The Dunes - Course Report January 2018

Greens

The greens are in great condition with many positive comments coming back from the public and members. We have concentrated on good plant health and density this summer period with particular attention to increased hand watering and reduced night time irrigation. This helps with greens consistency and keeping greens firm and fast without putting the turf under undue stress. Regular dusting and Nominee applications have kept the greens smooth and poa free.

8th green with great density and uniformity

Greens have received applications of:

  • Iron, Nitrogen and trace elements for plant colour and nutrition.
  • Primo (Plant Growth Regulator) puts its energies into root growth instead of leaf growth.
  • Wetting agent (improves water penetration and holding capacity of the sand)
  • Dusting all greens
  • Nominee (Poa control)
  • 8mm solid spiking

Fairways

Fairwayshave great coverage and watering is being done heavy and infrequent as opposed to previous years of little and often. All fairways have complete coverage and the feedback from members is they are in the best condition they have had. We are continuing a year round pre-emergent program to give us the best opportunity to control poa in the winter months. All fairways are getting monthly applications of wetting agent.

Tees and Surrounds

The couch tees have been scarified and top-dressed and the cool season tees have had an application of wetting agent and fertiliser to help reduce the amount of extra water needed to maintain a good surface. The men’s 11thtee has been levelled, increased in size and returfed to produce a much improved tee.

11th tee resurfaced with couch

Bunkers

We are continuing to roll in bunker edges as this process has helped stabilise edges and give the appearance of natural dunes that we are building towards.

Rough

The heat is managing most of the rough areas with mowing only required around greens and tees which are irrigated.

Priority actions for next month

  • Dusting greens Dunes and Cup
  • Terra spike all greens
  • Nominee application A1 greens
  • Wetting agent throughout the course
  • Prepare Bent nursery

Photo and film shoot for Air Japan as part of their Visit Melbourne campaign, great morning light with our amazing sunrise!!