Netherlands
Meeting at Bernardus Golf
For another study trip, some of our members met at GC Bernardus in the Netherlands on October 22, 2021 to take a look at Superintendent Niall Richardson's nursing strategies.
The site covers almost 80 hectares and was designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips and opened in 2017. Designed in Heathland style, 20 hectares of undulating fairways extend into almost 2 hectares of greens. From tea to green, we rely on Festuca. Between the courses there are naturally left heath areas (planted), thin festuca rough and conifers on sand embankments. This reduces the total area to be maintained and creates natural retreats for many birds and animals. In 2019 the place was awarded the recognized GEO certificate. Due to restrictions, treatment with pesticides is only permitted on 5% of the usable area. Fertilization is carried out in the area close to MLSN; complete MLSN fertilization is aimed for in the next few years. Bernardus hosts the European Tour with the Dutch Open 2021/22. After we first met at the clubhouse, we then inspected the greenkeeper accommodation, machine hall and machine park, all of which were state of the art.
Transport vehicles and accommodation are powered by self-generated solar power, excess power is routed to the clubhouse, enabling an annual saving of 80,000 tons of CO2. We now analyzed the soil and lawn using an irrigation water filter (iron) and a car wash with a water circuit. In order to promote sustainable care and the environment, the choice of fine Festuca grasses was clear. The greens are dominated by Rubra Trichophylla (50%, Viktorka von Barenbrug), which requires very little input and is very disease tolerant. On tees and fairways there is a mix of Trichoyphylla, Rubra Litoralis and Rubra Commutata (30/30/40, also Barenbrug). Dollar spot is hardly an issue. Red tip is quite common. Tees and greens are constructed in USGA Spec close grain size range, but without gravel. Ceramic particles from the American company Profile were added to the greens, which differs from conventional peat, lava, ash, etc. This results in the advantage of higher porosity and water binding of no more than 14-15% throughout the entire base layer. This results in a considerable increase in root mass, with well-known positive properties. For every 85% sand there are 15% PPC (Porous Profile Ceramic). The drainage system is not constructed in a herringbone style, but is developed as individual pipes with entrances through catch basins on both sides. This means that consistent cleaning and maintenance is always guaranteed. I would like to once again thank all the members, some of whom took a long journey to be there on this day.
We look forward to your
CONTACT
Your contact person
Dear interested parties,
as your contact person for the Stomata group, I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have, I would be happy to contact you by e-mail, thank you.
Very best regards
Norbert Lischka