Course Update Wednesday 24 May 2023

We have been able to accomplish a large amount of course work over the past month. The growing season has now completely come to an end, with cold overnight temperatures which have influenced soil temperatures to decline.

A reduction in course grooming (mowing) hours has enabled staff resources to be directed into catching up on ongoing construction projects, control weed infestation and increase course garden / trimming work.

Staff labour hours are now currently reinstated to capacity, although skill is lacking and additional time is spent training new employees. Our new casuals have a strong work ethic and positive attitude. We are lucky to have this help and keeping them on the maintenance team would be something I would recommend to the Board, for a small increase to course wages the course is seeing great results.

The additional assistance by member volunteers has been much appreciated. Recent strong winds have littered the course with debris, it would be great to obtain some more help in picking up these sticks and branches in course tree lines.

Please see an update on areas around course:

Tees

Tees maintain a good colour and coverage; control of winter grass and kikuyu encroachment is in progress.

Fairways

Fairways are presenting a beautiful playing surface, foliar applications of fungicide, fertiliser and pigment have commenced and will contribute to providing this surface.

Greens

The greens have been performing well, at times the surface has softened up and reduced speed due to rainfall. Rolling, dusting, grooming, aeration and growth regulator applications are back on track with increased staffing numbers.

Bunkers

The course bunkers need a sand reshape (level) and face compaction. This is planned to commence this month and be completed early June.

Gardens

Extensive work has been completed in the course gardens, this will continue and ensure they are presented at a high standard.

Turfing

Turfing of bare patches on the course fairways and Irrigation trenches is near complete

• 4^th and 11^th fairway complete
• Irrigation trenches on the 13^th and 16^th fairways 90% complete
• 18^th pathway ends in progress and will be completed on Thursday
• 18^th Tee surrounds and waterfall area in progress and will be completed on Thursday

Trimming Work

All tree bases have been trimmed and are looking great, course dam work has increased along with Irrigation sprinkler heads. Edging of course pathways commenced today and will be completed next week along with a trim of the course bunkers.

Drainage

A week of continuous rainfall outlined further drainage issues which we are currently working on fixing, prioritising in certain areas.

Large repairs have been on the 18^th waterfall, 15^th dam spill way and 13^th fairway. All these will be outlined in further detail in May’s greens report.

Upcoming Works

Tree works – to commence over the next two weeks, concentrating on canopy raising and dead tree removal on the 4^th, 6^th, 7^thand 8^th holes.

Irrigation Upgrade – The final stage of the Irrigation upgrade will commence on Monday the 19^th of June; a plan and schedule will be submitted in the coming weeks.

With the good weather it is great to see plenty of member and guest play with positive feedback. The full fields have made things a little difficult on the maintenance side, although we are continuing to plan around and present the course at its best for the membership.

Regards Rob Sain – Course Superintendent

 

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