Weather and Rainfall

It was not long ago that we were all hoping for the rain to stop, but now the situation has reversed, and we are again wishing for rain. The course received 45mm of rainfall throughout November, following just 15mm in October. This amounts to 60mm over a 61-day period. The weather conditions have been notably challenging, with eleven days exceeding 30 degrees and an average maximum temperature above 28 degrees. Additionally, 28 days were marked by persistent wind and elevated UV and evapotranspiration rates, resulting in extremely dry conditions across the golf course.

Greens

The greens have performed exceptionally well and are currently in excellent condition as we approach what is anticipated to be a difficult summer. In November, scheduled renovations were completed using 10mm hollow tines, followed by the application of soil amendments and sand. A follow-up dusting was conducted a week later to further smooth the surface. Green speed has remained consistent, averaging 10 feet 8 inches throughout November. Although a slight decrease in speed is expected over summer, it is unlikely to fall below 10 feet.

Please note that during the warmer months, afternoon watering cycles may be run on the greens between 5:45pm and 6:15pm to help keep the leaf cool during the afternoon heat. It is also important to remember that summer places the greatest pressure on greens due to increased pest and disease activity. Unrepaired pitch marks create opportunities for these issues to develop, so all players are encouraged to repair pitch marks on the greens. If you are unable to locate your own, please repair another one.

Tees

The tees are responding well to the heat and increased irrigation, showing good recovery following November’s scheduled renovations. These works included verti-draining with 19mm hollow tines, rubbing back the cores, and applying the appropriate fertilisers. The Par 3 tees are continuing to improve, albeit slowly.

Players are reminded to fill divots on tees to help maintain the best possible playing surface.

Fairways

The fairways were looking excellent until the onset of dry heat. Despite irrigating them three times a week, this has not been sufficient, and while most areas are holding up, turf quality has declined where soil is poor or tree roots are intrusive. Renovation plans for the fairways will be postponed until conditions improve. On a positive note, progress is being made in managing Ground Pearl; there appears to be a reduction in both numbers and damage in the trial areas, though it is still early days.

Other Works

Tree work was completed around the 12th green and in front of the 13th tee, prompted by a large Tallow-wood tree falling in the wind. While the arborist was onsite, additional dead and hazardous trees and limbs were also removed from the area.

Shay Tasker
Course Manager