The Dunes - Course Report October 2017

Greens

The greens on both courses are in really good condition with an emphasis on deep watering and plant health leading into The Dunes Medal where the greens will be pushed to get the best putting surface possible. The new 9th green has settled in wellas is being maintained at3mm along with all other greens. The new format of holes has been received well by many members and public with everything flowing well with little confusion.

Greens have received applications of:

  • Iron and trace elements for plant colour and nutrition.
  • Wetting agent
  • Terra spike 6mm and dusting
  • Primo (Plant Growth Regulator) puts its energies into root growth instead of leaf growth.

Fairways

Fairways have improved over the month with a few warmer days and good health over the winter dormancy period. All fairways have 100% coverage and are in good condition, with a warm November and a few applications of fertiliser and wetting agent will have them peaking for The Dunes Medal.Several sessions of topdressing with dark soil have been done on weak areas giving a good result. Poa is under control and with per emergent I feel like we are getting on top of the issue, for now!!!

Tees and Surrounds

All tees have again been fertilised and top dressed to maximise the minimal growth, we have widened and returfed the 1st blue tee to increase the ability to spread the wear.Last years over sowing of fescue in the kikuyu tees on the Cups tees has had a great result with several tees looking as good as they have been and the ability to spray out remaining kikuyu.

Bunkers

All bunkers are getting edged and large amounts of sand getting taken off the faces and put back in the bases. All unwanted grasses (Tall Fescue, Rye and Prairie Grass) have been hand weeded leaving soft fine fescues around the edge of the bunkers. All bunkers have been assessed for sand issues with some bunker getting several loads to maintain a consistent base throughout the course.

Rough

We are continuing upgrade the irrigation system on fairway edges to maximise the irrigation in historically dry areas and key rough areas. The rough mower is out every day with this weather creating longer rough than previous years.

Priority actions for next month

  • Dusting greens Dunes and Cup
  • Terra spike
  • Fertilising all parts of the course
  • Continue bunker maintance
  • Preparation for Dunes Medal and Cups Classic