Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in February 2025

January was a bit of a mixed bag weather-wise. The average max was 28⁰, with 10 days above 30⁰ and 4 of those were above 35⁰. Rainfall of 127mm made for some decent grass growing weather and as we head into the hardest 4-6 weeks of the year, we are hoping for some damp weather (overnight rain) to keep everything nice and green.

The greens withstood the rigours of high temperatures and heavy pest/disease pressure with ease during January. Some small, damaged patches on the 2^nd,13^th,14^thand 15^th from December’s irrigation system issue are recovering well, although some more plugs may be needed in one or two areas. Regular rain prevented the scheduled dusting of greens going ahead in January, but we will pick this back up as weather and golf calendar allow during February. The Greens were verti-drained with solid tines early in the month and will be again in early February. Autumn renovations are scheduled for Sunday the 2^nd of March. This will be a minor renovation consisting of small hollow tines, rolling, topdressing and soil amendments. Further selective herbicide applications will also be carried out in March/April to control Kikuyu/Couch encroachment around green edges, as well as Kikuyu encroachment on Couch collars. Green speed remained consistent with the average being 9’6” for January.

Our tees are thoroughly enjoying the summer conditions and are really showing the benefit of renovation and amendments from earlier in the season. The 3^rd tee is powering along and would be in the best condition it’s been in for some time. Its condition can be attributed to the intensive care it received over Winter and Spring. This will be ongoing for the 3^rd tee to keep it in the best possible condition. All tees will receive a synthetic slow-release feed in February to push them into Autumn, followed by an organic and Calcium amendment prior to Easter.

Once again though I remind all golfers to please repair your divots, particularly on Par 3 tees.

There’s nothing Kikuyu loves more than warm weather and regular rainfall. The fairways are also powering along now. In fact, the only thing between them and perfection is Ground Pearl. The battle against Ground Pearl will continue in early Autumn with heavily affected areas being turfed. Further trials of new control methods will begin here at Carnarvon in mid to late February. Fairway height has remained at 12mm and so far, with regular plant growth regulator (PGR) applications, have remained mostly thatch free. This condition will be monitored though and as they begin their annual “thatch up” we may need to adjust cutting height slightly.

Emergency tree work was carried out after storms brought down a large Eucalypt outside the front entrance. Tree maintenance will continue once approvals come back from Council. The front fence which was damaged in the storm will be repaired asap.

Shay Tasker
Course Manager