The Bureau predicted a wet week this week, and it was an accurate forecast (125mm), making it almost impossible to perform any renovation work to the course at times this week. Ideal weather conditions greeted the course staff on Monday morning, and the team made a strong start to the greens renovations, completing eleven greens before the rain arrived at lunchtime. Unfortunately, once the rain begins, it becomes impossible to rub the sand into the open aeration holes.

The sun was shining at lunchtime on Tuesday, and with only a small amount of rain falling during the morning, we decided to try and get a few more greens topdressed and aerated Tuesday afternoon. However, the sunshine was short-lived, and further rainfall limited progress to just three additional greens.

Whilst the rain has interrupted the topdressing of the greens, all remaining greens were aerated and will be topdressed once weather conditions improve. Depending on when this topdressing occurs, the aeration process may need to be repeated if the original aeration holes begin to close.

Renovation work on the fairways has continued, although topdressing has not yet been carried out. Despite the rain, the course staff have persevered and successfully aerated all fairways with the exception of the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 10th. While the immediate visual benefits of aeration may not be apparent, the open holes will allow rainfall to penetrate the soil profile more effectively. This will help saturate the soil, so when temperatures rise through spring and into early summer, the fairways will be well-positioned to respond with strong healthy growth.

Herbicide applications for Winter Grass control in tee complexes, fairways and roughs were performed this week with the rainfall being utilized to help wash the product into the soil profile, enhancing root absorption and overall effectiveness. The effects of this application will start to show in the next 7 to 14 days with these weeds turning yellow initially before melting out as the weed dies.

Course staff also removed turf from the putting green so that the temporary putting green on the 18^th tee could be finished. The turf on this temporary green will now be given time to establish before the team starts the process of levelling this surface out through topdressing and rolling practices. We ask that members avoid walking on the new surface when they are playing the 18^th hole.

Our volunteers were once again at the club performing a range of tasks, with the planned drainage work in front of the new 7^th/19^th green during renovations having to be postponed until the weather conditions are more favorable. The restoration of the green, yellow and white plate markers has begun with cleaning and painting started. The awning out the front of the proshop has been cleaned, and on-going work in the temporary clubhouse was also performed. The volunteers also assisted with the relocation of items from the clubhouse down to the temporary clubhouse facility. Thank you gentlemen for your assistance this week, and for being flexible with your time during the weather impacted renovation period. 

Given the ongoing rain and its impact on the course, the difficult decision has been made to close the course over the weekend. With improved conditions expected, we are hopeful of being able to complete the final green renovations on Sunday.

Happy Golfing
The Course Team.