Course Superintendent Report: Spring 2019

Published on 30th September 2019 in Course News, Local and Member News, Members News

It has been a wet few months and from the start of May 2019 to the end of September we have recorded 516 mm. This is 172 mm more rain than the same period last year.

The increased rainfall and upgraded stormwater pumps has allowed water harvested off neighbouring streets to fill both dams to 100% capacity. This is a great start for the irrigation season and the brimming top dam provides a great backdrop to the 11th hole

Turf surfaces held up extremely well over winter with good coverage on all greens.

 We have just completed greens renovation which involves pulling cores out of the greens, applying fertiliser amendments and filling core holes with a heavy sand topdress. This process improves the quality of the greens by removing organic matter and relieving compaction, which provides a healthy turf surface. Our sand dusting of greens regime continued over winter and will continue throughout spring.

 A member recently questioned me “the greens were so good during winter why do we need to core them?” I explained “the reason the greens are good is that we core and sand greens twice a year in spring and autumn”.

The greens will be in peak condition for the club championships.

The drainage projects completed in autumn have greatly improved the fairways, especially the practice fairway which was a continual wet area during the previous winter.  It is now firm and dry.

Fairways held their colour throughout winter which was greatly assisted by applications of iron and pigment. Poa control is ongoing on the fairways with pre and post emergent herbicide applications. At this stage the poa (winter grass) is showing signs of decay, total control may be inconsistent, with residual winter grass causing serious concerns for superintendents across Australia.

Once we get some heat the grass will really begin to grow with so much moisture in the soil after the recent rainfall.

The 1st tee renovation and extension has been completed. This project involved removing pavers behind the top tee and rebuilding the wall a further two metres back. The entire tee surface was stripped, new drainage installed, irrigation re designed, levelling of additional sand and laying new turf.

The 1st tee now provides firm, level ground with quality turf and an extended area behind the back plates. The opening of the 1st tee is scheduled for Saturday 2nd November.

Good Golfing

Colin Morrison

Course Superintendent

 

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