Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in March 2025

February brought 57mm of rainfall and an average maximum temperature of 29 degrees. The month started with warm days exceeding 30 degrees but settled into the high 20s, ending with the warmest days of the summer. Regular rain kept the dams full and the course green.

February is typically the most challenging month for cool season turf maintenance due to high nighttime temperatures and humidity promoting pest and disease activity. Despite this, the greens performed well with no recorded disease or pest damage and consistent speeds averaging 9’7”. Scheduled renovations were carried out in early March using small hollow tines, followed by soil amendments and sand application. Selective herbicide applications will continue for Kikuyu encroachment.

Santa Ana couch grass on tees is thriving with the warm weather. Tees received a synthetic fertilizer application in February and have responded positively. Divots on tees remain an issue due to insufficient filling. Autumn will involve selective herbicide applications to remove Kikuyu and pre-emergent treatments to prevent Poa germination. An organic fertilizer is scheduled to aid growth into winter.

Ground Pearl infestations are affecting fairway conditions. Kikuyu and couch grass are growing well outside the affected areas. Regular Plant Growth Regulator applications have managed thatch, although some areas are beginning to develop. Black Beetle populations increased significantly late February but have been controlled. Trials on Ground Pearl control are ongoing. Turfing of patches will begin in March.

Shay Tasker
Course Manager