Chris Hale, course manager at the Warren Golf Club in Devon, turned to Sherriff Amenity after looking for solutions to help decrease the percentage of thatch in the greens profile.
Chris Hale, course manager at the Warren Golf Club in Devon
Sited on the Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, Warren Golf Club is a one of the only true links courses on the south coast of Devon. The course is an 18 hole with beautiful views of the Exe Estuary to enjoy and each hole provides a rare challenge for both the experienced golfer and newcomers.
Chris joined the club as course manager six months ago and quickly found that he had to seriously consider a nutrient programme appropriate for the Warren’s greens.
“After STRI results, I met with David and discussed the 2 inches of thatch in the greens which we identified as not just being a result of possibly a lack of aeration, but potentially too much nitrogen being applied as well,” he said. “I wasn’t sure exactly how much was being applied as I couldn’t find any records kept, but I knew that a liquid ‘when required’ feed was more suitable than using a granular.
“After hollow coring and starting the process of neutralising the thatch, my first aim was to promote a healthy grass plant through a steady liquid feed programme.”
Chris called in the expertise of Sherriff Amenity’s David Chammings and together the two of them developed a programme which would help to prevent too much organic matter.
“I did a bit of research and spoke to a few companies but I was really impressed with David’s knowledge and the advice that he gave me.
“We both looked through a number of fertilisers and then we found the correct formula for us which was the E2Pro 12.0.12 liquid. We felt that this would be ideal to help reduce the organic matter in conjunction with aeration and mechanical tining.”
Sherriff say the E2Pro high performance liquid fertiliser range is based on advanced formulation technology that provides rapid leaf penetration and quickly relieves nutrient deficiency symptoms. The 12.0.12 is a phosphate free NK fertiliser which contains added potassium for strengthening cell walls and improving resilience to drought stress and disease.
Chris applies the E2Pro 12.0.12 to the greens at 30 l/ha once a month and has found that an application of Sherriff Amenity’s Seavolution (seaweed liquid) at 20 l/ha two weeks later has hugely complimented the E2Pro.
“The E2Pro and the Seavolution mix have helped us to reduce the nitrogen levels and the two products have been really good for us. It’s early days, but results have been good. I’m hoping to see substantial growth and at the same time I’m confident that these products will provide the correct amount of nutrients without being overly excessive.”