Are we going to see an invasion of insects on our courses this spring?

Leatherjackets and chafer grubs – and the predators who hunt them – caused huge damage to courses all over GB&I two years ago. Could it happen again?

They are the tiny pests that can devastate our golf courses. When they aren’t damaging the roots of grass plants on our greens and fairways, they’re attracting predators that can strip the turf like a digger.

Two years ago, leatherjackets, along with chafer grubs, caused carnage at courses all over the UK after chemicals that previously kept them in check were largely removed and perfect weather conditions allowed them to flourish.

But though the damage was severe, it was by no means a one-off....