16 th July 2015 Tallwoods Golf Club. Course Report. Report prepared by: Martyn Black

Transcription

1 16 th July 2015 Tallwoods Golf Club Course Report Report prepared by: Martyn Black

2 PROJECT OVERVIEW Tallwoods Golf Club Course Review Thursday 16 th July, 2015 IN ATTENDANCE Tim Ford Owner Lindsay Miller Club Captain John Crampton Director Nick Kizilos Course Superintendent PRIMARY OBJECTIVE Tallwoods are seeking a comprehensive appraisal of existing course management systems, with a view to creating a more considered, planned approach to improving the presentation of the golf course. OBSERVATIONS 1. Putting Surfaces Issues affecting surfaces quality: Severe attack of dollar spot (last summer) Couch invasion Hydrophobic areas (dry patch) Compacted upper layer of turf Shade issues on some greens eg: 2, 4 Micro-climate issues on some greens 2. Tees Issues affecting quality of surface: Size Shade and root competition from trees Uneven surface on some tees Weed invasion 3. Surrounds / Fairways Shade and root competition from trees Weed invasion Drainage / irrigation 4. Bunkers Number / reduce / modify Contamination / erosion Drainage

3 5. Cart Paths Traffic control Erosion repair Transition zone 6. Tree encroachment / Landscaping Number and tree type Proximity to playing surface (WHS) Formal vs informal landscaping 7. General Volunteers Machinery Course staff New lake between 15 th & 18 th fairways CONSIDERATIONS 1. Putting Surfaces The number one priority on any golf course should be the greens. Bentgrass is the most suitable surface for Tallwoods, there are many suitable cultivators available and include Mackenzie, Dominant Xtreme, 007, Tyee, A1, A4, G2. Nick has used Mackenzie and intends using Dominant Xtreme in the future; a blend of these would also be suitable and it is probably worth noting that arguably the best putting surfaces ever seen were the old Suttons Mix of Royal Melbourne fame which had 33 different strains. The damage to the greens caused by the dollar spot fungus was exacerbated by the lack of nutrition; particularly Nitrogen, more nitrogen needs to be applied than in recent years to help the turf combat future attacks of this disease. The couch encroachment whilst not widespread can be kept under control by the judicious use of Tupersan; Nick has observed good results with this product and if possible an application one week prior to the upcoming renovation would be useful. A follow up application in Autumn would be most beneficial; spot spraying using 500gms in 10ltrs of water left on leaf then lightly watered before mowing the next day should give best results (during May). A major renovation this spring will be critical to restoring the putting surfaces ie: hollow tyne (1/2 ), apply amendments, then top-dress using local sand which appears to be of good quality. The use of Primo in conjunction with wetting agents will aid the control of dry patch areas throughout the growing season. (Only use Primo once full recovery of damaged areas is achieved).

4 Judicious removal of some trees will help in improving the health and vigor of turf on greens such as 2 and 4; morning sun is most important. The removal of these trees will help reduce the severity of the microclimate conditions that exist on several greens; improved air flow helps reduce disease problems. 2. Tees Several tees are quite small in surface area, particularly the Par 3 11 th, where the use of irons by some players increases wear and tear. The desire to install artificial turf on one tee on the 2 nd hole to provide good surface year around is to be supported. The quality of these products is a vast improvement on the originals, and allow the use of tees for those players not wishing to hit directly off the turf. Several courses around the country are now enjoying the benefits of this surface in areas where turf growth is virtually impossible (installing on a concrete base gives best results). As with greens, many tees are suffering from lack of sunlight and once again some tree removal will help improve the quality of the couch. Use of a pre-emergent herbicide at the end of summer will reduce the infestation of Poa annua, which will help the couch bounce back in spring (Pendimethalin). Root pruning should be carried out in any areas where poor turf is the result of masses of feeder roots from nearby trees eg: rear of 9 th tee. 3. Surrounds / Fairways As with tees, these areas would benefit from the application of a preemergent herbicide at the end of summer to reduce the Poa annua infestation. Shade issues from trees should be dealt with whenever needed, paying particular attention to high traffic areas eg: green walk off areas and areas of concentrated golf cart traffic. Root pruning has been proven to help improve turf vigour and should be done on a as needs basis (usually every 2-3 years). The ageing irrigation system is a cause for concern and hopefully funds can be made available to keep sprinklers operating; as any areas where sprinklers have been capped off will soon struggle in dry times. 4. Bunkers All bunkers were in need of repair, with contamination of the bases through water movement off the faces causing most of the problems. Installation of Bunkermat would eliminate the movement of clay, soil and stones into the bottom of the bunkers during heavy rain events. The bunker on the LHS of the 16 th green would be an ideal showcase as an example of what can be achieved.

5 Several bunkers could be eliminated completely as it is felt they serve no real purpose, are unsightly and tend to punish the high marker unnecessarily eg: two bunkers on the RHS of 17 th could be filled in and shaped so as to mimic the contours of the surrounding bank. The RHS fairway bunker on 15 th and the Lomandras above it replaced with other native shrubs; the large Ironbark is a magnificent specimen and should be protected during these works. The LHS greenside bunker on 15 could be modified so as to create a smaller pot bunker at the northern end; the base should be modified to reduce the slope. The bunker at the rear of the 18 th green could be modified to make a grass swale. 5. Cart Paths Control of traffic can be achieved using logs from the tree removal programme. Transition zones from fairways to path can be improved using either grass cell rubber mats or some of the cheaper artificial turf products. Erosion repair would be made easy with the power rake attachment which is available on the Ventrac articulated tractor (should the club purchase). 6. Tree Encroachment / Landscaping As mentioned earlier there is certainly a case for removal of several trees in certain areas, as they are impacting not only on turf quality but also the playing of the golf hole itself. RHS 6 th tee; the stand of Acacia glauca should be removed to allow the tee shot from the back plate and improve the visual charm of this great par 3. The Jacaranda on the front right of the 11 th tee needs some further pruning to allow better use of the very limited teeing ground. The large Eucalypt at the rear of the 11 th green is not only creating issues to the turf via it s root system, but surely presents a WHS issue during any windy day; the removal of a tree such as this and any others for similar reasons will not have a detrimental impact on the visual appeal of Tallwoods; as there are more than enough majestic trees spread throughout the entire course. As a general concept going forward, consideration should be given to a gradual move away from any formal landscaping and the introduction of a more informal, low maintenance native type of vegetation. (Clubhouse surrounds and entrance way could be an exception). Continued

6 7. General New lake between 15 th & 18 th Fairways: It is understood that the clubs owner, Tim Ford wishes to create a new lake between the 15 th and 18 th fairways, I feel this would be a nice addition to what is already a spectacular golf course. Volunteers: The use of volunteers is to be encouraged and these people are indeed the lifeblood of most country golf courses in Australia. This valuable resource should always be directed and supervised by the Course Superintendent after consultation with the Owner/Greens Committee. There is a good article on this very topic in the current issue of the NSW Golf Course Supers Magazine; it would be great for Nick to join this Association as they are a good source of information. Machinery: The clubs fleet is fairly basic and giving problems as some machines begin to show their age. If the club could find the means to purchase a Ventrac multi-purpose articulated tractor, this would be a very useful addition that can be utilized 12 months of the year. SUMMARY Tallwoods is one of Australia s most stunning golf courses; the rise and fall of the land is challenging to all levels of golfer. Nick Kizilos and his small dedicated team are doing a terrific job with the resources available. The enthusiasm that exists within the club hierarchy bodes well for the future of Tallwoods, and as mentioned earlier, if sufficient resources are directed at the putting surfaces, the reputation of Tallwoods will be enhanced. I wish all concerned every success in the future. Martyn Black.