Following the successful hosting of the Summer Cup, the team has continued to work hard to maintain momentum and further raise standards across the course, ensuring it is presented in the best possible condition.
Over the Summer Cup weekend, all course staff were rostered on both days to prepare the course to a high standard. Greens were mown and rolled each day, holes were changed with cups painted, and all bunkers were fully raked. This was a tremendous effort by the entire team, and their commitment and professionalism were instrumental in delivering a course of such quality—particularly at this time of year when weather conditions are challenging.
This past week has seen high temperatures combined with strong easterly winds. Despite these demanding conditions, the course has held up well overall. Greens received a light sand dusting, followed by a wetting agent application to improve moisture retention and uniformity, an insecticide targeting nematodes was included in the application mix and washed in. Additionally we applied a preventative fungicide to protect turf health during this high-stress period.
To help the greens through the recent heat, mowing was deliberately reduced to retain leaf area and minimise stress on the plant. This is an essential management practice during extreme conditions to prevent turf decline or loss. With this approach in place, the greens have responded well.
Elsewhere on the course, we have commenced verti-mowing selected fairway areas where thatch levels have accumulated above desired levels. This work will help reduce surface softness, improve firmness and playability, and enhance overall turf quality while minimising the risk of scalping. These works will continue over the coming weeks as we prepare the course for the busy competition season ahead.
Liam Somers
