COURSE UPDATE

Chris Sharp Head Greenkeeper

As we move towards spring, I am excited to see what lies ahead for Wycombe Heights in 2023. Project work that has been completed and that is nearing completion has moved the course forward dramatically over winter, and the development of the Greenkeeping Team through further training and the addition of a new team member, also places us in a strong position.

Weather

Unfortunately, weather conditions continue to be unfavourable and despite extensive traffic control measures, we are still experiencing high wear in certain areas. Please continue to avoid the roped off areas and help spread the wear patterns. I encourage anyone who can, to carry their clubs. I am a big advocate for half sets during the wintertime, alternating between carrying odd and even clubs provide variety, as well as resting your back!

• 60% (506mm or 20 inches) of the yearly total fell between September and December

• 171mm of rainfall makes November the wettest month

• 6.9mm of rainfall makes July the driest month

• 19th July, hottest day at 38.1 degrees

• The chart shows just how wet 2022 finished:

As you can see last year was a year full of extremes, let’s hope for a more stable year of weather in 2023!

Bunkers

Referring to the rainfall figures stated above; you can appreciate, the weather was not kind to us through September into January. Resulting in bunkers holding water and washing down.

I won’t go into too much detail of the weather, but here are some statistics from 2022:

• 844.8mm (33 ¼ inches) of rainfall

Once this happens, it takes a tremendous effort from the team to reinstate them. For some context, over a 2-day period we spent 40-man hours just getting the bunkers back in play following heavy rain. It is back-breaking work for the team for several reasons. Firstly, persistent heavy rain will wash them back down within a matter of hours and secondly the amount of people not raking them at all or not raking them correctly creates further work.

I’m continuously watching the weather forecast with these factors in the back of my mind. If I know we are going to have sustained periods of (heavy) rain, it just doesn’t make sense to reinstate the bunkers. This is when they become GUR areas. I’m sure you’ll agree, our efforts can be utilised to better effect elsewhere on the course. Rest assured - the team and I will always endeavour to get the bunkers back in play when the weather conditions allow.

Raising Standards

Focus for the greenkeepers between now and the spring time is raising our standards. We have already completed training sessions to enhance our processes when it comes to changing holes and raking bunkers. With other topics being revisited throughout the season. I feel it is important for us to acknowledge where things can be done better and ultimately improve the experience for all golfers.

To take things further, we will also be addressing the bare areas that are situated around the golf course. These areas are old bunkers that have been filled in over the years and haven’t really recovered how they should. Unfortunately, when we did excavate the bare areas on the 1st and 2nd holes, we discovered the old Astroturf liner was still in situ. This was the main reason for these areas not recovering as they should.

Regarding bunkers, we are aware of many bunkers needing additional sand. The sand has been ordered and we await delivery (expected mid-February). Unfortunately, the quarry that we order from had no stock in December or January. As soon as we take delivery, the low sand areas will be addressed accordingly.

Maintenance Week

13th – 17th March 2023

Save the date for everyone’s favourite time of the year! As always, we will ensure all works are completed in a timely manner. Please remain patient as we carry out vital maintenance to our greens. The schedule will involve different aspects of aeration, overseeding and sand dressing. Work will take place on the Main Course MondayWednesday and on the Short Course Thursday and Friday. This maintenance window will allow good recovery before the season kicks off in April.

The plan is to visit all these areas, remove any unwanted materials (Astroturf/bunker sand) and replace with new topsoil. These areas will then be seeded or turfed, depending on size, positioning, and timings.

See you on the course.

Chris Sharp