Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in December 2021

As we all know November was the wettest on record, 171mm fell at Carnarvon which was 34mm more than the Sydney total of 137mm. Temperature-wise we averaged a 23.7^o max which is mild for this time of year.

From a Turf Management perspective, bring on more of the same for summer!

The greens have held up relatively well considering the rainfall and traffic. We’re having a running battle with “Anthracnose” (a fungal disease common in Poa during warm, moist and low sun light conditions) which is understandable given the weather conditions over the last month. We are starting to see some insect activity too and I expect insect pressure to increase once we get some sunshine.

Heavy rain meant we had to delay and then cancel the Coring of greens and opt instead for a small solid tine. This will have a negative effect on plant health over the next couple of months but to alleviate the stress we will carry out regular solid tining, dusting and Gypsum applications.

The warm, humid weather has made the tees come to life. They have held up well during and post the Championships. The tees are really benefiting from the Spring Calcium and Organic applications as well as the early renovation. Even with the accelerated growth rate, it is still very important for golfers to repair/fill their divots.

Fairways are quite literally the epitome of health now. Monthly growth regulator and nutrient applications, coupled with high rainfall and warm weather have really put the fairways in a fantastic place leading into what is typically the hardest time of year. Evidence of Ground Pearl activity has been kept to a minimum with the high moisture levels, but it is still present and active. Ground Pearl was identified in the 5^th fairway while we were turfing bare patches. Numbers have definitely reduced, but they’re still there.

The 11^th fairway is showing signs of improvement, and so it should with fortnightly organic and synthetic fertiliser applications, along with regular pesticide sprays. Tree roots in the fairway are a big problem which we will address over coming weeks.

Sand has been ordered to top bunkers but has been delayed by production issues.

The plants on the “Floating Wetlands” are establishing well with some plants already tripled in size.

I’d like to wish all Members a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Shay Tasker

Course Manager