Course Chair Report
In this report there are a number of key activities coming up for Members to note, mainly revolving around the Irrigation Project and the Annual Maintenance Plan.
Irrigation Project
Work has moved on to the 14th, 15th and 16th and by mid September will move to 11th, 12th and 13th. As previously communicated, we will take advantage of these holes being out of play and install the rock wall along the 13th and also bumper rails on the bridge.
We remain confident that the whole project will be completed in November. Already our Course Superintendent, Mitch Hayes, has noted better coverage from the new system on holes already finished.
A reminder that the recovery process for the plough lines is a combination of turfing and topdressing, to be followed by the fairway renovation at the end of the project.
Two questions that often get asked; why the open sprinkler cups around some greens and what about distance markers? The latter will be installed at the end of the project. The contractor has GPS coordinates available for every sprinkler. The sprinkler heads near greens are a new offering from the supplier, Toro, called Stealth Sprinklers. These will have grass covered caps installed so will be less intrusive for play around the greens. The greens staff have been trialling different installation methods and currently 3,4,5 and 6 have turf installed.
Lastly we have now used the spoil from trenching to fill in a bunker on the 6th and 9th holes. For newer Members, these were identified in a review, over a year ago, where we looked at bunkers we could remove or reshape over time to reduce the bunker area. This was done by the Course Architect, Ross Watson, and reviewed by past and present Captains. The changes last summer to the 10th and 18th holes were the result of this.
Thanks to everyone for your patience during this important project.
Maintenance Plan
As is normal for this time of year we have now developed the 21/22 Maintenance Plan. This has had to be done taking note of any overlap with the Irrigation project and is attached for the information of Members.
Our aim this year has been to do what is necessary both for short term maintenance and long term integrity of our main assets, but also recognise the disruption to course play this year due to the Irrigation project and to operate within our financial constraints.
The key points to note are:
On the 5th, 6th and 7th of October we will be carrying out the annual greens renovation, which consists of heavy scarifying and sanding. From previous years we have found that two full days course closure is not quite enough to allow staff to have clear access and have the greens back ready for play. As a result, this year it will be closed Tuesday the 5th, Wednesday the 6th and we will have a one tee, 9am start on Thursday the 7th.
If there is a covid lockdown near this time, we may decide to bring this work forward, but this will be communicated if it happens, which we hope it won’t.
The next key project over the summer period is the resurfacing of the 10th green. Members may remember that we have previously earmarked greens 10,1,7,21 and the east practice green for resurfacing (12 and 15 are completed) as they are heavily infested with foreign grass. Green 10 was originally scheduled last summer. However due to the uncertainties around Covid, this was deferred and will now be done this year. Poisoning of the green will start in mid September and the hole will be out of play from early October. For the majority of the time it’s out, the intention is to tee off the back nine on hole 12, and use holes 19 and 20; so minimal disruption and walking for Members.
Once Hole 10 is back in play in early 2022, we intend to resurface Hole 21. The bunker on this hole already has the matrix drainage system installed, so nothing needed there. With this hole out, there is no disruption to routing.
Members can view the plan to see there will be some patching of greens on 14 and 16, but this should be minimal. Collars will be replaced as per the plan.
There are a number of other projects we hope to complete in 2022 but have first to see what capital is available when the budget is approved. At that time, we will complete the full maintenance plan and communicate to Members.
One last bit of information. A number of fire ant nests have been detected on the course, and although some have been treated, others have been found. Please steer clear if you come across any and send in an email to let us know where they are. The course covers a wide area and it’s difficult for course staff to detect all the nests. Mitch Hayes is in contact with the relevant Government department to ensure we use the correct treatment.
Thanks again for your cooperation and please forward any questions or comments to Geoff Kuehner for consideration. All emails are tabled for discussion at our monthly course committee meeting and you will get a reply.
Thanks again
Paul O’Callaghan, Course Chair
