May Means ..... And Farewell to an Icon



My thanks to the staff for their efforts, doing a tremendous job during my leave keeping the course ticking over to the very high standard we have all come to expect. Thankyou.


 Well May is upon us and for the course team that means major events with the Captains Cup, Pro Am, Capel Cup, the New Stoney Creek 3 ball event along with SWDLGA pennants all being played this month, this will mean our primary focus for the month will be course grooming and  maintenance preparations for these events to present the course in its finest. 


The greens  are now at a height of 2.8mm which will be maintained for this month with increased cutting (double cuts) as we draw closer to these major events, the cooler weather has slowed the greens growth rates with a subsequent spike in pace with our focus on a smooth true roll.


During Autumn  all warm season turf areas (Tees, Fairways and most Surrounds) were fertilised with a slow release fertiliser to sustain the turf through the winter months, this practice has been proven to increase turf resilience through winter, maintain colour and importantly encourage quicker spring green up (growth) with NO further warm season turf fertiliser application till Spring. 



During my leave we received the sad news of the passing of Life Member, valued volunteer and someone I am proud to have become a friend, Kevin (Ned) Scott. Ned was one of the first members I met when I commenced at Capel Golf Club, no longer playing he would be at the course every morning at 8am, his first point of call, driving his landcruiser around the back 9 to spot any trees or branches down, he would often joke he did so with his eyes closed so he didn’t have to clean anything up, nothing could be further from the truth.
 Ned could be seen most mornings with his great mate Syd Heggarty cleaning up any fallen trees, if no trees were down they would remove dead ones, if nothing he could see needed doing, he would ask if there was anything that did, from mowing to raking up rubbish and everything in between he was always willing to lend a hand, always willing to impart some practical advice, always ready with a morning yarn,  a quick witted one liner or simply just a hand on the shoulder in support.   
He took great pride being part of Capel Golf Club and Capel Golf Club is all the better for it.


We certainly have lost a character and a true Gentleman. 


Our loving thoughts and condolences are with Jill and the Scott family.

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