Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in April 2025

March was an interesting month with an average maximum temperature of 28⁰ and 138mm of rainfall, most of which fell in the last week of the month. A couple warm days were thrown in with a 39⁰ day and 3 days of 35⁰. Regular, and sometimes heavy rain has kept the dams full as we walk away from summer and dive into Autumn.

Renovations were carried out as planned and went very well. 8mm hollow tines were used with sand and soil amendments to follow. We received the gift of 10mm of rain the day after which helped immensely. Greens were cut at 3mm just 3 days after renovations was completed which is a new record. Selective herbicide has been applied to suppress Couch and Kikuyu encroachment on green edges. A second application is due in early April. Further applications are scheduled for Kikuyu suppression in Couch collars. Green speed has remained consistent, averaging 9’8” in March. Greens have come through Summer extremely well and I’m very happy with the condition of our greens as we head into Winter.

The tees re fantastic and the first application of selective herbicide has been applied to control Kikuyu in the Couch tees. A second application is scheduled for early April, which will also include a pre-emergent for Poa annua. Once again, I would like to remind all members to please repair your divots on tees. They are subject to a of a lot of traffic and need everyone’s help to stay in tip top condition.

Ground Pearl is still our arch nemesis. Outside of that, fairways are great although there is a bit of thatch build up which is not unexpected at this time of year.  Kikuyu tends to become thatchy around March and this will abate as the weather cools.  We have maintained a very solid Plant Growth Regulator application program which has kept thatch to a minimum. Turf patching was carried out on the 10th fairway and I’m hoping to see some positive results from current trials.

Shay Tasker

Course Manager