Message from Golf Course Superintendent Cameron Smith

It has been a productive week, with ongoing work on mulching branches at the Pines Golf Course, the start of mulching the pine beds, and a return to our regular mowing schedule. We are halfway through the detailed cleanup on The Pines, and we will complete this project before moving to The Palms.    Since Cyclone Alfred, there are a few important safety and turf health updates. At the front of the 13th green at the Pines Golf Course, we’ve observed that high flood levels have caused the rocks on the bank to shift further down, exposing the turf edge and beginning to undermine it. This area is a top priority for repair, but we ask that members exercise caution around the edge, as it could collapse under any weight.   Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in mosquito and midge populations around the course. The wet conditions and humidity have contributed to this spike, but the population should decrease soon. Because of this, we would like to remind members about the use of insect repellent and sunscreen. We’ve noticed golfers spraying repellent on their legs on the putting green, but please be aware that insect repellent/sunscreen can burn/kill all turfgrass species. We encourage you to apply sunscreen and repellent, but ask that you please do so on the cart path or on concrete.

Update on the Golf Courses

Following the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the course maintenance team, supported by Clubhouse staff, volunteers, and contractors, has worked hard to restore both courses, which have now reopened.

The Golf Course Maintenance team completed the following this week on The Palms and The Pines golf courses:

• Continued the tree debris clean up and started mulching the smaller debris piles in the tree line on the Pines

• Aeration Pines tees with 10mm solid tines

• Commenced the mulching of pine needles and cones in the tree line on the Pines 14th hole using the Ventrac mulching deck

• Herbicide application to the weeds in clubhouse gardens

• Commenced the trimming of sprinklers on the Pines

• Fungicide application to greens on both courses

• The installation of a new irrigation mainline on Palms 3rd hole is completed

• Commenced the trimming of valve lids and drain pits on the Palms

• Clean up and mulch tree debris at Country Club surrounds

Next week, the team plans to do the following on both golf courses:

• Foliar fertilise and herbicide application to Palms tees, aprons and fairways
• Power broom with the Ventrac and then scalp Pines tees in preparation to overseed the tees
• 10mm solid tine aeration Palms tees
• Continue clean up and mulching tree debris on both courses
• Complete the sprinkler trim on the Pines

Ventrac mulcher tree line, The Pines 14th hole

Solid tine aeration, The Pines 7th tees

Pine needle and cones mulched, The Pines 14th hole