Tuesday 6 January 2015

Happy new year

A happy new year to all, back to work and a chance to makes strides into our winter work both on and off the course. Firstly a look back at last year, although a lot of the country experienced high amounts of rainfall right through the year causing flooding and course closures, at Malton and Norton Golf Club we broke our own records. Last year we were only closed 3 days for the entire year, 3 days of full closure, there were times when the course was opened later and times when heavy rain brought unplayable conditions prematurely. However other years days closed are recorded exactly the same way. This was due to serveral reasons some luck and fortune out of our control, some down to the hard work and effort of the staff.
The start of the year was very mild which brought no snow and good playable conditions. We also missed the majority of rain in our region throughout the year. Some areas of the country received record amounts, in some places 10% more than in 2012. Which is staggering seen as that year we received 55% more than average. In 2014 we had just over 700mm which is just over our average figure. 
The hard work of the staff installing drainage and keeping the course going in the poorest conditions is testament of effort they put in. 
Now onto this year, we have continued where we left off before Christmas cutting greens and keeping the course in a tidy condition given the current cold conditions. The hard frost certainly have taken there toll on high traffic areas of the course. Recovery will be slow this time of the year and full recovery won't be seen until spring when areas are fertilised. 
Holes are moved regularly to spread wear around the green. Here's how we do it. 
First the new position is selected and hole cut using a hole cutter. This takes out a plug of soil. 
This is then placed into the old hole after the plastic cup is removed. 
The hole is then trimmed to remove any lateral growth. 
The cup then placed back into the new hole and set using a cup setter. This ensures the hole is the right size and the cup is the correct depth. 
Finished hole ready for play. 

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About Me

Im the Head Greenkeeper at Malton and Norton Golf Club. I began my greenkeeping career at Malton and Norton Golf Club straight from school as an Assistant Greenkeeper. Wanting to climb the greenkeeping ladder I gained my NVQ level 2 and 3 at Askham Bryan College. I continued with my education gaining a HNC in golf course management and took the position of Deputy Head Greenkeeper at Malton and Norton Golf Club in 2005.In 2008 I was promoted to the position of Head Greenkeeper, leading a team of 6 hard working and dedicated Greenkeepers. Our aim is to continue to improve the condition of the course year on year maintaining our high reputation within the area.