Members, visit this page for updates on course works and course developments!
Update – 28th NOVEMBER 2018
Root Breaking
Root breaking has commenced at the 13th & 10th holes along the tree line to the right hand side of greens. Similar work will also be undertaken around the periphery of the 9th hole.
OCTOBER 2018
DRILL & FILL (October/November 2018) – continuation of on course Development works.
8/11/18 – Update – Drill & Fill works have now been completed on all 6 greens. i.e. 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 12th & 17th.
Member Notice:
Greens staff will be commencing a Drill & Fill Process on Monday 29 October 2018.
The following greens will be affected: 2, 3, 5 , 7, 12, & 17. These 6 greens are notably our 6 wettest greens which have persistently posed issues in terms of playability as a result of rain and flooding. Please click on the link below which will demonstrate a Drill and Fill machine in operation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt8mXM7-1FY
The benefit of undertaking the Drill & Fill process will further enhance the palyability, firmness of 6 troublesome greens and compliment the graden works and the introduction of new bent seed which, has been undertaken throughout September 2018.
The Drill & Fill process will essentially improve drainage on these 6 greens by opening channels directly through to the stone carpet beneath the playing surface. Filling the channel with sand ensures the profile remains open to the stone carpet, thereby ensuring water flows away unimpeded.
The residual sand will then be brushed away.
Also, from Monday 29 October ’18, official play will commence at the 10th Hole – i.e. back 9 First, then 2nd 9 if appropriate.
Thank you
OCTOBER 2018
Water Outlets cleared at 17th Hole
Our thanks to Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council for this assistance and co-operation in this work.
SEPTEMBER 2018
7th, 8th & 9th Greens – Graden work commenced Tuesday 4 September 2018
AUGUST 2018
Current News:
Thatch removal continues on all greens throughout the course. Some of the more troublesome greens have undergone two passes, e.g. 7th and 17th greens, probably the two wettest greens on the course as a result of significant thatch layer beneath the surfaces. New bent seed has been introduced to all greens as part of the Graden process.
COURSE DEVELOPMENT WORKS – September 2018
Course works – Phase 1 Sept 2018 – Massereene Golf Club
Greens Staff
Mark Cassidy (Head Greenkeeper)
Mark Shannon (Deputy Head Greenkeeper)
Peter McMullan
Luke McCoy
Clem Beattie
Jane Beattie
Course Development Plan 2018/19
(Members will be updated on course developments works and when scheduled)
Key developments planned for Autumn/Winter 2018/19
Aggressive removal of thatch layer from all greens (commenced Tuesday 4th September 2018)
Drainage works at 1st & 9th Holes
Replacing sand type in all course bunkers (traps)
New steps constructed at various holes
Drill & Fill works on our wettest greens (e.g 2, 3, 5, 7, 12 & 17)
Creation and extension of new winter tees (Commenced July 2018)
Removal of non-native trees allowing improved air movement and light penetration around tees & greens
Reshaping bunkers (e.g Holes 12 & 15 initially) (already commenced – July 2018)
New fairway, rough mowers and Graden machines – purchased April 2018.
Sluice Gate installed at 16th Hole water outlet:
ANYONE CAN CUT GRASS CAN’T THEY?
“Most people can cut grass, but getting the correct grasses to grow in the required manner 365 days of the year takes a blend of experience, craftsmanship and a good base of scientific research and knowledge”
Greenkeeping Magazine , Oct. ’18
We would request that all members:
rake bunkers
replace divots
repair pitch marks
refrain from retrieving their ball from the hole with putters
do not bring their trolleys and /or buggies onto the teeing areas
avoid driving buggies and trolleys over G.U.R