Dear Members and Guests

 

June was an eventful month for the Golf Course Maintenance Department. Mother nature certainly has a sense of humour! Gale force winds felling large trees, 89 mls of rain in a month and deer and kangaroos wreaking havoc in our bunkers .... needless to say, its been a busy month.

 

With the significant rains we have experienced over the last 4 weeks, and the winter solstice, the conditions of the golf courses have changed. Some areas of the courses are soft under foot, due to the rain and the lack of good drying conditions. It is important to protect these areas as much as possible over the winter months. For this reason, carts should remain on paths, to minimise any damage and compaction. It is in the best interests of all golfers to adhere to the cart rules. Golfers will also notice that areas under repair do take longer to recover in winter, due to the slower growing conditions. Pitch marks may be more prevalent due to the softer greens. It is important to repair pitch marks to ensure a better and consistent playing surface.

 

Due to the wet conditions, some drainage problems across both courses have become apparent. These areas, such as the green surround at Hole #11 on Henley and some bunkers across both courses, have been identified. In the coming weeks, works will commence to install drainage in these areas. Broad leaf weed control is also underway in the primary and pasture rough areas across both courses. Later this month, a cool season grass control program will commence, to reduce the incidence of cool season grass such as Poa Annua. Bunker renovations on the St Johns course will be undertaken in July, to improve the faces of the bunkers which deteriorate over time. These renovations involve stripping the face of the bunker back to its original levels and relaying these areas with new fescue sod.

 

The new parking area at the first tee on the Henley course is now operational. Landscaping of this area will commence shortly. The purpose of the parking bay is to reduce congestion on the Henley Bridge Road, and to keep it clear for access and egress to the Henley Maintenance Complex. To ensure the safety of all, please make use of this new parking area. Work has commenced on the parking area at the 10th tee on Henley, and will be completed later this month. The Henley course will be closed on July 20 for the USGA Course Rating.

 

The programs scheduled for the month of July include:

St Johns Course

Greens:

• Dusting of greens [a light top dressing] on July 19, to improve the consistency of the putting surface

• Fertilizing of greens, using Foliar fertilizer, to encourage turf health

Rough:

• Kamba M application, to control broad leaf weeds, throughout July

Henley Course

Greens:

• Dusting greens [a light top dressing] on July 12, to improve the consistency of the putting surface

• Fertilizing of greens, using Foliar fertilizer, to encourage turf health

Rough:

• Kamba M application, to control broad leaf weeds, throughout July

• Cool season grass control, as required

Green surrounds:

• Selective Rye grass control to improve turf grass quality.

Note:

• The St Johns course will be closed on July 12.

• The Henley course will be closed on July 20 for USGA Course Rating.

 

Regards,

 

Peter Cawsey

Assistant Golf Course Superintendent [Henley]