Members would be aware that we are experiencing some challenges with some of the greens at the moment.

Contributing factors;

• Excess rainfall (over 1000mm) in 60 days combined with heat creates the perfect growing environment for fungus.
• Stressed root system and poor soil quality (thick layer of organic matter).
• Because of these conditions, we have become susceptible to other root diseases such as ERI (ectotrophic root infecting fungi – aka ‘summer decline’) and Spring Dead Spot. 
• These conditions make the presence of nematode a greater possibility due to weakened root health.

Quite simply, one pest invites more to the party…  

What have we done?

We did not simply wait for the damage before we acted.

• At the commencement of the rain event, we applied preventative fungicides to combat the rain and heat and then in the days following as a secondary barrier.
• In addition to this, we also struck with a nemacide to prevent the possibility of nematode.
• Usually when you apply a fungicide for example you would expect to get 3-4 weeks of protection, however in the current weather conditions this has been limited to 1-2 weeks.
• Application for grubs on greens. (You will have noticed they have been active in the rough, whilst it is not aesthetically pleasing they are taking out large areas of pesty kikuyu grass!  

What is the plan?

• Last week we sprayed an application to halt the case of anthracnose (leaf disease). We are starting to see improvement in both colour and new growth already, so will continue dusting the greens this week to promote growth through the sand and a faster recovery.
• Follow up fungicide to attack the ERI this week and a foliar fertiliser.
• Larger areas with slow recovery may need to be turf doctored.

Rest assured, the health of our greens is very much at the forefront of our priorities, our team are working hard to have them back at their best soon.

Our best possible outcome would be to take up some of these greens and strip them back to sand as you may recall the same weakened greens suffered a couple of years ago with the thick layer of organic matter which prevents strong root growth.  This has been recommended, however is a costly exercise and disruptive to play and must be scheduled in with the growing season.  

Any queries, you are welcome to contact Tracey-Lea. 

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