On 21st July 2017, Mr. Conor Nolan, Turfgrass Agronomist with STRI Ltd., carried out the annual survey of the course. During his visit he was very complimentary of the quality of the greens, fairways and tee boxes. Below please find a summary of the report.
Greens
The report states: “Putting surface quality was the best I have ever recorded, anywhere”. Objective measurements were taken for speed, trueness and smoothness. The average green speed was 11ft 11in as measured by the stimpmeter. Smoothness was 9.5 mm/m with the target set at less than 23 mm/m and trueness was measured at 3.5 mm/m with a target of less than 8 mm/m.
Fairways
The report states: “Fairways offered good definition and ball support” and “No weeds were noted anywhere which reflects the high standard overall”.
Tee Boxes
The report states: “The tees were in very good condition offering good grass, good visual presentation and quick recovery from divot scarring”.
The main recommendations were to consider introducing finer grasses, such as fescues, to the greens and in particular to the aprons, and to consider removing groups of evergreen trees to promote air movement and create openings for sunlight, in particular on the 12th and 15th holes.
The council has congratulated Keith and his team on this excellent report.
