Greens quality at Rochester and Cobham has never been better since the use of Primo MAXX, reports Barry Coveney

The undulating parkland greens of the Rochester and Cobham Golf Club in Kent are renowned for their challenging borrows – requiring inch-perfect placement of players’ approach shots.

Head Greenkeeper, Barry Coveney, believes they are playing better than ever this year – with top-level competitors in July’s Open Championship Qualifier at the course commenting on the excellent green speed and incredible consistency throughout the match day.

Stimp meter readings of 10 to 10.6 at the start of the competition’s play remained virtually unchanged right through to the end, reports Barry, creating an awesome test of players’ skills. Furthermore, with the Primo MAXX application programme he is now achieving these green speeds at a cut height of 4.5mm, compared to speeds of 9 – 9.5 at a cut height of 3.5mm in previous years.

Raising the cutting height reduces stress on turf, which should further help plant health and greens quality, he believes. The higher cut will allow more desirable bent grasses to colonise the greens, in preference to Poa annua, as well as reducing wear and tear from heavy play and the risk of scalping during mowing.

Despite hosting the Open Qualiflier, Captain’s Prize and Ladies Captain’s Prize all in the same week in July, the greens stood up exceptionally well, says Barry. In fact, with so little vertical growth following the Primo MAXX programme he could miss a day’s cutting to allow the greens’ turf to recover from tread marks and wear around holes. “It is also noticeable that taking off so little leaf each time we get a cleaner cut, which is better for the ball roll and will hopefully minimise the risk of disease getting in,” he adds.

This year, Barry applied a full recommended rate Primo MAXX two weeks before the first competition, followed by a half rate application plus a liquid feed two days prior to play. “We have been exceptionally pleased with the results and the comments of members and players,” he says. “It will be the routine treatment in future years, irrespective of competitions. We may just have to tailor the cutting height to get the right green speed for the playing members.”