Course Update

Congratulations to all grade winners in this year’s Women’s Club Championships held last week, and a big well done to all competitors who braved the horrendous conditions!  They say golf is a winter sport however at times last week, the weather was pushing the friendship.  A big thank you to my course staff for their efforts in preparing the course each morning, raking wet bunkers, squeegeeing water off greens and working in conditions that are not the most satisfying element of our profession, but to their credit the work was carried out and we were able to present the course as best as the conditions allowed. 

With the wet weather and the continuation of cooler conditions turf in higher traffic areas of the course have started to thin.  We are currently trying to alleviate the pressure on one such area on the practice green by closing a section for weekday use.  This corner of the green is a high use area and closing it during the week will help the area retain turf density and health through the winter.   On the subject of winter wear, we also ask members to be cognisant of their short game practice around the practice green regarding how many balls are hit during chipping and pitching practice.  With the surrounding Couch grass going into its dormant growth stage, excessive use in the one area results in divots that will take weeks to recover and areas that will be devoid of grass coverage until spring.  So, we ask that you be mindful to limit how many balls are used and to try and mix up the areas you practice from to help spread the wear.

This week saw the appointment of Monina Gilbey to the role of Vegetation Officer for three days a week.  Monina comes on board with an extensive native vegetation design background specialising in Adelaide Plains and particularly coastal re-vegetation.  Over the next month, Monina’s focus will be on filling plantings through the Club’s entrance, in-front of the clubhouse between the 18th green and developing long term management plans for what is a great feature of our course that we want to continue to enhance.  Welcome aboard Monina!

Tim Warren
Course Superintendent