Grimsby Reduces Thatch And Winter Disruption

Scott Vincent of Grimsby GC and Greg Milton of OAS

Grimsby Golf Club has reported improved winter green performance after trialling a biological approach to thatch management, reducing its reliance on disruptive hollow coring.

Head greenkeeper Scott Vincent, who has spent 38 years at the club, said managing organic matter had become increasingly challenging, particularly during wet winters. With only four of the club’s greens equipped with drainage and a team of just three greenkeepers, hollow coring had traditionally been carried out three or four times a year to manage thatch.

Following discussions with Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) technical manager Greg Milton, Scott decided to trial ThatchEater, a biological treatment designed to break down thatch and convert it into plant-available nutrients.

According to Scott, the club saw a noticeable reduction in thatch accumulations following the first application, despite another wet winter. He also believes the treatment contributed to the club being able to keep its greens in play for longer, with less reliance on temporary surfaces.
The reduction in hollow coring also meant less disruption for members, who Scott says noticed the difference.

Independent sampling carried out by OAS indicated continued improvement in the condition of the greens. The club is now in the second year of the programme, with Scott looking to incorporate the treatment into its wider nutritional programme.