Most members would be aware of the extent of damage that the course sustained during the recent flooding event. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many people that worked tirelessly to get the course up and running as quickly as it did, which was a massive task that was achieved in an amazingly short period of time. Our course team led by Keith Johnson, clubhouse and golf shop staff that were redeployed to the course and around 120 members that gave up their time to assist in the clean-up. I would like to thank each, and everyone involved.
I would like to update members on expected course and match activities. Today, Friday 29th April, a significant amount of turf was laid on flood affected bare areas on the 1st, 10th, 18th & 19th holes, with more returfing expected in the coming week. Once the turfing has been completed it will be the perfect time to re-evaluate our current local rules. The Match Committee has a desire to remove many of the free relief options currently available as soon as possible. While all bunkers remain optional GUR due to the damage caused by flooding, rakes have been reintroduced to a number of bunkers, please get back in the habit of using them as bunkers will return to play in the coming weeks.
Importantly on the match front, the dates for the Gents A-Grade Championship will be 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th of June, with a limited field to contest the 72-hole gross (stroke) event. Click here to view A-Grade Championship Information. Presently the B&C Grade event remains under review.
The decision has been made to oversew several of the flood affected fairways, with an aim to assist them through winter, with renovations to these fairways to be conducted during October. While some fairways require oversewing, the greens are in good health and will not be oversewed this winter. Recent soil tests have been positive and apart from battling with crows’ foot (weed) in general the greens are playing well, with an overall improvement in turf quality in the past month. A weed spray program is in place for the greens and with cooler temperatures just around the corner, the focus will be on winter preemergent controls. The 8th green is progressing well, with plenty of specialised care required. At this stage we are hoping that the 8th hole will once again complete the full 27-holes by early June. A temporary green is being prepared on the 5th fairway and will only be used as a backup if required.
I would like to thank members for their patience over this period and while we are seeing day by day improvements, continued patience will be required as the growing season is coming to an end. Finally, a reminder that unrepaired divots and pitch marks take much longer to repair over the winter months. Please fill your divots, repair your pitch marks and if you have time, two or three more would help.
I wish you happy golfing and all the best for the remainder of the golfing year.
Doug Tester
Club Captain
Filed under: Course Updates