RELIEVING SURFACE COMPACTION

Work to relieve the surface compaction that has developed through the course of the season has started. Compaction is caused by foot traffic and golf course machinery. The introduction of greens irons over the last few years, which are used to smooth and speed up the surfaces, may well increase surface compaction over the golfing season. We have put off disrupting the surface of the greens for as long as we could but due to the recent localized flooding to a number of greens we feel that this intermediate measure will alleviate the problem until we carry out our deep aeration later. We have our own tractor mounted John Deere Aercore machine which punches holes into the putting surface.

 Aerating the 6th Broomfield green.

The work to aerate all 36 greens over both courses together with the putting greens should take around 5-6 days to complete.

 A close up view of the tine holes.

The aercore is set to punch holes to a depth of 3-4 inches. Due to the small diameter of the tines, disruption to the surface of the greens will be minimal.

 The aercore in action.

Our deep aeration programme using our Wiedenmann Terra Spike will commence later in the year and will include greens tees, aprons and walk off areas. It is also planned to verti-drain the Broomfield fairways. This machine will relieve compaction down to a depth of 8-9 inches.

Les Rae,

First Assistant,

Montrose Golf Links Limited.