04/04/2025
Head Greenkeeper Steven Knaggs showcases the progress on the 13th green following the algae formation in March. The germination mats have been removed, and the recovery process is still underway.
Course and Practice
A fantastic evening on Tuesday for our grand Academy opening.
We are delighted to bring this facility to our membership. This will play a pivotal role in evolving our junior section and add more value to our membership.
The facility was opened by Tim Morrison of the Stanley Morrison charitable trust and Stephen Gallacher European Tour star.
We are grateful for our sponsors Mathers ltd, PET UK, Rosefield Salvage, Titleist and our Head Professional.
Many thanks to everyone who has assisted with this development with special mentions to Oakbank Ltd and Finite Engineering for there efforts in delivery of this project.
Formation of Algae on greens
Several greens have remained on winter conditions over the past few weeks, despite improved ground conditions. At the beginning of March, algae developed on several greens. This algae manifests as dark green or black spores, which can quickly spread across affected areas via golfer foot traffic or machinery.
Algae infestation is influenced by several factors:
- Prolonged moisture during late summer and winter seasons.
- Limited air circulation and excessive shading.
- Low-lying areas along the edges of greens.
- Reduced grass cover due to disease or wear from traffic.
The greens affected include: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, and the Putting Green. A common feature among these greens is their proximity to trees, which limits direct sunlight exposure—particularly during winter months. Over the past two years, efforts have been made to improve air circulation and sunlight by removing trees and branches around these greens.
To address the algae problem, cultural practices have been adopted, as there are no effective chemical solutions available in the UK. The Greenstaff team implemented the following measures:
- Verti-cutting all greens.
- Applying topdressing.
- Knife-tining greens.
- Using suitable fertilizers to promote recovery.
Additionally, Greens 2, 3, 4, and the Putting Green received further treatment, including:
- Micro-tining.
- Application of Profile Porous Ceramic.
- Additional topdressing.
- Seeding with two grass seed species.
Green 13 underwent these treatments along with:
- Micro-tining and solid-tining.
- Application of Profile Porous Ceramic.
- Addition of dried sand to fill solid-tine holes.
- Overseeding with two grass seed species.
- Use of germination sheets to accelerate grass seed growth.
After these extensive treatments, these greens require time to recover. This recovery period allows fertilizers to strengthen the grass sward, ensuring the greens can sustain play without risk of spreading algae spores through golfers or machinery. When the risk of spreading the spores has been removed we will bring greens back into play before the start of the season
As shown in the image, the fairway bunker at the 6th hole has been removed. In its place, a shallow turf bunker has been created on the approach to the green. With the practice area on the right now designated as out of bounds, the removal of the bunker has widened the approach to the green
The right hand bunker at the 3rd hole had issues with washing out and stones. The bunker has been reshaped and constructed using materials from Durabunker, using a woven fabric liner and synthetic turf to construct the bunker wall the bunker will be resistant to wash outs and sand contamination.
As the season quickly approaches, we are excited to announce that the final stages of facility development are well underway.
The completion of the facility is nearly here, with the ball dispenser, ball washer, sponsor signs, and ball collector all in their final stages of installation.
Some final touch-up work on the outfield area and reshaping of the 7th fairway will take place in early March, once the weather warms up.
Our goal is to have the full facility, including the booking system, fully operational one week prior to opening day.
The short course is expected to open later in April once the grass has had a chance to grow in.
Price lists and packages will go live in mid-March, and we’ll be offering 20 special packages for ball hire—be sure to keep an eye out!
James Erskine
PGA Professional
Dumfries & County Golf Club