Course Managers Report - Around the Greens in November 2022
Published Monday, 7th November 2022
In October 158mm
of rain fell which was enough to influence the maintenance program.
Fortunately, warmer weather towards the end of the month has allowed the course
to dry out considerably and fingers crossed we will have some settled weather
conditions in the lead up to summer.
Two drier weeks through mid-October allowed the greens to
firm up nicely for the remaining Club Championships. Green surfaces performed,
and are performing very well. Scheduled renovations had to be postponed from
the 31st of the month to the 13th and 14th of
November. The maintenance well help to relieve some compaction and get some air
and amendments into the soil profile. Greens are in a good position leading
into summer.
Most of our tees are recovering well and are in good
condition. The tees in heavily shaded areas are still struggling from the wet
conditions. All tees have been aerated with solid tines and soil amendments
added. This will be repeated with hollow tines some time in November/December.
It is my belief that those tees will recover, but there are a few small areas
on the 3rd, 12th, and 15th that may require
some returfing.
The fairways have responded well to the warmer
temperatures even though the weather has put us a little behind on our nutrient
application program. Despite this the fairways are still in great condition
(outside of the flood affected areas of course).
Over-sowing of the 11th fairway is due to take
place on the 14th of November. The surface will be disturbed with an
“aerovator” attachment on a hired Ventrac, and seed dropped into the surface.
The 11th hole will be closed for a couple of
weeks to allow for germination. While the equipment is here, we will work on
over-sowing other areas on the course as well.
The bunkers have had a hard time of late with the
constant wet weather. They are recovering though and work will be carried out
on edging and re-shaping as time allows.
Shay Tasker
Course Manager