Recently, Mark met with Germinal expert Alex Beesley to discuss how his overseeding practices have evolved to meet the growing challenges in turf management.
The power of overseeding
Overseeding is no longer just routine maintenance—it has become essential in keeping the course resilient against heavy foot traffic and environmental stresses.
“By choosing more robust grass varieties, we can better prepare the turf to withstand varying conditions,” Mark notes. This forward-thinking approach has helped Bromsgrove lay a strong foundation for course longevity.
Timing for lasting results
In the past, budget constraints limited overseeding to once a year. However, Mark has since doubled the effort, overseeding in both spring and autumn.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in turf’s strength and overall quality. Consistent overseeding has enhanced the course’s ability to resist disease and environmental stress, keeping it healthier throughout the year.”
Fine-tuning the approach
To optimise growth and ensure consistency, Bromsgrove Golf Centre has shifted from dimple seeding to disc seeding.
Mark explains, “This method has proven to deliver superior results, helping us achieve the high standards we set for our greens.”
Futureproofing with the right grass varieties
The club has transitioned from AberMajesty to Forefront Greens, a blend combining the benefits of browntop bentgrass and creeping bents. The decision reflects Bromsgrove’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in light of anticipated changes to chemical regulations in the industry.
As Mark highlights, “Our greens are the heart of the course, and investing in their longevity ensures the future success of Bromsgrove Golf Centre.”
Alex, Germinal’s expert, explains the benefits further:
“In the golf industry, it is widely recognised that Poa annua is one of the weakest species found on greens. Known for its high nutrient and water demands, Poa annua has shallow roots, making it vulnerable to wear and disease outbreaks such as Fusarium and Anthracnose.
To strengthen their greens, golf courses should proactively introduce stronger cultivars like ForeFront Greens. By increasing shoot density, sward coverage, and enhancing wear, stress tolerance, and disease resistance, greens can be significantly improved in both performance and longevity.”
ForeFront Greens mixture includes:
- 60% BrownTop Bent (featuring UK cultivars like AberRoyal, AberRegal, and Musket)
- 40% Creeping Bent (with 007 Super Creeping Bent and Tour Pro GDE)
Proactive overseeding, especially during spring and autumn renovations, is essential. Alex recommends aiming for at least 100kg of bentgrass per season, which will result in stronger greens long-term, reducing the need for chemical inputs and maintenance costs, thereby offering substantial savings for golf courses.
Through this combination of strategic overseeding and innovative grass selection, Bromsgrove continues to offer top-quality playing surfaces for golfers to enjoy year-round.
Want to learn more about proactive seeding?
Visit us at BTME from January 21 to 23 at stand 500 to chat with our experts and chat with our experts. Alternatively, reach out to our Germinal grass experts here.