Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in October 2020

September was the driest month of the year so far with just 33mm of rain falling in the month. We enjoyed lovely Spring weather with warm days and cool nights. Weather-wise it was a tame month except for the very last week where we received some remarkably strong winds.

The greens have come out of winter with excellent coverage. As in previous years, a 9-week program was followed to reduce Poa seed head growth, and this should result in the eradication of Poa seed by mid to late October. The Growth regulator program was commenced in September and mowing frequency increased for the growing and Championship season. I think the greens are in fantastic shape heading into October and I have scheduled a mini core for the 2^nd of November, weather permitting.

The tees are really picking up now and responding to the warmer days and fertilizer applications we applied during September. Insecticide and Miticide were also applied during September to control certain pests including Couch Mite and Black Beetle. The Tees will be renovated on or around the 2^nd of November with another synthetic fertilizer application and a calcium application planned for during the renovation time.

The Course staff see the results of their efforts at this time of the year with the fairways looking fabulous at present. They recovered well from their renovations in August and during September, wetting agents and foliar fertilizer applications took place along with regular irrigation. A little more rain will benefit them greatly and I have an application of granular fertilizer ready to go out at the first sign of decent rain. Some Ground pearl patches are becoming evident with the drier weather and as the Poa dies off. Some bare patches have been turfed on several fairways including the 11^th, 13^th and 18^th. We will continue to patch bare areas through spring and into the early summer months if the weather allows.

Subject to fine weather some tree work around the dam will commence on Monday the 12^th of October in preparation for the de-silting of the middle dam. 

Shay Tasker
Course Manager