How you can support your greenkeeper this winter

One of the main aims of greenkeeping is to keep play on the main greens for as near to 12 months as possible. Greenkeepers must take winter weather into account, but golfers can help out by following these simple steps.

1. Some areas may be cordoned off for repair after inclement weather and will be marked Ground Under Repair. Please respect these areas and if your ball lands in a GUR area, refer to your club's specific guidelines. You will usually be asked to take a drop outside of the GUR zone.

2. Please replace divots and repair pitch marks.

3. Find out if your club or greenkeeping team as a blog or social media account. Many do and they will give you up-to-date information on what's happening on the course.

4. Every effort is made by greenkeepers to keep closures to an absolute minimum. However, sometimes closures are unavoidable. Allowing play on overly wet or frozen greens can damage turf, taking many months to recover.

5. Knocking excess debris from shoes before walking on greens will reduce the chance of damaging the turf.

Thanks for your co-operation. Your assistance will greatly help the greenkeeping team prepare a first-class course for you to enjoy.