69 One of the key priorities at Tralee was to maximise physical performance in areas where natural sand veins were limited. To achieve this, we used an extended-depth rootzone profile construction. The aim was to improve the physical properties of the growing medium, particularly drainage, firmness and consistency. This approach also supports the promotion of the preferred grass species across the site. There is a clear ambition from Colm Lawlor and club stakeholders to promote fine fescue throughout the course. Many links courses are managed with a mixture of bent and fescue, or in some cases mainly browntop bent. At Tralee, the mindset is more focused on embracing fine fescue and creating the conditions for it to perform strongly over time. During the renovation phases, existing turf was carefully conditioned and prepared so that it could be lifted from the original greens and re-laid onto the new greens. Where there was any shortfall, additional turf was developed on site using native material. This helped maintain consistency and continuity across the putting surfaces. Dwarf perennial ryegrass has been overseeded into existing grass pathways that were not renovated. Where teeing grounds and pathways were renovated, these areas were sodded using a dwarf ryegrass and fescue blend to provide improved wear and traffic tolerance in these high-use areas. A significant amount of soil engineering has also gone into the development of the pathways. Pathways around three to five metres wide have been implemented across the golf course. These areas are irrigated, which helps control growth and manage traffic. In many cases, the sand depth in these areas is in excess of half a metre, and the pathways have also been extensively drained where there are no natural sand veins beneath them. Outside the primary playing corridors, the architect embraced more aggressive shaping, taking inspiration from the natural dune structures, particularly on the back nine. These areas have been supported and enhanced through the planting of marram grasses among fine fescue. The marram grasses are helping to provide greater definition around tee complexes, walkways and other areas throughout the course. Tralee Golf Club has embraced what we would describe as a simple, uncomplicated, but effective links agronomy programme. Over time, that approach is paying dividends. It is helping the club meet the increasing demand from both members and visiting golfers, while preserving and enhancing the unique character of this exceptional links. ‘Simple, uncomplicated, but effective’ Julian Mooney of consultancy firm Turfgrass provides detail on agronomic and construction considerations at Tralee Photo: Ian Cronin
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