Technical


“The objective was to identify the limitations of the greens and to lay out the options for improvements”


Essendon’s course layout is comparable to many high profile venues


gradual improvement was also considered unsuitable, as it was accepted greens needed to be in a better position in order to withstand wet winter conditions in 2013. Taking the above into consideration, Essendon commenced the surface renewal rejuvenation scheme in March 2012.


Surface Renewal Scheme


the management of golf courses, and indeed the club, is all too rare. It was this approach that allowed a passageway for improvements to be made. The club were presented with findings, following the fact based assessment and laid out three feasible surface renewal schemes:


1.Complete reconstruction or resurfacing 2.Surface rejuvenation programme 3.Conventional renovations


The options outlined varied in speed of efficacy, disruption to golf and cost of implementation. The operational business of the club, its cash flow and the continued use of the greens, were pivotal to the club, therefore large scale reconstruction and resurfacing was excluded at this stage.


In contrast, long term slow and


The dominating limiting factor, resulting in lower winter playing quality and the promotion of disease, was excessive organic matter in the upper soil profile. The organic matter present was also moisture retentive. Working with the club, an intensive scheme of three combination treatments was set out for both courses. This involved site specific sequenced treatments:


1.Timed fertiliser applications using conventional release to promote growth going into physical works for improved recovery


2.Intensely spaced large hollow tining to controlled depths for each course and individual greens


3.Heavy sand dressing and intensive brushing to fill core holes


4.Measured irrigation to stabilise surfaces


5.Sand injection treatments with varied blade sizes and depths


6.Controlled post renewal works sand dressing to continue surface smoothing and core filling


Overseeding has been omitted at this stage as surface conditions are not suitable for sufficient success to warrant investment. As surfaces become inherently drier, species content in greens will be reviewed along with overseeding practices. Each combination treatment allowed the club to achieve a conservative 15-20% surface impact. Treatments were staggered between courses and commenced in late March, mid summer and autumn. The combination of three treatments, taking into consideration overlap, allowed for approximately 40- 50% impact of the upper profile to be modified in its nature within a single year.


The commitment by the club, to this


process during 2013 was exceptional. March 2013 presented some of the most difficult conditions, with snow, heavy frosts and low soil temperatures prevailing. The works had to continue, in


DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014 PC 113


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