October Greens Newsletter

This is my final newsletter after returning to the position as COG back in Oct 2022. The monthly newsletter was my avenue to inform members of what had been completed & what was proposed on and around the course. I trust all members have found the newsletter to be enlightening & educational. I appreciate the kind comments from all members who have personally thanked me for my efforts over the past two years. I also wish Matt Gannon and his crew all the best for the next two years.  

October really is one of the best months to play golf. The weather is warming up, the ball is flying further, the course is returning to its best after winter and renovations. The grass is growing and everything is green and flowering.

The following has been completed and or proposed during October / November:

Snakes – As advised last month, Dugites and the occasional Tiger snake have now awakened from their hibernation. Please be extremely careful, especially when venturing into the bush to locate your or your partner’s ball.

Reticulation – We have experienced more leaks in our aging pipework. A major leak was located on the 13^th . There was also a minor leak behind the 15^th green. Several rough stations have been installed with the view to installing more sprinklers along the 3^rd fairway, LHS of the 16^th green & RHS of the 18^th fairway near the lake. Grass is sparse in these areas, and this should assist with grass coverage.

Staff – Last month I advised that our casual had resigned. I am pleased to confirm that we have employed a new casual to work Saturday mornings. The greens were rolled on Saturday the 19^th October and from all reports the extra pace & firmness was enjoyed by all. This will continue every Saturday except when conditions are not conducive.

15^th RHS greenside bunker – The bunker on the RHS of the green will be extended by around 2 – 3 metres to remove the slight mound and level out the bunker. This will also enable the staff to use the bunker rake to better affect. One sprinkler will need to be moved. This will ensure more balls hit to the right of the bunker are captured by the bunker. This will be completed by the end of November.

Trees –  As indicated in the August newsletter three trees will be removed near the 13^th green as per the Greens audit report. We are not sure when these trees will be removed, however a temporary green on the 13^th will be in play and the 15^th will be converted to a par 3. This is to ensure the safety of the tree loppers & will be for one day only.

1^st LHS Fairway – The LHS of the first fairway is coming back well. The bare areas closer to the green on the LHS are planned to be repaired by the end of summer.

18^th fairway – The bare area approximately 10m in front of the green has been dug out to a depth of 30cm with fresh sand applied followed by cores. This area will be GUR until it is fully covered. In previous years this bare area extended towards the lake. Should this occur again during the summer months then the Ground staff will remove the bare area and follow the same process as recently completed.

Volunteers & E/B’s – The EB’s raked all debris and spread mulch on the Ladies recognition garden. The Volunteers have commenced tidying up all garden beds and edging all paths. Tee signs will be oiled over coming weeks.

Course levy – Greens have approved that the funds available from the course levy for the 24/25FY will be applied as follows: Note that the income is less GST whilst the expenses are inclusive of GST. This is to assist the club with its cashflow.

Greens have also approved the surveyor’s fee and designs for the clubhouse to be met from the Course levy. We expect the Board to request the buffer to be utilised for other costs associated with the new clubhouse. This will be discussed at the Board level and Greens over the coming months.

General maintenance – The following is planned to commence or be completed during October / November:

• Installing rough stations and sprinklers near the 3^rd fairway, 16^th green [LHS] and 18^th fairway [RHS near the lake]. Now completed.
• Top dressing all tee boxes and levelling out.
• Re-establish the bent nursery where the turf has been removed.
• Spray for Clover, flatweed, Guildford and nutgrass weeds.
• Bill bug spraying.             

Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their support over the previous two years. The course is a living beast and there is always something going on that requires attention. Greens and all volunteers have exceeded my expectations with what has been achieved over the past 10 years. We should all be very proud of our course and the vast improvement over this period. There is still more to be completed but the back has been broken.

In conclusion I would like to personally express my gratitude to all the volunteers who have assisted over the past 6 – 7 years and I acknowledge their contribution as follows:

Lawrie Bennett: Lawrie is a life member and a tower of strength. He is a pillar of our club. He is always looking at ways to improve the course and or around the clubhouse. His contribution is outstanding. Lawrie introduced me to the Volunteers, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to assist. His loyalty is unquestioned.

Tom Arlidge – Tom is our oldest volunteer but his efforts and contribution are second to none. Tom is a 50-year-old member of the Gosnells Golf Club, yet he is always willing to assist. Tom is a stalwart of the club and is always eager to help.

Paul Cooper – Coops has been a wonderful contributor to the volunteers. His knowledge and ability to work through any issues on the course has been outstanding. He has, with the assistance of Simon Platt almost singlehandedly transformed one of our biggest problem areas into a strength. His work on the bunkers is second to none.

David Stephenson – What can I say about Stevo. Another great volunteer who is always willing to assist whenever possible. He traditionally goes back to Melbourne for around 3 – 4 months each year and volunteers at his club in Melbourne. Stevo always has a smile on his face, and nothing is too hard to complete.

Mark Halliday – Doc is one of our newest members and a great contributor. He may be slight in stature, but his heart is big and being the youngest does most of the heavy lifting. Well done Doc.

Terry Smith – Smithy like Doc is a young member of the volunteers but again is more than willing to help out. We just need to ensure he travels after the Senior Pennant season has been completed in future years.

E/B’s -a special thank you to Ken Gray, Eugune Devries and Darryl Brissett for volunteering their time to help with various roles around the course. It has taken some pressure off the volunteers which has been greatly appreciated.

Bev & Brian Thompson – The Thompsons are our marking experts. They mark where the rakes are to be placed next to all bunkers as well marking the penalty areas. Many thanks Bev and Thomo.

These members should be applauded for their contribution to our great club. When you see them, thank them for their time and efforts.

Cheers and good golfing to one and all.

Report by,

Terry Gale

Chairman of Greens