2nd GREEN DRAINAGE

Today (Monday) we started drainage work on the 2nd green by cutting and lifting the turf, where pipe drains will be installed.

Both photos below are examples of the 2nd green following heavy rainfall which has gradually become a far to familiar sight.  Effective drainage in turf management is of paramount importance to:

• general plant health & physiology.
• provide firm surfaces and greens performance.
• minimising course closure during winter, as well as disruption to competitions during the summer months.
• reducing soil compaction.
• maximise playability all year round.
• reduce likelihood of turf diseases such as fusarium.

2nd Green Following heavy rainfall - December 2013.

2nd Green following heavy rainfall - December 2013.

Remedial work for the 2nd green drainage is now being addressed and will generally involve:

• Lifting turf lines where drainage is being installed.
• Digging trenches using herringbone drainage system method - by hand and utilising trencher machine on main lines and positive outlet (across 7th fairway).
• Installing 100 mm perforated pipe - (about 350m in length).
• Backfill with gravel, then free draining rootzone material to depth of 300 mm.  
• Re lay existing turf.

It's expected the 2nd green will be back in play during March 2016.


Turf cut by using turf cutter and being lifted in sections, then placed to the side.

Turf being cut, using turf cutter.

Turf being lifted and placed to side of the green.

Turf lifted, ready to start digging trench.

On Tuesday the trencher machine starts digging the trench across the 7th fairway as a postive outlet. This will allow the water to be quickly discharged from the 2nd green as well as helping improve drainage to 7th fairway.

Leaving clean and tidy finish.

Heavy clay soil

Irrigation pipe and cable located before the machine does!