MARCH 2024 – Superintendents Report
Not a lot of good news for the course this month. The rain hasn’t stopped and we are now limited to even getting our machines around the course, it’s that wet! Most drainage areas are working well however we are seeing movement from old storm pipes. You may have noticed the sink hole on the 5th hill that has been roped off.
While the golf has been limited we started digging. Over 2 metres deep is the drainage that carries all the water from the top half of the course and is directed into the 7th dam. This pipe work is estimated to be 50+ years old and is showing signs of multiple leaks. Our plans short term are to repair what is visible, and then discuss installing new piping in the near future.
Big thanks to Kev and his excavator. We had so much water crossing the 14th tee areas and heading all around the 13th green, and Kev was able to clean the whole drain that runs down the line of the cemetery, and with the amount of rain we have seen this week we have noticed a big difference already.
The drainage that runs through the back half of the course from 13th to the 16th dam is also showing signs of age /leaks and most importantly, movement.
When we finally get a day of no rain and the water in the 15th subsides, we will be able to inspect each section and repeat the process as we are doing on the 5th hole. Repair what is visable and plan on future replacement.
Although the boys have been limited to rough mowing, it has given us time to attack weeds throughout the course. All crowsfoot weeds have been pulled out of the greens and all tees, and green surrounds have been sprayed.
We have also added a few more tee signs and will continue more next month. They look great!
Greens will be highly watched, with fungal disease likely if this moisture continues. However, they are currently nice and healthy with hope of some sunshine this month and as we head into cooler conditions, they will be fine.
ANDY BOSWELL – COURSE SUPERINTENDENT