Dunluce 7th green

 The rootzone layer has now been spread on the new Dunluce 7th green, and the contouring work done ties in very naturally to the surrounding area with lots of interesting putts on and off the green.

Work will begin on the new bunkers this week.

  
  Some gorse removal on the Dunluce 10th was carried out this week. 

The gorse had become woody and degenerate. Gorse must be managed so that this does not happen so a programme of cutting every 3-5years will be implemented to all stands of gorse  on the links.

This area will be allowed to naturally return to rough vegetation with some gorse re-growth. 

 

New Dunluce 7th green complex

Some great shapes through and around the green with a formidable pot bunker short right of the green with some deep run-offs left of the green. A tough second shot into prevailing wind!   

   

Valley 17th

The bunkers on the valley 17th are now completed and have really improved the appearance of the green complex and the view into the green for the second shot.   
   

Winter work progress

Greenside bunkers on the Valley 17th are being rebuilt with the collars and green edge being reshaped and returfed. The bunker on the right hand side was not very functional as it was so close to the green edge. Sand build up on top of the bunker over the years has made the turf very stressed. Rootzone has been removed and replaced before returfing.

  

Area of rough between Dunluce 1st and 16th which was overgrown with bracken and bramble has been cleared. This is the first clearance of this type this winter. This work will assist in regaining dune grass land  seen throughout the links.

Sand has returned to the dune at the white cliffs after last years erosion. Amazing how this has reclaimed wind blown sand. Providing we do not see the same high tides as last winter maraam grass will begin to spread through this fresh sand, once again stabilising the dune.

Short video of the stunning Royal Aberdeen course

http://www.perrygolf.com/blog/royal-aberdeen-golf-club-aberdeen-scotland/
  

Lovely day in Portrush!

 
View looking back toward tees on what will the Open 7th, rootzone stockpiles are now mixed and ready to spread on the new greens. The Sea Buckthorn on the dune in the distance will be reduced in size and the dune will be sprigged with maraam as it was 50 years ago. On the top of the dune the roots will be left in the ground and treated. This will allow the dune to re-establish with maraam grass as the roots decompose in the sand meaning that stabilisation of the dune is not lost.
 
New Valley 16th from the front of the championship tee, the angle of the hole will require better accuracy from the tee. It will be a nervy tee shot towards the end of the round, don’t go right….

   
View from Open 12th looking across the course towards the Skerries islands, the stand of buckthorn is to be reduced in size and this will be Maaram grassed which will enhance the dune and improve the overall view across the course.

 
Stripping back of bracken and bramble has begun left of the 1st fairway, this was done by removing the vegetation and burying. The sand won is then used to sand cap the area to a depth of 1M. This will be lightly sprig he’d with Maaram and allowed to slowly regenerate with wild flowers and fescue.

Construction progress

New Dunluce par 5 7th view into the green from 200yds. Amazing translocation work on the dunes both sides, they look untouched.   

For the long hitters approach bunkers narrow the landing area long second shot to the green.

View from the center of the green looking back towards the tee.

 
3rd teen is progressing well, old soil has been removed and back filled with sand. Sub grade was approved today and rootzone will be spread in the morning, turfing Thursday. The new green is slightly wider with very similar contouring as the original green but the appearance of the turf will now be in keeping with the other greens on the course.  
 

  

  

3rd green construction

The contractors have been working hard this week lifting our existing 3rd green. The clay layer present in this green prevented drainage and our ability to grow the quality turf which is seen on all other Royal Portrush greens. The site will be back filled with clean sand before rootzone mix is spread at a depth of 200mm. 

   
 

Rough management

Rough management work is being carried out on the Dunluce course this week with the spring tine Harrow being used to rake up vegetation before cutting and collecting with scarifying blades fitted to the mower, this will weaken coarse undesirable grasses and also firm up surfaces for the coming season making immediate roughs more playable.

   
 

Dunluce 3rd

Dunluce 3rd hole reconstruction got underway today with the putting surface lifted before an excavator will remove rootzone. The undesirable material will then be removed and replaced.

   
 The tees will also be reconstructed, lowering the front half of the main tee to split up the large teeing ground making the carry to the green visible and give the hole some depth from the tee. Gravel pathways will be removed and replaced with irrigated grass paths improving general appearance and presentation.