GREENS SUPERINTENDANT OCTOBER 2024
Greens renovations were completed last month and recovered quickly. Now that the sand has washed and rubbed in completely, we have been able to run the new heads at a lower height of 3.2mm. Over the next month we will start to see the desired speed, and to remain throughout the summer period with regular use of our greens roller as well.
You will also notice on most greens, I have severely sprayed out larger carpet grass patches this time. The negative is that it is a slow process for the blue couch grass to push through but it will be a big positive for the future for a cleaner surface of our greens.
The new grass on a few tee areas will be open this week, and with poor shade and minimal irrigation to these areas, it is definitely a challenge. The 3rd and 6th tees also need re-surfacing and we will be looking at doing this work next month after we get on top of the mowing and snipping.
All dam walls and hazards lines will be done this month and the rough mowers will be going non stop. The side of the 6th tee was repaired but after one day of the turf being layed and also chains along the area, someone still managed to drive a golf buggy up on to the grass and damage it.
The Everglades will be cleaned up and a fire burn is scheduled to be done next month with weather permitting.
New cup liners were installed to the cups and new flag pins have been ordered.
The course staff have two new buggies with tow bars installed on both carts.
A new course staff member will be starting next week.
Water is limited with the 7th and 5th dams being very low and am having issues with sewage water. This is not the time for it!
Bare patches will be repaired with using some grass off the chipping green, and 328 turf for the bare patch on 6 etc.
Plans for a future nursery are in place.
The new blower has arrived, and when testing it on the course, noticed that it builds up a lot of leaves in the rough, so our plan is to mulch these leaves in the same week that we decide to do a fairway clean-up etc. The blower is also used for our daily clean-up of the carpark and for renovations.
Is now time to get the course looking good for summer and I have just finished spraying all greens, green surrounds and all fairways. Much needed rain is on the cards for this next month.
ANDY BOSWELL – COURSE SUPERINTENDENT