Course Updates

Greens Aeration – 28th September

Greens aeration work is currently being carried out this week on all greens except the 13th and 14th, which recently underwent the VGR TopChanger demonstration.

The hollow coring process removes excess organic matter from the upper rootzone, creating space for improved air and water movement throughout the soil profile. Following coring, sand is brushed into the holes to aid drainage, improve gas exchange around the roots and help maintain a firmer, healthier putting surface.

This work complements the recent Wiedenmann and Toro ProCore 648 solid tine aeration operations and forms part of our ongoing programme to improve the long-term health and performance of the greens.

We appreciate members’ patience while the greens recover and look forward to the benefits these essential maintenance practices will bring.

In early September as part of the greens maintenance, a combination of deep and shallow aeration techniques was carried out simultaneously on all greens. The Wiedenmann deep aerator, operated with a tractor, was used to penetrate deeply into the soil profile, relieving compaction in the rootzone, improving drainage, and creating channels for air, water and nutrients to move more effectively through the soil.

At the same time, a Toro ProCore 648 was used to perform shallow surface tining. This operation targeted the upper rootzone, creating a high volume of smaller holes to improve gas exchange, encourage healthy root development, and maintain surface firmness without causing significant disruption to play.

Working in tandem on the 1st and 6th greens allowed both deep and shallow aeration to be completed efficiently, with the same treatment subsequently applied across all greens on the course ( video of 1st green tining). The dual approach provides benefits throughout the entire soil profile, helping to reduce layering, alleviate compaction at different depths, enhance drainage performance, and promote stronger, healthier turf growth going into the autumn and winter period.

This integrated aeration programme is an important part of maintaining year-round playing quality and ensuring the long-term health of the greens.

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving course conditions, the greens team has recently replenished the sand in a number of bunkers across the course.

Over time, bunker sand can become contaminated with soil and organic matter, reducing drainage performance and altering the consistency of playing conditions. To address this, fresh sand has been added and carefully distributed throughout selected bunkers to restore optimal depth, improve playability, and enhance presentation.

The photographs below show some of the work being carried out, from the addition of fresh sand through to the finished, prepared bunkers ready for play.

This important maintenance work helps ensure that our bunkers continue to provide a fair and consistent challenge while maintaining the high standards expected at Dumfries & County Golf Club.

We hope members and visitors alike will notice the improvements and enjoy the enhanced playing conditions.

The club were able to source a supply of road planings from the local roadworks, allowing us to make a number of much‑needed improvements around the facility. These materials have been used to upgrade the access road leading to the shed and to tidy and strengthen the area surrounding the greenkeepers’ shed, creating a cleaner, safer and more durable surface for vehicles and equipment.

Our thanks once again to Molplant for carrying out this work and for their continued support of the club.

Significant improvement works have recently been carried out on the burn running alongside the driving range and the 7th hole.

The first section of the burn, extending from the 7th tee to the bridge, was cleared and prepared for piping before being covered over. This work has improved both the appearance and manageability of the area.

The remaining section of the burn underwent extensive refurbishment, with all of the old wooden sleepers removed. The channel was then thoroughly cleaned out and the banks reshaped to create a more natural profile while improving drainage and presentation.

The photographs below show the various stages of the project, from the initial works through to the completed result.

Many thanks to Molplant Construction and everyone involved in completing this project and enhancing this area of the course.

The tree stump remaining from the tree removed on the 7th hole has now been covered and seeded, and will soon blend naturally into the surrounding area.

Greenstaff have also been dealing with several issues with the irrigation system, and many of you will have noticed repairs taking place across the course. Locating bursts and carrying out the necessary fixes can be a time‑consuming process, and the photo shows the size of one of the excavations required before repairs could be completed.

In addition, the path leading down from the 6th tee has been repaired and resurfaced, improving both safety and appearance.