A quick snapshot of the last 3 weeks on the golf course regarding grounds.
Greens: Considerable care and thought have been going into our greens maintenance program, recently we have been able to achieve the following:
- The greens received an 8mm solid tine in the week starting Monday 29th July. The solid tining aids water infiltration & aeration.
- Our monthly program of bio-stimulant fertilisers and beneficials continues, this was applied on Thursday 8th August.
- Dusting greens continues to be a great success, we have been able to dust Monday 22nd July, Monday 5th August & scheduled for Thursday 15th August.
- Poa plugging has begun, we will push to do a considerable amount of this leading up toward our September greens renovations.
Upcoming works – the greens surfaces will receive a ninja tine (mini hollow core) in the middle August, Poa plugging and a continuation of our regular dusting program.
Important Spraying – Argentine stem weevil – The greens and surrounds have received an insecticide application to help with our IPM (Integrated pest management) program for summer. This pest can cause severe problems for golf greens in Sydney. This application is scheduled to help break down the lifecycle sequence of this pest moving into spring/summer. Much of our work in the space of insect and disease management is preventative, the battle has begun.
Bunkers – Outside of the general upkeep to the bunkers around the course. The Front bunker on the14th hole received some extra attention. This bunker has had an additional amount of sand added, it was also aerated to soften the existing sand, levelled and broomed ready for play.
Issues list/Other works – work completed
- 3rd Dam clean up – branches and sticks removed along dam fence and surrounding 3rd side of the dam.
- New planks installed on the dam bridge.
- Rear 1st green levelled and ready for turf.
- Ladies 11th tee – drainage lines turf cut and levelled.
Upcoming Greens Renovations – begin Sunday 8th September through to Tuesday 10th September, works include:
- Scarify the greens – a lighter grooming reel will be used this year to prevent thick, deeper grooves experienced during the same renovation period last year.
- Core greens – A 5/8-inch tine at 50mm spacing will be used this year.
- Pick up cores and clean the greens.
- Topdressing – top dress the greens with sand to fill in core holes and aid in the process of thatch breakdown. There will be an increased amount of sand left on the greens surface this year, in previous years this has been removed from the greens surface. This time around will we allow the Pure Distinction to grow through the sand providing a much smoother surface and help in aiding in diluting thatch levels. This will bring the usual frustration in the first 10 days following the renovations however I believe they will be in a better state come October for both the Men’s and Ladies Club Championships.
- Application of fertilisers, amendments and Calcium.
Acting Course Superintendent
Loren Wood
