| This message is to provide an update for members on course Covid guidelines and a general update on what is happening around the Links. Covid changes. Under Golf Ireland guidelines the decision has been taken to allow the removal of pins (flagpole) at the player’s discretion. The regular rules of golf to apply in that a player may choose to leave the pin in the hole while finishing out. Golf ball retrievers will be available for use on all burns and water penalty areas. Bunker rules will continue as at present i.e. there will be no rakes in bunkers and a ball may be placed within 6 inches not nearer the hole. This will be reviewed regularly and any changes will be advised. Course conditions. In general both links are in good condition despite the weather challenges year to date. The early part of the year brought a continuous north wind with hindered early season growth. In recent weeks the lack of rain has delivered a fast running summer links showing some browning but the cure for this is promised now (rain). Because of the unusual growing conditions, two of our fairways have been a little more stressed than others, namely Holes 2 and 7. Our green-keeping practice in spring time is to spray a gramincide to hinder the growth of undesirable broadleaf grasses and allow the finer fescue grasses to thrive. Because of the winter and spring conditions the content of broadleaf grasses in fairways 2 and 7 was greater than normal. Consequently the gramincide left these two fairways looking burned and bare before the heatwave. Both fairways have now been seeded with fescue which will quickly bringing them in line with the rest of the course. Following the introduction of the Out of Bounds on the right of the first fairway the decision was taken to “open up” a greater area on the left side to encourage more use of the left half. Much of the rough has been cut back to semi-rough level which will allow a ball to be found easily. The dry conditions of recent weeks has left the fairway surfaces more vulnerable to divot damage. With the surface so dry it is generally pointless replacing the broken sod and the only practical solution is to use the divot-bag mix to fill the blemish. At this time of year the seed will germinate quickly and the blemish will repair. So the ask of all players is to take a divot-bag and use it on any blemish you come across and return it empty when finished. This will be very worthwhile in the presentation of our courses. The practice pitching green which was re-seeded last October is taking longer than expected to mature. Further topdressing and cutting will bring it to expected condition before the end of the season. While it is ok to pitch balls onto the surface the area has been roped-off to prevent players practicing off/ taking divots from the surface. And finally, it is planned to have a divoting evening on Thursday July 29th at 7.30pm in advance of Open-Week, in order to have the championship course in the best possible condition. Everyone, large or small, is welcome and we will meet on the 1st fairway. Many thanks in advance for your support. Enjoy your golf. Terry Brady Links Chairman |
