Prepping the Little Hay course for the summer golf season

The spell of wet weather in May presented its challenges, but we haven't let it dampen our spirits. The greenkeepers have been diligently following a detailed action plan to get the course ready for summer golf.

 

Maintaining the golf course is a significant undertaking, and we owe its superb state to our dedicated team of expert greenkeepers. Here's an overview of their recent efforts and their ongoing projects to ensure the course remains perfect for your enjoyment.

Tee maintenance

No golfer wants a worn-out tee box. To ensure consistent playing conditions, the tees will be cut a minimum of twice per week throughout the growing season. Plus, they’ve been given a nourishing boost with a special six-month slow-release fertiliser. This means you can expect consistent teeing grounds throughout your round. We've also placed divot boxes on the four short holes, so you can easily repair any pitch marks you leave behind – every golfer's responsibility!

Fairways and semi rough

The fairways will be receiving their fair share of attention. Expect them to be shaped, cut, and maintained on a twice-weekly basis, or even more frequently if needed, to ensure they provide a consistent playing surface throughout the course.

The semi-rough will continue to be cut weekly at its usual height of 35mm. While there were suggestions to let the rough grow longer, we understand that many of our golfers are beginners. We want everyone to enjoy their summer golf experience with us, so we'll be striking a balance between challenging play and ensuring lost balls aren't a constant concern.

Bunker revitalisation

A comprehensive sand replacement project has begun, which will continue throughout the summer. Our greenkeeping team is also dedicated to weed killing and strimming the grass faces to maintain the clean, sharp look of our bunkers. To ensure optimal summer golf playing conditions, bunkers are raked a minimum of three times per week, and all bunker rakes have been replaced to provide the best possible experience for our players.

Pristine greens

Our greens have come through winter relatively well with minimal fungal activity, but we did notice some moss infestation. To combat this, the greenkeepers have been giving them a thorough vertical cutting  treatment – four times so far – and provided them with specialised spring and summer feeds. This vital nutrient replacement will continue every 6-8 weeks throughout the season.

Our greenkeeping team has implemented a programme of monthly vertical cutting and will be applying a staggering 90 tonnes of topdressing – pure sand, not a sand/soil mix – to further enhance drainage and playing characteristics. Greens will be cut six times a week, maintaining a playing height of between 4.5 and 5mm. Additionally, aeration and overseeding will be carried out when ground conditions allow.

Driving range enhancements

Our driving range is also receiving upgrades to enhance your practise sessions. New outfield targets are being installed, providing you with fresh aiming point, and all mats will be replaced throughout the season. Additionally, a whopping 30,000 new balls have been added to the system.

 

We're incredibly excited for the summer golf season at Little Hay Golf Complex. Despite the challenges posed by recent weather conditions, our team’s hard work and adherence to expert recommendations mean the course is in great shape.

 

We look forward to welcoming you to a beautifully maintained course. You can book a round online.