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Course Update
11/06/08
In a list of desirable
attributes for a Course Manager I would place courage and patience somewhere
in the top five. Courage is important in that sometimes we have to make and
implement decisions that are not universally popular but are right for the
course. Patience is also necessary to see things through to the end without
panicking and taking hasty decisions.
When I joined Leyland
Golf Club it was apparent that, although we could make some positive changes
fairly quickly, substantial change would take longer. That’s where the courage
comes in, since we have carried out some fairly disruptive work that could
have been unpopular. This work needs time to bear fruit and that is why
patience is important. It would have been quite easy to start cutting the
greens very short and perhaps making them very quick for a brief period. I’m
sure everyone would be all smiles and I would be Mr. Popular. However, given
the nature of our greens and the type of work we have carried out I held my
nerve and chose not to sacrifice the finer grasses we are trying to introduce.
As time passes the
greens are steadily improving in both speed and trueness. This is due to good
greenkeeping practice on the part of the whole team and careful use of a range
of techniques such as top-dressing, brushing and maintaining a good quality of
cut. Anyone can cut grass short, but not everyone wants to deal with
the consequences – diseased, spongy greens.
We have had many
positive comments about the rest of the course and we have plans to continue
improving as the season progresses. With Captain’s weekend(s) and Golf Week
approaching we plan to give all members a course of which they can be proud.
Scott Reeves
Course Manager.
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