Monthly Green Report, 28th July 2026
Summary
The past month has been dominated by an extended period of exceptionally hot, dry weather with virtually no meaningful rainfall. These conditions have placed the green under significant stress and required careful day-to-day management to maintain both turf health and playing quality. Overall, the green continues to perform well despite these exceptionally challenging conditions.
Key issues this month
Weather Impact
Prolonged period of extreme heat and drought.
Turf placed under considerable environmental stress.
Scorch marks visible on rink lines.
Two areas of turf damaged where mats were left on the green in direct sunlight and heat.
Careful management has been essential to maintain a healthy and consistent playing surface.
Irrigation Strategy
Maintaining adequate soil moisture has been the highest priority throughout the month. In the absence of an electronic moisture meter, irrigation decisions have necessarily been based on experience, careful observation and consultation with our experienced greenkeepers. Their knowledge and advice have been invaluable in determining the Club's irrigation strategy throughout this prolonged dry spell.
Actions taken:
Daily early morning irrigation throughout the dry spell.
New pump-fed hose and wetting agent applicator now in regular use.
Watering time reduced to approximately 5 minutes per sprinkler head, making
irrigation significantly more efficient.
Targeted hand watering of drought-stressed areas to maintain an even playing surface.
Monthly preventative wetting agent programme has continued to perform extremely well, ensuring water penetrates into the root zone rather than running off.
Additional expenditure
A further box of six wetting agent pellets has been purchased, with only one pellet
remaining from the original stock.
Playing Conditions
The prolonged dry weather has required a careful balance between achieving optimum green speed and protecting the long-term health of the turf.
Daily irrigation may result in a slightly slower playing surface than some members
would ideally prefer.
Reducing irrigation simply to increase green speed would place the turf under
unnecessary stress and risk long-term damage.
The management strategy has therefore prioritised turf health, consistency and
playability, ensuring the green remains in good condition throughout the drought.
Importantly, despite the exceptionally dry conditions, the green has shown no
evidence of hydrophobicity (Localised Dry Patch)—one of the most common and
damaging problems affecting fine turf during prolonged dry spells.
The surface has remained healthy, consistent and fully playable throughout this
challenging period.
The Committee can therefore be reassured that the preventative wetting agent programme and carefully managed irrigation strategy have successfully protected the green during one of the most demanding periods in recent years, whilst recognising that the most challenging weeks of the summer may still lie ahead.
Turf Management
Mowing
To reduce heat stress:
Mowing reduced to twice weekly where conditions allowed.
Height of cut increased slightly to improve moisture retention and protect the turf.
Disease Monitoring
Hot, dry conditions can favour certain turf diseases.
A small outbreak of Dollar Spot was identified.
Immediately treated by spot application.
No recurrence has been observed.
Wear Management
To minimise wear during the drought:
Rinks have been rotated more frequently than normal.
Less frequently used rinks have been brought into play where necessary.
Wear has therefore been spread more evenly across the entire green, helping to protect the principal playing areas.
Nutrition Programme
The nutrition programme has been adapted to reflect current weather conditions.
Current approach
No nitrogen fertiliser applied during the hottest period.
Continued application of:
o Seaweed biostimulant (Ultimax).
o Liquid wetting agent.
Additional targeted hand application of wetting agent to drought-stressed areas.
This programme continues to encourage stronger root development, improve drought resilience and support overall turf health.
Looking Ahead
The immediate priorities remain to:
Continue careful irrigation management while dry conditions persist.
Protect turf health without compromising playability.
Resume the normal nutrition programme when weather conditions allow.
Continue monitoring closely for drought stress and disease.
Financial Summary
Expenditure Since Last Committee Meeting
Item Cost
Products (Liquid Fertiliser, Wetting Agent & Seaweed) £154.80
ASMC Green Maintenance Contract £732.32
Wetting Agent Pellets £124.75
Total Expenditure £1,011.87
Green Maintenance Expenditure
Total expenditure since the close of play (September 2025): £11,091.52
Overall Assessment
The green has come through an exceptionally difficult period remarkably well. While
green speed has inevitably been moderated to protect the turf, the playing surface has remained healthy, consistent and free from Localised Dry Patch. The preventative maintenance programme adopted throughout the season, together with the experience and commitment of the Club's volunteer greenkeeping team, has proved highly effective in safeguarding one of the Club's most valuable assets.
Paul Aldus