Friday 28th March 2014.

This week we have upgraded the surface of the Practice 2 green (chipping green) on the south side of the clubhouse.

A week ago couch that had invaded the surface over an extended period of time was treated with a herbicide prior to removal to reduce the risk of re-infestation.

The entire surface including the treated zones was removed right back to the base construction sand and re-leveled in preparation for the new surface to be laid.

Extra soil on the perimeter of the green/collar area was removed to increase the size of the practice surface back to its original size before encroachment occurred.

A pre plant fertiliser was then applied, and then turf laid from our bentgrass nursery near the 5th hole. The surface was then watered and compacted and is now in the grow-in stage.

I am expecting the green to be out of play for approx 3-4 weeks.

Removal of old turf including couch infested areas.

Re-turfing of the practice green site.

Final watering and compaction.

Friday 21st March 2014.

Groundstaff had the unenviable this week of cleaning out our lower irrigation dam.

The automatic valve that allows water from the top dam to the lower dam was shut off and an irrigation programme set up overnight to lower the water level of this lower dam.

When we arrived for work in the morning the water level had subsided enough to allow staff to enter the dam and manually clean out the organic material (leaves, sticks etc) that had accumulated in the dam in particular at the eastern edge near the 15th green.

This work has presented the dam in much better condition especially in the shallow areas.

In the coming weeks we shall be conducting some repairs to the dam wall on the 14th (North) side as a section is tending to collapse towards the water.

Friday 7th March 2014.

Our putting surfaces are continuing to recover well from recent renovation.

Greens had a second application of sand this week and will continue to receive light applications on a regular basis over the coming weeks without effecting our ability to maintain the lower cutting heights.

We have just towards the end of this week lowered these cutting heights to our normal maintenance levels. We should see an increase in green speeds once the strong leaf growth, currently being experienced as a result of the renovation fertiliser, subsides somewhat and turf density improves.

Members are reminded to check the Local Rule Board periodically to make themselves aware of what Local Rules are current. As of Saturday 8th March 2014 there will no longer be a Preferred Lie ruling for the putting surfaces due to adequate recovery of our turf surfaces.

Local rules covering the cored/scarified areas of semi-roughs and green surrounds have also been deleted.

On a final note, we hope all members enjoy the golfing season ahead.