Dear members,
We’ve seen an interesting mix of weather with some significant rain falling throughout mid July mixed with some very cold and frosty mornings that have led to beautiful winter days.
As I write this (August 13th) we are in the midst of a beautiful run of unseasonal conditions which is having a profoundly positive impact on the course.
GREENS
As is always the case our main goal for winter is to try and produce the firmest and smoothest surface we possibly can and for the most part (other than large rain events) we’ve done an excellent job of this. Minimal nutrition is required to greens this time of year due to the colder conditions and the only thing we’ve applied by boom spray was a fungicide in mid July prior to predicted rainfall to battle any typical disease problems that come with multiple days of cold and wet weather.
The greens have been pleasingly disease free this winter and have maintained a good level of speed, density and smoothness for this time of year.
If the mild conditions continue in the next few weeks we will look to renovate greens in early September so that we can have them at their best by the beginning of October… this decision will be heavily dependant on if soil temperatures are warm enough to encourage growth and recovery.
FAIRWAYS/TEES/SURROUNDS
The first real test came on July 11 for our new drainage with 50mm of rainfall over a two day period. The overall results were extremely positive which saw these areas completely dry and back in a playable condition within 24 hours. It clearly shows what this kind of work can do to improve course conditions and only emphasises the importance of continuing on with our drainage programs if the goal is to have our course playable 365 of the year.
Overall our main playing surfaces have remained in excellent shape for this time of year and puts us in a good position to come into spring full steam ahead.
17TH GREEN RECONSTRUCTION
I’m excited and pleased to announce that the board have approved works for the 17th green to be rebuilt and designed during this upcoming summer period.
I don’t think many could argue that the 17th green is our poorest designed green on the course, which consists of an excessive slope through out the entire surface and a very basic and unappealing design. These factors along with the green being north of 50 years old were all reasons why it was time to improve this green complex and make it both fairer, tactically better and more aesthetically pleasing.
The process from here has already begun with course designer Phil Ryan (Pacific Coast Design) coming on site several weeks ago with myself to put together his/our design plans and ideas together for this complex. The area in question has since been surveyed and we are now awaiting Phil’s first draft complete with 3D and height images for us to evaluate and discuss..
Once these plans are finalised we will be sure share these designs with members so that everyone will be able to visualise and see for themselves what’s in store for our new 17th green.
From there we will obtain quotes from several construction companies to undertake the work with the goal for works to commence on this green sometime in late January of 2025.
Let’s hope this fabulous winter weather continues and we can all keep getting out to enjoy the excellent winter course conditions we are experiencing
Ryan Hammond
DG&CC Course Superintendent
Filed under: Members Slider, Members, Membership Level