Kings Links reopens following chemical damage

By Alistair June 13, 2021 08:34 Updated

A popular golf course in Scotland has reopened to the public following a significant programme of restoration works.

Golf Aberdeen, part of the charity Sport Aberdeen, which also manages the MacKenzie Championship, Hazlehead Pines and Balnagask Golf Courses, has officially re-opened the greens at Kings Links Golf Course.

Following chemical damage to the greens last August, work on the course has been overseen by Golf Aberdeen’s maintenance partners idverde, with on-going expert independent advice from the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI).

Gary Smith, STRI’s regional turfgrass agronomist, who worked in partnership with Golf Aberdeen, said: “I believe the overriding success of this project was due to the team ethic at Golf Aberdeen and their partners at idverde.

“The challenges of regenerating damaged grass plants alongside germinating new seedlings into mature grasses in poor weather conditions are enormous, however, with perseverance and patience, underpinned by the decisions made to close the greens to play, allowed the targeted outcomes to be achieved.

“All parties should be congratulated on the positive can-do attitude taken and adoption of the primary concerns of cardinal importance for grass plant health and longer-term improved surface renewal.”

The programme has consisted of: regular surface brushing, reseeding with fine turfgrass, topdressing, rolling and mowing and a nutritional programme which includes fertilisers and soil improvers. A monitoring programme saw daily photographic records of each green and soil sampling throughout.

Alistair Robertson, Sport Aberdeen managing director, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of the intensive programme of rectification works on the greens. The STRI gave a very positive and encouraging final review and were impressed at how they have stood up to the snow and ice over the winter months.

“I am sure that we have a very positive season ahead for Golf Aberdeen members and players and I would like to extend my thanks to them for their patience while these rectification works took place. I would also like to thank our staff and maintenance partners who have worked hard to ensure the greens are in the condition they are now.”