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The work of a greenkeeper presents plenty of challenges due to climate change, regulations surrounding plant protection products and the emergence of new diseases. Head Greenkeeper Eric Wijnhoven, together with Course Committee Chairman Raf Dittrich, is responsible for the golf course at Golf & Countryclub Geijsteren in the northern part of Limburg.
Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, he and his team of four greenkeepers maintain the 56-hectare course in perfect condition. The first thirteen holes are located in woodland. The course then opens up into five challenging water holes. Wijnhoven has almost thirty years of experience and has been working at Geijsteren since 2003: “The sandy soil is our biggest challenge. In addition, we have to respond to periods of drought and the heavy rainfall events that are becoming more frequent as a result of climate change.”
To better respond to changing weather conditions, rainwater from the roofs is no longer discharged into the sewer system but returned to the ground.
“That water is directed to the ponds or infiltrated directly into the soil. We have also installed drainage wells that collect excess water and release it into the subsoil. That does not mean the course is immediately dry after a heavy downpour, but it does help us manage and retain water more effectively.” As a result, Wijnhoven is not concerned about irrigation restrictions. “Because we collect all the water and return it to our own land, we have an agreement with the Water Authority that we are exempt from any irrigation bans.”
The golf course holds a GEO Certification, demonstrating that the facility is maintained in a sustainable and responsible manner. This aligns with the approach that Wijnhoven and his team apply in practice. Fungicides have not been used
for years, except in extreme emergency situations. Herbicides for weed control are also used only to a limited extent. “The emphasis is mainly on prevention. In other words, preventing stress in the grass plant.” As an example, Wijnhoven points to the fungal disease dollar spot.
“This is becoming an increasingly significant challenge. In the past, you hardly ever saw it, but it has now become an important and difficult disease to manage. We have not sprayed for years, but instead try to control it through dew irrigation, additional iron applications, dew removal and, where necessary, supplementary fertilisation.”
The golf club is particularly appreciated by players for its level and attractive course conditions. “We mow shorter than many other golf courses,” says Wijnhoven. “That creates a different playing experience. Advanced golfers in particular benefit from it. It also gives our course the attractive appearance for which we receive many compliments.” The greens are mown at four millimetres, the approaches and tees at eight millimetres, and the fairways at twelve millimetres. The lower rough areas are also maintained to a high standard.
Although the golf course enjoys an excellent reputation for quality, climate pressures and restrictions on fungicides and other maintenance products mean that Geijsteren must also accept that not every green can be in immaculate condition at all times. “There are certainly periods when that is possible, but no longer continuously, and every greenkeeper has to accept that. Because our club communicates this clearly to its members, there is generally a great deal of understanding for the situation.” The perfect day Greenkeeping is a rewarding profession, but Wijnhoven does not go home happy every single day. “When diseases break out or a machine breaks down and cannot be repaired quickly, you certainly start worrying. But when the course is back in perfect condition, I finish my working day with a big smile on my face.”
