I hope that everyone has had an enjoyable festive season. I would like to provide you with an
update on what is happening on the course. It has been an extremely busy month for our pro
shop staff and the greens staff, with lots of social golfers taking advantage of the good
weather.
There had been plans to commence drainage works on the 10th fairway, but the course was
too busy for drainage works to begin safely. Works were commenced around the 8th tee,
where the supporting copper log retaining wall and stairs have deteriorated. The back half of
the wall has been removed and soil has been placed to create a gentle slope onto the tee. The
front half will be done as time allows. The path from the 7th green will be completed with
mulching and tree planting to follow.
Now that the number of social players has reduced, works have now commenced on the 10th.
The old terracotta drains are broken, and there was no opportunity for the water to drain. New
drains are being placed and irrigation will follow. This process will take several weeks and
there will be a short period in early to mid February when the 10th will be a par 3. The end
result should be worth the short term disruption.
Tees, fairways and greens have coped reasonably well with the traffic. The front of 8 has
undergone repairs. The front of 2 and middle of 5 have a long history of struggling at this this
time of year, and our head green keeper feels that these greens require a rebuild. The back of
6 and 12 seem to be spots that attract corellas, so these areas are being left alone for now.
Recent rains have greened up the course and we have more than enough water in our dams to
see us through the summer. We have also installed a new water pump, following the failure
of one of our old pumps.
We have also purchased a blower to clear debris from the fairways and greens. It does a
superb job.
The recent works on the 3rd and 12th are looking good, as are the newly turfed areas on 11
and 18.
We continue to see more trees dying as a result of last years torrential wet. Duncan Dyer and
Sam Knox , as part of F troop, are removing smaller trees. Our arborist will have no shortage
of larger trees to remove during his several visits each year. There are a large number of trees
to remove, with priority given to those that are most dangerous.
We are no longer dumping waste in the area between 16 and 17. We are stockpiling debris
and periodically mulching it. The waste dump will be hopefully being used as a training
exercise for the RFS in the next couple of months. This area will then undergo remediation.
The club is currently seeking quotes for the construction of a new green keepers shed.
Members will be updated as this process progresses.
We are concerned about the length of time that is being taken with council works on our
practice fairway and next to the greens shed. We will be contacting council to advise them of
our concerns.
I encourage all of you to fill some extra divots and repair some pitch marks. Please keep carts
outside of the blue lines around the green, and please remember that greens staff have the
right of way.
Consider volunteering some time to F troop if possible. There are no shortage of
maintenance issues around the course and the clubhouse that need attention.
Please continue to support the club by playing golf, purchasing your equipment at the pro
shop, having a drink and a meal. Whilst our financial position has improved with drier
weather and increased patronage, ongoing support from our members is crucial.
Michael Crookes
Chair, Greens Committee.