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.
