Winter rain and frosts continue to negatively impact the course with all surfaces dormant and devoid of colour. The density in the fine turf is generally good and withstanding the high level of play. The course remains relatively weed free and is providing acceptable winter playing conditions. Overall, the course is in good condition.

Bentgrass areas

The greens are maintaining good density and standing up to the high volume of golf being played. Cutting and rolling is being kept to a minimum to protect the turf from thinning out with the dew removed from the greens each morning to assist in drying the turf and to prepare a surface.

The greens are purposely being kept lean with very little fertiliser being applied so that optimum firmness is maintained and Poa annua is not promoted. Fungicide is being applied to the greens when required to maintain turf health with the natural colour of the pure distinction bentgrass providing a natural colour contrast.

The greens and bentgrass surrounds are presenting weed free, smooth, and are providing very good winter playing surfaces.

The bentgrass nursery has recently been seeded with germination very slow due to cold soil temperatures and low light intensity, fertilisers are being used to promote growth with a steady response. It is expected that this turf will be knitted together by early spring.

Couch areas

The fairways and tees are providing good winter surfaces with very little Poa annua present. The strategies to prevent and control weed germination over the course have worked extremely well this year.

The recent application of iron and magnesium has improved the colour of the turf and will assist in promoting winter vigour. Some broadleaf weeds are evident around the tees which will be treated soon. Recovery from divots on tees and fairways has stopped due to the dormant turf but they will quickly recover in spring.   

Removing Parramatta grass adjacent to the fairways has commenced with many plants removed, this work will continue through winter as time permits and has been effective in controlling this weed.

Native vegetation

Lifting canopies, dead wooding and formative pruning trees has been a focus in the native vegetation areas over the last month creating better playing conditions, healthier trees and extending views across the course. A woodchipper was hired to deal with the limbs.

Additional native plants have been added to the 8^th and 11^th carry with the remaining stock to be used to bulk up existing native areas.

Leightons Green Conifers have been purchased to replace those removed from around the course including the ones adjacent to the maintenance shed.

Additional Junipers and Westringia plants have been added to the clubhouse gardens with the existing Oleander and other shrubs pruned to control growth.

Planned maintenance work

Planned maintenance work completed through June not mentioned above included extensive refurbishment of the fairway bunkers, trimming bentgrass bunker edges with hand sheers and controlling long grass around boundaries.

The native vegetation area under the trees on the left side of the 17^th approach has been tidied and over sown with Fescue to provide a more naturally appealing area. Sodding of the maintenance track on the other side of the approach was carried out to protect the fairway turf.

Work around the maintenance shed included painting lines on the shed floor to define where machines are to be parked and repairs to the eaves on the amenities building.

Planned maintenance work for July will include extensive work in the greenside bunkers including adjusting the far side of the large left bunker adjacent to the 4^th green, this work will involve lowering the existing edge to create better access.

Grinding of any known tree stumps and continuing with weed control over the course will continue and gravel paths will be hoed and re levelled.

Irrigation

Bore maintenance including brush cleaning has been arranged to be completed in late July / August. The water metre at bore 7 adjacent to the 8^th fairway needs to be relocated to a position where it can be situated above ground level, this will be moved when time permits.

General comments / forecast

A lot of small maintenance tasks are being completed on and around the course at this time of year while the turf growth is slow, these jobs are constantly improving the look of the course and improving the efficiency of the course operations. All turf areas in general are in an excellent position for mid-winter and are expected to flourish with the onset of spring.

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

 

Dam Volume                                                    40MgL

 

 

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