The April Greens newsletter written by Chairman of Greens Matt Gannon and course superintendent Bob Holmes.
Chairman of Greens Update – April
Course Improvement Works
As you have noticed over the last few months, there have been some improvements throughout the course. The team has started bunker improvement works, and we have managed to make improvements on Hole 2 (LHS), Hole 6 (front RHS), and Hole 7 (front large bunker). We have also trimmed trees along the LHS of Hole 11 and Hole 12 to help with the tee shot, as the gap was getting smaller and smaller.
Additionally, we have undertaken some repairs to dead and bumpy areas. This includes the area in front of the RHS bunker on Hole 15 and from the tee to the fairway on Hole 8. Hopefully, these areas will be able to be opened up soon, but we want the grass to grow properly before allowing play in those areas. We have installed a new drinking fountain on Hole 7 to replace the older stainless-steel model. The volunteers will be paving around it over the coming months to help avoid it eventually turning into a mud pit and eroding the ground. It’s our intention to replace all drinking fountains with recycled plastic ones like the one on Hole 7. This will provide greater longevity, as the older style is starting to rust and break down.
Cart Usage
Over the last few months, I’ve noticed a lot of members not obeying the 5m rule from greens and tee boxes. Some members I’ve managed to stop and remind about the rules, but others I haven’t been able to reach. If you have trouble determining the 5m distance, you can always avoid the 2nd cut mown areas around greens. We are now starting to come into the winter months, and the blue line will be back out over the next few weeks once the weather starts to get wetter.
Just a reminder that you are responsible for your playing partners’ conduct as well, so if you see them doing anything wrong, please kindly let them know.
Volunteers
The volunteers have been working through a lot of items over the last few months. They have a good regular program of work, but you might have noticed some additional tasks completed, including edging and dusting cart paths around the course. They have also undertaken the large job of cleaning up the lower car park, removing built-up leaves and debris. They have removed a few more trees in line with our tree audit report, which identified them as problems. The volunteers have been using up the wood chips and spreading them in garden beds. The volunteers are an integral part of maintaining the course to a standard we love. So, thanks again to the small group of people who get out there each week and help out. If you are interested in offering assistance, time, or expertise around the course, please feel free to email me at cog@gosnellsgc.com.au.
Good luck to all the finalists in this weekend’s Club Championship and to everyone who will be playing in the upcoming major competitions!
Matt Gannon – Chairman of Greens
Course Report – April
Greens: Trialing of Pylex a herbicide to eradicate couch and kikuyu encroachment into greens has begun, so far the greens being trialed have had their first application of three which require to be performed in autumn and spring. If the trial is successful, which is looking encouraging a broader program will start in spring. The greens being trialed are 10,11,12,13,15 & 16. Mullumbimby couch and duckweed in greens have also been sprayed.
Image: Areas of couch starting to bleach out on the greens.
Fairways and surrounds: Are being sprayed with iron to give them a darker greener look ahead of the Gosnells Open.
Tees: The lilac tee markers are back from the powder coaters and back out on the purple course.
Bunkers: Bunker work continues with a bobcat and operator used to tidy up and level a handful of bunkers, while the remaining worst bunkers have been tidied up using the bunker rake.
Irrigation: I would recommend Pump 3 should be serviced this coming August with all seals and worn parts replaced, Pumps 1 & 2 have had worn shafts and seals replace back in 2019, and Pump 4 now has had a complete overhaul. The 17th bore is also due to be serviced in August. The upgrade wiring for the 17th bore has now been completed.
Machinery: Our Toro Propass Spreader either requires renewing or repairs done to it. This piece of equipment is used for all sand applications, from fortnightly dustings of greens to applying sand to fairways, tees and greens after coring.
Staff: Jason has now left for the US to begin his placement at Baltimore Country Club for 6 months.
Bob Holmes – Course Superintendent
