On 17/07/2025 Course Manager Richard Johnstone was awarded with a 17th BIGGA CPD Milestone certificate in recognition of his continued education and training in 2025.
The BIGGA CPD scheme is made up of members who are looking to improve their professional knowledge and competence within the industry while developing skills and personal qualities necessary for the execution of technical duties throughout their working life
“No professional should stand still – we are learning – all the time”
After testing the pH of our soils within our greens profile in early 2024 we found that the pH of the 6 indicator greens tested across the site were low – some as low as 4.8. It was our intention to raise the pH gradually and set ourselves an initial target of 5.5.
We did make some progress in the last 12 months increasing the pH levels but there is a still a long way to go to get to optimum levels.
In an attempt to raise the pH of the soils even further we applied a soil conditioner product called CalCi Complex which is designed to gently increase rootzone pH in low buffered acidic soils. The product was applied after the pencil tine aeration work at 35g/m2 to allow the product the penetrate the soil profile and a follow up application will be applied in the Autumn.
The pH level of the soil is of great importance as it affects the availability of the nutrients to the grass plant. A pH of around 6.0 is thought to give the turf good access to nutrients whilst helping to control any worm problems. Monitoring and adjusting soil pH is a routine practice in golf course maintenance to optimise turf performance.
The Key benefits of using this product are:
Due to the High Organic matter content within the profile of our surfaces, we decided to apply a granular product called Thatch eater which is typically done to biologically manage and reduce thatch without the need for aggressive mechanical removal through the main playing season. The Thatcheater was applied directly after aeration was carried out so the product was incorporated into the soil profile. We have been working hard since Spring 2024 to get our Organic Matter levels back within target levels and this product added to work along side regular maintenance practices such as aeration, verticutting and sand topdressing.
Below are some of the reasons we chose to apply Thatcheater:
On the 3rd July 2025 we took the opportunity to run the Greentek Thatch Away Supa System Verticutting Cassettes across the greens on approaches.
Verti-cutting which is short for vertical mowing is an important turf maintenance practice used to improve the health and playability of the putting surfaces.Unlike regular mowing, which cuts horizontally, verti-cutting slices into the canopy to a depth range of 0-4mm.
The main reasons for carrying out this practice are to remove and help control thatch, allow better air, water and nutrient movement, promote upright grass growth, giving the ball a smoother and faster roll, helps stimulate lateral tillering and new shoots, resulting in denser, healthier turf, helps reduce grain by cutting lateral stems and forcing vertical growth and by opening the turf canopy, it improves light, air, and fertiliser penetration into the soil.
On Wednesday 2nd July and Thursday 3rd July we will be carrying out pencil tine aeration to the greens and approaches with 6mm solid tines to a depth of 115mm. The 6mm tines create channels for air to reach the root zone loosening compacted soils while allowing roots to grow deeper and stronger. The practice will also allow water penetrate the surface instead of pooling and improves efficiency of irrigation. The deeper roots improve drought tolerance and resilience.
The maintenance practice will be carried out early in the mornings ahead of golf with minimal disruption to play and surface performance.
Just like humans, the grass plant needs plenty of oxygen to live healthily.
“To understand why aeration is critical to healthy turf, it is essential that the golfer understands that the roots of grass don’t grow in soil. They actually grow in the air spaces between the soil particles.”
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club - Golf Course Blog 