Course Report – Colin Morrison

The last few weeks have been tough!

Daily adjustments to how we live and work continue as we try to figure out how to get through this challenge. The COVID 19 crisis has had an impact on the course, with staff working reduced hours. At the moment we are trying to carefully balance the needs of the golf course along with the well-being of our staff. Fortunately, with practising social distancing we have plenty of open space that allows us to easily spread out.

While the lack of golfers has the advantage of allowing us to work to our own schedule without worrying about a tee sheet, it is very surreal. It’s a gorgeous day, the sun is shining and there are no golfers. This unusual time has made us aware how focused we have always been on avoiding play while maintaining the course. You can’t help but instinctively keep looking back at the tee to make sure nobody is hitting at you.

The greens have recovered very well from renovation with the core holes grown over. The greens height of cut has been raised slightly to allow for longer intervals between mowing. We are currently cutting greens three times a week. Using plant growth regulators has allowed us to maintain plant health while not encouraging unnecessary growth. Fungicide applications are providing protection from disease outbreaks. The greens will be in great shape when the course re-opens. The bowls green is being well maintained with regular mowing, fertiliser and fungicide applications.

The tees have been fertilised and divots repaired with sand topdressing. Tee plates and tee markers are receiving a fresh coat of paint. New iron bark wooden seats have been installed at the 4^th and 7^th tees. The fairways are now cut once a week and the mowing height has been raised to prevent any scalping as growth slows into the cooler months. Pre-emergent spraying to reduce the invasion of poa annua in the couch-grass fairways has been applied. This will be on-going as the poa is proving very hard to control.

Mowing the rough is still a full-time task with the warm soil temperatures and frequent rainfall promoting growth. Low hanging tree branches will be raised to enable rough cutters to be more efficient at clearing growth under the trees. The large cypress tree on the 16^th hole which was blown over in strong winds has been cleared by course staff, with the stump scheduled to be grinded. The surfaces are enjoying a break from the daily wear and tear. Path ends and high traffic areas are recovering with healthy grass cover.

Our turf equipment technician is carrying out routine machinery maintenance and keeping essential equipment in good operating condition. Machines are receiving an oil change, new fuel, air and oil filters and the blades are sharpened.

Good news is the rainfall to date this year is 291mm, compared to 50mm for this time last year. The irrigation dams are 75% full and with the irrigation season over, the dam levels will continue to rise with rainfall.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff who are doing an outstanding job during this challenging time. The course is in good hands. We are protecting the Flinders Golf Club major asset in readiness for commencement of play.

 

Colin Morrison

Course Superintendent

 

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