General Course Update
The very dry winter has continued into early spring. Rainfall recordings in 2025 remain very low with 301mm recorded year to date, which is 199mm (8 inches) less than the corresponding period last year. The course turf areas have responded to the warmer conditions with natural green up now visible. The turf growth phase is expected soon as the air and soil temperatures increase. This is important to enable turf recovery over winter divot areas, the recent renovations to heal over, and general wear to repair naturally in the improved spring conditions. The courses are well positioned to play and present very strongly once again in the golfing season ahead.
Our important winter/spring pre and post emergent treatment of Poa annua (wintergrass) in the warm season grass areas (green surrounds, tees and fairways) as well as on the cool season grass area (green collars) continue showing very positive and encouraging results. Our annual spring program for controlling couch grass encroachment into the green collars will be prioritised next and be undertaken from mid-late spring.
A wide variety of our heathland plants continue to present very striking spring flower displays that complement the courses. Our vegetation areas add significant character and appeal to our facility, as well as enhance the PK golfing experience whilst providing important habitat for many fauna species.
Greens Renovations Update
The 2025 Greens Renovation Program is now successfully complete. A strong recovery response is occurring with mowing maintenance reintroduced. The mowing heights will gradually be lowered until we reach our spring-summer levels over the coming weeks. Full recovery is expected in the coming 2-3 weeks as anticipated.
The renovations are a vital yearly task that sets the foundations and creates the desired environment enabling the greens to be presented at industry leading standards.
The key benefit in undertaking all the green renovations across both courses in the same period is our members & guests will now have a sustained level of presentation and playability without maintenance disturbance for the next 10-11 months.
Annual Drainage Program
Our annual drainage program has progressed well and as planned. The main target areas selected from our drainage master plan for 2025 are sections on the 9N & 17N fairways. Approximately 1,500m of sub-surface drainage has been installed.
17th North – Approximately 550m has been successfully installed with the turf reinstatement on the fine turf areas now fully complete. Work on the RHS rough line/wasteland zone will be undertaken in the coming week/s to complete the work.
9th North – Approximately 1,000m has been successfully installed with the turf reinstatement task well in progress. The hole will remain closed on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 September to allow staff to safely and productively complete the turf reinstatement task. Only 17 holes will be in play on the above days and if further time is required the hole will be shortened and played as a par 4 from the yellow markers for Wednesday and Thursday before returning to full normal play.
Some G.U.R and/or preferred lies and traffic management on the drainage areas will be required whilst the turf is being reinstated and during the consolidation phase post the work.
Bunker Repair and Renovation on 9N
Whilst the hole was out of play for the drainage program, the Course Team has taken the opportunity to fully repair/renovate the RHS greenside bunkers. This work has included erosion prevention, lip restoration, entry and exit improvements, face compaction with native sand imports, wall and floor contouring and sand repositioning.
Course Staff Member at The Walker Cup, Cypress Point
Last week, course staff member Mitchell Driver had the thrill of volunteering at one of the world’s best and most exclusive golf clubs – Cypress Point. Located in Pebble Beach, California on the Monterey Peninsula. Mitchell was fortunate to join the team in preparing the course for this year’s Walker Cup.
Click here to view the report from Mitchell on his time there.
Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses