Course Update – Wednesday, 30 April 2025

We have had 141mm of rain over the month of April, topping up the areas that were in desperate need of some reprieve. Areas on the course that drain reasonably well are managing to bounce back when the sun starts to shine and the wind picks up, but we are seeing a slight decline on some of the playing surfaces, Tees and Fairways notably, that aren’t draining effectively.

Cool mornings are upon us, and the days are getting shorter, so fingers crossed we have seen the last rain event for the season and we can look forward to a sunny Brisbane winter.

You have probably noticed the dam levels on 17 & 20 are low at the moment. This is a deliberate measure to try and get the excess water from the top of 10, 18, 1 and 19 to drain effectively. Allowing us to get into the bunkers on 19 and remedy them before opening 19, 20 & 21 next week. For the water to drain from the 19^th Fairway pit, out into the 20^thdam, the water level on 17 dam has to drop to the height that it is currently at. Once we have completed the works, we will top the dams back up slightly so the marine life doesn’t suffocate and it’s a little easier on the eyes.

• Greens on course were rolling close to 11ft on the Stimp last Wednesday after a cut and roll, and are 9.5ft at the moment. Greens 11, 12 and 13 have received their herbicide treatment to begin killing off the champion as we look to start the resurfacing process next week. (Keep in mind this might quicken them up for the weekend)
• 19, 20 and 21 are looking really good, after a cut and roll last week 19 was at 9ft on the Stimp which is promising as the coverage is good and ball roll was smooth. They are all being cut at 3.25mm as of now, and are being incorporated into our regular mowing maintenance.
• The 20^th Green is still lacking in a couple of spots, but is improving every day the sun is shining. The morning soil temperatures are at about 18.5 degrees, which is a little below optimum, but they’re getting up to 28 degrees during the day which is still plenty warm. Obviously, the shorter days means less hours at this increased temperature, which is what limits growth during the cooler months.
• Tees are holding a fair bit of water still at this stage and coverage isn’t where we would like it to be. Saying that, we have gone and oversowed select Tees with a perennial Rye Grass to help with the recovery through winter. We will try to push the Tees over the next few weeks to give them a helping hand as they recover and dry out. Tees have also had an application of Gypsum this week (hence the snow like appearance on them). This should help the soil structure move water through more effectively, and assist in nutrient uptake. Gypsum also provides plenty of Calcium and Sulfur, which are essential to turf health.
• Fairways are looking in good shape, that little bit of extra rain probably only dampened the spirits of 10, 18 and 1, as the other fairways are drying out quite quickly with the good weather.
• Bunkers are getting worked constantly to get them back into good order. They are fairly unsightly with the constant wash outs, and we deem to have them back in good playing condition this week.
• Bunkers are receiving their regular grooming treatments, edging and spraying of weeds. And we will begin to get sand into the desired areas over the next couple of weeks.
• Foliar programs were halted last week due to the excessive moisture on the ground but we are back spraying Greens and Fairways this week with nutrition to keep them healthy.
• We will be looking to get some new turf in some areas on the course in a couple of weeks. Areas like the drive off on Hole 6, and the path running on the right-hand side of the 4^th The 4^th will then be restricted to walking only, and carts will continue to drive along the path on the 17^th towards the green.
• Atlas Golf is back on course next Tuesday (6^th May) to begin works, which puts 19, 20 and 21 back in play. They shouldn’t be very disruptive considering the location of those holes, but a friendly reminder that they are strictly no play zones, whilst the works is going on and the Greens are growing in.

The Volunteers have been out in full force again, with a group dedicating their time on Monday to help clean up the low-lying trees and brush on the 10^th Fairway. Whilst the ladies have been out on the 5^th hole clearing out the hazard zone which is looking fantastic. We extend our gratitude to all those who volunteer their time to improve the club and lend a helping hand.

Alex Blakey
Assistant Course Superintendent
The Brisbane Golf Club