WET!!!
At the risk of stating the obvious, its been pretty wet!
But just how wet is wet? We maintain rainfall figures recorded with the rain gauge at our shed down by the 3rd green. They are useful for monthly and yearly comparisons and also help us determine irrigation and fertiliser applications.
We have got good solid records extending back to 2000. More can be found online through Metservice but they are recorded at other locations in town.
Lets take a look at some of the numbers:
- March 2017 was the wettest March since 2000. We had 208mm and the average March rainfall is 79mm
- April 2017 is already the wettest April since 2000. To date, we have had 199mm and the average April rainfall is 80mm
What does this mean?
The big upshot is we haven't had to rely on the irrigation system through the Autumn which can sometimes be the case. Rainfall is the best and most even form of irrigation there is.
The downside is we haven't been able to control the moisture levels of the soil during a time where we would normally be trying to dry things out in anticipation for winter. Ideally, we would have things set up so as rainfall occurs during cooler temperatures the soil is able to absorb it better.
What can you do?
Wet areas are more prone to compaction as discussed in this post on coring. Where possible we will be using ropes to direct both cart and foot traffic away from damaged areas and high profile areas. It can be a challenge however to identify and treat all the areas so if you see an area that is clearly wet and getting damaged, please take a path around it to try and spread the wear. This helps give the grass the best chance to recover which leads to better playing conditions year round
Good golfing!
Regards
The Maintenance Team
Hamilton Golf Club
But just how wet is wet? We maintain rainfall figures recorded with the rain gauge at our shed down by the 3rd green. They are useful for monthly and yearly comparisons and also help us determine irrigation and fertiliser applications.
Sometimes we need a bigger gauge!
We have got good solid records extending back to 2000. More can be found online through Metservice but they are recorded at other locations in town.
Lets take a look at some of the numbers:
The use of record keeping software makes graphs easy
- April 2017 is already the wettest April since 2000. To date, we have had 199mm and the average April rainfall is 80mm
What does this mean?
The big upshot is we haven't had to rely on the irrigation system through the Autumn which can sometimes be the case. Rainfall is the best and most even form of irrigation there is.
The downside is we haven't been able to control the moisture levels of the soil during a time where we would normally be trying to dry things out in anticipation for winter. Ideally, we would have things set up so as rainfall occurs during cooler temperatures the soil is able to absorb it better.
What can you do?
Cart and foot traffic beating up the poor grass!
Good golfing!
Regards
The Maintenance Team
Hamilton Golf Club
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