Stellenbosch Golf Club

STELLENBOSCH GOLF CLUB COURSE REPORT JULY 2016 General:

Course Condition:

The course is in a good and healthy condition, despite a few cold snaps and rainy condition of late. As I complete a full year at Stellenbosch and have now seen the full cycle of all the seasons, conditions and growing patterns, I really look forward to the following couple of years.

As the turf growth declines with the current weather, a few areas have weed growth but all is under control. A chemical program is already in place and herbicides are being applied . Greens:

The greens are really performing well. As we are in Fusarium season, a heavy fungicide program is in place to prevent any or little disease outbreak going forward. Normal fertilization programs, dusting, verticutting and grooming will continue throughout to ensure the best possible putting surfaces at all times. Green speeds are down a bit due to the wetter conditions. Can all golfers please ensure they fix pitch marks as there will be more during this time of the year. Tees, approaches, fairways & rough

20 odd tee’s have been interseeded with a cool season turf variety and can best be seen on the 7 th and 9th tees. Other tees are still strong and more kikuyu coverage makes it harder to see new plants germinating. All divots on the tees are being seeded with cool season turf before they get covered with divot sand to promote turf growth and quicker recovery time. Kikuyu does not recover that quickly in winter. A light verti draining of all tees, approaches and other wetter areas will take place in the next couple of weeks to promote better drainage on those areas . Fairways, tee’s, collars and approaches will be mowed as and when the weather allows it. As mentioned, the rough is also being treated to try and eradicate broad leaf weeds .

Bunkers:

Loosening and moving of sand is still an ongoing process to ensure better bunker performance. Two dedicated staff menbers are permanently assigned to perform this task. The loosening of sand, especially around drainage areas is a main priority to ensure good drainage for rainy days .

Machinery:

Work done on Equipment

- All services

- Minor repairs on worn or broken parts

- Winter services have commenced including repairs , sharpening , bearings and bushes, stripping and cleaning

- Bottom blades replaced

- Reel grinding done

- Ongoing preventative maintenance done

- Engine rebuild on Carry All

- Walkbehinds repairs in progress Irrigation:

Irrigation is off . The levelling of valve boxes and sprinklers is currently being done. An audit will commence in August with repairs .

Rainfall in July 2016

Objectives for August 2016

• Alien plant removal

• Sodding of bare patches

• More attention to detail

• Continuation of tree-pruning

• Staff training

• Closure of dirt roads

• Irrigation audit

Kind regards from your Southern Turf Management Team