Dear Members
The following update is provided for your interest and understanding.
After enduring the impact of an extraordinarily wet and extended winter, summer has produced its own challenges for the ground staff.
Numerous hours have been devoted to dealing with the back 9 irrigation issues.
Despite numerous attempts to rectify, the new automated “Hunter” irrigation system remains un-operational and a continuing work in progress.
The installer of the system has maintained contact with “Hunter” head office in their attempts to solve the matter. They continue to seek resolution.
Time constraints have resulted in job priorities having to be set – some standard operational aspects have been modified or put on hold for the short term.
Notably the greenkeepers have developed an overall spraying and rejuvenation plan covering Greens, Fairways and Tees. The goal is long term health.
Recently purchased equipment has made implementation of the spraying plan far more efficient and in addition to dealing with eradication of weeds, fungus and pests the program also includes replenishing of nutrients.
Back 9 Fairways
Following on from the above commentary, recently replaced sprinklers have enabled watering albeit on a manual basis.
Notably the new sprinklers have a wider and more consistent spread of water which will assist in achieving a broader fairway grass coverage over time.
Greens
Replacing sprinklers at greens where required is also part of the plan and work in this regard has occurred at several greens.
These particular sprinklers will enable an even flow of water across the greens thereby alleviating the need to over water to ensure coverage. This should assist in avoiding patchy areas developing.
Other rejuvenation works will include an internal Verti coring program using finer tines. This coring program will have a number of benefits including -
Enduring some short-term limitations will be more than rewarded in the medium to long term.
As a result of our rejuvenation plans rotation of pin placements will be more limited in the short term. Progressive improvement in the greens will see more regular pin placement changes introduced on a green-by-green basis.
Things of note
Conclusion
We trust this summary provides a better overall understanding of current circumstances. There are many aspects which will come into play in some order of priority.
We wish to assure members your Volunteer Committee together with the grounds staff are committed to positive outcomes for our Club – We thank members in anticipation of their patience and understanding.
Echunga Golf Club Committee
The following update is provided for your interest and understanding.
After enduring the impact of an extraordinarily wet and extended winter, summer has produced its own challenges for the ground staff.
Numerous hours have been devoted to dealing with the back 9 irrigation issues.
Despite numerous attempts to rectify, the new automated “Hunter” irrigation system remains un-operational and a continuing work in progress.
The installer of the system has maintained contact with “Hunter” head office in their attempts to solve the matter. They continue to seek resolution.
Time constraints have resulted in job priorities having to be set – some standard operational aspects have been modified or put on hold for the short term.
Notably the greenkeepers have developed an overall spraying and rejuvenation plan covering Greens, Fairways and Tees. The goal is long term health.
Recently purchased equipment has made implementation of the spraying plan far more efficient and in addition to dealing with eradication of weeds, fungus and pests the program also includes replenishing of nutrients.
Back 9 Fairways
Following on from the above commentary, recently replaced sprinklers have enabled watering albeit on a manual basis.
Notably the new sprinklers have a wider and more consistent spread of water which will assist in achieving a broader fairway grass coverage over time.
Greens
Replacing sprinklers at greens where required is also part of the plan and work in this regard has occurred at several greens.
These particular sprinklers will enable an even flow of water across the greens thereby alleviating the need to over water to ensure coverage. This should assist in avoiding patchy areas developing.
Other rejuvenation works will include an internal Verti coring program using finer tines. This coring program will have a number of benefits including -
- Minimising the impact of standard coring and sanding
- Implementation to be at our discretion and timing – this should assist in maintaining healthier greens
- Substantial cost saving when compared to engaging external contractors
Enduring some short-term limitations will be more than rewarded in the medium to long term.
As a result of our rejuvenation plans rotation of pin placements will be more limited in the short term. Progressive improvement in the greens will see more regular pin placement changes introduced on a green-by-green basis.
Things of note
- A revised Tee position management plan is under consideration – the aim is to minimise divot damage
- 10th Tee – re sodding this area using our own nursery is being planned -watering limitations and shading has impacted on this tee
- Bunkers – improvement to theses areas should be quite noticeable – work on the 13th has been completed
Conclusion
We trust this summary provides a better overall understanding of current circumstances. There are many aspects which will come into play in some order of priority.
We wish to assure members your Volunteer Committee together with the grounds staff are committed to positive outcomes for our Club – We thank members in anticipation of their patience and understanding.
Echunga Golf Club Committee