THE BRAMHALL GOLF CLUB

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1 Making great sport happen THE BRAMHALL GOLF CLUB Advisory Report on the Golf Course incorporating the STRI Programme Report Date: 6 th August 2018 Consultant: Michael Boyes

2 The Date of Visit: Tuesday 17 th July 2018 Visit Objective: To provide an agronomic review of the golf course, collect greens performance data and confirm ongoing maintenance requirements. Present: Richard Smith Greens Chairman Nigel Hall Chair of Handicap Alan Fendall Greens Committee Les Adshead Head Greenkeeper Michael Boyes Turfgrass Agronomist, STRI Ltd Weather: Light rain following an extended dry period (17⁰C). Headlines General course presentation was very good given the impact of recent hot and dry weather. The greens are firm and dry and ball roll smoothness and trueness, and green speed is comparable with the last visit and remains within target range. Turf health is under stress from climatic conditions and some loss of grass cover is evident on certain greens. When the weather abates appropriate corrective action can be taken in the form of considered nutritional inputs and over-seeding when conditions are conducive. Greens organic matter has increased marginally since March 18 testing and a less invasive August renovations was discussed due to forecast weather patterns and the impact on subsequent recovery. Hydrophobic symptoms were evident in localised areas on some greens and should be combated with the appropriate wetting agent tablets and focused hand irrigation. Insect and bird/animal foraging activity on greens appears to have reduced significantly since last year. Weed ingress remains apparent on the fairways and semi-rough and application of selective herbicide is planned for when weather conditions ease. Textural improvement of the green approaches and tees remains key to improve aesthetics and surface performance. Key Actions Purchase a reliable moisture meter to facilitate effective irrigation of the putting surfaces. Deliver immediate supplementary hand irrigation with wetting agent tablet applicator (i.e. Aquazorb) to dry areas of the greens exhibiting hydrophobic symptoms. Maintain the current height of cut on greens (4mm) and employ the turf iron judiciously to improve ball roll and speed. Plan extensive greens renovations for August 2018 to include: o Hollow core (12mm Ø) at 50 x 50mm spacing to 75mm depth o Remove cores and heavy sand top-dress. o Brush fully into the holes to ensure they are filled to the surface. Plan for a monthly solid tine (6mm Ø) aeration on greens plus regular sarel rolling and light dustings of sand top-dressing. Aim to apply a total of 150 tonnes of sand top-dressing on Greens during Schedule over-seeding of greens with appropriate browntop bentgrass mix if weather conditions and ground temperatures are conducive for germination in early September. Plan for restorative works on the tees to improve coverage and sward composition. Extend cultural practices for greens into the immediate surrounds to refine surface performance. Treat weed ingress with selective herbicide when hot weather eases. Remove lower limbs from trees overhanging left-hand side of 2 nd green complex to increase light penetration and air movement to improve sward health. Audit bunkers to facilitate the ensure appropriate sand levels on the faces and bases to improve consistency across the course.

3 Objective Measurements Measurement Average Target Range Soil Moisture (%) 18% (range 10-25) 15-30% Hardness (Gravities) 106 Gravities (range ) g Smoothness (mm/m) 25 mm/m <25 mm/m Trueness (mm/m) 10 mm/m <10 mm/m Green Speed 9ft 2 in 9-10 ft Organic Matter 0-20 mm (%) Mar % 4-6% 0-20 mm (%) July % 4-6% Organic Matter mm (%) Mar % <4% mm (%) July % <4% Soil ph - Mar July Phosphate (P2O 5) Mar mg/l >10 (mg/l) July 18 9 mg/l >10 (mg/l) Potassium (K 2O) Mar mg/l >30 mg/l July mg/l >30 mg/l Magnesium (Mg) Mar mg/l >50 (mg/l) July mg/l >50 (mg/l) Calcium (Ca) Mar mg/l >150 (mg/l) July mg/l >150 (mg/l) Key: In Target Marginal Variance Out of Target

Photo Observations and Comments Figure 1: General course condition and presentation was very good

Ball roll was noted to be good despite the putting surface aesthetics being less than perfect at

Figure 2: Some loss of turf cover has occurred due to the extreme weather conditions which has

Restorative actions can be undertaken when weather pressure ease.

4 Photo Observations and Comments Figure 1: General course condition and presentation was very good given recent testing weather conditions. Ball roll was noted to be good despite the putting surface aesthetics being less than perfect at this time. Figure 2: Some loss of turf cover has occurred due to the extreme weather conditions which has impacted the less desirable Poa annua grass. Restorative actions can be undertaken when weather pressure ease. Figure 3: Root development and extension is encouraging, and average soil moisture was found to be within target range. Considered irrigation practice will promote increased root mass Figure 4: Organic matter is still excessive in the top of the green profile, but signs of successful aeration practices can be seen. Increased hollow coring and sanding is required. Figure 5: Some hydrophobicity was evident in localised areas (i.e. 10th green shown above) which should be targeted with hand irrigation and wetting agent tablet. Figure 6: Minor fairy ring activity was seen but chemical intervention is not advised at this time as the planned aeration and sanding practices should help to alleviate the conditions.

Photo Observations and Comments (continued) Figure 7: The overhanging limbs adjacent to the 2 nd green continue

A considered programme to promote air and light penetration is required, as is the restriction of further root

Care should be taken to ensure there is no permanent loss of grass in these prominent areas, with considered

Figure 9: A number of the tees have suffered due to lack of irrigation in the hot conditions, which is

Consider a more structured plan for tee marker placement to preserve the longevity of the surface.

Refinement of the textural characteristics and the incorporation of more appropriate, hard wearing grass species

5 Photo Observations and Comments (continued) Figure 7: The overhanging limbs adjacent to the 2 nd green continue to impact turf health in the area. A considered programme to promote air and light penetration is required, as is the restriction of further root extension. Figure 8: Recent hot/dry weather has revealed the extent of the drainage network in a number of areas. Care should be taken to ensure there is no permanent loss of grass in these prominent areas, with considered irrigation. Figure 9: A number of the tees have suffered due to lack of irrigation in the hot conditions, which is particularly apparent on the Par 3 s. Consider a more structured plan for tee marker placement to preserve the longevity of the surface. Figure 10: The composition of the tees reveals a higher than desirable level of coarser grasses. Refinement of the textural characteristics and the incorporation of more appropriate, hard wearing grass species will improve both appearance and performance. Figure 11: Bunkers are reported to be one of the main areas for complaint from the membership. An audit of the bunkers is advised to ensure the appropriate depths of sand are being employed to provide greater consistency across the course. Figure 12: Duckweed continues to present a problem in the ponds. Physical removal is deemed the most effective mode of control.

6 Recommendations Greens The extremely inclement conditions at the start of the year meant grass growth on greens was once again delayed providing similar challenges to those highlighted in last year s report. The employment of a 4:4:12 at 30 Litres/Hectare and Cold Start product (11:5:5) at 30gms/m² appears to have provided some of the expected benefits but possibly not as much as would have been planned for. An unprecedented period of hot and dry weather has followed with the advent of summer and the prescribed application of TX10 at 25g/m² followed by two staged applications of Microflow 26:0:0 at 40 Litres/Hectare and 60 Litres/Hectare have resulted in a reported 72kgs/Hectare of nitrogen being applied year to the greens to date. Growth is minimal under present climactic conditions, but the application of additional nutrition is illadvised until weather conditions abate. A further application of the organic TX10, at the increased rate of 35gms/m², is then advised to strengthen the sward through phased release whilst offering an element of water retention. As discussed, then revert to the programme of light liquid feeding throughout the remaining summer months using the Microflow 26:0:0 Urea based product but with more frequent applications at the significantly reduced rate of 20 Litres/Hectare. Remember the aim is to try and keep the total annual application of nitrogen to the greens at The Bramhall to 100kgs/Hectare. In expectation of similar weather patterns next spring the previously prescribed fertiliser strategy holds true. To reiterate: o Invigorator 4:0:8 in Early March at 25gms/m² to deliver approximately 10kgs/Hectare of nitrogen. o As temperatures improve in April - apply Coldstart 11:5:5 at 25gms/m² which will supply 27.5kgs/Hectare of nitrogen. o An application of the organic based TX10 at 25gms/m² at the end June/early July as soil temperatures improve further to provide a gradual release of nutrition. o Implement the programme of liquid fertiliser applications throughout the summer months using the Microflow 26:0:0 at the aforementioned reduced rate of 20 Litres/Hectare but on a more regular basis, following assessment of the longevity of benefits. Soil chemical analysis revealed ph, at an average of 5.7, to remain in the area conducive to promotion of the highly desirable bent grasses. Phosphates were found to be slightly deficient on the 4 th & 10 th greens and potassium, although within target range, towards the lower end of the desired spectrum. The prescribed application of TX10 organic fertiliser will provide the required nutrition to balance levels. Calcium levels, although significantly reduced from March July 2018, remain within target range and are not of major concern. Magnesium levels however, remain below target range and a further application of magnesium is advised when growing conditions return to provide the appropriate inputs. Disease impact over the past winter and spring was reported to be minimal with a small amount of anthracnose cited. A timely application of chlorothalonil (Instrata) seems to have the desired effect. Continue to be vigilant and monitor for early symptoms due to occasional presence of hot and humid conditions, and the impending stresses on the grass plant. This is particularly relevant considering the recent withdrawal of the curative fungicide, iprodione.

7 Maintain the current height of cut at 4mm throughout the growing season, particularly in light of the absence of a prism to effectively measure the actual height of cut being achieved. It is strongly advised that wherever possible this should be the minimum height of cut adopted to promote the desirable bent grasses and the use of the turf iron be employed to polish the surfaces for special events. It is considered that the actual height of cut is likely to be well below the bench setting based on previous visits, so this process is highly advisable to avoid putting further undue stress on the sward. Organic matter levels were measured in March 2018 and again in July 2018, with a marginal increase being seen in the top 40mm of the profile. Aeration practices have been quite reserved this year so far and have constituted a solid tine operation using a 10mm Ø tine followed by the application of approximately 30 tonnes of Chelford sand. Further top-dressing operations have contributed to a reported tonnes in total being applied, year to date. Irrigation & Moisture Management Due to the evidence of hydrophobic activity in localised areas of the greens there is a real need for supplementary hand irrigation and the use of wetting agent tablets. As discussed, to guide practice, investment in a moisture meter would give you invaluable information and we would recommend you purchase the meters as used by the STRI as it has high accuracy and then we can directly compare our data with yours: HH2 Moisture Meter and Theta Probe (ML2x) by Delta-T Devices Grub activity on greens has largely decreased based on last years report. However, it is critical not to rest on one s laurels, but continue to scout for evidence of the larvae or foraging birds, particularly in areas where previous damage has occurred. Continue to promote aeration and sanding operations and other cultural practices which discourage insect activity through disruption of the profile or developing conditions which irritate the respective grubs. Thatch Reduction Programme 2018 Due to the lack of progress in thatch reduction, as a result of poor Spring conditions, it was discussed how intensive subsequent Autumn greens renovation operations could be in light of a period of hot extended dry weather. The increase in organic matter has been marginal so a less invasive operation has been identified to target the top 40mm of the greens profile at The : August 2018 o o o o Apply preventative fungicide 3-5 days prior to renovations. Hollow tine with 12mm Ø tines, 50 x 50mm spacing, 75mm deep. Remove cores then heavy top-dress and brush to ensure the tine holes are filled to surface. Additional light sand dressings in subsequent weeks to smooth surfaces. Ensure that a preventative fungicide is applied 3 5 days prior to renovations to protect the surfaces through a time of high disturbance. A follow-up treatment may be required 3 4 weeks later using a product such as Instrata, to provide further protection from disease. Implement the hollow tining first using 12mm diameter tines (at 50 x 50mm spacing) and targeting a depth of 75mm. Upon removal of the cores the tine holes should be fully-filled with sand.

8 Some additional light sand applications may be required in the subsequent weeks after the renovation work to smooth-out surfaces levels. Ensure that these applications are light and do not smother the surface as this will encourage disease. Regular sand top-dressing is essential throughout the season to degrade thatch as it accumulates and a target of more than 200 tonnes of sand per hectare/per annum is highly desirable. As a result of the restrictive weather conditions at the beginning of the year a reduced application target of 150 tonnes total top-dressing is suggested for As advised previously, approximately two-thirds of this target volume can be worked into tine holes during renovations. We discussed the timing of greens renovation work for next year and agreed that spring treatments are often very difficult as surface recovery can be very slow in the event of a cold, dry spring. This is especially frustrating for golfers if the winter has been poor. Our ideal time to renovate the greens from an agronomic/greenkeeping point of view is mid to late August as we will gain a much faster rate of surface recovery due to more ideal and consistent soil temperatures. Therefore, the operations planned for August 2018 should take advantage of optimum conditions and if the expected results are achieved then a simple solid tining and sand top dressing treatment (causing minimal disruption) may suffice in the next Spring renovation works. Once the organic matter levels are at an acceptable level I would highly advise that The Bramhall GC can consider adopting this process year-on-year to diarise and carry one full renovation in August and a second less invasive and disruptive renovation in Spring. Micro-tining and Sarel Rolling Consider a programme of regular Sarel rolling and solid micro-tining (6mm Ø) throughout the season, complemented by light dustings of top dressing, to keep the profile open and airy. It is essential that various forms of aeration are employed at varying depths to continue to degrade thatch and promote gaseous exchange and water movement through the profile. Green Collars, Surrounds and Approaches These are key areas of the course and should reflect an extension of the greens complex delivering similar playing characteristics and should receive the required focus and a comparable maintenance programme to the greens in delivering the required standards of performance and presentation. There should be a focus on increasing the aeration, hollow core and top-dressing programmes within the approaches and the use of wetting agent as an extension to the greens maintenance operation. When weather conditions ease, more intensive verti-cutting operations in the surrounds and collars will help to eradicate the less desirable coarser grasses currently evident. Tees The tees have also suffered under recent drought conditions and some loss of cover is evident and some coarser grasses and weeds have invaded the surfaces. When the hot weather breaks a course of renovative action to restore minor level imperfections and improve drainage characteristics and sward composition is highly advisable. A more structured plan for the moving of tee markers was discussed, particularly for Par 3 s, to help spread the wear and allow damaged areas to recovery in a timely fashion. Weed Control

Weed control has sensibly been postponed while extremely hot weather conditions persist. As soon as the temperatures ease an application of selective herbicide (i.e. Praxys) is planned to combat the commonly high clover populations evident in the semi-rough and fairways at The.

9 Weed control has sensibly been postponed while extremely hot weather conditions persist. As soon as the temperatures ease an application of selective herbicide (i.e. Praxys) is planned to combat the commonly high clover populations evident in the semi-rough and fairways at The. Ponds The problem with duckweed infestation in ponds was highlighted during the visit and the use of barley straws, dyes to prevent photosynthesis and use of a duckweed buster product were cited as unsuccessful trialled methods employed on site. Following consultation with the STRI Ecologist the most appropriate mode of control was still deemed to be physical removal. This is generally achieved by submerging a heavy rope or net which spans the water feature, with a member of staff on each side, and dragging it to the edge of the pond in the direction that the wind is blowing. The offending plant matter is then physically removed and appropriately disposed of by hand. Tree Removal A number of specimens continue to prove problematic as identified previously in the case of the tree line to the left-hand side of the 2 nd green. The surround has become increasingly dry and extensive removal of the lower limbs is required, as a minimum, to prevent total loss of grass cover in this pivotal area of the greens complex. Further root encroachment should also be halted through the installation of the previously prescribed root barrier. Bunkers Inconsistency was cited as the most common complaint from the membership regarding the condition of the bunkers at The. An audit of the bunkers was advised as the first step to ensure that the appropriate depths of sand were consistent across the facility, at 4 inches in the base and 2 inches on the faces. This can be easily carried out using a metal spike marked at the relevant depths to test each bunker, and the sand re-distributed or added to as required. Signed Michael Boyes BSc (Hons) Regional Turfgrass Agronomist t. +44 (0) e. michael.boyes@strigroup.com

10 Objective Data Volumetric water content has dropped for all indicator greens as a resulted of the extended period of dry weather. Surfaces should be monitored for hydrophobic symptoms to ensure grass health is preserved. The increasingly dry conditions are reflected in firmer surfaces with the indictor greens comfortably within or even slightly above desired target range.

Objective Data (continued) Some minor loss of

smoothness of the greens slightly but all remain

Trueness, or lateral movement, remains outside of

11 Objective Data (continued) Some minor loss of turf cover under drought stress has impacted the smoothness of the greens slightly but all remain around the top of routine target range. Trueness, or lateral movement, remains outside of routine target range, but shows a slight improvement on last year.

12 Objective Data (continued) Green speed was very consistent across the three indicator greens, and towards the top end of routine target range.

Soils Laboratory Data Despite minimal operations targeting

increased marginally on greens 4 and 10 and actually showed a

Similarly, at 20-40mm deep, the 2 nd green again showed a

13 Soils Laboratory Data Despite minimal operations targeting thatch reduction in Spring 2018, organic matter levels increased marginally on greens 4 and 10 and actually showed a decrease on the 2 nd green, in the top 0-20mm of the profile. Similarly, at 20-40mm deep, the 2 nd green again showed a reduction in thatch whereas the 4 th and 10 th green displayed marginal increases.

14 Soils Laboratory Data (continued) In the 40-80mm section of the greens profile on the indicator greens the thatch levels remain relatively unchanged and still comfortably below the target range ceiling of 4%.

15 STRI St Ives Estate, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU T F E. SOIL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS CLIENT: THE BRAMHALL GC RESULTS TO: MEB DATE RECEIVED: 14/03/2018 Sample No. Source. ph P 2 O 5 (mg/l) K 2 O (mg/l) Mg (mg/l) Ca (mg/l) A16647/1 GREEN A16647/2 GREEN A16647/3 GREEN Mr M ABaines, Soil Laboratory Manager THE RESULTS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE SAMPLE(S) SUBMITTED AND TESTED.

16 STRI St Ives Estate, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU T F E. SOIL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS 2 ph Analysis THE BRAMHALL GC DATE: 14/03/ GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN 10 Phosphate Analysis Magnesium Analysis GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN 10 0 GREEN 2 GREEN4 GREEN 10 Potassium Analysis Calcium Analysis GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN 10 0 GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN10 THE RESULTS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE SAMPLE(S) SUBMITTED AND TESTED.

17 STRI St Ives Estate, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU T F E. ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT CLIENT: THE BRAMHALL GC DATE RECEIVED: 14/03/18 ADDRESS: LADYTHORN ROAD, DATE REPORTED: 21/03/18 BRAMHALL, STOCKPORT, CHESHIRE, SK7 2EY RESULTSTO: MEB TEST RESULTS AUTHORISED BY: CONDITION OF SAMPLE UPON ARRIVAL: Michael Baines, Laboratory Manager SAMPLE NO DESCRIPTION LOSS ON IGNITION (%) * A16647/ mm mm mm mm A16647/ mm mm mm mm A16647/ mm mm mm mm *ASTM F Standard Test Methods for Organic Matter Content of Athletic Field Rootzone Mixes (Method A) THE RESULTS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE SAMPLE(S) SUBMITTED AND TESTED Testing Certificate Page 1 of 1

18 STRI St Ives Estate, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU T F E. SOIL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS CLIENT: THE BRAMHALL GC RESULTS TO: MEB DATE RECEIVED: 23/07/2018 Sample No. Source. ph P 2 O 5 (mg/l) K 2 O (mg/l) Mg (mg/l) Ca (mg/l) A17054/1 GREEN A17054/2 GREEN A17054/3 GREEN Mr M ABaines, Soil Laboratory Manager THE RESULTS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE SAMPLE(S) SUBMITTED AND TESTED.

19 STRI St Ives Estate, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU T F E. SOIL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS 2 ph Analysis THE BRAMHALL GC DATE: 23/07/ GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN 10 Phosphate Analysis Magnesium Analysis GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN 10 0 GREEN 2 GREEN4 GREEN 10 Potassium Analysis Calcium Analysis GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN 10 0 GREEN 2 GREEN 4 GREEN10 THE RESULTS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE SAMPLE(S) SUBMITTED AND TESTED.

20 STRI St Ives Estate, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AU T F E. ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT CLIENT: THE BRAMHALL GC DATE RECEIVED: 23/07/18 ADDRESS: THE CLUBHOUSE LADYTHORN ROAD DATE REPORTED: 25/07/18 BRAMHALL STOCKPORT CHESHIRE, SK7 2EY RESULTSTO: MEB TEST RESULTS AUTHORISED BY: CONDITION OF SAMPLE UPON ARRIVAL: MOIST Michael Baines, Laboratory Manager SAMPLE NO DESCRIPTION LOSS ON IGNITION (%) * A17054/ mm mm mm mm A17054/ mm mm mm mm A17054/ mm mm mm mm *ASTM F Standard Test Methods for Organic Matter Content of Athletic Field Rootzone Mixes (Method A) THE RESULTS PERTAIN ONLY TO THE SAMPLE(S) SUBMITTED AND TESTED Testing Certificate Page 1 of 1

EAST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB

Making great sport happen EAST KILBRIDE GOLF CLUB Advisory Report on the Golf Course incorporating the STRI Programme Report Date: 14 th October 2017 Consultant: Richard Wing Date of Visit: Tuesday 29