COURSE UPDATE
The courses continue to play and present very well with a striking contrast present between the fine turf and the vegetation surrounds. The heathland plants, and in particular the native grasses with their straw like appearance, are providing a spectacular framework surrounding the courses. The summer weather finally arrived albeit very rapidly since late December. Climatic stability has finally enabled many programs to be performed without interference. Water storage and supply level remain strong.
A key focus for the Course Team is to continue the high level of course playability and presentation for all members and their guests, as well as preparing for upcoming club events including the Club Championships and Pennant season. Very positive and pleasing feedback has been received from our hosting of the recent Sandbelt Invitational and Foundation Pro-Am events.
As previously reported, our normal spring season treatment for Wintergrass (Poa annua) control within our warm season grass areas was unfortunately impacted due to the high levels and persistent rainfall throughout spring. A re-treatment program was necessary and has been undertaken in early 2023. It is expected that an increased level of poa presence will prevail in 2023 until our regular timings of programs realign. Prevention control is in place to limit new plant germination.
After promising product trial results in 2022, for control of encroaching couch grass in our green collars, a new and full program will begin in the coming weeks/months. The treatment will commence on the South Course (note – current pre program safety trials in place on 6N, 7S,11S and 12 South). The treatment will display as a white appearance on the couch grass tips when the program is being effective, before it decays. Several (3) treatment applications will be undertaken across both courses prior to the dormancy period of the warm season grass. The future program will see program implementation annually across both the autumn and winter seasons. Further details will be presented for members’ information in the coming member updates.
Course Audit and Improvement Program
The next Course Audit and Improvement Programs will be prioritised to two keys areas:
1 – Drainage (February/March)
2 – Bunkers (April/May)
Our annual drainage program of works have commenced, on this occasion being an earlier time of the year (Feb-May) as opposed to the middle of winter. The benefits of being able to complete these works during the warmer months will enable quicker recovery of turf lines and a much cleaner with less area damage in saturated ground conditions on completion. Every effort is and will be made to minimise the impact to member play throughout this program. Further details of this program together with the proposed bunker program will be provided to members in future updates.
Areas that have been completed and in progress are:
- Left side of the 1st North fairway (completed)
- Front right side of 1st North fairway (completed)
- Back left of the 4th North fairway (in progress)
- Left side of the 4th fairway (in progress)
- Back left of the 10th North green (in progress)
- Back right of the 10th North green (in progress)
The next priority drainage areas include;
- 7th South wasteland
- 5th North fairway (note – alteration to a par 3 will be required to safely perform this work)
- 13th North tee
- 5th South right side of green approach
- 4th South fairway and tee edge
- 14 South – start of fairway
Wasteland Rejuvenation Works
Over the past few weeks we have begun rejuvenation works in our wasteland areas. Works are now focused on the South Course and will continue over the coming weeks. Work tasks include trimming back rough grass lips, weed removal and wall and floor contouring.
Rainfall
A very welcome 21mm of rain fell across the courses last Friday and Saturday. Our greens water storage is in a very strong position with near full capacity. 32mm of rain has been recorded for the year so far. 943mm of rain was recorded for the year of 2022.
Boundary Fencing Upgrade
Our very high priority program of securing our boundaries to minimise the risk of external intrusion and facility vandalism continues. The very high-risk areas along our northern boundary will soon see full completion of all areas using new high strength fencing. The next future focus will be on upgrading the medium and low-risk zones. Note – see further details on supporting document “Boundary Fencing Update”.
MAR/ASR (Managed Aquifer Recharge/Aquifer Storage and Recovery) Water Project
Note – see further details on supporting document “MAR Update Report 7 February 2023”.
WARM SEASON GRASS TURF DISEASE PATHOGEN UPDATE
As reported in the 2021 and 2022 years, we along with multiple other clubs are again seeing the same Turf Fungal Pathogen Disease called “Fairways Patch Disease” (BF1) on the couch grass areas across selected fairways. This is most active in February and March. The disease is presenting as circular rings but will subside as the daylight length reduces and cooler weather arrives from April.
We have begun the implementation of purpose designed nutritional inputs and colourant programs to grow out and mask up the visual impact until it goes into its dormant phase from autumn.
There remains no known cure or effective product control for this fungal pathogen.
We are working hard as a collective and in a collaborative way with other clubs and industry disease experts to gather knowledge, limit its effect, or find a cure that will see out its cycle. There have been some encouraging reports from clubs in NSW and VIC that have had it for many more years that it is subsiding naturally with time. Government funding also may be sought through our clubs/associations to seek the necessary technical assistance to counter this challenge. Many clubs in NSW and VIC and as far as NZ continue to experience the same challenges.
Staff
Two of our course staff members (pictured below) participated in the Australian Open golf event at Kingston Heath Golf Club in December 2022 within their volunteer program. Nathan Ambler (Course Foreman) and Rieley Cope (Turf Apprentice) were able to enjoy very valuable career experience and gain important transferrable knowledge that can assist PK for similar tournament and member events in the future.
Course Team members Tim Vegt (Course Assistant Superintendent) and Harry Battersby (Qualified Turf Tradesperson) will soon participate in course preparation for the 2023 New Zealand Open. The 102nd New Zealand Open will take place between 2-5 March 2023 at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown at one of our international reciprocal clubs. A study tour of The Hills and Jacks Point facilities will also be undertaken as part of this exciting learning initiative.
These development programs are part of our strategy to attract, retain and future succession planning.
Wildlife
Some amazing photos have been captured on course over the past few weeks by both members and staff. See below for some of the wildlife spotted on course.
Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses