Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in October 2024

September was one of the driest months we’ve had for some time, with no rain at all falling until the very last week. The warm temperatures and strong winds helped to dry the course out very quickly after what was a wet Winter. The end of the month produced 51mm of rain in 2 days and this was followed up by another 6mm on the 1^st of October.

The Greens recovered extremely well from the renovations and the surfaces are true, firm and fast and have handled the wind and warm weather in September very well. Green speed averaged 10’4” during September. The rain at the end of the month produced some puddling on the greens but this drained away quite quickly. We are trialling new wetting agents which have been formulated to help pull water from the surface, holding it in the root zone, while increasing oxygen in the profile. This has helped to keep surfaces firm, along with our amendment program, during the rainy weather.

Pitch marks though currently not easy to make due to the firmness of the greens are not always being repaired correctly. It is essential that all members take the time to repair pitch marks. These pitch marks not only upset the roll of your putt, but also create an entry point for pest and disease to enter the plant.

Click here to view Pitch Repair Video

Tees have started to kick on with the warmer weather and the rain. Tee surfaces are clean of any weeds and are expected to power into spring. Once again, I’d like to see an improvement from our members with filling divots on tees.

Our par 3’s need players to extra attention to filling in divots if we are to maintain good coverage coming into the warmer months.

Members are reminded that the back 7^th tee is not to be used unless the markers are in place.

Rain at the end of the month enhanced the appearance of the fairways although some water pooled in some of the low areas. The water did drain away reasonably quickly once the sun came out.

During September 400m of turf was laid over bare areas on several fairways and all of that is establishing quite well. Turfing will continue in November/December as the weather allows.

Insecticide/miticide applications will be carried out in early October as well as Nutrition & growth regulation. Renovation and soil amendments are scheduled for November, depending on weather.

All bunkers have been edged and had sand either added or moved around. Bunkers performed well in September but as we all know; they don’t appreciate heavy rain. In stating that, only 2 bunkers needed to be taken out of play after the 50mm the day before the first round of Championships. The faces of the 5^th bunkers have grown in well and will be in play very soon.

Tree work was carried out on the 13^th, removing the last of the dead trees in that area. Further work on 9, 8, 6 and 5 is scheduled for October, providing weather stays dry.

Shay Tasker
Course Manager