FIELD OF SPORT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 272, 29 August 1933, Page 2

FIELD OF SPORT.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “Onlooker.”) Writing further on the subject of the fairways at the Ashburton Golf Club’s iinks, the player of many years’ standing says: “Onlooker” is perfectly right in pointing out that the matter of turf culture is one for experts. It may be helpful to readers generally to quote here the opinions of experts both in England and America. The enthusiastic gardener who loves his lawn might take note. Dr. Oakley, of Arlington Experimental Farms (U.8.A.), in a lecture at the annual meeting of the United States Golf Association, said: ‘ Let us understand clearly that the fertilising of a putting |jreen and the fertilising of a hayfield are quite different propositions. In fertilising meadows a large growth of plants is what is sought. In the ease of putting greens (and all sports greens of course) it is quality of turf, which involves, in addition to vigour of growth and texture, freedom from weeds. It is very important that this difference be appreciated.’ “And of no less an authority is Sir John Rilssell, 0.8. E., D.Sc., F.R.S. (head of the Governmental Experimental Farm and Laboratory at Rothampstead, Herts), who not only signified his acceptance of the American principles, but was able definitely to subscribe to their validity by reason of the fact that their continuous experiments ‘ had proved them sound.’ This was also impressed upon me by the executives of some of the leading golf clubs in Australia some little time ago, but I had already awakened to the fact after listening to the free but eventually very costly advice of amateurs. My contention that the fail-ways would cost £2OO to put in condition 1 still consider a modest one.

“There is one very important point that might escape the layman. Compare, the greens —squares of about a chain, the favoured patches of the links —under constant care, fed with fertilisers and watered systematically and over a period of years having tons of good soil dressed into them, with the poor fairways. In this case they are built on a riverbed base with a comparatively thin layer of soil, exposed to all the extremes of climate and even no soil dressing or systematic watering. Tliat is why I contend that a two-inch layer of soil is necessary: and a heavy sowing of the best seed which can be had here, plus the advice of men qualified to speak on seed. This would make a permanent job and provide a base on which to work for all time. It would give the roots a chance to tiller out and make a mat, and having done so would better withstand the ravages of a dry season such as last. Considering what has been done this would be a simple undertaking for willing hands. “Perhaps because it is only ‘grass we are apt to think it of little importance and express opinions on the subject far too readily. Let whatever is done be the outcome of the advice of those who are qualified to give opinions. If the work is not tackled I am of opinion that there is seed floating around that may settle where:

‘The shophand leaving his rest before the sun, One short hour on the dew-clad links to steal; And the artisan whose long day’s work is done Snatches a round before his evening meal.’ ”