The course team focused on both routine maintenance and aesthetic
improvements across key areas of the course this week.
Greens were given a light dusting of sand to maintain the smooth putting
surfaces and support ongoing turf health. This light application of sand will
aid in thatch control and improve ball roll consistency, and with a real
commitment to a dusting program this growing season, greens will become firmer
as thatch levels are reduced.
Garden beds along the 15th hole were mulched to enhance presentation and assist
with moisture retention. As members will have seen, we have a large amount of
material stockpiled on the edge of the tip area following the processing of our
green waste pile. The course team will continue to use up this material across
the garden beds and mulch areas of the course. This not only improves the visual
presentation of the course but also supports plant health during the warmer
conditions.
A pigment and fertilizer combination was applied to the 3rd, 4th,
7th, 13th, 14th, and 17th fairways
to improve color and presentation heading into the peak playing season. The
bleached appearance observed on certain fairways is an annual occurrence,
primarily due to the extended periods of shade these areas receive throughout
the day. With limited sunlight, the turf is unable to effectively perform
photosynthesis. As a result, chlorophyll production decreases, leading to a
loss of color and a weakened visual appearance. These fairways do recover
quickly following our spring renovations, and from the warmer temperatures
after the winter period. The tree canopies that affect these areas have been
thinned out over the years and this work will continue where required.
The volunteers were on course Monday morning cleaning and
repairing the practice nets, sand from exit points of the bunkers was blown
back into bunkers, tree guards were checked/repaired/replaced, whipper snipping
the nature strip along Bettington Rd, assisting with the mulch spreading along
the 15th, and work in the temporary clubhouse. As always, a huge
thanks to everyone involved this week and for everything you do for OGC—your
ongoing support doesn’t go unnoticed by your fellow members and club staff.
Greens will be cut on both mornings this weekend. I will be
setting pins on Saturday morning, and Joel will be setting them on Sunday
morning.
Happy Golfing
The Course Team.