we will get some growth. 

Remember if you are struggling to get out or need help doing your shopping or you just want someone to chat too, please let us know. We maybe able to help. We care and are willing to help if needed. 

Remember we are Team Stoneham!

Stay safe everyone

Matt