Re-wilding out of play areas

Appointing the R&A's Sustainable Agronomy service was a wise decision in our efforts to enhance the playing surfaces at The Hertsmere. Their recommendation to allow out-of-play rough areas on the course to grow freely during spring and summer brought about a multitude of immediate benefits.

Firstly, we experienced a notable reduction in diesel costs due to less frequent mowing of the rough areas. Additionally, this approach resulted in decreased wear and tear on our rough mower, extending its longevity and saving on maintenance expenses. With the time saved from mowing, we could focus more on tending to the finer grass playing surfaces, ensuring their optimal condition.

However, the advantages didn't end there. The decision to let the rough areas grow also led to a substantial increase in the habitat of long grass, providing a flourishing environment for various insects and mammals. This, in turn, has significantly contributed to the improvement of biodiversity on our golf course.