18th Green Complex - The Pure Distinction Bentgrass on the green and collar has been rolled and cut over the last few weeks. The height of cut for the first cut was 8mm and will be lowered is small increments over the next few weeks. A weekly fertility program will commence to aid in the establishment and plant health.

The green surround is growing well, will be top-dressed with sand, and fertilized with a slow release complete granular prill. Like the green, the height of cut on the short surround will be lowered over the next few weeks.

Forward Tees - The base of the pink tees on holes 1 and 2 and the red tee on the 11th hole has been shaped and sand has started being transported to the site for levelling. Due to the amount of slopes on the fairways for the pink tees on holes 3, 11 & 12, these tees need further shaping. This is scheduled for next week. During this time when work is being conducted, the markers will be placed on the fairway in front of the work zone. A new course rating will be used for these days.

After these tees have been completed, construction will begin on pink tees on holes 7, 8, 16 and 18. Most of the red tees will be constructed after the pink tees. The plan is to play off current tees till the new pink tees are ready for play.

Greens - The Poa annua plant in the greens is currently suppressed, due to an application of Paclobutrazol to increase the percentage of Bentgrass. The greens roller will be used more frequently, to maintain a smoother surface due to the different growth rates of both grass species.

The greens are scheduled for verti-draining with 8mm solid tynes at the depth of 150mm on Monday and Tuesday the 21st and 22nd of this month. The surface will be rolled straight after this cultural practice. There will be little disruption to the playing surface. The greens will be dusted with sand on Monday the 28th of this month.

Chipping Green - The northern end of the chipping green that has been enlarged will be turfed in the next couple of weeks. This turf will be cut from the new nursey green located between the 7th and 8th holes. This section on the chipping green will be playable in 3 to 4 weeks after laying.

Broadleaf Weeds - A herbicide has been applied on most of the fairways. The entire property excluding the greens will be sprayed when the golfing program permits. The main weed is white clover (Trifolium repens).     

Andrew Banning
Course Superintendent

Two balls lie close together in a bunker in fact, they are touching. What should you do?

Firstly one ball needs to be marked and that ball lifted. The marker can then be moved to not interfere with the players next shot. Now obviously, after the player has played their shot, there will be a significant disturbance/alteration to the sand where the other ball needs to be replaced. That lie needs to be replicated as close as possible to the original condition. In most cases you would use a rake. You can even take a photo before moving any ball to ensure the original lie is replicated. Once the player and marker are satisfied the lie has been returned to its original condition, the ball is placed back on the sand and play continues with no penalty to anyone.