July Greens Newsletter

Hello to a wet July. It is pleasing to see some water in the 15^th & 18^th lakes. There has been limited activity on and around the course as the ground staff endeavour to cope with the wet conditions:

1. Divots –              

   A number of members have expressed to me their disappointment at the number of unrepaired divots on our fairways. There is only a certain amount that Greens can do. It is up to those members who do the right thing to encourage and educate other members in the correct way to repair divots. Divots must be repaired throughout the course. This includes all 18 holes, off the edge of fairways even in sanded areas on the course. For example, if your ball finishes in a sandy area and you dig your feet in to obtain a solid stance and take a sand divot, you are still expected to smooth the divot as well as your footprints.

2. Bare areas –              

   The ground staff have continued to repair bare areas on the course such as:

5.1         LHS of the 12th fairway approx 80m from the green as well as behind the green.

5.2         RHS of the 6^th fairway near the blue tree.

5.3         LHS of the first fairway.

5.4         Cores from the 1^st fairway have been utilised to seed the area next to the 18^th tee box. Interesting to note that the area on the first that was holding water and looked like a small pond was cored. Our next large downpour on the 22^nd / 23^rd July resulted in this area draining beautifully.

3. Tree removal –

   A dead red gum on the RHS of the 3^rd fairway fell and was removed on the 19^th 

4. Volunteers & E/B’s

   – The volunteers continue to clear the dead & fallen branches as well as removing the wattles in the golden / Bermuda triangle bounded by the 15^th, 16^th & 17^th The RHS of the 16^th fairway has now been completed except for the removal of several stumps. We have commenced clearing the area at the corner of the 17^th & 15^th fairways.

The E/B’s continue to repair divots on the 16th hole.

5. Greens –              

   As mentioned last month we have commenced utilizing the chemical H2Pro Flow smart. This will be applied monthly with a view to firming up the greens. This wetting agent assists in the following ways:

9.1         It is a super penetrant that helps surface water to penetrate more quickly

9.2         Creates firmer and dryer year-round surfaces

9.3         Increases the flushing of carbonates & salt from the rootzone

9.4         Also assists in an integrated disease reduction programme.

9.5         In addition to the above we shall continue with weekly dustings and monthly needle tyning.

6. General maintenance – The following was completed by Grounds during June:

11.1       The woodpile near the 16^th tee box was burnt on Monday the 15^th July

11.2       Verti draining wet areas on the course.

Until next month happy golfing.