In the build-up to the Dunhill we have been monitoring the green speed daily and we’re happy to report that things are on schedule.

Gearing up for the Dunhill

So another tournament is on the way; this time of year sees the return of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to the Old Course. The event is co-hosted along with Kingsbarns and Carnoustie over the first three days with the final round being played at St Andrews.

Infrastructure

Preparations have been on-going over the last few weeks with hospitality units being erected around the course at the 17th green and on the right of the 1st fairway.

hospitality 17th

Course Preparation 

On the course, things are going according to plan in the build-up to next week’s tournament. Early this week the weather was a bit unseasonal and temperatures dipped which caused growth to slow, which is actually not a bad thing!

With growth slowing and colder night time temperatures, this can have an effect on green speeds. As growth decreases and we are continually cutting the grass leaf, we are effectively still rolling over the plant and can in turn increase pace without too much effort.

In the build-up to the Dunhill we have been monitoring the green speed daily and we’re happy to report that things are on schedule.

stripmeter

balls

In terms of green speed, we are currently are rolling out at 9’10” which is an ideal speed for the tournament. We will manage these conditions accordingly and (depending on the weather) will look to roll the greens every second day to maintain this speed.

This weekend we’ll be getting the course up to tournament standard in terms of presentation. This will involve fully cutting the course, including small jobs like strimming bunker faces, cleaning the Swilcan Burn and turfing out its entrances.

mornings

With big names like Ernie Els, Andy Garcia and Hugh Grant confirmed for this year’s Dunhill, it promises to be a great week. Here’s hoping the weather is kind to us here in St Andrews.

 

Words by Gordon McKie, Course Manager – The Old Course

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