Course Update
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 endure during winter.
Course protection and management of delicate high traffic areas throughout winter will be managed by ropes and signage where required.
COURSE RENOVATION PROGRAM 2024
Members are reminded that our annual green and fairway renovations will be taking place in the coming months. See below details.
GREEN RENOVATIONS
North Course – Monday 26, Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 August
South Course – Monday 2, Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 September
FAIRWAY RENOVATIONS
South Course – (Verti-draining) Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 September (Whilst course is closed for green renovations)
North Course – (Scarifying) Monday 16, Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 December
Note – Course closure will be required and in place for the specific course whilst under renovation on the above dates. The non renovated course will be open for play as normal. Members will be advised of these renovation details in the coming member updates.
GOLF SHOP PUTTING GREEN
The re-seeding of the putting green continues to advance well albeit slow now with the onset of cooler winter weather. The bentgrass green is now at day 63 (9 weeks) with a weekly mowing and nutritional inputs program in progress.
TIMBER SLEEPER AUDIT AND TREATMENT
The Course Team over the past month have conducted a thorough review of all our timber pathways on course and treated as required. The process includes clearing of any encroaching grasses, detail clean, repairs and then applying a non-slip adhesive to minimise any slip hazards. Any declining sleepers will be replaced. We expect the full review to be complete in June (weather permitting).
VEGETATION PLANTING PROGRAM 2024
Work has commenced on this year’s vegetation planting program. In excess of 20,000 native heathland plants, trees, shrubs and grasses will once again be installed throughout the courses. Transplanting using onsite material in selected areas is also in progress and forms a key part of our overall program.
Our Annual Course Vegetation Walk will again be offered for interested members in spring (likely in early/mid October). Dates will be confirmed closer to the ideal time and when the plants begin their flowering display phase.
Our vegetation zones are very unique that complement the courses design vision and setting. They also play an integral role for habitat existence for a vast range of expanding fauna species that significantly enhance the overall golfing experience at PK.
REGENERATIVE BURNING
Please note that on select Fridays, in line with our burning permit and vegetation management strategies, some small regeneration burning of vegetation areas on course may occur. The large area of tree branches at our debris sites (right side of 15 South) and at our turf nursery (right side of 3 North) is also planned for burning.
USA STUDY TOUR
Ben Payne our newly promoted Course Manager has just completed the planned study tour of 36-hole only facilities in the USA. The study tour targeted the most elite clubs around different states of America.
The study tour plan was to visit the very elite 36-hole plus venues in the USA. The most important and KEY Objective to benchmark and identify cost saving and productivity gain initiatives and opportunities – resulting in operational cost reduction, increase to course product standards and improve the overall golfing experience our course team can deliver for PK Members and Guests.
Ben was able to link with many Director of Courses / Course Managers / Course Agronomists and was offered exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how things are managed. A full experience was absorbed with on many occasions the day commencing early am with the team at each club.
I am pleased to report the trip was very productive and packed with ideas and initiatives that we can implement at PK. A full trip report will be provided on Bens return.
The following clubs were visited on the Study Tour.
Los Angeles Country Club – 36 hole, North and South Course. Pure Distinction Greens. Host of the 2023 US Open
Medinah Country Club – 54 holes. Medinah is famously known for its Course 3, recently rebuilt by OCM. Host of five major championships, as well as the Ryder Cup in 2012. Medinah will host the 2026 President’s Cup
Olympia Fields Country Club – Private Golf Club in Chicago. 36 hole, North and South Course. Host of 4 Major Championships
Sand Valley Golf Resort – 5 Courses. Located in Wisconsin. Bentgrass Greens
Whistling Straits Golf Course – 36 hole, Straits and Irish Course. The course hosted the PGA Championship for a third time in 2015 and the 2021 Ryder Cup
Merion Golf Club – 36 hole, East and West Course. 5 x host of the US Open
Philadelphia Cricket Club – Oldest Country Club is the United States. 45 holes
Baltusrol Golf Club – 36 hole, Lower and Upper Course. Host club of 11 Major Championships.
Winged Foot – 36 hole, East and West Course. Host Club of 6 x US Open’s and 1 PGA Championship.
Pine Valley Golf Club – Consistently ranked the number 1 course in the world.
US Open at Pinehurst – Attended the final two days of the 2024 US Open. Link with the Director of Courses for behind-the-scenes tour.
STAFF UPDATE
During our recent restructure, Course Manager Ben Payne was provided the task of appointing a course foreman. Advertising this position in house, we were fortunate enough to have multiple high quality applicants. It is pleasing to announce that Harrison Battersby has accepted this role. Harrison joined us 5.5 years ago, completing his apprenticeship, then progressing further to complete his diploma (a criteria that is required for this position). Harrison will officially start this role on October 1, when he return from a 3.5 month stint working at Wentworth Golf Club in London. During his time at Wentworth, Harrison will continue to develop his skill set and will also be involved in the preparations for a DP World Tour event, when Wentworth host the BMW PGA Championship later in September, the feature event on the DP World Tour. Harrison will return with us on October 1
WARM SEASON GRASS TREATMENT PROGRAMS
In conjunction with our present key pre/post emergent treatment program to control Winter Grass – Poa (annua) across the warm season grass areas of green surrounds, tees and fairways, a non-selective herbicide treatment will once again be delicately used in July This is when the couch grass is in its full dormancy and in a low risk 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 overall program.
The autumn 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 spring to form our annual program.
FUTURE COURSE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS
- Mini-tyne verti-drain renovation on greens surface to alleviate compaction and improve water and air infiltration into the subsurface profile throughout winter (June and July.)
- Bunker Maintenance and Renovation program continuation (Autumn, Winter & Spring).
- Annual Drainage program continuation. Target areas 9N fairway, 2S teeing complex and other selected smaller areas (Timings to be confirmed).
- Vegetation maintenance programs that include slashing, burning, pruning, dead tree and woody weed removal in selected areas (In-progress).
- Planting program commencement – 20,000 native plants to be installed throughout winter once again (In progress from June).
Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses