Golf Shop Putting Green
We are pleased to report the golf shop putting green will be re-opening on Tuesday 19 November. Although slightly longer than first forecast, it was important the green surface closely resembled the other greens when returned for play. An intensive work program fining the bentgrass plant leaf as well as fine-tuning the overall putting surface performance has been implemented in recent weeks in preparation for opening. Consolidation and natural improvement is expected to evolve with this green as it matures in the warmer weather, and as play is introduced, just like we experienced with all other course greens post the initial re-establishment. Some very short closure periods may be necessary in the short-term to enable the implementation of selected maintenance tasks that further improves the turf surface.
Driving Range Tee
The full turf surface use will recommence from Monday 2 December. The mats on the top tier will be removed. The playing areas within the rope system will again be rotated weekly from the forward to back positions to manage full use of the tee and turf. The maximum distance for play from the forward position is 210 metres. The annual management system of the tee provides members with six months use on a turf surface (December – May) and six months use on a synthetic surface (June – November) annually.
Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI)
The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association recognises the importance of preparing sports turf managers to continue personal and professional development, in order to advance their careers and develop the capabilities for leadership positions.
The FTMI is a world-wide program developed and operated by Jacobsen, successfully delivering education to future leaders in the turf industry who aspire to be Superintendents, Ground Managers, Head Curators or hold a senior leadership position.
Together, the ASTMA and Jacobsen have been offering this highly successful training opportunity to Australian and New Zealand turf management staff since 2016. This year, our two assistant course managers – Matt McClintock and Nathan Ambler applied, and both have been accepted into the program.
The 2025 FTMI will be a combined online learning and face to face education model, taking place over five months.
The online modules commence in late 2024, culminating in an intensive live in 2.5 day (Sun – Tues) program including graduation ceremony in March 2025.
We congratulate both Matt and Nathan on successfully being accepted into the program.
Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses