Recent Course Works

Members will no doubt have noticed a late rush of activity on the course, with our course team enthusiastically tackling some course enhancement projects in amongst the routine maintenance in the lead up to Christmas.

3rd tee

The trees and bushes between the 3rd tee and 4th fairway had deteriorated over time to the point they were detracting from this section of the course.  Their removal has revealed some nice, subtle undulations in the sandy rough between the holes, and made a feature of the new emerging pine trees towards the 3rd green.

This work also saw the removal of a number of Casuarina trees, which is in keeping with the plan throughout the course.  These trees are removed due to their invasive root system and strong competition for any other vegetation.

The clearing of this area has also revealed a beautiful vista from the 4th green/5th tee back towards the 3rd green, previously obscured from view.

In conjunction with this work, the opportunity was taken to reclaim and tidy the green waste area that previously existed at the rear of the 3rd tee.  This area was littered with dead or dying trees and bushes, and has now been reshaped into a deep hollow that feeds into a mound bordering the rear tee of the 3rd hole.

A new rear tee has been added that will add 15 metres to the 3rd, effectively returning the hole to a genuine long iron approach for the low handicapper as it was when it was first built 16 years ago.  This tee will be used sparingly for championships.

Work will commence on installing irrigation and establishing turf and grasses over the coming weeks, with some supplementary pine tree planting planned for the rear tee area in autumn.

18th hole

Additional casuarina removal has also taken place left of the 18th hole.  A dead pine also removed and another large pine pruned to improve the area’s visual appeal.

5th tee

The remodeling of the 5th tee complex is now all but complete, and provides one way cart access on a new path that directs traffic away from play on the 4th hole.  The teeing ground area has been increased to assist with wear management which will assist turf quality throughout the year.

We trust these projects are seen as further enhancements to the course, and look forward to them maturing and settling in to the remainder of the course over the coming months.

Daryl Sellar
Course Superintendent