January 2024

On behalf the Course Staff we hope all our members enjoyed their festive season and wish everyone a healthy and fantastic New Year.
 As many members are aware the ongoing saga of the submersible pumps dominated the past 4 to 5 weeks, a simple replacement turned into a logistical nightmare. With the older pump no longer manufactured, the original quoted like for like flow rate replacement being to large a dimension for our bore, and, unusually, very difficult sourcing a pump that both matches our duty requirements ( flow rates and pressure ) and actually fits in our bore hole. 
 Interestingly through all this I was given some very old documents from 1970’s which made mention of limited pump size availability for our bore hole... Go figure.
 These delays in sourcing a compatible pump led to some serious concerns with the pressure being applied to our other pump, turf health deteriorating, and with the Xmas /New Year shut down fast approaching, I made the decision to have the original pump serviced as best can with a new motor attached. Unexpected courier delays meant it wasn’t till the afternoon Friday 22nd Dec to get it operational. Cutting it fine to say the least and I have no doubt had we not went down this path, the course would have suffered permanent injury. 

 This would not have been possible without the co-operation of Jandco Electrics and particular Joel, They were incredible to work with, having closed the shop for the 3 week Xmas break the Tuesday prior, they, on very short notice and on their way to play golf themselves, organised to hook up the electrics to get us out of trouble, without of which we would have a pump but no power !!! A massive Thank you To Jandco and Joel.
 Special mention also to Thinkwater Bunbury for also performing works outside of planned opening times due to the delay in receiving the motor from the courier, Daryl was great to work with as well coming in specially to perform the work after his planned finish date. 

 While the pump was out Australind Bore and Civil undertook a clean and flush of the screens and were equally fantastic to work with, my thanks to Paul for his onsite work.
 Cutting it fine but we were back in full operation by Xmas and since then we have implemented recovery measures and the course is responding and continues to improve in condition. 

 We will still require a new replacement pump, to be worked on during winter but it does give is some breathing space to better source an appropriate more suitable pump ( the new motor can be interchanged) whilst getting us back into operation as soon as possible. 
 We will also be looking at the F9 bore and pump, planning a course of action for its service and possible replacement in due course. 

 The other major issue we have been dealing with is the constant E winds howling 24/7 over the past 2 months, this causes a huge mess on the course with a great deal many hours spent attempting to clear debris from play areas. It isn’t just an aesthetic issue, we need to clear these areas for maintenance so not to damage sensitive cutting implements or turf damage. 
 The wind also severely impacts on irrigation uniformity with extra time being spent watering impacted. 
 The winds seem to come earlier, be stronger and more consistent each passing year, or maybe its just me getting older and less tolerant, actually that maybe true to some degree, however my records show it is indeed commencing earlier, lasting longer and more persistent with less lull periods than ever before, we have only had 3 dews on the course since October this season, mainly as the winds have been that persistent this year, it does keep diseases in check with less surface moisture about but brings with it plenty of other issues to deal with. 
 We will definitely be looking at better debris clearing options than we have at present. 

 Till Next Time 
 Happy Hooking

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