Novemebr 13
Hopefully the glitches which have prevented me posting have been sorted, thank you for your patience over that extended time.
Greens have recovered from the October renovations very quickly and were being cut back at normal height of 2.8mm just a few weeks after. One issue we are having with the greens at the moment is a flush of Poa annua seed head, generally we manage to control 40 to 60 % of seed head formation through the peak time limiting its impact, normally just prior to our renovations through certain product applications. Unfortunately as a result of the unusual cooler wetter weather which extended through September / October this delayed the trigger of the timing of the peak seed formation into the recovery period for the greens at a point where we need to cease product application for the poa in order for the Bent Grass to recover sufficiently from renovations as the product does regulate Bent grass growth as well. We are taking measures to reduce its impact through brooming greens prior to mowing to remove extra seed head and grooming greens to thin them out a little, product application will resume shortly which will improve the present situation. That said the greens are healthy and we are happy with where they are at present.
We are dealing with a few other issues due to the extended cooler whether we experienced through Sept / Oct, one of which is the Bush growth is continuing further into the season than normal, usually ceased mid Oct, this places extra demand on staff time due to the extra cutting, I would like to thank Ken Lowth for giving up his time Mondays to slash areas around the course, his efforts are much appreciated and help the staff immensely, thank you Ken .
Bush growth and moisture levels also effects the numbers of mosquitoes on course as the longer grass and moisture encourages them to hang around longer than usual. This resulted in an extra peak in numbers on course and through the general area, by the end of October November which required added spraying which was carried to control them to reduce numbers to nuisance levels only. Numbers should now be dropping significantly though we will continue to monitor numbers to asses if further spraying is required.
Together lets Fight the Bite http://www.fightthebite.com.au/
With the extra work created and still short staffed due to TAFE and Leave commitments some construction works have put put on hold are progressing at a much slower rate the 6th tee right side extension is one such example that has been put on hold for a month. This work is of low priority out of play. The entrance side has been completed thanks to Jetline (wall) Monday volunteers (path) and staff for the tee top repair and leveling. It shows what can be accomplished by various groups of people who share a common goal.
Finally, next week we will commence Back 9 Fairway renovations, we will be hallow coring as we have had a great deal of success over the past few years using this method of renovations. Major surface disruption will result which may require preferred lies( match decision) and works will continue through the competition days, though we will endeavor to limit disruption to play, please do not hit up on contractors or staff unless they are well out of the way or you are called, this is very important for safety.
Thank you and happy hooking
Greens have recovered from the October renovations very quickly and were being cut back at normal height of 2.8mm just a few weeks after. One issue we are having with the greens at the moment is a flush of Poa annua seed head, generally we manage to control 40 to 60 % of seed head formation through the peak time limiting its impact, normally just prior to our renovations through certain product applications. Unfortunately as a result of the unusual cooler wetter weather which extended through September / October this delayed the trigger of the timing of the peak seed formation into the recovery period for the greens at a point where we need to cease product application for the poa in order for the Bent Grass to recover sufficiently from renovations as the product does regulate Bent grass growth as well. We are taking measures to reduce its impact through brooming greens prior to mowing to remove extra seed head and grooming greens to thin them out a little, product application will resume shortly which will improve the present situation. That said the greens are healthy and we are happy with where they are at present.
We are dealing with a few other issues due to the extended cooler whether we experienced through Sept / Oct, one of which is the Bush growth is continuing further into the season than normal, usually ceased mid Oct, this places extra demand on staff time due to the extra cutting, I would like to thank Ken Lowth for giving up his time Mondays to slash areas around the course, his efforts are much appreciated and help the staff immensely, thank you Ken .
Bush growth and moisture levels also effects the numbers of mosquitoes on course as the longer grass and moisture encourages them to hang around longer than usual. This resulted in an extra peak in numbers on course and through the general area, by the end of October November which required added spraying which was carried to control them to reduce numbers to nuisance levels only. Numbers should now be dropping significantly though we will continue to monitor numbers to asses if further spraying is required.
Together lets Fight the Bite http://www.fightthebite.com.au/
With the extra work created and still short staffed due to TAFE and Leave commitments some construction works have put put on hold are progressing at a much slower rate the 6th tee right side extension is one such example that has been put on hold for a month. This work is of low priority out of play. The entrance side has been completed thanks to Jetline (wall) Monday volunteers (path) and staff for the tee top repair and leveling. It shows what can be accomplished by various groups of people who share a common goal.
Finally, next week we will commence Back 9 Fairway renovations, we will be hallow coring as we have had a great deal of success over the past few years using this method of renovations. Major surface disruption will result which may require preferred lies( match decision) and works will continue through the competition days, though we will endeavor to limit disruption to play, please do not hit up on contractors or staff unless they are well out of the way or you are called, this is very important for safety.
Thank you and happy hooking
