Course Update – 17 October 2025

Course Update

The courses have come alive with the warm season grass areas exiting the dormancy low growth period and are presenting well. The commencement of the turf growth and recovery phase is evident now with regrowth in the divot areas on fairways and lateral growth within pitch marks on greens. 

It is pleasing to note a full recovery on our greens, from the recent greens hollow-tyne renovation, has been achieved in the expected timeline. The normal mowing heights have returned and all general maintenance practices have resumed. Members will now enjoy eleven months of non-disruptive maintenance on the greens.

Delay in spray programming – The strong wind events throughout the past month/s along with continued low rainfall recordings have challenged several maintenance tasks, particularly our spraying programs that targets weed and undesirable plant and grass species in the fine turf and deeper rough areas. Bunker and wasteland maintenance has also been affected. These programs were either placed on hold or severely impacted during this period but have now recommenced. Details of these, and our other programs, can be seen below in the “Current and Future Maintenance Programs” section.

The Course Team has continued with a heavy focus on the detailed maintenance tasks across the property. Some of the more recent detailed works include:

  • Greens surface refinement post the renovation program – Poa scanning, Verti-head use including light sand dusting to fine the leaf blade to increase the green speed and produce a smooth ball roll with a firm ball response.
  • Drainage program work refinement and consolidation. 
  • Ongoing selected bunker and wasteland renovations (wall and floor contouring, sand addition and redistribution, face compaction and vertical lip stabilisation using our local dark native sand).
  • Fairway sprinkler raising with distance marker audit undertaken and required replacements organised.
  • Irrigation isolation valve replacement.
  • Selective weed control and prevention with a focus on Winter Grass (Poa annua) control.
  • Clubhouse garden hedge replacement in selected areas.
Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata) in full bloom

The striking flower display of our heathland plants and communities, as seen in the above image examples, are all full bloom complementing our courses and facility. Our member Spring Vegetation Course Walks will recommence in 2026 and will be undertaken biennially.

Course Equipment – Boom Spraying (GPS) Technology Update

After weeks of testing and trialing, this week we have introduced our GPS sprayers into the operation.
 
Our Course Manager – Ben Payne, was able to research the use of GPS Technology on his benchmark study tour in the USA in 2024. This was one of the takeaways that we have been able to invest in and implement recently to keep PK at the forefront of new technology resulting in significant benefits for the Club.
 
GPS spraying is beneficial because it increases precision, leading to significant cost savings, reduced chemical use and improved turf health. It eliminates overlapping and missed spots, which prevents the overuse of expensive chemicals and fertilisers. The technology also improves the efficiency and reduces operator fatigue by providing guidance, making the job easier and faster. 
 
Key benefits of GPS spraying
  • Increases precision and efficiency: 
    GPS systems guide sprayers with high accuracy, ensuring uniform coverage and preventing the overlap or skipping of areas. This optimizes the application of chemicals and fertilisers for better results. 
     
  • Saves money: 
    By avoiding overlaps, turf managers use less chemical and fertiliser, which directly lowers input costs. Some systems can even reduce fuel consumption and increase productivity by 10% or more. 
     
  • Improves turf health: 
    Consistent and accurate application means every part of the course is treated as needed, without over-application in some areas, which can improve turf health. 
     
  • Reduces environmental impact: 
    Applying fewer chemicals is better for the environment. It also helps prevent chemicals from entering waterways through runoff caused by over-application. 
     
  • Reduces operator error: 
    GPS provides a clear visual path for the operator, minimizing the risk of human error, such as skipping areas or applying too much. 
     
  • Provides data for better decision-making: 
    Many systems create detailed maps of completed work and can store historical data, which allows for better future planning, record-keeping, and compliance. 

The below images visually shows the precise level of accuracy using this driver assist GPS technology.  

Rainfall

Rainfall for the year to date continues to track well below the the 10 year average as seen on the below chart. 340mm (13.4 inches) has been recorded year to date in 2025. This is 232mm (9.1 inches) less than the corresponding period last year in 2024. 

Rainfall for the year, currently 340mm

Current and Future Maintenance Programs

  • Course golfing season preparation and presentation for Member/Guest events.
  • Bunker/wasteland general maintenance and renovation programs (In-progress and ongoing).
  • Greens scanning and selective hand-weeding program (October/November).
  • Wintergrass (Poa annua) control/prevention program within warm season grass areas. (Programs to continue monthly through to October. (In-progress).
  • Non-desired grass and weed control programs in bunkers, wastelands, roughs, vegetation and creek areas. (In-progress and ongoing).
  • Rough density reduction and mowing line extension program. (In-progress and ongoing).
  • Pre & Post emergent winter grass control program on the green collars and interface areas. (July -October).
  • Warm season grass encroachment control and prevention in green collars (November)
  • Vegetation maintenance programs that include selected slashing, ecological regenerative burns, dead/hazardous tree removal,  non indigenous tree suckers and woody weed removal (e.g. LHS 4N, RHS 16S, LHS 7N & 18N, Northern boundary fence line areas). (In progress and ongoing). 
  • Annual Drainage Program – A heavy sand top-dressing program to finetune the fairway surface post the recent drainage installation 9N & 17N. (Date – TBC).
  • Fairway Scarifying Program on South Course (Week commencing December 15).

Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses