Unfortunately the condition of the fairways has not improved despite the best efforts of the Greens staff. A disease has now developed causing root rot and the best which can be done is chemical application to prevent the spread of the disease.
Now the weather has cooled down it is proposed to top dress and seed the bare areas on the fairways with rye in the coming weeks. It is hoped that the combination of rye and regeneration of the dormant Poa (winter grass) will repair the affected areas.
A Vertdrain machine, which will aerate the fairways, has been ordered but will not be available for another 6-8 weeks. Once this machine is in operation the problems of this summer should not be repeated.
Preferred lies will continue on fairways until they reach a satisfactory condition.