Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in May 2023

The course stayed moist in April with 98mm of rainfall, 30mm of which fell on the last Saturday of the month. The average Maximum temperature for April was 23 degrees.

Heading into winter the greens are in tip-top condition with full grass coverage and no sign of pest or disease. Selective herbicide application has begun to control Kikuyu runners around the edges of some greens, although this application has been disrupted by recent heavy rain events. As the cool weather kicks in greens will start to quicken up further.

Small solid tine verti-draining will take place during May and throughout winter to help alleviate compaction and increase air flow within the soil profile.

Tee surfaces are in excellent condition as we head into Winter. Mowing heights have been lifted slightly for the cooler months. We had a good result from our selective herbicide application on tees to control Kikuyu encroachment. We have noticed an increase in the number of divots on tees over the last few weeks, and I’d like to remind everyone how important filling divots is to the overall condition of your tee surfaces.

Aside from a few Ground Pearl and flood affected areas, fairways are in fantastic condition. Plenty of rain along with a few warm days has had a positive impact on fairway condition throughout April. New chemistry for Ground Pearl control is on its way and we’re looking forward to trialling the product on our fairways.  Height of cut has been lifted slightly for winter. Patching of bare areas will continue in May, starting on the 11^th then moving to the 14^th and 17^th.

The addition of 20t of sand helped to improve the playability of our bunkers during April. A further 20t will be coming in May to further assist in this process. Work will begin in May on repairing some faces and drains, as well as changing the shape of the bunkers where required.


Shay Tasker
Course Manager