Last report I mentioned how the course was nice and dry as we head into the cooler months, I can no longer say this is true, Winter like conditions for last few weeks have really changed things but hopefully there is still some nice Autumn weather coming our way.
Looking at the drainage outlets there is definitely more water coming out of them which can only be a good thing and will help the course bounce back from the wet weather quicker, mowing of all surfaces except for the greens is now done only when conditions allow and with preferred lies in play it doesn’t matter if they get a bit longer than we would normally prefer.
This time of year both of our apprentices attend trade school every second week which means we are a worker down every week but at this time of year it is not a problem and it’s a great set up by the TAFE to fast track their schooling through the middle of the year so they are here through the peak times. We are currently trialling Brett Hookey for a week to get to know him with the intention of filling the vacant apprentice position on the grounds staff.
Work continues on the 11th hole as we have reshaped the clay bank behind the new men’s tee and have mulched it which looks great, ground cover plants will be sourced and planted, there are still a couple of trees to be removed down the left side of the hole as well. The Ladies tee will soon have a section of it levelled off as previously discussed.
The tree planting program that was introduced last year will continue again this year however we will need a more rigid guard around the trees as most of the trees and guards installed were destroyed by the kangaroos.
Planting of the front carpark garden beds has been costed and planned with the help of Jenny and Ros and with a budget of $1500, we can soon start this project.
This time of year we try and spend some time on OH&S paper work and training as well as shed and machinery maintenance, already we have had a few days on this so far.
The volunteers are always an asset and have been trimming up and down the sides of the driveway, removing native grasses from the 10th tee and replanting at the 5th tee and helping with general tidying up. This all helps lift the first impressions of new people to the club.
Moving forward we need to make sure all our track drains are clear, keep our dusting program going along with replacing the old pole that forms the step onto the 13th tee with grey blocks, removing wattles around the 12th tee to ensure as much light as possible finds its way into that area and improving the walk on to the 4th tee which becomes a problem in Winter.
Report By
Derek Wills
Course Super
