Recent warmer weather has increased the growth rates throughout the course. Unseasonable cool overnight temperatures throughout October and November resulted in sluggish grass plant growth, contributing to a slower than expected return to optimum playability for the putting surfaces and the renovated fairways. With the growth now kicking in, keeping up with mowing will be the challenge over the busy festive season. Spray programs, grooming and dusting of the greens will continue over this period, with some individualised programs being applied to specific greens and tees.
The 3rd and 11th tees are being mown on a regular basis and the grass plant is tightening up with the gradually lower height of cut. Tee placements rotation over the full extent of the tee blocks, managing wear will continue well into the new year. A number of bare patches on the fairways have been returfed and marked GUR, with further areas prepared for returfing awaiting previously ordered turf to arrive. The outstanding delivery should arrive and be laid in the coming week.
Over the past 4 weeks we have had staff returning late on a Friday afternoon to rake the bunkers in an attempt to provide the best presentation for weekend play. Members are asked to ensure that they are leaving the bunkers in better condition than when they entered, thus improving the experience for all.
The Short Course/28th Hole project is taking shape nicely, with irrigation now installed and topsoil applied this week. Turf will be laid early next week, and the greens will be stolonized, commencing the grow-in period. At this stage it is hoped that the project including the addition of a safety fence will be usable prior to Easter. In the meantime, it will improve the visual appeal of the entry to the Club as the turf takes hold.
Good Golfing
Keith Johnson
Course Superintendent
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