After a very wet winter, which I believe was the wettest in 25 years, we are now focusing on spring renovation and practices that will greatly assist us as we head into the summer. To ensure the course is healthy and more importantly playable, there are key factors that we will concentrate on.
Here’s an overview of the most common maintenance tasks we are tackling on the golf course:
- Aeration: To alleviate soil compaction and improve oxygen and water flow to the roots, aeration is a vital part of our spring renovation program. This encourages stronger, deeper root systems and healthier turf. This September, we introduced our new DryJect machines to the greens. This innovative process blasts water and clean sand directly into the soil profile, enhancing aeration while leaving minimal disruption to the playing surface.
- Fertilisation: To kickstart our playing surfaces out of winter dormancy, fertilisation is essential. This process delivers vital nutrients to the turf, helping stimulate growth, repair divots, and rejuvenate shaded or stressed areas across the course. By providing the right balance of nutrients, we’re ensuring the turf has the strength and resilience needed to thrive through spring and into the busy summer season.
- Topdressing: Also known as dusting, is a key practice in maintaining high-quality putting surfaces. By applying clean sand across the greens, we help control thatch buildup and smooth out minor imperfections.
- Turf repairs: Throughout the course, we’re currently undertaking a series of small turf repair jobs to address areas affected by wear, winter stress, and general play.
- Irrigation checks: With a golf course of this scale, maintaining a reliable and efficient irrigation system is essential. We’ve recently completed servicing of the pump station and its filters, and are now conducting a full audit of the irrigation network to ensure every component is functioning correctly.
- Mowing: As temperatures rise and turf growth accelerates, the frequency of mowing across the course has significantly increased.
- Pest and disease monitoring: Scouting begins early for signs of turf disease or insect damage.
- Landscaping gardens: Shane has been hard at work mulching garden beds throughout the course and carparks, tackling winter weeds, and adding new plantings to enhance the visual appeal and biodiversity of the grounds.
- Bunkers: We’re currently focused on edging, levelling, and facing bunkers to ensure they are well-defined, consistent, and playable.
Spring is the ideal time to renovate your home lawn and carry out similar maintenance practices.
Investment and proper care will ensure for better conditions, healthier plants and a better playing experience for golfers.
— Nick Kinley, Golf Course Superintendent
