18/08/2026
High Elms Golf Course Update
Despite what has been an extremely challenging summer weather-wise, we are very pleased with how the course has performed and, in particular, how well the greens have coped through the prolonged dry and drought conditions.
Greens & Aeration Programme
Our ongoing Air2G2 and solid-tining programme will continue as part of our long-term approach to improving soil structure, encouraging deeper rooting and maintaining healthy, resilient playing surfaces.
This will be supported by regular vertical cutting and sorrel rolling. These practices allow us to manage organic matter and surface growth while maintaining good aeration and encouraging a tighter, healthier sward.
It is important that we continue with this programme consistently rather than reacting to short-term conditions. The improvements we are seeing are the result of building healthier greens over time.
Nutrition & Irrigation
The nutrition programme has been very successful this summer, and we feel we have achieved the right balance between feeding the plant and managing irrigation.
Throughout the drought, our irrigation programme has generally worked on a three-day cycle rather than applying small amounts of water every day. This approach encourages the plant to search deeper into the soil profile for moisture, helping us develop stronger and deeper root systems.
Combined with the nutrition programme, this has left the greens in a very healthy position despite the prolonged hot and dry conditions. The course has coped extremely well during what has been a particularly demanding summer for turf management.
Leatherjackets, Birds & Badgers
Members will have noticed areas of bird pecking and disturbance, particularly around some of the irrigated areas.
Much of this activity is linked to leatherjackets in the soil, which provide a food source for birds. The drought has made the problem more noticeable, as the regularly irrigated areas remain attractive feeding grounds while surrounding ground has become extremely dry.
We have also experienced increased activity from badgers searching for food, which can cause more significant disruption to the turf.
An appropriate autumn treatment for leatherjackets is planned as part of our pest-management programme. We will also be purchasing bird-scarer kites for use around the greens to help reduce bird activity and the associated surface damage.
Winter Programme
Planning for our winter works programme will begin shortly.
As part of that process, we would be very interested to hear from members about areas of the course they feel could benefit from attention or improvements over the winter period.
Recommendations and suggestions can be emailed directly to:
[email protected]
Thank You
Finally, thank you for your continued support and patience throughout the summer.
We are extremely pleased with how High Elms has coped during some very difficult growing conditions. The work being carried out through our aeration, nutrition and irrigation programmes is putting us in a strong position, and we will continue working to improve both the health of the course and the quality of the playing surfaces.
