ALDERNEY OVERCOMES

A coastal golf course located on Alderney Island, Alderney Golf Club has in recent years faced a persistent threat to its greens in the form of Dollar Spot, a fungal disease notorious for its detrimental impact on turf health and playing performance.
 
Dollar Spot causes small tanned spots about the size of a Dollar coin (Dollar Spot!) around 2-5cm in diameter. It is spread through small bits of mycelium moving to a new plant host. They move in water and can also be spread on shoes, golf equipment, and turf management equipment. Spots can typically coalesce which can wipe out large areas of turf.
 
At Alderney Golf Club, both Poa and Bent grasses contribute to the botanical sward composition. Unfortunately, Dollar Spot threatens both grass species and their susceptibility to the disease necessitated a targeted management approach.
 
Dollar Spot has plagued Alderney Golf Club for half a decade. Despite efforts to control it, the disease was historically initiated in June. In response to this challenge, Alderney Golf Club sought the expertise of Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS), a provider of turf management solutions. Working closely with OAS technical advisor Marcus Hewitt, the club devised a proactive strategy to combat Dollar Spot and rejuvenate its greens.
 
OAS recommended the implementation of Exteris Stressgard fungicide, applied in mid-May with a follow-up application two weeks later. This pre-emptive approach aims to suppress the Dollar Spot before it gains momentum.
 
Maintaining a healthy plant is extremely important when managing Dollar Spot so the course manager Paul Flairclough focused on enhancing turf health. A tailored regimen comprising Liquid N, Seaweed, and Elevate Fe, supported by a wetting agent programme featuring Tricure AD and Seaquest, strengthened the turf against disease while promoting vigour and resilience.

Paul said, "Since working with Marcus from OAS the course has been in immaculate condition. Marcus’ support with Dollar Spot management has improved summer playing conditions on the greens and our membership and visitors have provided excellent feedback."
 
As autumn approached, Dollar Spot pressure continued due to the high humidity. Dedicate fungicide was applied with Trimate in September keeping the greens Dollar Spot free and prepared for any Microdochium Patch outbreaks that would often start in late September.  

Alderney Golf Club believe their success story stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and innovation in turf management. By partnering with Origin Amenity Solutions, the club say they not only conquered Dollar Spot but also elevated the overall quality of its greens.
 
Paul concluded, “Exteris worked extremely well on our golf course and we had good control over Dollar Spot for the first time in five years on this site. Due to the Stressgard technology, the grass was healthy and looking amazing.”