Vehicle Electrification – Over 36% of our fleet are now electric
With the introduction of 12 new electric transport buggies and 4 handheld blowers, our growing fleet of electric vehicles and tools has now reached 36%. This continues our commitment into the new and innovative world of vehicle and tool electrification. This will mirror our commitment on responsible sustainable operation that reduces emissions, environmental impacts, and operational costs for our business. It also provides significantly reduced noise by the maintenance tools for the enjoyment of members, guests and neighboring properties.
This will soon be bolstered by an increase to the solar panel system on the maintenance facility roof.
Course Update
Work priorities on the facilities continue to be focused on the preparation of the courses for members events currently highlighted with the Women’s Club Championships. Forced repair work to the bunkers and wastelands effected by the recent heavy rainfall events continues. A “local rule” remains in place until all repairs are complete. The repairs are expected to be complete in the coming week/s.
The renovation/restoration of selected bunkers within our Course Audit and Improvements Program continues to progress well. The program is currently focused on bunkers where entry/exit points are added and/or restored, and native sand addition to faces for increased firmness to reduce incidents of plugged balls. Work will continue on these aspects throughout the winter months. It is expected that the new work and sand additions will require some time to achieve a full level of consolidation.
See images below of a variety of the works completed to date.
The turf areas across the course have now entered their low growth and recovery phase. This naturally coincides with the drop in both air and soil temperatures together with shorter daylight length. Nutritional input programs during the late summer/early autumn months to position the turf for the onset of the cooler months have been successfully undertaken. This has been supported by ongoing applications of turf colourants to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the turf as well as provide a protective barrier to cold stresses the turf will soon endure during winter.
The range tee will soon return to use of the synthetic mats. Temporary mats will once again be used on the top tier in alignment for the turf hound system on the lower tier. The management of the tee provides members with 6 months use on a turf surface (December – May) and 6 months use on a synthetic surface (June – November) annually.
MAR Project Update
Our very important and exciting MAR/ASR Water Scheme remains in progress with Aurecon as our lead project management team on Work Package 1. This package of work is focused on extracting the critical information required for the permit application process. See attached the current supporting documents on the project.
MAR Action Plan Report from Aurecon
Project Update Report from FDP/PK
Future Programs Update
Warm Season Grass Renovation
Planning is well underway for the implementation of a renovation program on the warm season grass areas (Green surrounds, Tees, and Fairways). The renovation will be undertaken in June with the support on contractors using a verti-drain with a solid tynes. This will allow for oxygen into the sub-profile to facilitate the important air, water and soil relation responsible for creating a heathier growing environment. The work is scheduled across four days due to club events scheduled and current bookings already existing. 9 holes per day will be closed.
Monday 5th June – South Front 9 closed
Tuesday 6th June – North Front 9 closed
Wednesday 7th June – North Back 9 closed
Thursday 8th June – South Back 9 closed
Warm Season Grass Treatment Program
A key treatment program across the warm season grass areas of green surrounds, tees and fairways with a non-selective herbicide will once again be necessary in July when the couch grass is in full dormancy. It is expected that an increased level of poa presence will prevail in 2023, particularly in autumn (May/June/July) and until our regular programs and timings realign in spring.
Greens Collar Treatment program
We have recently completed a control program with the objective to alleviate warm season grass (couch grass) encroachment into our greens collars.
The program is designed to selectively control/contain the warm season grass without impacting the desired bent grass turf. The program will require 2-3 applications in autumn and spring annually.
The early results look very promising with a strong impact on the target couch grass plant. This is presenting with a strong highlighting of the target plant at present. The tips of the target plant have now turned “bright white” and will soon decay in the coming weeks. See below photo that shows the highlighting and program effectively working.
BOUNDARY FENCING UPGRADE
Our very high priority program of securing our boundaries to minimise the risk of external intrusion and facility vandalism in the very high-risk areas along our northern boundary using new high strength fencing are now complete.
See the below “Boundary Fencing Upgrade Document” highlighting the recent works completed and the cost projection for low-risk Skye Road fencing for future planning.
Boundary Fencing Upgrade Document
Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses