With the range closed for seven weeks, the greenkeepers and maintenance team have been given a rare opportunity to provide the driving range area with some much-needed TLC. Due to the extremely busy nature of our facility, especially the driving range, it is not often that we are presented with the chance to carry-out such an array of tasks. In fact, the last time they had this level of access was during the COVID-19 period!
Our primary focus during this closure is on improving turf health and completing tasks that enhance the safety and efficiency of WGC staff operations. Most of the work is scheduled for the first two weeks of the temporary closure, before the PGA professionals return to the bottom of the range to conduct lessons and clinics.
Here’s a look at some of the major tasks being undertaken:
- Laying 3,000m² of New Turf: Bare turf areas are being boxed out in preparation for new turf, which will then be top-dressed to ensure healthy growth and levelling and will enhance the visual appeal to driving range users.
- Coring for Drainage: Weather permitting, the entire turfed area will be cored to improve drainage, remove organic matter within the soil profile and reduce waterlogging.
- Sprinkler Upgrades: 130 sprinklers have been marked and raised to a consistent level for better irrigation efficiency.
- Valve Box Replacements: Replacing and levelling all broken valve boxes, some of which have been there for nearly 20 years.
- Clearing “No-Man’s Land“: The area between the south side of the range and the first hole of the Tuart Course is being under-pruned and relevelled to allow safer and more efficient ball-picking.
Now, these are just some of the many jobs being carried out and highlight how this period of closure is being utilised to the highest degree. Our greenkeeping and maintenance team are able to go beyond routine tasks and invest in long-term improvements that will benefit players, staff, and the environment alike.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming everyone back to a revitalized range on the 6th of September!
Thanks for your continued support.
