Despite this tough period, Head Greenkeeper Dan Ashelby is remaining upbeat.....

'The work we have completed over the winter has been successful and we now have begun to transition into maintaining the course for the stresses of summer. Due to the safety measures imposed by the government to protect our wellbeing, we have been limited to completing only essential work. This is to say, work that is only required to ensure the continuation of the golf course. We have also introduced measures to help us achieve these objectives, including keeping heights of cut at sensible lengths and reducing fertilizer application, both of which to discourage growth potential.

One major positive of this, combined with the reduced stress of foot traffic has resulted in greens with very healthy grass compositions. With the ever-increasing temperatures in conjunction with the work we completed over winter allowing more air and light to the greens, the good grasses we require for maintaining fine, true putting surfaces have flourished. These grasses will create more consistent playing conditions as well as being more tolerant to disease and drought conditions. A real bonus to any club wishing to provide good playing surfaces for golf year round.

Finally we have continued with maintaining general upkeep of the course cutting and adding definition. Growth is still relatively slow and the minimum work is being completed to keep grass from getting out of control, but it must be said after a wet winter it is nice to see sun and stripes on the course again. We are making the most of machinery purchased over the winter and improving the presentation of the course by using the new machinery to collect the clippings of the approaches and green and tee surrounds when they are cut. This creates a clean playing surface without mounds of grass left everywhere and helps discourages weeds and worms. Additionally it helps slow the rate of growth meaning better playing consistency and more time can be allocated elsewhere to maintaining the course. Other work that is under competition is topping up of bunkers before all our time has to be committed to course maintenance, so they are in top condition for when we can all get back out enjoying our golf. Until then stay safe and keep practicing.'