Firstly, a huge congratulations to all pennant teams that competed in last weeks finals and well done to the victorious Simpson Cup, Pike Cup and A3 teams that defeated Grange, Royal Adelaide and West Lakes respectively.
On the home front, the dry and cold conditions have continued over the last fortnight however this has not seen the progress of winter course works slow down in any way.
Last week, ground staff started re-turfing the area behind the hit-off mats on the Practice Fairway. This area had become worn and full of pot holes, a hazard for pedestrian traffic. The area has been stripped of old turf, re-levelled, and re-laid with turf harvested from the front of the first tee. The grass from the 1st tee was taken as it is an ideal blend of turf for the site. With limited direct sun light in the area, Couch grass by itself would struggle however, the Fine Fescue that has been oversown into the Couch will give it a base to grow under these conditions.
The re-turfed area will be roped off until the turf has knitted so we kindly ask members and guests to keep off this area.
Our Vegetation Officer, Monina is very excited to be planting some of her favourite plants over the next few weeks. One of our aims with her new plantings, is to add more colour and variety to our course with a particular focus on high impact areas such as the entrances and clubhouse surrounds. These plants will supplement existing remnant vegetation and attract more butterflies and birds. We will feature a selection of the new plants in our Course News updates to help you learn more about our local plant species and recognise them while on the course.
Native Pelargoniums (Perlargonium australe) are a small, green herb that grows up to 70cm high. They are indigenous to the coastal areas of Adelaide and prefer to grow in free draining soil. Native Pelargoniums grow in full sun to part-shade and self-seed easily. The leaves and flowers of Native Pelargoniums look like the traditional pelargonium and will blend well with plants in a cottage or herb garden. As a dune species, they can tolerate periods of dryness, however will be larger and lusher with regular watering. Native Pelargoniums are an easy-care plant and may attract butterflies and birds to your garden.
Happy golfing and have a great week!
Tim Warren
Course Superintendent
Official Golf Club of the Adelaide Football Club and proud partners of Links2Golf.