The Sydney lockdown has affected the planned projects for the new financial year 2021-22. In late July and early August, we had planned to install the capillary concrete liner in the bunkers on the 3rd,13th, 14th and greenside bunkers on the 17th. This would have meant that half of the bunkers across the course were completed in relation to the new bunker lining, which will improve the conditions and playability of our bunkers, including maintenance clean up’s after heavy storms. This project has now been scheduled for April 2022, we hope to complete all bunkers on the course by 2024.
Over the past few months, you would have seen major works carried out in the gardens. In light of the bunker project being cancelled, I took the opportunity to review all gardens and areas, which were out of play, some of which were unsightly and very un-tidy. We are now 90% of the way through a garden makeover with every garden, trimmed, weeded, and mulched.
We focused a lot of our attention on strategic areas to clear out plants. This reduces the need for maintenance and in some cases, assists in speed of play. My aim moving forward is not to clear all gardens, but to clear areas of gardens, where balls commonly end up. The areas, which have been targeted over the recent months, are as follows.
· The areas between the 1st and 11th greens, inside the tree line.
· Left and right side of the 4th tee (photo below)
· Left hand side of the 6th tee and the small garden between the concrete pathway and the 5th green
· Right hand side of the 8th green
· The gardens between the 5th and 9th tees
· Small garden beyond the bridge on the 12th hole
Whilst our aim is to reduce planting where balls may come to rest, some areas of the course need gardens for aesthetics and division of tees.
Between the 5th and 9th tees will be replanted, but only between the tees. There will be no plants in the area in front of the tees as we have decided to turf the mound. We want to ensure that golfers stay on the concrete paths and do not walk through the gardens onto the tees.
SPRING RENOVATIONS
The garden beds adjacent to the putting green and the 1st and 11th tees have had new concrete curbs installed; this will provide separation and divert water during heavy rainfall.
The garden between the car park and 1st and 11th tees will mirror the new gardens around the 1st and 11th tees and will be completed in the coming weeks.
Greens renovations will take place next week; the course will be closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow my team to complete the coring and sanding of all greens. This year, the contractors are unable to carry out the works due to Covid restrictions. This major renovation will be done in house, using our own machinery. The process will be a little slower but I am confident it will be completed by Tuesday afternoon and the course will re-open on Wednesday as planned.
As detailed above, the greens renovations will take place next week, the following 3 weeks are the busiest of the year. Many members often ask the questions “why are we renovating the course, when the condition is so good” The reason our turf surfaces are so good at MVGC is due to these major renovations being done annually.
The greens surrounds and fairways will be scarified and cored, this renovation will stimulate growth and help improve areas which have struggled in the cooler months. This is very evident in the shady parts of the golf course. Some local rules will be in place during the renovations, please check with the Proshop.
Dates for the major renovations are as follows
· Greens renovations – Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th August – (Course closed)
· Green surrounds – scarify and core – Monday 30th to Thursday 2nd September
· Fairways – Scarified on Sunday 5th September and Monday 6th September
· Coring of fairways – Monday 6th till Friday 10th September
· Scarifying of Couch tees and collars – November 1st.
Finally, I would like to thank all of my staff on their constant flexibility and productivity during extremely uncertain and constantly changing times. We have had split teams and changes to working hours for the best part of 18 months. They continue to turn up with enthusiasm and show understanding of the circumstances we are in, all the while continuing to improve the standard of this golf course.
Sam Neylon
Course Superintendent
