01 Mar '10

GREENS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY

 What have the rains done this month? Whhy do we renovate greens?

February is almost gone but good rain for the month with a little over 7” which is a great start for the cooler months ahead.

Greens renovations went well. Solid 8mm tynes were used to a depth of 7”, which has relieved the compacted soil under the greens, taken oxygen to the root system and freed up any soil- bound nutrients which is good for the plant.

The rain has filled dams 17 and 13. The new dam on 14 is slightly overflowing which is good news for our supply which had dwindled down to just a few months in January. A couple more good storms should replenish dams 7 and 5, giving us enough water until next summer.

The course is growing like crazy so not much time to do anything but cut grass. We are now on top of the rough after our new Toro rough mower had a breakage which was a warranty job and had to be repaired by the manufacturer. Toro was good enough to lend us a mower while ours was being repaired.

Good luck to all our pennants teams over the next couple of months.

Last but not least, one of our long time greenkeepers, Pete Johnston is leaving to join the Army, Infantry Division. Good luck Pete for the future, and keep your head down. 

MICK ROBERTS
COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

Ed Note: Peter finishes up on Friday March 5, after more than 8 years on our ground staff. Pete came here in December 2001, and completed his Greenkeeper apprenticeship with us. Apart from being a fully qualified greenkeeper, Pete also competed his Certificate III Horticulture in Turf Management.

Joining the army is something Pete has always wanted to do. He has the blessing of his parents and family, as well as his girl friend. He has two training periods with the army - one at Kapooka for 3 months and then another for three months at Singleton.

We all wish him well in this adventure, and of course would welcome a visit from him any time he is up this way again!