Warm Season Grass Areas Renovation
In early June the course team together with contractors, successfully completed the renovation program on the warm season grass areas (green surrounds, tees, and fairways). The renovation was undertaken using a verti-drain implement with solid tynes. This enabled oxygen into the sub-soil profile to facilitate the important air, water, and soil relation responsible for creating a heathier growing environment. Preferred lies were in place following the procedure, but after a spell of dry weather enabling the course team to cut the fairways the local rule has now been removed. With closing down 9 holes each day to complete the renovation, we thank members for their understanding.
Warm Season Grass Treatment Programs
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 This is when the couch grass is in its full dormancy phase. Selective spot spraying has commenced in the delicate areas around green surrounds, tees and high traffic areas and will also form part of this program. It is expected that an increased level of poa presence will prevail in 2023, particularly in autumn and winter (May/June/July) and until our regular programs and timings realign in spring.
The treatment of encroaching warm season grass entering the green collars has been successfully completed. Very encouraging and promising early results are being seen. A follow-up program will be implemented in Autumn that will then determine the full level of the programs success.
Driving Range Closure
A high volume of important maintenance work was successfully completed on the driving range during the closed day on Monday 5 June. A day of closure per quarter for the range during quiet golfing periods will be implemented and forward planned to assist future maintenance and presentation. Current maintenance access is limited to 4 – 4.5 hours per week each Monday am. The extra closure time will significantly assist in meeting the course policy standards commitments for this area.
Driving Range – Playing Mats
The range tee has recently seen the full return of the synthetic mats. Our temporary mats have once again be used on the top tier in alignment with the turf hound system on the lower tier. The management of the tee provides members with six months use on a turf surface (December – May) and six months use on a synthetic surface (June – November) annually.
Green / Bunker Edge Repairs
Over the past month we have begun to make repairs to some ageing or sagging green/bunker edges. Pictured below is a repair recently completed on 10 North. These repairs will be ongoing on select green/bunker edges over the winter months. The darker sand that is used has a unique ability to bind firmly and is harvested on-site.
Director of Courses
Glenn Stuart