We are often asked why certain maintenance activities are prioritised over others. Like most businesses, our course maintenance program is governed by resource allocation, which includes equipment, labour, and consumables such as fertilisers. In recent years, the Club has significantly increased its investment in these areas, and the benefits are becoming increasingly evident.
While there is rarely any disagreement about what should be on the to-do list, the priority list often requires careful interpretation and adjustment. Understandably, some clubs operate with significantly higher course budgets, while others manage with less. Regardless of these factors, our goal remains constant: to create value that exceeds the monetary investment. We firmly believe we achieve this better than most.
Weather disruptions frequently challenge even the best-laid plans, and last month (December) was no exception. Due to public holidays and increased course activity during the holiday season, December presented unique planning challenges. Adding to the complexity, we received 321mm of rain that fell over the first 19 days of the month (Dec 2024) which caused significant inundation on Wednesday, 18th Dec. Planning quickly became a daily—and in some cases, hourly—proposition when this happened.
When such disruptions occur, the immediate priority is to reopen the course. The Club is proud to say that it achieved this within 24 hours on this occasion, though admittedly in a condition below our usual standards. This rapid reopening required prioritising the cleaning of the course, addressing safety issues, and operationalising irrigation and pumps. The team then focused on mowing greens, tees, surrounds and fairways.
Beyond these initial steps, decisions needed to be made regarding mowing the rough and reinstating bunkers. In this instance, mowing the rough was prioritised, resulting in bunkers being out of play longer than we would typically prefer.
Why prioritise mowing the rough?
This decision was influenced by several factors, with the forecast for continued wet and stormy conditions being a key consideration. More rain would likely restrict further mowing and undo any bunker repairs, rendering them back to poor conditioning. Additionally, player feedback highlighted that the longer rough was/is causing frustration due to increased lost golf balls and a slower pace of play. Addressing this issue was deemed more urgent.
The bunker rectification will involve more than simply raking the affected areas and will likely involve 150-200 hours of labour.
To mitigate short-term concerns with the bunkers, we introduced a local rule allowing optional relief, which ensures players were not subjected to unreasonable playing conditions.
Please rest assured that getting the bunkers back in play is a priority. The task is scheduled to commence on Monday, January 6th.
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