Tees

Q: Why is it that the 2nd tee on the Old Course is in such a poor state during the winter months?

A: The answer to that is that it receives virtually no direct sunlight because of the cover from the trees in the property next to it. For grass to survive it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, so with the sun so low in the winter time it receives very little light.

The West Course putting lawn was constructed at the same time as the 16th green using the same batch of turf and the same construction materials. The putting green is looking very well in January whereas the 16th green looks very sad. Again it is down to lack of light due to shading.

It very much the same situation with the huge modern stadia with their stands blocking light. Many stadia have to be returfed every 12 weeks or so at a cost of over £80,000!