Changes to Golf Club entry and exits:

As of the last week of April the counter end entrance to the Golf Shop will be an exit only.
All traffic will need to enter the clubhouse at the “old reception” end to gain entrance to the Golf Shop. The door will be modified so it will not be possible to enter the door, only to exit it.
We appreciate all members co-operation.

New NTP Markers

As of this week, we are introducing a new system in regards to the NTP’s. Instead of placing the large board on the spot when you mark the spot, you will now place a small round disc down and simply right your name on the card and return it to the side of the green. The disc’s will be coloured differently for men and ladies for simple identification.

Superintendents Report

Greens
The grass we oversow our Greens with is Poa Trivialis. Poa Trivialis is very quick to establish and works very well in shady situations. It has a very good turf density and leaf texture. It has a very good tolerance to low mowing heights as well; greens are mown at a height of 3.25mm. Greens are oversown at a rate of 3.5kg per 100m2, a lower rate would not give us the protection the couch grass requires and a higher rate would result in shading the couch grass out, therefore transition time would be very painful.

Tees
There are a two species of seed selected for our tees. These species are blended together and is oversown at a rate of 6kg per 100m2. A slightly higher rate is required due to more wear and tear on the tees mainly due to divots etc.

Bariviera Poa Trivialis. Bariviera Poa Trivialis is medium dark green, with very fine leaf texture. Bariviera has excellent turf density, and coupled with a more upright growth habit, makes an excellent playing surface. There are considerably less horizontal stems with Bariviera, keeping overall turf quality high. Even though Bariviera is very dense, it allows transition back to couch grass very smoothly and quickly.

Ryegrass. There a number of ryegrasses blended with the Bariviera Poa Trivialis. Ryegrass provides extremely quick establishment, generally 3 – 5 days. It has all the same benefits as the Greens seed (Poa Trivialis), and is used for the same reasons. This grass cannot with stand the low mowing heights as on greens, its optimum mowing height is between 8mm to 15mm.

Transition Period
Transitioning begins in October; the oversown grasses are sprayed out using a chemical called ‘Monument’. Two applications generally brings upon the death of the plant, there may be need for a third application but generally not. Fertilizers applications are increased dramatically to kick start the couch grasses into gear. The ‘Monument’ spray applications happen two weeks from renovations, which this year renovation will occur on the 18th and 19th of October. Greens may look somewhat motley leading into renovations and this is just part of the process and must be understood.

Underbrushing
Underbrushing has continued throughout the month of April with around 7 holes remaining. We are aiming to have these completed by mid to late May at the latest. The reason for this is that we are set to undertake some bunker reconstruction in late May.

Upcoming Works
Bunker Reconstruction – Bunkers on holes 1,3 and 10 are what we are aiming to reshape and reconstruct by the end of June. These bunkers are in very poor condition and will be the first of hopefully many, to undergo a major transformation. We are planning to soften the sharp edges that are now present and have more of a soft rolling effect (similar to Hope Islands edges), replace old bunker matting and drainage and of course replace the old sand.
Drainage – Drainage works are planned for the 17th Fairway, this would have to be one of the slowest draining holes on course at present. Works will be just like what had occurred on the 2nd hole late last year, these works are scheduled for mid-June.
Turf Works – Just like what occurred on the 11th Hole during April, we are planning to turf a lot of similar areas out like this. Not only does it help with course playability, it makes maintenance and costs so much more efficient and cost effective. Areas that we have identified are on holes 2,3,9, 17 & 18.
Bollards/Barriers – Over the coming months we will be dedicating a large portion of our time to replacing and repairing timber bollards and barriers around the golf course. The condition and the way these present is just not good enough, we will be doing everything possible to bring these up to the standard we all expect

Weather and Forecasts (Thursday to Thursday)
Weekly Rainfall total               51mm
Year to Date Rainfall Total       529mm
April Total Rainfall                    58mm
Min Temp – (4.6 26/4/12) Max Temp – (+30.3 9/4/12)

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE VANDALISM THAT OCCURRED
ON THE 4TH FAIRWAY IS TO BE TREATED AS G.U.R.

Works completed April
•    Oversowing of all Greens
•    Dusting of all Greens
•    Edging of Greens
•    Spraying of Weeds in Tee Surrounds/Garden Areas etc.
•    Spraying of Weeds in Bunkers
•    Turf extensions on 11th Hole
•    Fertilised all Greens
•    Fertilised all Tees
•    Checking of Sand depths in Bunkers
•    Solid Tining of Greens
•    Underbrushing
•    Turf Works on 11th

Works to be completed May
•    Continue with Underbrushing Works
•    Turf Works
•    Commence Bunker reconstruction Works
•    Timber Bollard and Barrier Replacements
•    Oversow all Tees