The major pathway construction has now been completed from the 1st tee, café entrance and along the 10th tee. I hope you are now all enjoying the new access, which is much safer and aesthetically pleasing. I thank you all for following signage and ropes to get you all around the major works safely.
I am sure you have now seen a lot of turfing happening around the course. We have completed over 1500m2 of turfing to repair the designated access points that essential construction vehicles used to complete the works on 14th, 18th and the Clubhouse. You will also see turfing in fairways being conducted. These fairways are the 1st, 15th and 16th. In our work program we will be continuing to work our way around the course to identify and repair other areas. I ask that these areas be treated as a GUR, staff will have these painted with white lines.
Over the coming weeks you may notice certain turf discoloration in the couch tees, couch fairways / green surrounds. The reason for this is that an application has been made to those areas to help eliminate foreign grasses which have germinated in those surfaces. The main grasses that we are targeting are kikuyu grass and winter grass. The couch grass which is the host plant will not be affected.
The 14th green is establishing well. I am happy with the progress of the grow in phase. We are now cutting all turf in the work zone. The green is currently being cut at 7mm. This green is still on track to be opened around the middle of June.
The 18th green has had significant work conducted on it. We took the opportunity to rectify a few issues with the green such as softening the slope which runs through the middle of the green. I'm sure as a golfer you are all going to appreciate. The green was seeded Monday 25th of March with the grow in period usually a 12-week period. We had a slight setback when the course received a huge downpour of rain, 220mm of rain fall in a 24-hour period. This did create a wash out on the green which we rectified after the storm including re seeding the impacted areas.
As the cooler weather has now arrived, which means grass growth potential has minimised going into dormancy, I ask if everyone could ensure they always carry a sand bucket to help repair divots and fix pitch marks on the greens.
I would be delighted to welcome any additional Members who would like to assist in our current volunteer program which runs on a Tuesday & Thursday.
Thanks to all Members for your patience throughout this construction period, and happy golfing.
Luke Telford - Superintendent