Excessive chemical treatment at Loch Lomond

Elspeth Burnside, Solheim Cup Diary, The Scotsman, 5 October 2000

While heavy rain has been lashing the course, Ken Siems, the golf course superintendent, and his team of 55 (including 20 volunteers from Scottish clubs) have literally been working every daylight hour to try and get the course into peak condition.

One of yesterday’s priorities was to cosmetically improve the 14 putting surfaces that were burnt out through excessive chemical treatment following a summer influx of meadow grass.

Siems and the team set about the task with a green concoction - “It’s a secret recipe”. Despite their appearance, none of the players has criticised the greens.

Dottie Pepper said: “They’ve done a lot of painting. It’s almost like ladies’ foundation make-up.”

Public appology for over-zealous application of herbicide at Loch Lomond

Sports report extract, The Courier, 5 October 2000

.....Meanwhile, careful footsteps and eyes turned warily to the skies have been required as rain has washed over the course throughout September.

“The weather can be changeable in Scotland and wet weather gear is advised,” says the “Patron Information” guide, obviously aimed at visiting supporters, but still understated when applied to Loch Lomond in the autumn.

The appearance of a dark raincloud in permanent residence above the course hardly helps the venue’s well publicised difficulties with drainage and underfoot conditions.

In addition, the over-zealous application of herbicide to 14 greens - ”a human error” which has provoked a public apology from Loch Lomond president Lyle Anderson - has caused damage only partially mended by the application of what Pepper described as “like foundation make-up.” What she means is that they’ve painted the greens green in places.

Most of the players claim they are rolling fine, although it is not clear how much more rain the course can take, with thunderstorms forecast for this afternoon’s opening ceremony.

The many tonnes of sand applied to the course earlier this year should ensure it holds up until Sunday’s singles, but those brave enough to venture the spectator routes should bring waders.