The month of December saw us receive 11mm of rain which is below the average for this month. This brings our yearly total to 446mm. This was our 6th driest year in the last 16 years. The driest being 2006 with 317mm followed by 2008; 419mm, 2014; 430mm, 2015; 434mm and 2018 with 444mm. How about we try and get over 500 for 2020?
We use 660,000 litres per night during moderate temperature days and this increases to up to 740,000 litres if we experience a run of hot days above 35 degrees.
Given our main dam holds 40 meg and we hold 8 meg in the pumping dam and we lose 15-20% via evaporation, our water stocks can very quickly become depleted.
Typically for this time of the year our days focus on irrigation. Either getting water to where it is needed or repairing something that helps this cause. Both tasks have required equal attention particularly during those extreme 40-degree days. Our thoughts go out to those in less fortunate positions either fighting fires, recovering from fire damage or battling on with limited water supplies.
Greens surfaces have been dusted recently and disease and insect control has been front and centre. The warmer weather certainly sees more grass growth, but consequently we also experience more disease and insect activity. The greens have also recently been mini tyned to relieve compaction and increase air exchange around the root system. We are reasonably happy with how the surfaces are performing at the moment. Calcium, in the form of gypsum has also been applied to the greens to assist with displacing built up sodium in the soil profile.
We have continued with the expansion of our irrigation system into areas that were not previously covered by the automatic sprinklers. This month has seen us extend irrigation along the right hand side of the 17th green surround.
The small garden bed between the 7th green and the 8th tee has been removed and replaced with fine cut turf. Turf repair projects that are planned for the coming weeks now include the exit from the 5th fairway to the men’s 6th tee and the back left of the 6th green surround.
ISPS Handa VIC Open
For anyone wanting a free Season’s Pass to the ISPS Handa Vic Open 6-9 February, click on the link here. In the PROMO CODE section, type in your golf link number to receive your free ticket.
Don’t forget, if you can’t be bothered with the crowds at the Vic Open, there are plenty of quality players at our Barwon Cleaning Supplies Pro-Am to come and watch on Tuesday February the 4th at the world famous Portarlington Golf Club!
