In Progress

November 2003 to February 2004 (Back to Top)

Despite the on-set of cooler temperatures and dormancy of the warm season grass, 18 holes are still open and are in good condition.

The temperature has only effected the colouration and growth of the Paspalum-it is still in excellent condition and has suffered no ill effects despite having periods of frost and snow cover.

The driving range has been extended, re-irrigated and is now awaiting top soil placement, grading and planting as soon as conditions are suitable.

Porto Carras, Sithonia, Chalkidiki, Greece. (www.portocarras.com)

September/October 2003 (Back to Top)

We now have eighteen holes in play and are 50%-60% of the standard required for the ‘official’ re-opening of ‘Golf at Porto Carras’ in June 2004.  We have had an exceptional year and are still experiencing ‘growing temperatures’ in the mid-20’s

Golfers are being welcomed and understand that Golf this year is a bonus.  The Driving Range facility is now being upgraded in preparation for next season.

After an absence of 4 years ‘Golf at Porto Carras’ is back.

Porto Carras, Sithonia, Chalkidiki, Greece. (www.portocarras.com)

July/August 2003  (Back to Top)

Now approaching the final month/s of the ‘growth season’. Twelve holes are ready for play and will be opened on the 12th September.

The six remaining holes are now at 100% coverage after planting and we will be reducing the height of cut over the next week/s with the intention of adding these to the existing twelve in Mid-October.

A productive season. Nine holes were scheduled to be open in 2003,and if all goes to plan, we will open all 18 this year. This will make the project 8-9 months ahead of schedule.

There are still renovations in progress, as well as the Driving Range facility being re-built and modernised, and these will continue through the forthcoming months.

Porto Carras, Sithonia, Chalkidiki, Greece. (www.portocarras.com)

May/June 2003  (Back to Top)


There has been excellent progress over the last few weeks, with the arrival of warmer weather; daytime temperatures are now in the 30’s with night time temperatures of 22.

14 holes have been ‘planted’ this season with both imported pasplaum ‘spriggs’ and also ‘spriggs’ harvested from our own nursery.

17 holes are now at various stages of ’grow-in’ with the regular maintenance of bunkers, roughs etc on-going during this period.

We will be re-opening the course at various stages over the forthcoming weeks.

After an absence of over 3 years, golf at Porto Carras is back on the European golf circuit.
 

March/April 2003  (Back to Top)

Another two cold months, awaiting the on-set of spring to see the paspalum ‘wake up’, although dormant it is suffering no ill effects.

Zeoltie ammelioration has been on-going along with regular maintenance of the remaining roughs, bunkers etc.

The irrigation system has been serviced and inspected in anticipation of the warmer weather, all programming has been checked using the ‘hand held’ system which is proving to be a major asset.

All of the turf machinery is fully operational and the greenkeeper training is progressing very well.

I have now signed a 12 month contract to work directly for the client and I am looking forward to a long association at Porto Carras.

Porto Carras, Sithonia, Chalkidiki, Greece. (www.portocarras.com)

January/February 2003  (Back to Top)

Good progress being made with the renovations, despite being in mid-winter.

Fairway clearance is on-going and is quite a slow process. Once clearance is completed, and finished grades are satisfactory, we will be incorporating the Zeolite amendment which is due to arrive shortly.

We are now experiencing winter conditions and have had frosts with the temperature down to –2.8. Snow is falling now (12/02) but has yet to settle on the Golf Course. The surrounding hills have all got a covering.

The Paspalum, although dormant, seems to be very healthy and is comfortable with the conditions. Any weed infestation will soon be 'choked’ out by the Paspalum with the onset of warmer weather. A dose with sea water, rock salt or selective herbicide will also eradicate this problem.

Porto Carras, Sithonia, Chalkidiki, Greece. (www.portocarras.com)

November/December 2002  (Back to Top)

The resort of Porto Carras was originally built 30 years ago John Carras, a Greek shipping owner. The American architects, G.Cornish & W.Robinson were employed to design and build the existing 18 golf course. This fell into dis-repair for various reasons, but the new owner of Porto Carras, Constantine Stengos, has undertaken the re-development of the whole resort including the golf course.
Approximately 2 years ago the existing lakes were cleaned out, enlarged and re-lined. A state of the art irrigation system was installed during the summer complete with the latest computer software and weather stations.

All greens, tees & fairways have been cultivated and a soil amendment (zeolite) incorporated. A decision was made to use Paspalam (salam) as the predominant turf grass for one major reason-our irrigation water is saline. There was no other choice. Three holes were planted with imported Paspalam this summer which will be the basis of our turf nursery to plant the remaining 15 holes. Although a warm season grass we expect no significant problems during the winter (except the normal dormancy).

I hope to update this page on a monthly basis so the progress of this unique project can be monitored by interested parties.