Course Managers Update - Around the Greens in July 2021

Published Thursday, 15th July 2021

The average maximum temperature in July was 18.5⁰. There were a couple of light frosts and the course received 46mm of rain, although it seems like much more as the course is unable to dry out with the current weather conditions.

Currently the greens are performing very well any minor signs of Fusarium have all but vanished. The greens are clean and free from any disease or noticeable pest activity. Selective control of kikuyu runners has been fairly successful but mechanical control will need to take place between now and Spring to remove any new growth. The greens were aerated with solid tines in June and July.

The tees are in good shape and the condition can be improved if players continue to fill the multitude of divots taken. A light dose of synthetic fertiliser and a pigment was applied in June to help maintain uniform colour and encourage growth. To assist with the improvement of the structure of the soil and an application of gypsum was also given to the tees.

Please remember to fill divots on Tees

Considering the time of the year the condition of the fairways is impressive. A non-chemical trial for control of Fusarium in fairways in showing good results so far with trial areas showing no signs of disease. The 13^th fairway received a small amount of turf on some of the bare area on the left, but I feel this area will not improve until some trees are trimmed to let in more light.

The sleepers have been removed from the 14^th bunker, 12 tonne of sand was added, and it has been re-shaped and shortened by 10m.

Progress with some jobs on the course has been held up slightly with the interruption brought on by Covid and with a couple of staff off on Annual leave.

Work has begun on the new path from the 11^th green to the 12^th tee.

On Thursday 22 July, Carnarvon was scheduled to host a Planting Day in conjunction with the Greater Sydney Landcare Network, where we were seeking volunteers to assist in the planting of 300 donated trees and shrubs. Sadly due to COVID-19 Restrictions, this Planting Day has been cancelled. Greater Sydney Landcare will still donate 300 plants, whereby our Groundstaff will plant them along the boundary on Nottinghill Road, adjacent to the 11^th Fairway and Amy Street near the 13^th green.

Shay Tasker

Course Manager