Case study: Spring overseeding greens at Ballochmyle Golf Club

Chris McGhee was made head greenkeeper at Ballochmyle Golf Club in February 2021. Faced with a weak sward filled with Poa annua, Chris realised he needed to improve the density and quality of the greens. In response, Chris has successfully implemented a spring overseeding strategy that entails overseeding greens.

Overseeding greens in spring

After the tough winter months, the course suffers from disease scarring and restoration is required. “We overseed in spring to get the seed into the ground at an early stage while cutting heights are higher to give the seed a chance to establish,” Chris explains.

“We are trying to improve the sward quality and density of these greens and outcompete Poa annua with more desirable grass species moving forward. This will help us combat disease and drought stress, and make the greens more manageable.”

With fungicide availability an issue, Chris views quality grass seed as the solution for improving the standard of the sward, while outcompeting Poa annua and combatting the threat of the disease with healthier grass varieties.

Golf course overseeding process

Since taking up his role, Chris has moved quickly to implement a strategy. “It is still reasonably early days for me, as I only took over as head greenkeeper in February 2021. The club didn’t have an overseeding program in place prior to this, so effectively I now have the overseeding program in place moving forward.”

Discussing his process, Chris explains that although he doesn’t overseed in winter, he does in spring, summer and autumn. As for equipment: “We use our own Dyna-Seeders to a depth of 3 mm at 5 g/m². Using our Dyna-Seeders means we can seed any time really. It’s quick and easy to do with minimal disruption.”

And that’s not all – Chris also uses a homemade stamper/pot seeder with Sarel Roller tines, which is helpful for spot treatments on the greens. “We overseed all of the greens twice per year, and when required as a spot treatment on disease-scarred areas and weaker areas.” Ultimately, he sees great results from these methods.

Best grass seed mix for golf courses

As for his ideal mix, Chris uses Germinal AberMajesty Browntop bent. Sharing his reasons why he states: “The club where I’m a member of also use this mixture. I was so impressed with their results that I chose to use the same here at Ballochmyle Golf Club.

“I love the take and the results we get. I come from a links background where I was using a Fescue/Bent blend. Here, I felt that straight Bent would work well at this inland course, and I have been proven correct,” Chris explains.

Moving forward, Chris is planning a slight adjustment to safeguard against disease. “In the future, I will look to use Germinal ForeFront Greens’ blend of Browntop bent and Creeping bent for increased disease resistance and to help alleviate scarring. I will probably rotate my overseeding program between AberMajesty and ForeFront greens.”

Proactive seeding: Seasonal overseeding for greenkeepers