20th April 2021
News Archive
19th April 2021
Check In QLD App
Effective Saturday, 1 May 2021 all Queensland hospitality businesses including Keperra Golf Club will now be required to use the Check In Qld App when signing in patrons. The Check In Qld App has been developed to help the Queensland Government with contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Therefore, from this point forward when you are attending the Club, and your name is not on the timesheet, you will be required to register your attendance electronically by using the Check in Qld App.
You can download the Check In Qld App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store now – simply search Check In Qld.
Once you’ve set up and inserted your details, all you need to do is scan the QR code or type in the unique code provided. These will be displayed around the Club and our staff will be here to help you should you experience any difficulties.
The App will remember your details, saving you time in the future and providing easy check-in across other Queensland venues using the App. Your details will be stored securely by the Queensland Government for contact tracing only (if required).
Please visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld for step-by-step instructions. Alternatively, staff can help you download and set up the App when you next visit.
16th April 2021
Green Report 16 April 2021
Dear Members,
It is unfortunate that we have to write again in relation to the current condition of the greens.
The current condition of the greens is totally unacceptable and not close to what we are trying to produce as a club. While we may traditionally have had a few “problem greens”, to have the whole of holes 1-18 in their current condition is extremely disappointing and a massive set back.
The Board considers the communication in relation to this issue has been far from acceptable, and in turn, the communication to our membership has been lacking. For that, we sincerely apologise. While certain assurances were provided internally during February/ March about the “scalping” of the greens and that the greens would improve, they have not.
There have been varying rumours as to the reason behind the poor condition of the greens, but it is one of human error which, although disappointing, happens. What we have confirmed is that:
- On 1 February, the programmed green renovation was undertaken. This task was completed without incident.
- A dusting program with sand was then undertaken in the ordinary course from 8 February to 15 February as programmed.
- During the week ending 13 February and early the week thereafter, it would seem the irrigation program did not run at points in time (reason currently unknown), but the greens were still cut and continued to be so until (and including) 17 February.
- What happened when the greens were mowed without the sand being wet was to blunt the mower blades. Rather than “cut” the grass, the mowers basically pulled out the grass in patches creating what we saw at the end of February. It removed the leaf of the grass, leaving it without the necessary leaf to collect the sun and grow.
Since mid-February, a dusting and fertilising program was undertaken to stimulate plant growth to repair the damage. Unfortunately, and this is where the weather comes in, the rain in late February and through the whole of March did not allow either the fertilising programme to continue or the grass to get the required conditions to grow. The weather is not an excuse as the greens should never have been in the condition they were in late February but is a factor as to why they are today. And obviously, without the necessary grass cover, the weeds moved in, which love the wet conditions, and the rest is what we see today.
The plan to rectify the damage is now under elevated management, with dusting/ fertilising having recommenced with improving weather conditions. Both the short and medium-term options are being evaluated mindful of the upcoming cooler months. We are committed to keeping you informed along the journey as the greens improve to where they need to be, inclusive of any adopted strategies.
Fixing the greens is the short term priority. In the medium term, maintenance practices and communication must change so this does not happen again, and so there is better consistency in our greens (and the course in general). This is fundamental for the Board and what is considered a minimum expectation of our members.
Part of realising the medium term is to get our staffing numbers in the maintenance team to the desired level. As some members may know, we have been extremely low on personnel in the green shed for way too long for multiple reasons. This has not been due to financial constraints or lack of support from the Board, but rather access to suitably skilled personnel. The boys in the shed have been peddling hard with the resources they have. Still, staffing numbers must improve to meet minimum expectations and to go some way to mitigate mistakes occurring (not an excuse for lack of communication or failure of process). On a good news front, in the last month, we have recruited three exceptional candidates into the team being Tim Inglis, Nick Thomas & Jackson Burrell. Tim commences Monday 19 April as the new Assistant Superintendent; he is presently the 3IC at Cronulla Golf Club in Sydney & brings 18 years of industry experience, including an overseas appointment at Coombe Hill GC in London. Nick & Jackson will join the team over the next three weeks.
We ask for your patience while the issues with the greens are fixed. We share your frustration.
Kind regards,
Luke Simpson – President Doug Tester – Captain
16th April 2021
Industry COVID Safe Plan
We have received advice today (Friday 16th April) from the State Government that the Industry COVID Safe Plans that regulate the various outdoor sports has seen some components of the plan eased. While the Industry COVID Safe Plan remains intact, there is a shift to allow some of its components to be relaxed at the discretion of the individual Clubs. Specifically, for our industry, the use of rakes in bunkers, removing flagsticks and the use of other shared equipment.
The position at Keperra Country Golf Club has not changed but will be reassessed over the coming weeks. Once a review has been conducted, expected changes will be communicated to the membership.
16th April 2021
Course Update 16th April
It had been a relief to have a week of fine weather, allowing mowing to occur throughout the week. The annual US Masters Day was played on Monday, with a shotgun start over the Composite Course. With this event and a considerable number of players on the course, enjoying the improved weather conditions, it has taken most all week to get the course mown. There are some limited areas that remain too wet to cut and preferred lie will stay in place for the short term.
This week has seen some substantial tree removal and tidy-up work around the maintenance shed in preparation for the commencement of demolition works. The cart path on the 22nd hole has been extended by some 180m, leaving approximately 150m to be completed. The greens have been fertilised and fungicide has also been applied.
In the coming week, we will be dusting the greens on holes 1-18 on Monday. Cart path works will continue on the 22nd hole, with contractors commencing the installation of the new irrigation network to the 22nd fairway. We also look forward to welcoming the new 2IC to Keperra Country Golf Club. Tim Inglis comes with 18 years’ experience in the industry and will be a great addition to the team.
Keith Johnson
Course Superintendent