Greens – Immediate Actions
- Height of Cut Adjustment
The height of cut has been raised from 5mm to 7mm.
This is a key short-term measure to reduce stress on the plant, encourage stronger, healthier grass growth, and improve recovery following the challenging winter conditions. Once the greens have recovered, the height will gradually be reduced back down to summer levels in a controlled manner. - Fertiliser Programme
A revised fertiliser programme has been implemented to promote consistent, healthy growth and improve overall turf strength. - Aeration (Hollow Tining & Verti-Draining)
Regular aeration will now take place to improve drainage, reduce compaction, and support root development. These works will be carefully scheduled to minimise disruption to play. - Wetting Agents & Seaweed Applications
Monthly applications are now in place to support moisture management and plant health throughout the season. - Top Dressing
Regular light top dressing will be carried out to improve surface consistency and aid long-term development of the greens. - Irrigation System Review
A full review of the irrigation system is underway to ensure effective and consistent water coverage across all greens.
Wider Course Maintenance
Alongside the greens work, the following priorities are now in place across the course:
- Fairways being cut at least weekly
- Tees and collars brought back into a consistent maintenance cycle
- Ongoing improvements to green surrounds and carry areas
- Rough managed as required
- Bunker maintenance programme focusing on presentation and playability
- Irrigation systems being checked and reviewed green-by-green
- Overall machinery audit and assessment
We are also working to restore greens to their intended sizes and shapes where appropriate, ensuring both fairness and quality of play.
Full Agronomist Report
The full report is available to view below and includes a detailed breakdown of all recommendations across the course:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT
This report outlines clear areas for improvement, and we will continue to implement a structured approach moving forward, including ongoing input and review with Danny Gallagher, who joins us as Golf Course Manager on 26th May 2026.
Our Approach & Commitment
The recent changes — particularly to the greens — are focused on long-term improvement rather than short-term presentation as advised by Bruce Jamieson.
Following an exceptionally wet winter, the priority is to rebuild healthy, resilient turf that will deliver better playing conditions not just now, but consistently throughout the year. This does require a slightly different approach in the short term, but it is a necessary step to achieve sustainable improvement.
We fully understand the frustrations experienced over recent months and want to reassure members that:
- A clear, expert-led plan is now in place
- The right processes are being implemented
- Improvements will take time, but progress will be seen
George Hannah
Golf Club Manager
St Austell Golf Club
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Following our recent update and the agronomist’s report, we’ve pulled together some of the most common questions to provide further clarity on the work currently being undertaken on the golf course.
Why have the greens been cut higher?
The height of cut has been raised from 5mm to 7mm to reduce stress on the grass following a very wet and challenging winter.
This allows the plant to recover, strengthen, and develop healthier root growth. Once the greens are in a stronger condition, the height will gradually be reduced back down to normal summer levels.
Will this affect green speed?
In the short term, greens may be slightly slower and less consistent.
However, this approach is focused on improving the overall health and long-term quality of the greens, which will ultimately lead to better and more consistent playing surfaces.
What is aeration and why is it being done?
Aeration (including hollow tining and verti-draining) involves creating small holes in the greens to:
- Improve drainage
- Reduce compaction
- Encourage deeper root growth
This is essential work to improve winter playability and overall turf health, even though it can cause some short-term disruption.
Will the work disrupt play?
Some disruption is unavoidable, particularly during aeration and top dressing.
However, all work is being carefully planned to minimise impact, avoid key competitions where possible, and ensure the long-term benefit outweighs any short-term inconvenience.
Why are the greens not all at full size?
Some greens are currently being managed slightly smaller to avoid worn or damaged areas, particularly following the winter.
As these areas recover and improve, greens will be gradually returned to their full size where appropriate.
What improvements can we expect and when?
You should begin to see gradual improvements over the coming weeks and months, particularly in:
- Turf coverage and colour
- Surface consistency
- Overall resilience of the greens
This is a structured, long-term plan — not a quick fix — but one that will deliver more consistent playing conditions throughout the year.
What is being done beyond the greens?
Work is also taking place across the course, including:
- Regular fairway cutting
- Improved tee and collar maintenance
- Managing rough and surrounds
- Ongoing bunker improvements
- Irrigation system checks and repairs
Who is overseeing these improvements?
The plan is based on independent advice from a qualified agronomist and is being implemented by the greenkeeping team.
Danny Gallagher will be joining as Golf Course Manager from 26th May and will play a key role in delivering the ongoing improvement plan.
Can members provide feedback?
Yes — member feedback is always welcomed.
We appreciate your support and patience while these improvements are underway, and we will continue to keep you updated as progress is made.
Thank You
We understand that recent conditions have been frustrating at times. These steps are being taken to ensure we deliver a stronger, more consistent golf course moving forward.
Thank you for your continued support.