CAPEL GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE

With low pressure when watering this green (only 3 to 4 of 5 turf valves at any time) this green was another on our hit list of critical areas to improve water flow. We expected to come across blocked pipes as the reason why the low flow rates were extremely low.  This was not meant to be, what we did find was - Of 2 potential 50mm main supply lines only 1 was connected.   The non connected 50mm main line continued from the 12th Fairway, past the 50mm green pipes and continued under the green without tapping into the green pipes. Don't worry I was scratching my head as well! The connected 50mm main along side the 12th green from the 14th (which didn't exist according to plans) could have been enough if it wasn't for a section of 32mm pipe including a 32mm shut off valve smack in the middle of this 50mm main supplying the green. Yes that's right, on either side of the 32mm pipe was 50mm pipe. To compound the problem iron build up within the 32mm section re...

The pot holes appeared on the 13th this week, yes another problem area we are fixing prior to the irrigation season. Once again inspection points were dug out the pipes cut to give us a look at what was happening down there. One section of 40mm pipe was totally blocked from a 50mm tee connection, 10m of the pipe was replaced with new 50mm pipe and the rest of the existing pipe from the fairway to the 13th cleaned by probing and water pressure. Inspection and access points for cleaning The offending tee connection The pipe  Due to the blocked pipe water was being drawn from the 12th fairway and green area through the connecting pipe, it is expected now the water will flow the way the pipework was planned in the first place i.e. to the 12th fairway and green, not away!!!! Next week we will start work on the pipe around the 12th green cleaning out any iron build up, then it will be on to the 15th tee, 10th and 11th greens, 16th tee and finally the big one....the 1...

Players would have noticed a few "pot holes" down the 14th this week, this was for inspection purposes of the old pipe in this area. Water flow has been an issue for a number of years down 14 towards the tee and including the 15th green and tho we await the installation of the new system on the back 9, this could be a couple of summers away, with this in mind rectifying the problem is critical to allow for proper irrigation of this area and more importantly the 15th green. After inspection of the pipes (see pics below) it was decided replacing the pipes rather than cleaning out was more cost effective option. 50mm pipe with Iron build up 50mm blocked pipe 25mm pipe  We will be replacing the pipe from the main at the Fairway to the 14th tee and then adding a supply line to the 15th green. This work will be carried out next week. Future areas we are looking at doing in winter are 13th and 16th with similar problems. The Cal Clear unit installed is designe...

Staff have just completed preps for the Capel Cup, the course is again in very good condition with the greens healthy and running true. The Pro-Am during the week was also successful with allot of positive feedback coming from them. We have started sparingly using the new tee boxes, the retaining wall on the first tee is complete, the new path will be constructed when time permits Russell's staff to do so, excess spoil from path digging will be used to level the remainder of the inside wall towards the tee. Over the next few weeks exploratory digging of the old retic lines on the back 9 will be undertaken to identify blocked or restricted water flow areas and remedial action taken. It was hoped the new retic for the back 9 would have been installed this year however with this not proceeding as originally planned, some pipping need replacing or air scouring depending on the severity of the pipe blockages to ensure irrigation of the back 9 next summer. All players please note - Thos...

On behalf of the greens staff I wish all our members a Happy and Safe Easter and good luck for the Easter Medley. The course staff have been busy preparing the course for the event and this has been the focus over the past few weeks. Other work attended include finishing the Men's 10th "white" Tee and the Ladies 6th Tee despite problems with the turf cutter. Both Tees should be ready for play in 3 to 4 weeks. The dead Banksia beside the new ladies 13th Path was removed and thank you to Peter for cleaning up our mess. In other news our water consumption is now at 90% though with some moderate temps and some showers this is manageable for the remainder of the allocation period ending in July. While we have had some rain we still would like some more regular falls to back up the present once per week irrigation of the fairways. We have enough water to comfortably water tees and greens as required. Speaking of irrigation a main line blow on the front 9 kept us busy and a ...

The picture problem still hasn't been rectified so you will have to put up with more of my ramblings I am afraid. 12 days out from Renovations and the greens continue to recover well. We have started mowing this week ( from Wednesday) at 5.5mm and depending on green responses it is planned to lower the cut in 0.5mm increments 5 to 7 daily until we reach our normal heights. Obviously the sprayed areas of Couch and Saltene will be a little slower to recover. This week on top of normal Maintenance  also saw coring of green surrounds for drainage reasons ( even tho we are yet to get RAIN!!, the completion of the 13th ladies Path and Commencement of the 10th men's front Tee retaining wall, thanks go to Russell Line for his offer and work for the paving and the retaining wall. Staff have removed the turf and relaid it elsewhere on the course, stockpiled the topsoil for later use and will level and re turf the Tee early next week. Tidying up around the 13th path will also tak...

5 days after greens Renovation and they are coming back strongly, however I have noticed quite a few unrepaired or incorrectly repaired ball marks. This slows down the recovery process for us, and for you that means a bumpier roll for longer when putting. The greens are very soft at the moment due to renovations and are more susceptible to damage at this time than any other from rough treatment or ball marks so PLEASE follow these very simple steps which take 30 seconds................. Ball Mark Repair - Did you Know an unrepaired or incorrectly repaired ball mark can take 3 weeks to heal the ugly scar where a correctly repaired ball mark can heal itself in 24hrs? 1. You can use a ball mark repair tool, tee or even your keys. 2. Start at the back of the ball mark, insert the tool just outside the indent and gently push towards the center. 3. Continue to repeat this from around all the sides of the indent. 4. Pat down the area with your putter. Never insert the tool and ...