Pitch mark repairs are getting better as more members learn how to repair their pitchmarks so here is another link to help the rest who still need to learn.

https://video-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xtf1/v/t42.1790-2/11830402_1100066216689151_247719730_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjg3OCwicmxhIjoxMjUwLCJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6InJlc180MjZfY3JmXzIzX21haW5fMy4wX3NkIn0%3D&rl=878&vabr=488&oh=f5891283caba4ce67dabc4ab861034e3&oe=5683E5D8

Storm Frank

9.30 am at Gullane and the average winds are at 38mph, there was another blockage in the rain guage so the rainfall data is incorrect.

Highest gust of 54mph was recorded at 8.50 am.

Gullane greens on xmas eve 2015 after 9mm of rain and a cut and turf iro...

Pizza takeaway for lunch today.

Temporary fix to a drainage issue around the Visitors Clubhouse, No2 boys in there sorting it all oot.

Finishing off work and presentation work this week

Finished the re-positioned bunker at the 6th of No1.

Divotting tees on No3.

Aeration on No2

The greens and aprons on No1 will be getting a sand top dressing every two weeks during the winter months to help dilute or maintain the desirable organic matter readings and to firm up the surfaces.

I met up with fellow Course Managers (links forum group) last Tuesday and Wednesday and we walked round The Ailsa course at Turberry on Tuesday and Royal Troon on Wednesday. The changes at Turnberry are unbelievable and I am sure it will look fantastic when it is done. It was impossible to assess the conditioning of the course at Turnberry because it was like a well organised building site but when fully knitted in and in full growth I know it will look fantastic. I was very surprised how good a course Royal Troon was also, great track and in very good condition. Billy has been very busy over the last few years firming everything up with lots of sand applications. It was really interesting to see duckting in bunkers for cameras for next years open.

Roped off areas where introduced during November to help keep traffic away from weak or worn areas, it would be greatly appreciated if you kept to the outside of these areas.

No2s turn for the shed cleaning this week

Allan White that engrossed in his cylinder work he was totally oblivious of me taking a photo of him.

We will be gradually bringing some bunkers back into play after they have had 10 weeks of closure. This time out of play allows the turf to take root which will make it more resilient to drought conditions and help it to recover better from wear and tear.

The boys have done a fantastic job at the bunker at the 6th, here's hoping that Tom approves of what has been done?

Starting to shape up the bunker, a bit wet underfoot initially but as you can see below, with some sand capping, the base has dried out.

That's the first bunker on the right expertly filled in at the 6th of No1. Well done Paul Hay and his team, you would have never of guessed there was a bunker there before.

Below we have before and after photos of the drive bunkers at the 6th of No1. These changes were recommended by Mackenzie Ebert .

We have started working on a new tee at the 16th hole on No1. This new tee will help to spread the wear and tear both on and around the current tees but it will also create a great approach shot into the hole. Paul and his team will be alternating work between this tee and the new bunkering at the 6th. If it is wet they will be working on the drier site where the tee is located and when it is dry they will be at the bunkers.

We have moved the 18th green on no1 out to the left by two or three feet, nearer to the grass hollow, this should allow us to get some good pin positions within that area. The green has been getting cut out to the new shape for the last couple of months now and it is coming along nicely. We now need to move the 4 sprinklers and alter the back left ridge. Paul and his team starting this work this morning.

How to repair a pitch marks, open the link and follow the instructions to help keep our greens in good shape. http://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/features/the-game/how-to-repair-a-pitch-mark-correctly-12186

A wee winter greens hardener made up of iron, magnesium and seaweed was applied to the greens and aprons on no1 today. This mix should harden the grass up to protect it from the winter elements and fungal attacks.

Mole activity usually picks up during November, the mole hills also become more visible when the rough has been cut back. Bobby spends a fair amount of time addressing this problem and he does a great job keeping on top of them.

The mild weather has extended the growing season. At this time of year we would normally have stopped fairway mowing and cracked on with bunker refurb work but, this year, we have got to try and fit in more greens mowing and fairway mowing than normal and try to get a few bunkers done also. We would normally have stopped the weekend greens mowing by mid October but this year, for the first time ever, we cut the greens at the weekend on the 1st of November.

There is a lot of disease about just now, this picture was taken on an area next to the 14th turf nursery. With the Autumn and winter being very mild this year, fusarium has been knocking around since the end of September. Thankfully we have kept the loss of grass cover to a minimum on the greens.