Course Damage from Extreme Winds
It is unfortunate to report that several areas on the course have been impacted by the extreme wind events over the recent week and on Monday in particular. Damage has been experienced with tree loss (8-10 trees in total) including branch loss throughout the courses, sand loss and erosion in bunkers and wastelands including along path edges within the wastelands, course furniture, and debris strewn across the property.
The cleanup work has commenced on the general debris across the property and will require the support of tree contractors to assist with the trees over several weeks. The bunkers and wasteland areas will be under a local rule and all these areas will require and cleanout and restoration that will require several weeks/months to completely restore.
Bunkers & Wastelands
A local rule in bunkers and wastelands is in place until the repairs are made:
Areas in bunkers and wastelands where sand has been removed by recent winds resulting in ruts and hard pan areas are ground under repair (GUR). Relief can be taken within one club length and no penalty in accordance with rule 16.1.
We ask members to be very careful on course and in particular entering/exiting bunkers, using the pathways and in and around the tree and vegetation areas. We thank members for their understanding and patience whilst the Course Team undertake the necessary cleanup and restoration works.
Greens/Fairway Renovation Update
The North Course greens were successfully completed last week. Work was not able to commence on the South Course greens from Monday with the course requiring closure for members, guests, and staff due to extreme wind levels and safety requirements. The program commenced on Tuesday.
The impact of the delayed start this week will see the short game greens rescheduled to Tuesday of next week (10 September), weather dependent.
The Course Team will work diligently to have the greens completed and returned to their normal play levels as soon as possible. The expected recovery time is approximately 4-6 weeks.
The verti-drain renovation program on the South Course fairways has progressed well and as planned using contractors. The Course Team will continue this program on the delicate areas on tees and greens surrounds in the coming weeks. This renovation will have minimal impact on the playing surface.
Glenn Stuart
Director of Courses