The expectation of most golfers is to play on hard and fast greens.  In a bid to improve the firmness of the St John greens on an ongoing basis several trials will be conducted across the St John Course.  This will include the top dressing of the chipping green with a sand that has a finer particle size.  This is the same top dressing sand used on the Henley greens, although this sand is different to the sand profile of the St John greens.  Technically it is advised to use the same top dressing sand as the greens are constructed from as it may cause compatibility issues and therefore provide long term negative affect.  As it is only the chipping green it will identify what will or will not happen on a green that is not so important.

The other trial to be conducted will be the use of different wetting agents and rates.  Wetting agents play a key role in the movement of moisture through the greens profile.  The trial will involve the application of various rates and mixtures with an outcome to identify a rate or mix that best suits the greens and the playability expectations.  Please keep in mind ultimately the playability of the golf course is governed by the whims of Mother Nature.

On Monday January 11th the St John greens will be renovated - aerated and top dressed.  Typically this operation is conducted in early autumn.  This time of the year is generally busy with golf club events and the weather is ideal for social play.  The earlier renovation will remove the inconvenience during this busy time of the year and allow prime golf course conditions for the pennant season.

Commencing on the 1st week of January is the operation to aerate via slicing the Henley fairways.  The task is designed to improve the infiltration of water into the fairway profile.  Following this task is the operation to apply wetting agent to all tees, fairways, approaches and rough across both golf courses.  The purpose of this operation is to improve the efficiency of all water applications.

During January the St John Course fairways and tees will be verti-cut.  The purpose of this operation is to remove excessive growth that often builds up in the playing surfaces as they age.

The priority on the Henely Course during January is the control of the various broadleaf weeds that have invaded select areas of the rough.

Otherp rojects scheduled for January include the fertilizer application to all rough areas, blackberry and paspalum control through out both golf courses.  The Henely Course is also scheduled for the select rough areas to be cut and baled.

The following programs are scheduled for the month of January:

Scheduling of these operations may change due to inclement weather conditions

Regards,

Sam Myott