Message from Steve: The Greens

The weather has at last started brighten up moving into April. This along with rising temperatures will certainly start to promote growth where it is needed, especially on our greens. The 3rd application of top dressing is to be applied by the end of the week after Paul's team sprayed for fusarium on Monday. I have had a number of members questioning why our greens are bumpy and why we hollow tined with the larger tines as opposed to the smaller ones as we have done in recent years. The reason for the larger tines is because of the increase in thatch levels which have appeared in our greens due to the heavy rainfall over the last two winters which was also confirmed by Stella Rixon who is our agronomist and advisor from STRI.

The use of both large and smaller tines in April and September keeps the thatch at bay. We apply over 100 tonnes of top dressing per year on our greens and this is the advised amount from STRI agronomists. We don't like to put too much on at one time especially in April as the ground temperature in the mornings is extremely cold, and this can lead to further disease in the greens as it retains the moisture round the leaf which encourages fusarium. We are set to trial a new brush that helps us work the top dressing into the core holes rather than it lying on the surface. The drag mat is OK but this is a far more efficient tool.

April Medal

Congratulations to Kevin Lucas who won Division 1 of the April Medal last weekend. Kevin scored a nett 72, an impressive score when you consider it was the first competition of the year from the white tees. Second place in Division 1 went to Andy Hemmett who won on countback with a nett 76.

Congratulations also goes to Michael Frost who won Division 2 of the April Medal, Michael scored an impressive nett 72. Roger Borer finished second in division 2 after scoring a respectable nett 75.

Cross Country Golf

Please remember the sign-up sheet for the cross country golf is on the social noticeboard.

County Cards

The 2015 Surrey County Cards are now in, please see the pro shop to collect them. We must also remind members that when they are using county cards to phone the golf club they are playing in advance to let them know.

Callaway Demo Day

Just to remind all the members there is a Callaway Demo Day being held at Bletchingley on Friday, 8 May between 1pm-5pm.

For anyone interested in getting a FREE fitting with a Callaway Technician please contact the Pro shop on 01883 744 848 to book, or click here to get in touch. Alternatively you can just turn up to try a few clubs and a member of our Professional staff will be on hand to give out advice and answer questions.

Click here to find out more about the fantastic new Callaway ranges.

The wait is over

After what has seemed like an eternity, the first Major of the season is upon us - and what a weekend it promises to be. Will Rory pull on the coveted Green Jacket come Sunday afternoon and complete his career Gram Slam? Perhaps the big-hitting Bubba Watson will triumph for a third time, or maybe the immensely talented Jordan Spieth will see his recent fine form in the States come to fruition.

What hopes of a British winner? It's a discussion that pops up every April and doubtless you'll enjoy the same discussion in the clubhouse over the weekend! One thing's for certain: events from Augusta will surely inspire us to get out there and play more golf ourselves, especially with some warmer weather forecast.

Who do we think will win? Someone who hits a long ball, possesses a faultless short game and putts as well as Ben Crenshaw did in his pomp. Take your pick…and maybe click here to let me know your thoughts too.