Course Chair Update
This is a brief update to Members on some of the current works that are ongoing throughout the Course.
The Course is enjoying the recent late Spring warmth and sunshine, and with the increased turf growth rates and intensive mowing and maintenance by the Course Team, we are seeing most playing surfaces being presented in good condition. Many will have noticed the ongoing adjustments and expansion to mowing lines throughout, which have been positively received, in particular around green surrounds. These changes are now providing both an improved visual presentation and the enjoyment of a wider range of shot options.
Post renovations the greens are still in the recovery process back to optimal performance. Course Superintendent, David Mason is monitoring and attending to each green very closely including carrying out increased applications of nutrition, rolling and adjusting mowing height to ensure they play well in the interim, and return to their best condition.
The wick wiping of the rough and out-of-play areas is starting to take effect and this technique of suppressing and controlling certain grass weed species will continue throughout summer. As explained in a recent video update, this method requires the rough to be grown to enable the herbicide to contact the weeds. Numerous applications are required and then the chemical needs to penetrate and move into the plant, down to the stems and crowns, which is the main reason no mowing has been undertaken, at this early stage of treatment.
Vegetation Management and Course Landscape
As part of the vegetation management, and due to the wet conditions in winter and early spring, weed control will be continuing throughout fringe areas of the course. The Team is continuing to undertake selective tree and shrub removal in certain areas around the Course, which as outlined in previous Course Updates is for several reasons.
Firstly, this is to remove vegetation that is either a weed tree species, is dead, in poor health or at the end of its useful life, and predominantly this work is completing the remediation process still required post the flood impacts.
Secondly this is to open-up certain locations where vegetation is encroaching into the fair line of play of some holes, from tees, in fairway landing zones, and on approach shots into greens, as well as taking the opportunity to reveal enhanced views at key points within the Course. Thirdly, to remove shading and encroachment on to turf surfaces, ensuring turf quality is not jeopardised.
To ensure best Course outcomes this work is all being done with careful consideration of the playing experience and in close collaboration between David Mason and our Course Architect Paul Mogford. Of note also is that the greenwaste material stockpiled adjacent to the 12th tee will soon be mulched for re-use around the natural areas.
As part of the long-term and ongoing implementation of the landscape masterplan, there are a number of upcoming revegetation, natural area and habitat enhancement works planned using appropriate local native plant species. These include perimeter screen plantings in areas such as the right side of the 10th just forward of the tees, behind the 13th tee and along the right side of the 14th hole along the Market boundaries, and planned improvements in the 21st tee precinct.
5th Hole Tee Precinct Enhancement Project.
Following completion of the initial clearing phase, this work has been holding whilst the Team has been busy with other recent Course renovation and growing season priorities. The enhancement works will however be re-commencing shortly, and with good weather and ground conditions are anticipated to be completed early in the new year and after grow-in be ready for the 2023 Opening Day.
Lastly, a brief update on the Course Enhancement Plan (CEP) being prepared by our Architect Paul Mogford of Crafter and Mogford Golf Strategies, to ensure the Club has a long-term plan in place for our Course to be the best it can be well into the future.
The initial phases of the CEP process including detailed site assessment and identification of opportunities for improvements to all 21 holes has all been completed. Paul’s concepts for the Course are being compiled into a comprehensive document which we anticipate receiving in draft form shortly.
Regards
Richard Graham, Course Chair
