Grand National Golf Club
Greens Update
Course Update: Investing in the Future of Aintree’s Greens
Over the past 18 months, our greenkeeping team has been dedicated to a long-term restoration project. Our goal is clear: to elevate the quality, consistency, and playability of our greens to the standards you expect and deserve.
To achieve this, we are moving into a vital phase of our maintenance program. We ask for your continued patience as we implement the following essential measures.
The Challenge: Reversing Historical Damage
We inherited greens with high levels of organic matter (thatch) and poor drainage. Thatch acts as a sponge, holding moisture at the surface. This leads to soft, slow greens in the summer and waterlogged, vulnerable surfaces in the winter.
The Solution: Major Sand Injection
This season, we are launching a significant new initiative to transform our soil profiles:
45 Tons of Sand: We will be applying 45 tons of specialist dressing this year.
Innovative Efficiency: Using new machinery, we can now distribute 20 tons in a single operation, allowing us to complete deep-soil improvements with minimal disruption to play.
The Result: This process will dilute thatch, increase root depth, and improve water infiltration. This is the only way to produce the firm, free-draining, and fast surfaces we are all striving for.
Why Winter Management is Non-Negotiable?
We understand the frustration of playing on temporary greens. However, protecting the grass during wet or frosty conditions is the only way to ensure a high-quality "spring flush."
Frost Protection: When the grass plant is frozen, its internal cells are brittle. Walking on frozen turf causes these cells to rupture, leading to plant death and scarring that can take months to recover.
Soil Integrity: Playing on waterlogged or partially thawed ground causes "shearing" of the roots and deep compaction, undoing the expensive aeration and sanding work we have already completed.
The Long-Term Gain
The greens are currently in a strong position, and our current "short-term pain" approach is designed to protect that health. Every decision we make—from closing greens during a frost to our aggressive sanding program—is made with the sole interest of providing the best possible surfaces at Aintree Racecourse.
We thank you for your support and patience as we work to bring these greens to the next level!!
The Greenkeeping Team
Aintree Racecourse
SIMON BARKER | Assistant head grounds person
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