1 CELEBRATING THE EFFORTS OF AUSTRALIA’S TURF MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS ISSN 1442-2697 www.agcsa.com.au MANAGEMENT JOURNAL Turf quality so good, they’ll all want to play •b PRIMO MAXX offers the unrivalled opportunity to enhance the playing surface quality oTyour turf - and make big cost savings at the same timejjr This premium growth regulator product provides increased rroot density, improved dro(J§ht resistance, enhanced wear tolerance, lateral sdrfa’ce^overage and a cleaner cut witff** reduced mowing. * Primo Maxx Turf growth regulator syngenta For more information ask your Syngenta Agent or go to www.greencast.com.au Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd, Level 1,2-4 Lyonpark Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ABN 33 002 933 717. ©Registered trademark of Syngenta Group Company. ™Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. All products written in uppercase are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2019 Syngenta. AD 19-283 MANAGEMENT JOURNAL Published by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association Editorial Australian Brett Robinson Sports Turf Managers Office: (03) 9548 8600 Association Mobile: 0434 144 779 Email: brett@agcsa.com.au Advertising Mark Unwin PREMIUM PARTNERS Office: (03) 9548 8600 Mobile: 0438 320 919 The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is indebted to the Email: mark@agcsa.com.au support of the following premium partner companies Art Direction & Design Jo Come Office: (03) 9548 8600 Email: jo@agcsa.com.au Printed By Southern Colour Pty Ltd PLATINUM r i golf media TORO Australian GOLD Sports Turf Managers Suite 1, Monash Corporate Centre 752 Blackburn Road, Clayton, VIC 3168 P: (03) 9548 8600 F: (03) 9548 8622 E: admin@agcsa.com.au W: www.agcsa.com.au ABN 96 053 205 888 Australian Sports Turf JAC0BSEN syngenta Managers Association Board Brett Balloch (president), Chris Burgess, Peter Lonergan, David Thomson Chief Executive Officer Mark Unwin E: mark@agcsa.com.au SILVER Membership Allison Jenkins E: admin@agcsa.com.au , KUBOTA Accounts cnonnccc Philip Horsburgh E: philip@agcsa.com.au Events and Education L I \/l NG TURF Simone Staples SCIENTIFIC TURF MANAGEMENT RmnUBird E: simone@agcsa.com.au Pam Irvine E: pam@agcsa.com.au AGCSATech Bruce Macphee (Senior Agronomist) E: bruce@agcsa.com.au BRONZE Tim Fankhauser (Agronomist) E: tim@agcsa.com.au Brown Brothers /•/•i ^country CLUB Social Media fl I Engineers INTERNATIONAL Keally Nankervis W Australia Ltd GOLF COURSE "M- EQUIPMENT SAFETY W? FENCING WATER MANAGEMENT E: keally@agcsa.com.au |f| www.facebook.com/TheASTMA JZDIb'JT Q fl| GREENWAY Hunter Q| www.linkedin.com Golf Solutions ■ TURF SOLUTIONS Built on Innovation- r®) www.instagram.com/the_astma o @TheASTMA J9 Aicl O Husqvarna Where needs take us oasisturf SmtaiMtte TURF culture 7 Copyright © 2019 The ASTMA believes that material sourced and produced for Australian Turfgrass Management is accurate, but gives no warranty in relation thereto, and disclaims liability for all claims against the ASTMA, its The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association encourages all members to support subsidiary companies, its employees, agents or any other person which may arise from any person acting on the materials contained these companies who support your association within. No portion, in whole or part, may be reproduced without the written permission of the ASTMA NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 1 CONTENTS COVER STORY FOSTER UP FOR THE FIGHT 6 To say the past 24 months have challenged Jason Foster’s resilience and spirit on both a personal and professional level would be a gross understatement. There wouldn’t be many who have had to endure what Foster has been through. First, in January 2018, a freak workplace incident left him with life-altering injuries. Then, a little over a year later, his course - Townsville Golf Club - was ravaged by record-breaking floods that hit Far North Queensland. Over two feature articles in this edition we track Foster’s incredible journey to come back from adversity not just once, but twice, and still come out the other side a better person for it. Cover: Townsville Golf Club superintendent Jason Foster. Photo: Brett Robinson. FEATURES Townsville back up to par 14 ALSO IN THIS EDITION... All smiles as NQS takesshape 22 Foreword Thinking 4 Outback oasis 30 Regional Profile - Harden CC 66 Elevating Elwick 34 Around the Trade 72 Seeing the light 38 Association Reports 76 All set for Sawgrass 54 2 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Covering plenty of ground nd so we come to the final edition of Australian Turfgrass Management Journal for A 2019. While we only produce six editions a year, the amount of time and effort invested into each one is significant and many a late hour is spent in front of the computer to get each edition signed off (albeit often a tad behind the intended deadline, not that COLUMNS anyone needs to know that though). PETER MCMAUGH - Looking at this edition and back on the previous five this year, ATM has continued to cover a AUSTRALIA’S FOREMOST broad cross-section of stories and issues from many sectors of the industry. Whether it has been TURF EXPERT 44 new golf course or arena developments, the latest research, or some of the very personal stories that members of the industry have shared, I am very proud of the content we have provided GRASS ROOTS readers and subscribers over the past 12 months. WITH JOHN NEYLAN 48 Among the highlights was last edition’s extensive coverage of the Peninsula Kingswood merger and course redevelopment, one of the biggest spreads we have carried since the COMPLIANCE CORNER Warringah Golf Club pesticide spill saga back in 2003. Also from a golf perspective we covered WITH TERRY MUIR 60 the impressive Victoria Golf Club redevelopment and Lake Karrinyup greens resurfacing project, while the regional profiles took us from Yallourn in Gippsland, to Tuross Head on the NSW south ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT coast and all the way to Cairns in Far North Queensland. WITH KATE TORGERSEN 62 From a sports field viewpoint we covered Metricon Stadium’s first season as a cricket venue, looked at the development of the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium in Sydney and relayed HR MANAGEMENT the fantastic story of the GWS Giants AFLW players who had become an integral part of the WITH VICKI CROWE 64 maintenance crew at Sydney Showgrounds. We also covered the construction of Barnbougie’s new polo field and gained an insight into preparing the All England Lawn Tennis Club for its annual hosting of Wimbledon. We celebrated the great successes of those crews hosting major tournaments and lauded our annual award winners. We applauded the life membership of Peter Lonergan at the Brisbane conference and the incredible honour bestowed upon Peter McMaugh after he received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to horticulture and the turf industry. On the flip side, we also bid a sad farewell to some elder statesmen of the turf and golf industries, among them Tasmanians Bill Casimaty, Ted Gilligan and amateur golfing legend Peter Toogood. This last edition continues the trend of covering plenty of ground. It has a distinctive FNQ feel to it with features on the new North Queensland Stadium and Townsville Golf Club superintendent Jason Foster’s remarkable 24-month period and the challenges he has faced both on and off the course. You may recall that at the start of 2018 Jason was involved in a terrible workplace accident which left him with severe burns. His story leads this edition and I am sure you will agree it is both confronting and inspiring. We also look at the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the Elwick racetrack in Hobart and relay the fantastic story about the grassing of an oval in remote South Australia that has become a major asset for the local Aboriginal community. In signing off for 2019, I would like to personally thank all those turf industry members who have contributed to these pages over the past year. Your efforts, whether it’s just a few paragraphs in response to an email seeking feedback on a particular topic or a full-length feature, are always greatly appreciated and help to create the fabric that is this industry journal. To all our loyal advertisers, thank you for supporting the journal; it is a significant investment you make each Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Journal edition and across the year and it doesn’t go unnoticed. And, of course, to the readers - thank Volume 21.6 (November-December 2019) Shane Baker (GCSAWA); Nathan Bennett (SAGCSA); Will you for your comments and feedback throughout the year. I’m always open to new story ideas so Bowden (STANZ); Nathan Bradbury (NSWGCSA); Simon please do not hesitate to contact me. Bresnehan (Tasracing); Frank Casimaty (StrathAyr); Vicki Crowe (PGA of Australia); Jason Foster (Townsville GC); Here’s hoping the summer ahead is kind for all and you get some time away to share with Bruce Fouracre (1300Smiles Stadium); George Flynn those who matter to you most. Righto, I’m off to the Presidents Cup to give Patrick a bit of a rev (Pukekohe GC); Monina Gilbey (Glenelg GC); Benjamin Glover (Harden CC); Tony Gordon (The National GC); Luke up. Enjoy the Reed... Helm (Meadowbrook GC); Tim Hoskinson (Cairns GC); Phil Hill (TGCSA); Erik Kinion (HG Sports Turf); Peter McMaugh (Turfgrass Scientific Services); Terry Muir (epar); John Neylan (SportEng); Patrick O’Brien (USGA); Barry Proctor (VGCSA); Simone Staples (ASTMA); SA Water; STA Victoria; Kate Torgersen (Environmental Golf Solutions); Mark Unwin (AGCSA); Bob Vavrek (USGA). NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 3 01 FOREWORD THINKING WITH MARK UNWIN, CEO Strategic plan outlines ASTMA blueprint for coming years n late November, the Australian Sports Management and any student studying for their Degree in Sports Turf Management. I Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) and board met with all state golf course The funding provided to successful students superintendent association presidents as through The R&A scholarship can be used a regular planning discussion around the to assist with tuition, educational tours, a year ahead. placement year or to help further a research or These are always a good few days of specialist project as part of their studies. conversation and developing the strategy for The trial will run for 12 months to assess national and state activities and priorities, as the approach and process within Australia, well as giving each association the opportunity Australian with the longer-term vision to roll out the to share both their challenges and areas of programme nationwide in 2021. More Sports Turf Managers focus for the year ahead. These sessions are information on The R&A scholarship is Association always productive, working through alignment available on the ASTMA website. of the many activities around education, next six months the ASTMA will be facilitating And speaking of opportunities to further training and member engagement for 2020. a further five topics in a series of face-to-face expand knowledge, it was with great pleasure The ASTMA presented a draft of our workshops and training modules. These that the ASTMA had in informing the four three-year Strategic Plan for each state to seminars are designed to develop the core successful applicants for the John Deere review, with time spent ensuring alignment skills needed by turf managers in the modern sponsored TPC Volunteer Program. As profiled at a national level to the activities and areas workforce and feedback from the first series in this edition, ASTMA members Tony Gordon of importance for the states. As each state’s has been overwhelmingly positive. (The National GC), Luke Helm (Meadowbrook feedback is reviewed and incorporated, a final In a further exciting announcement for GC, Old) and Tim Hoskinson (Cairns GC) will Strategic Plan will be circulated to ASTMA the turf industry, recently the ASTMA unveiled join with NZGCSA member George Flynn to members early in 2020. that it has partnered with The R&A to deliver spend two weeks at TPC Sawgrass in Florida One critical element that came out of a scholarship to sports turf management as part of the course crew for 2020 Players the review was around the challenges that students. In what is a significant win for the Championship. The quartet were chosen after are common across almost all regions - the sports turf management industry in Australia, a thorough selection process and we wish forecasted summer ahead, water management the launch will be a pilot programme in them well for their trip next March. They will and continued education to members at all conjunction with Melbourne Polytechnic. be posting about their experiences on social levels. These will remain an area of focus Scholarships will be available to students media and following up with presentations on for the ASTMA in supporting the activities at studying for their Diploma of Sports Turf their trip. a state level, advocacy for the industry at a national level and are also forming significant parts of education component at the 2020 ASTMA WELCOMES PAM AND KEALLY conference in Melbourne. ince the last edition of Australian can be contacted through the office on (03) EDUCATION FOCUS Working with each of the aligned state associations, in October we delivered a S Turfgrass Management was sent to members, the ASTMA has welcomed 9548 8600 or email keally@agcsa.com.au. Pam, who earlier in the year went on a two new members of staff to Clayton HQ safari trip to South Africa, is originally from in September and October. Pam Irvine Canada. She is very organised, values the number of Environmental Management (pictured below right) and Keally Nankervis customer experience and is looking forward Seminars in Launceston, Adelaide and (pictured below left) have joined the crew to getting to know as many members and Melbourne, with more to come early next year. in part-time roles. Pam fills the role of trade partners as possible in her new role. Held in conjunction with ASTMA Gold exhibition and event coordinator, initially Pam works Wednesdays and Thursdays Partner Syngenta, the free seminars gave the assisting Simone Staples with the upcoming and can be contacted on (03) 9548 8600 or likes of golf club horticultural staff, including 2020 Melbourne conference, while Keally pam@agcsa.com.au. 2019 ASTMA Claude Crockford Environmental is the association’s new social media and On behalf of all members, the Australian Award winner Bivek Inderjeeth (Eastern GC), communications coordinator. Sports Turf Managers Association extends a the chance to showcase the great work being Keally is American and hails from the very warm welcome to both Pam and Keally. achieved at their clubs. ATM environmental state of Georgia, home to the famed Augusta columnist Kate Torgersen also presented National Golf Club. She has a professional at these seminars, discussing strategies golf background within recruitment, customer clubs and turf facilities can employ to plan service, office management, marketing and and implement environmental and vegetation design, which she has gained from her management programmes. roles both in Melbourne and overseas. She The ASTMA also undertook the first of its relocated to Melbourne in 2013 and lives with Professional Development Seminars across six her husband and three-year-old daughter. states. The first series focussed on Microsoft Keally will be working two days a week and Excel Development and over the course of the 4 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 2$%< *tfz«rxty”#*' io r.-^t. .A-.;cl. v:.-’^ EDUCATORS, NTEWG CONVERGE ON CAPITAL t has been a big year for turf I management education in this country. As highlighted in the last edition of ATM (Volume 21.5 - September-October 2019), the sports turf management training package was endorsed, with National Turf Education Working Group co-chair Albert Sherry outlining the major changes. This new package represents significant generation change for the Australian sports turf industry and something that was achieved through the whole of industry working together. I would like to take this opportunity to our invaluable trade partners and industry As they have done every December for pass on my thanks to our members for their sponsors. What we do for our members the past 13 years, sports turf management continued support throughout the year. We and the industry wouldn’t be possible if it educators and industry representatives from have had a year of significant progress for weren’t for the continued support you provide across the country met recently as part of the association, delivering over 50 education ourselves, the states and all sports turf the annual National Sports Turf Validation events, a widely successful national turf managers. Meeting. Hosted by Bruce Davies and the conference in Brisbane, re-branded the Finally, with the continuing challenges team at Canberra Institute of TAFE, over 40 association to be more representative of our for many sports turf managers at present delegates (pictured above) attended the growing membership, brought in three new - the below average rainfall in many parts two days with all sectors of the turf industry staff members to help deliver on the strategic of Australia, extended periods of drought, represented. plan in the years ahead and have continued widespread bushfires and freak storms - I This year was a particularly important to work toward a stronger, united and more encourage each of you to ensure that you are event due to the recent training package effective industry. looking out for the health, both mentally and endorsement. Discussions on delivery and I’d also like to acknowledge the hard- physically, of your teams, yourself and peers timing of the new package will ensure a king ASTMA staff for their continued work throughout the summer ahead. smooth transition and that training continues over the past year and embracing significant Wishing you and your families all a very to meet the needs of the industry. change as we move forward, and also a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous - Simone Staples large thank you to each and every one of 2020. * NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 5 SUPERS Up for the fight To say the past 24 months have challenged Jason Foster’s resilience and spirit on both a personal and professional level would be a gross understatement. In fact, there wouldn’t be many who have had to endure what Foster has been through. Over two feature articles in this edition, ATM editor Brett Robinson track’s Foster’s incredible journey to come back from adversity not just once, but twice, and come out the other side a better person for it. ason Foster sits across the table could, as well as perform three major skin graft wonders of modern medical technology, Foster in the Townsville Golf Club smoko operations to repair the worst affected areas. was given the best possible chance to make a J room, clenching his sizeable hands into fists - first the left one, then the right, then the left again, then or about to clock one of his staff. Rather, it is something that has become second nature to him over the past 20 months, a constant and The confronting photo, inset opposite, is what Foster looked like hours after he was brought out of his coma. You can see the line on his forehead where his hat was, the right again. He’s not nervous or anxious, the blistering skin on his forehead and the breathing and feeding tubes. As he quips, he wasn’t looking his best that day but at least he full recovery. And he pretty much has. Normally it takes over two years for people with the extent of Foster’s injuries to even entertain the thought of returning to work. Beating the odds, he needed just five months to start making a gradual return and this October, some 20 months after the explosion, necessary ritual was alive. he finally recommenced full-time hours. Foster’s hands serve as a stark reminder, not that he needs it, of that fateful day in early January 2018 when his life forever changed. I ve seen the ’ bright orange flash, looked down and my A freak workplace accident at Townsville Golf Club - an explosion at the on-site sewage shirt was gone. looked at I my hands and the skin was literally treatment plant which supplied the course’s irrigation water - resulted in Foster receiving dripping off it them; was then that I knew I was in trouble. serious burns to a third of his body. - Jason Foster It was headline news in Townsville and around the country at the time, and the In the weeks that followed, his doctors It has been a remarkable recovery and turf industry reacted in shock as members would convey to him the gravity of what had with the support of family and friends, his club processed the news that one of their own occurred and the extent of his injuries. Had and crew mates, Workcover, all the doctors, was fighting for his life. For 12 days the then the explosion happened 20 years ago, he’d specialists and therapists, not to mention a 43-year-old was placed in an induced coma likely be dead. Ten years ago, maybe a 50-50 healthy dose of stubborn determination, Foster as specialists in Brisbane worked frantically chance of surviving. Thanks to advances is living proof that you can overcome almost around the clock to salvage what skin they made in the treatment of serious burns and the anything with a positive mindset. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 7 SUPERS Foster has been indebted to his crew who have stepped up during his rehabilitation and gradual return to work. To Foster’s left are mechanic Craig Drennan (Doc), Rohan Fryer (Boots), Zak Holm (Itchy), Barry Adams (Hackles) and Darryl Lynch (Daz) IN TROUBLE Christmas 2017, a new pump had been “Arnie, my assistant at the time, was 11 January 2018 had started just like any installed to supply water into the treatment working on an irrigation box nearby and as other day for Foster. The heat and humidity at plant from the council line. However, there I drove past I screamed at him to call an that time of year in Far North Queensland is had been numerous teething problems and ambulance. It was a manual Workman and I oppressive and the Townsville Golf Club crew copious hours were spent trying to rectify why had to change gears and I remember looking were in early to get as much done before the the new pump was continually shutting off. down at my hands again and seeing the skin heat kicked in. Foster had sent the crew out Foster even spent half of Christmas Day on sticking to the gear lever and the steering on their daily runs and after attending to a few course trying to get it to work. wheel. Bubbles of blistered skin on my legs, matters inside the shed made his way out on Just before 7am on the 11th, Foster had the size of tennis balls, started to appear. the course himself. again made the well-worn trek to the treatment “I got to the clubhouse, undressed and Up until that point, for the past 40 years the plant. Sure enough the overflow weir was low, stood under the shower. I’ll never forget the club had relied upon treated effluent water for indicating that the pump had again shut off moment that poor Arnie walked around the its irrigation. Uniquely, the course had its own overnight. Making his way around to the pump corner and saw me for the first time - he sewage treatment plant in the northeastern station, he put his hand out to open the gate was in just as much shock as I was. I just corner of the property, right on the banks of and the next thing there was a bright orange kept running cold water over myself until the the Ross River. flash and a loud bang. A build-up of methane paramedics arrived which probably helped to As Foster attests, it was a temperamental gas had ignited and Foster copped the blast save my life. thing and since he had arrived at the club full force. “Up until then I hadn’t really felt much pain as superintendent in 2011 had more than “I can recall everything vividly,” says Foster, because of the adrenaline, but when I was given him a few headaches due to its ageing still doing his hand exercises. “I remember under the shower that’s when it really kicked infrastructure. In the year leading up to the looking down and my polyester shirt was gone in and I started shaking and going into shock. fateful explosion, it had been a continual - melted - and then I looked at my hands. The They put a needle in my arm and the next source of complaints from residents in the skin was literally dripping off them and it was thing I remember is waking up 12 days later.” nearby suburb of Rosslea. The Queensland then that I knew I was in trouble. Department of Environment and Science even “I remember looking around and thinking SKIN DEEP became involved, slapping an Environmental I had to get fresh water on me quick. I looked Foster’s condition was dire. Transported to Protection Order on the club due to the bad at the tap at the plant, the river and then back Townsville Hospital, his body started to blow odours emanating from the plant. to the clubhouse about 500m away and knew up and it took doctors 24 hours to stabilise Part of Foster’s remit as superintendent there were showers in the locker rooms. him. Placed into an induced coma, Foster was was to make daily inspections of the plant to I jumped in the Workman, which has our then prepared for a mercy flight to the Royal make sure it was operating correctly. Before spreader on the back of it, and took off. Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, home to the 8 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Professor Stuart Pegg Adult Burns Centre, one of the world’s leading burns treatment facilities. Somewhat fortuitously, one of the nurses at Townsville Hospital had worked at the burns centre and knew exactly how to prep Foster for his arrival there. In Brisbane, it was determined that Foster had ‘full thickness’ (third degree) burns to a third of his body, with his hands and legs the worst affected. Full thickness burns destroy both layers of skin - the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, and the dermis which is underneath the epidermis and contains connective tissue, sweat glands and hair follicles. Outside of that, half his body had the skin stripped off, much like a “severe chemical peel” as Foster puts it. While in his induced state, Foster underwent three significant skin graft operations. Doctors meticulously grafted skin from his legs onto the tops of his hands and areas between his thumbs and palms. They also did a remarkable job to save the skin on Foster received ‘full thickness’ burns to a third of his his face without the need for skin grafts, and body, with his hands among the worst areas affected. Multiple skin grafts and countless hours of rehab have looking at Foster now you would hardly know meant he has nearly full movement in his hands, with the trauma his face has been through. his left pinkie finger still experiencing limited function While in the coma, doctors had braced Foster’s parents, then wife Cas and their two open wounds all over his body. As such Foster boys Jacob and Ollie for the worst. There was housed in an isolation ward and had to was the distinct possibility that he might not have the room at a certain temperature to aid make it. As he was in a coma, they couldn’t the skin’s recovery. In addition to some pretty determine whether he could see, hear, smell, serious pain medication, Foster also had a taste or have any sensation. Foster’s mother feeding tube directly into his stomach and would later relay to her son that his hearing was force-fed a nutrient-rich liquid diet - up to was never an issue because at one stage he three-times the normal calorie load - to help ahead. Hardest of all though was seeing his had tried to sit up after hearing the voices of regeneration of his skin. family and knowing the heartache they must his family. It took Foster two days to fully wake up have gone through over those past 12 days. They were told he could lose his fingers if from the induced coma and with it came the “That photo of me taken just as I’ve the grafts didn’t take and there was, of course, gradual dawning of what had just happened come out of the coma looks worse than how the constant risk of infection due to the many and the prospect of a long rehabilitation I felt,” explains Foster. “I was pretty high on NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 9 SUPERS Out of the whole experience, Foster says he feels a lot stronger mentally and more aware of his strengths and weaknesses as a person pain medication at that point. I think that time to do it as the incentive was that if he could the still very much a part of his daily routine. He was much harder for everyone around me, doctors would allow him to go home. now no longer has to wear the compression especially the kids. (Eldest) Jacob was a rock Throughout his recovery, Cas and the garments - a relief considering Townsville’s hot during that time and he would come and boys had uprooted their lives and moved to and humid climate - and the physio sessions visit me every day while I was in the coma. Brisbane, staying in a unit near the hospital have come to an end. Ollie could only see me once as it was too that had been provided through Foster’s With the support of Workcover and confronting which was totally understandable. Workcover case. They visited him every day, Townsville Golf Club, Foster gradually started “It was very hard on them to see me in that attended his rehab sessions and helped him getting back to work, albeit on very limited state. But in a way it was also something that with his compression garments. Both kids duties and hours. Working even just a few turned into a positive. It showed them that it missed a term of school in order to be by their hours a week initially was something incredibly doesn’t matter what happens in life, no matter dad’s side, but come April 2018 Foster was important for Foster as part of his recovery. what adversity you go through, you can get given the all clear by doctors to return home to Doctors initially told him it would be two years through anything by fighting hard and staying Townsville. before he’d get back to work, but he was positive. So maybe in a roundabout way it has Once home he continued his rehab back at the club in late May 2018 and just helped to mature them a little bit as well.” religiously - physio 2-3 times a week, regular this October resumed full-time hours some 20 psychological counselling (more on that months after the incident. RECOVERY ROAD aspect below), GP check-ups and, of course, Looking back at his rehabilitation and Once the skin grafts on Foster’s hands had the endless stretching exercises which are asking him what he thinks has been the taken and the patchwork quilt that were his legs had recovered, so began the long and painful process of rehabilitation. The new skin on his hands was the primary focus and from the very first operation had to be continually stretched in order to get full mobility back into his hands. He was given multiple exercises to perform as well as endless physio. At times the pain was unbearable, but true to his character Foster pushed himself and did more than what was demanded of him. At one point the doctors had to tell him to back off a little. He had to learn how to put on and take off his compression garments that for the next 18 or so months would become (pardon the pun) a second skin for 23 hours a day. Foster remembers it took him two-and-a-half hours Due to the new skin on his hands being very delicate, Foster has to be more mindful of not damaging it during initially to do it himself, but he was determined manual work out on the course or in the maintenance facility 10 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 toughest aspect of his recovery, Foster’s response is surprising: “In a way I feel like I’ve cheated a little,” reflects Foster. “I don’t think the whole recovery was that hard. I simply just had to do what the doctors were telling me - do my exercises and do anything to get my body right again. “Workcover has been fantastic and I can’t speak highly enough of my case manager. They have done everything to get me back to work as they could see that I wanted to do so as quick as possible. And they and the club supported me to achieve that. Getting back to work and into a normal routine again definitely helped with my sanity. “I can now do pretty much everything that I could before. The only impairment I have is with my left pinkie finger. The tendons have fused in the wrong spot so it doesn’t work properly. Unfortunately that has affected my golf swing! “With my skin, I just have to be much more aware. I can’t be too long out in the sun for Getting back to a job he loves has been a critical aspect of Foster’s rehabilitation. Foster has only been back full- obvious reasons. The new skin is like baby time since October, nearly 20 months after the accident skin, so basically you have to treat it as such. With the intensity of the sun up here, you develop skin cancers, so I have to be much the skin is very thin and cuts very easily. So wouldn’t have a baby exposed to it without more sun smart than I was before. things like sharp edges, slipping spanners, protection, so I use a lot of sunscreen, wear “I also have to be careful when using even changing holes and pulling soil out of the long-sleeved shirts and big hats. I’ve been my hands. I’ve essentially got baby hands bottom of a cup, I just have to be a lot more told the new skin is three times more likely to now - all the calluses were burnt off - and mindful when approaching those tasks.” TAKE THE WORRY OUT OF WATERING L>ndfirhi|| exclusively distributed by day id golf Premium Pro Series Price Reduced 0 Full Throttle Q Turbo Shift Magnum SALE 35% PREMIUM PRO SERIES. PREMIUM PRO SERIES. Precision-machined, Single variable flow: NEW Variable flow: NEW incredibly smooth delivers steady, maximum Low/high volume and mist/ operation and volume fog, jet stream and jet pattern adjustability. outstanding distribution fan patterns. Built for 1" Built for 1” and 3/4” hose pattern. Built for 1” & and 3/4" hose flow rates. flow rates. Opens with 3/4" hose flow rates. 3/4" Flow: 15-40 GPM at 600Psi 12-17 GPM Turbo Shift to FHT inlet. Flow: 37GPM working pressure. 20-43 GPM at 80Psi. code: UH-NG600-SFH-75 (3/4”) code: UH-NG650-DFH-75 (3/4”) code: UH-NG450 Premium nozzles at competitive price *Australia’s favourite watering nozzle Precision Series Nozzles Rainbow 15 GPM Rainmaker 23 GPM Cloudburst 35 GPM Cyclone 50 GPM Minimal volume, suitable for I h signed spec ific.illy for syringing For watering dry spots, drenching Designed for heavy watering of seed beds & delicate landscaping, and spot watering putting greens. & wetting agent application. large areas & hydro-seeding. code: UH-HN1500 code: UH-HN2300 code: UH-HN4800 code: UH-HN5000 david golf 1300 790 890 davidgolf.com.au david turfy5 -------- All the tools you need for your turf NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 11 SUPERS GREAT SUPPORT Nearly two years on now since the explosion, Foster is well along with his recovery. Although still technically under Workcover, he only needs to go to his GP for regular check-ups and is hopeful of his case being closed in the coming months. Foster will need to have one final assessment by a panel of doctors who will ultimately make that call, but given the manner in which he has approached his recovery that will hopefully be just a formality. Reflecting upon what he has endured, Foster is extremely matter-of-fact about the whole episode. Those who know him well will attest he is a pretty hardy soul and not the sort of person to make a fuss. He admits he could never have gotten through this without the tremendous support of everyone around him, but at the end of the day it came down to having a positive frame of mind. “I cannot thank everyone enough for the During his recovery from the explosion, Foster had the added heartache and challenge of seeing his course support they have given me,” says Foster. severely damaged by floods in February. Despite being on reduced hours, he played a major role in its recovery “Right from the start when it happened, all the messages of support was overwhelming. The kSTRONGER MAN back working at the golf club was to make it club members were and have been fantastic Speaking of mindfulness, while the physical a priority to revisit the treatment plant, which and have done everything they can to help me. scars of what Foster has been through are by this point had been decommissioned and The crew were amazing and stepped up in my there for him to see, the whole incident has was earmarked for demolition. Funnily enough, absence. Even my old assistant Arnie stayed also had a lasting affect mentally. But not in Foster says going back there wasn’t a problem in my house and looked after the dogs while the way you would think. Prior to the accident, at all - he was so aware of what he was trying I was in Brisbane. What happened to me was Foster had never considered focusing on his to do - but there were other occasions which pretty terrible, but I’m just glad it happened to mental health, but as part of his rehabilitation snuck up on him that he wasn’t prepared for. me and not one of other guys on the crew. I he attended regular therapy sessions which “The thing I found the most difficult was don’t think I could have lived with myself if it has turned out to be one the most rewarding actually going back into the locker rooms had been one of them. aspects of his whole journey. in the clubhouse and seeing the showers,” “At the end of the day, you can’t turn back While at the burns unit in Brisbane, he explains Foster. “I’d had a couple of beers time. There was no point dwelling on what had had a trauma psychologist visit him regularly with some club members and went to go to happened to me and that’s pretty much how who opened up his mind to the benefits of the toilet. As I walked past the showers I got I dealt with it and approached my recovery. I exploring such therapy on a regular basis. Upon returning home, he continued with weekly sessions which he says has been I feel like I cheated in a way. The whole recovery didn’t feel hugely beneficial, not only to process what had happened but to also see things about himself that hard. I just had to do what I had to do to get better - listen and his life from a different perspective. “It has been really enlightening,” explains to the docs, do my exercises and remain positive. Whatever Foster. “I’ve never had to focus on my mental adversity you go through in life, there is no point dwelling on health like this before, but by going to regular therapy sessions and reading the so-called the past - you have to continually look forward. - Jason Foster ‘self-help’ books, it really opened my mind up to stuff that I had never considered before and to understand the way I was thinking about flashbacks of where I had been standing with just picked the next task that I had been given things the way I did. the water pouring over me. I wasn’t prepared and focused on that and did everything the “I’m a lot more aware of what my strengths for that, so it came as quite a shock. doctors told me to do. I controlled what I could and weaknesses are now and have come “It’s all those little things that you are not control, fought as hard as I could and made to realise that what I considered to be some ready for. I remember the first time back driving sure I stayed positive throughout. And that’s of my weaknesses were actually what other and I pulled up behind a truck transporting gas got me to where I am now.” people perceived as my strengths. I definitely bottles. I looked at it and just started thinking feel stronger mentally as a result which has about things, things that you would normally Editor’s Note: As this edition was going to been a great positive.” not even think about, but because of what had print, Jason Foster announced that after eight Finding that greater mental strength has happened to me I did. The first time I turned on years at Townsville Golf Club he was departing certainly aided Foster on a number of levels, the BBQ and the burners ignited - little triggers as superintendent. Foster has been successful none more so than when he is confronted like that. They’re not debilitating in any way, in gaining the head curator role at Riverway by triggers that remind him of the accident. but it just shows how your awareness of those Stadium, Townsville’s premier cricket and AFL One of the first things he did when starting sorts of things is heightened.” venue. ATM wishes Jason all the best. 12 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 LI I N G T U R F* SCIENTIFIC TURF MANAGEMENT A winning formula Where agronomy combines with irrigation Living Turf and Rain Bird have combined to deliver a unique range of agronomic and irrigation products and services for the Australian golf industry. Scientific agronomy + Efficient irrigation = Perfect playing surfaces AGRONOMIC SCIENTIFIC EXTENSIVE © © IRRIGATION UNMATCHED NATIONAL PRODUCT EXPERTISE SPECIALISTS FOUNDATIONS QUALITY SUPPORT RANGE Discover your winning formula at Living Turf 1300 556 116 | livingturf.com NATURAL DISASTERS All was tracking nicely for Townsville Golf Club at the start of 2019. It was the club’s 125th anniversary, five new Bob Harrison-designed holes were weeks away from being handed over and the club’s finances were looking up for the first time in a long Townsville GC back NATURAL DISASTERS According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the height of the Ross River at the Ross River Dam peaked at 42.99 metres, smashing the previous record set in March 2012 ownsville Golf Club superintendent Townsville Golf Club, literally just 100m ferried to safety in the back of a dump truck Jason Foster isn’t the sort of chap metres away from Foster’s back yard and that had to be towed out by a grader due to its T who minces words. Take the post on his Facebook page from 2 February 2019, at the height of the devastating floods which were ripping Townsville at the time. The post shows photos of Army personnel carriers and vehicles parked outside the front located right on a bend in the river, had started going under a few days earlier. No stranger to flood events - the course had been inundated in 2012 - Foster and his crew did what they through could to prepare for it and then waited it out. But as soon as his house started to come under threat and the Army moved into his high engine mount. Then news came through that workmate and course mechanic Craig Drennan had lost everything after a metre of water had gone through his house. Foster started making preparations at his own place, putting things up high and waiting for the inevitable. Flood waters would cover of his house in the suburb of Rosslea, rain street, Foster knew this was no ordinary flood his front and back yards, while the bottom pelting down and flood waters starting to event. two bedrooms had a small amount of water inundate his street, one of the higher points in Indeed, his ex-wife Cas and their kids through them. Compared to many others the area. Accompanying the photos is Foster’s Jacob and Ollie, who lived on the other side around him, Foster had dodged a bullet; the rather succinct assessment of the situation - of the river, had already been evacuated, same couldn’t be said for the golf course. “S**t is getting real now!” Up until that point, Foster, along with the rest of Townsville’s 170,000-plus population, had watched on helplessly as the Ross River had slowly consumed the suburbs. Fed by record-breaking rains that had drenched the river’s 760 square kilometre catchment (nearly 1400mm over a 13-day period, including a single-day high of 216mm on 1 February), authorities had no choice but to open the spill gates at the Ross River Dam on the town’s outskirts. At its peak, the height of the Ross River at the dam was an incredible 42.99 metres, smashing the previous record of 40.73m set in late March 2012. The dam reached a capacity of 244 per cent and when the spill gates were fully open around 1900 cubic metres of water a second was sent spewing downstream The dub was just weeks away from having five new holes as part of the redevelopment handed back. The site of towards the city. the new 2nd green, where staff members Zac Holm (left) and Rohan Fryer are standing, was washed away 16 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 After a remarkable effort by course staff and volunteers, 13 holes were back in play for members a month after the floods BACK TO SQUARE ONE The two greens that weren’t washed away had do,” recalls Foster, superintendent at the club The start of 2019 was a period of great silt deposits up to 30mm thick. since 2011. “We had plenty of warning, so excitement and anticipation for Townsville The lake beside the new 10th green almost we carried out our cyclone prep and then just Golf Club, its members and for Foster and his tripled in size from the washout and water watched on as the water levels rose higher and team. Recognised as the oldest in Queensland travelling through the area, while the fairway higher and higher. I’ve seen floods before up and the fourth oldest in the country, the club was reduced to an expanse of rock and sand. here and when I worked on the Gold Coast, was celebrating its 125th anniversary. The Strips of turf up to five metres long and two but nothing like this. club was also midway through a major course metres wide were rolled up like mattresses “It was devastating to see. What made it redevelopment under the auspices of course and deposited randomly about the place, while harder to stomach was the course was in great architect Bob Harrison. irrigation pipework and sprinklers across all condition before the floods. We were so close Originally a 27-hole layout, the club had the new holes were left high and dry out of the to having a full 18-hole layout back in play and sold off nine holes for residential development ground. the future was looking bright off course too. to not only alleviate some financial hardship “Watching the flood waters gradually “I’ve never seen greens and bunkers but to fund the revitalised 18-hole masterplan. cover the course, there was little we could washed away like that before. The grass The course redevelopment was planned over three stages - eight holes in the first stage and then two stages of five holes each. The first stage was opened in February 2016 and throughout 2018 Sydney-based construction company Flemming Golf had returned to complete new holes 1,2, 9, 10, 18 as well as the practice fairway. Agonisingly, the club was just two weeks away from having those holes handed over when the floods hit. Not surprisingly, those holes, which were nearest the river, were the worst affected. The 2nd green (see photo bottom opposite page) was completely washed away, prompting Foster to post on Facebook - “If anyone finds the 2nd green, please return it to Townsville Golf Club”. Two other new greens - 1 and 10 - also suffered a similar fate, washed out down to the sub-base, as was the tee on the future Townsville is midway through a course redevelopment. The first stage (eight holes) was completed in 2016, with 3rd hole which jutted out into the salt marshes. the reinstated second stage (five holes) to open in February. The third and final stage will also comprise five holes NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 17 NATURAL DISASTERS on those new holes wasn’t established well While they waited for the floodwaters to enough, so it had no chance of holding. We recede, Foster and his team were able to use just shook our heads and knew we would their tractor, bobcat and truck to assist the have to start those holes all over again, but Army and Police with their relief efforts. That we couldn’t worry about them at the time. included helping out residents in the new Our immediate priority was getting the other Fairways development located in the middle holes back in play, cleaning the greens off of the golf course. Sadly, many of the brand- and clearing what debris we could. The club new homes there were flooded out, with some is such a big community asset. It employs residents having only moved in a few weeks 20-odd people and has over 1000 members, earlier. so it was important to get it open as quickly as Once water levels dropped enough, Foster possible to restore a bit of normality.” and his crew, together with an army of member volunteers, then started the arduous process WIDESPREAD DAMAGE of cleaning up. Silt was scrapped, dragged or While the new holes were an immediate write­ hosed off the TifEagle couchgrass greens as off, the rest of the course and clubhouse a priority, while the painstaking work of tidying facilities didn’t fare much better. All up every up all the flood debris, repairing irrigation green, with the exception of the 13th (closest infrastructure and salvaging what components to the maintenance facility) went under. All they could began in earnest. bar three tee complexes were submerged Some fairways had sand deposits of up and every inundated bunker was completely to a metre deep in parts, while numerous sink stripped of its sand. Townsville’s TifEagle couch greens have recovered holes had also appeared across the course. The pump shed, which had only been remarkably well, but will be monitored closely for any Around the bases of trees, soil had been long-term flood effects serviced a few weeks earlier, was severely scoured out down to a depth of 1-2 metres, damaged, with all motors and electrical Although waters lapped at the concrete while coconuts - hundreds of them - littered board components needing total repair or slab, mercifully the club’s maintenance the course. replacement. The club’s irrigation partners facility - just 75m away from the river - and Staff also made a couple of unusual Aquaflow were on site within days and machinery fleet was spared. Not only did finds as they went about their clean-up work. reworked the pumps to allow irrigation to the that greatly assist with getting the eventual Eleven barramundi, some up to a metre greens, albeit with limited pressure and lots clean-up of the course underway quickly, it long, including a couple of live ones, were of manual labour due to the irrigation boxes also meant that the club could help out local discovered deposited in bunkers, along with suffering damage as well. residents, many of whom had their lives turned two giant mud crabs! The downstairs area of the Townsville upside down. Initially looking at a minimum of three clubhouse had a metre of water through it, months to get the course back in play, thanks while the upstairs amenities, including the bar to the monumental efforts of the course crew and administration areas, were badly affected and volunteers, 13 holes were back in play by rain inundation. (Remarkably, the bar was by 2 March, exactly a month to the day when back up and running by 28 February in time for flood waters had peaked. the club’s AGM!). The pro shop had 650mm Although it wasn’t pretty around the edges, of water through it, while the club’s extensive it was open and provided the members with cart storage facilities all went under, a total of the chance to come and have a long-awaited 116 member carts and the club’s fleet of 40 hit and forget about their troubles for a few damaged beyond repair. hours at least. After reopening the course, attention turned to getting the five severely damaged new holes reconstructed and grassed. Pictured top is the state of the 2nd green a week after flood waters had subsided and, above, the newly shaped and sprigged green in November. Flemming Golf handed the new holes back to the club in late October 18 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 “It took a lot of effort by a lot of people,” says Foster, who at the time of the floods was still on reduced hours recovering from the previous year’s treatment plant explosion (see ‘Up for the fight’, page 6-13, for more on this). “We were without power for the first seven days and had no pumps or irrigation system. The greens were our main priority and we just used shovels initially to remove the silt. “One of the problems we experienced was disease outbreaks due to the high humidity and the water. And at the same time we were getting localised dry spot on those parts of the course that hadn’t been flood-affected because we didn’t have any irrigation! It was horrendous. After we got the greens cleaned The club has benefitted from Queensland Government grants to assist with getting the course cleaned up and up we capped all the exposed irrigation so reinstatement works. Pictured is the newly constructed 3rd tee which had previously been washed away it didn’t blow out and we could start putting pressure back into the lines, testing all the WATER WOES handed back to Foster and his crew in late boxes and slowly turn everything back on. It wasn’t until after those holes were back in October for grow-in and it is hoped they will “The TifEagle greens recovered very well. play that the club could then turn its attention be ready for play by 1 February. With the heat We shovelled and broomed and eventually we to the five new holes that were so badly and humidity of the wet season approaching, tapped the irrigation system back into the town damaged. A meeting was held in April between Foster knows the surfaces will close over pretty water supply and were able to hose them off the club, Flemming Golf and Bob Harrison and quickly and the crew will be doing everything using QCVs. It was probably about eight days together a plan of action was hatched. they can to push the surfaces along. after that we finally got a mower out on some Thanks to the club receiving flood recovery While the new holes are growing in well, of the greens. Heights of cut were lifted and we grants from the Queensland Government, they have placed the club’s meagre water also put the Pro Core across them and gave which also went towards the clean-up of the resources under significant pressure. As a them a little dethatch to break up the silt and course, Flemming Golf began reinstatement result of the sewage treatment plant explosion get some air into them.” works in September. The five holes were 12 months earlier and its subsequent Control the ba ance of soi moisture and firmness TriCure Tera irm Soi Surfactant Son Penetrant Used together, TriCure and Terafirm let you customize your wetting agent program to your specific climate, oasis turf soil type and desired course conditions. (03) 9708 2911 www.oasisturf.com.au NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 19 NATURAL DISASTERS 3rd and 11th Brigades. The Royal Australian Airforce also has a base in Townsville. Foster says the Army did an amazing job working in with the Police when the flood crisis was at its peak. They handled everything from traffic management and evacuation plans and even went door to door to make sure residents were okay. Foster believes the whole country could learn from letting the military do what it does best in situations such as these and like many other Townsville locals he was extremely grateful for their presence. Above all, however, Foster was most proud of the way his crew handled themselves during a difficult time and the way they rallied around to help the local community. “Being such a small crew, what the boys achieved after the floods to get the course Foster cannot applaud his staff enough for the manner in which they have dedicated themselves to the task of back open the way they did was incredible,” resurrecting the course, as well as helping out the local community in a time of need says Foster. “Not only were they dedicated to decommissioning, the club lost its treated to what we can put out on the rest of the getting the course back up and running, they effluent supply which it had relied upon for 40 course. At the moment we have had to cut also helped out the community a lot as well. years. The club has had to tap into the town back to watering greens only which is a shame “The floods really put things in perspective water network while it waits to be hooked up to because the course had come back well from and pulled the whole community together. an alternate supply from Alpins weir. the floods and was looking good. But that’s When you saw the devastation around here To add to the water woes, and in a cruel just something we have to deal with and part and peoples’ lives heaped up in a pile out the twist of irony, since the monsoonal conditions and parcel of it all.” front of their houses, it made you realise that of January and February, Townsville has reverted back to drought-like conditions for much of the year. After totals of 461 mm The grass on the five new holes wasn’t established well (January), 964mm (February) and 258.2mm enough, so it had no chance of holding when the flood waters (March), in the eight months from the start of April to the end of November, Townsville came. When we saw the damage we just shook our heads and recorded just 75mm, less than a third of its historical average rainfall for that period. knew we would have to start all over again. - Jason Foster Between 13 July and 9 December, only 6mm fell. Admittedly it’s the dry season, but that is PULLING TOGETHER some things are more important. We were able inordinately dry for Townsville. As with any major natural disaster, a lot of to use our machinery to help out around the “Water is definitely our limiting factor at lessons were learned during and after the community during a time of need. the moment,” explains Foster. “Because we February floods. In Foster’s eyes there were “The golf club definitely gave something no longer have the treatment plant and rely on a number of positives to come out of it, back to the community during that time and town water, we can only store one megalitre especially the manner in which the Army were it was great to be able to give the guys the on site and fill our tank up once over a 24-hour involved. The Australian Defence Force has a chance to do that and be involved. Looking period. With the bulk of the water being used large presence in Townsville, with the Army’s back on it all, that was perhaps the most for the grow-in of the new holes, we are limited Lavarack Barracks being the home of the rewarding aspect of the recovery.” Since the floods, Townsville has been extremely dry. Between 13 July and 9 December, nearly five months, Townsville’s BOM station has recorded just 6mm 20 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Exteris Stressgard with Leaf-Cote technology The power of two active ingredients, including a new and unique SDHI for the turf market, combined with two proprietary formulation technologies, brings turf managers a new generation broad spectrum fungicide. // Leaf-Cote technology and non-DMI formulation provides greater flexibility to use when environmental conditions are challenging // Fast curative disease knockdown and lasting residual // Enhanced turf quality and stress management ALWAYS USE ACCORDING TO PRODUCT LABEL Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., Environmental Science Australia & NZ, Level 1,8 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East, Vic. 3123 Technical Enquiries: 1800 804 479 es.bayer.com.au Exteris Stressgard® is a Registered Trademark of the Bayer Group ©2019 ARENAS All smiles as NQS takes shape After 25 years based at 1300Smiles Stadium in Townsville, the North Queensland Cowboys are all set to move to the new North Queensland Stadium for the 2020 season. ATM editor Brett Robinson catches up with grounds manager Bruce Fouracre to look at the end of one era and the beginning of a new one. ■■ THE NORTH'S OWN PAPER Having meticulously prepared 1300Smiles Stadium for many seasons, ground manager Bruce Fouracre (left) and his assistant Adam McNeill will be taking charge of maintenance operations at the new North ’ Queensland Stadium which opens in February 2020 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRAJ ruce Fouracre recalls with a Within a few weeks of settling into his hearty chuckle the first few new surrounds, the stadium hosted a major B weeks of his tenure as curator at 1300Smiles Stadium when he arrived in Townsville 11 years working at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) alongside good mate, and cricket curating royalty, Tom Parker, Fouracre was looking national motocross event, with more than 400 tonnes of dirt dumped on the Greenlees Park couchgrass surface. It was October, it rained the night of the event and temperatures were ago. Having spent the previous 15 years well into the high 30s. Fouracre clearly remembers the ‘what have I got myself into’ moment when they forward to carving a name for himself in what started pulling up the boards covering the was his first ground manager’s role. However, ground and seeing (and smelling!) the cooked he was brought back down to earth rather turf underneath. But getting down on hands quickly. Literally. and knees, he could see some green shoots NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 23 ARENAS The new 25,000-seat North Queensland Stadium is located in the heart of Townsville and features a horseshoe-shaped, cantilever roof inspired by the pandanus plant starting to come through and he knew he had interim while its future is decided, both will be attention. Going to a brand-new stadium is something to work with. As he has come to transferring across to the NQS to manage the pretty exciting. I’ve never had that opportunity appreciate in the years since, Townsville is new arena surface. before and it will be a great chance to learn a “great place to grow grass” and within six Construction of the NQS, located adjacent new skills and be involved in something new weeks the surface was back to its pristine best. to the Townsville CBD, began in August 2017 and something big.” That is just one of numerous memorable and as this edition was going to print works moments Fouracre has experienced at had just started on the pitch. The sub-grade, A COMMUNITY FACILITY 1300Smiles Stadium, a venue that, in his drainage and irrigation system had been While all the hype and attention is around words, “has been very good to him” over the installed, with the first maxi rolls of Eclipse the new stadium development, 1300Smiles years. However, on Thursday 29 August this stabilised turf with Greenlees Park couchgrass Stadium bows out of its time in the spotlight year, the stadium, which has been home to scheduled to be laid in late January. having served the Townsville community rugby league’s North Queensland Cowboys “The new stadium is going to be a true steadfastly for many years. Located in the since the club’s inception in 1995, hosted multi-purpose venue which will be a huge suburb of Kirwan, about 20 minutes east of the its last official NRL game. In front of 15,141 asset in the heart of the city,” says Fouracre. Townsville CBD, it has an interesting backstory fans, the Cowboys bid farewell to 1300Smiles “It’s sad to be leaving 1300Smiles Stadium, but in its own right, having hosted numerous Stadium with a 15-8 win over the Bulldogs, a it has served its purpose really well and made sporting codes and events during its lifetime. fitting bookend to the venue’s tenure given that it was the same opposition the Cowboys had faced in their very first premiership game there The new stadium is going to be a huge asset in the heart of in 1995. Come next year, what will be their 25th the city. Going to a brand-new stadium is pretty exciting. I’ve season in the ARL/NRL competition, the Cowboys will be based out of the brand- never had that opportunity before and it will be a great chance new North Queensland Stadium (NQS). The to learn new skills and be involved in the start of a new era. Cowboys will raise the curtain on a new era - Bruce Fouracre when they face Queensland rivals the Broncos in the opening round on 13 March 2020 in what will no doubt be a sell-out at the 25,000- a lot of people happy over the years. It gives a It started out life as a harness racing track, seat stadium. lot and doesn’t ask for much in return and has known as the Willows Sports Complex, but While it is a new beginning for the looked after me really well over the years. with NSW Rugby League announcing that a Cowboys and their loyal fans, it will also be “Being realistic, it was time for a change North Queensland franchise would enter the a new one for Fouracre and his assistant and probably the right time to move. It was then ARL competition in 1995, the complex Adam McNeill. Although still looking after the getting past its ‘use by’ date a little and was redeveloped in 1994. The reconstruction maintenance of 1300Smiles Stadium for the there were always things that were needing involved removing the elevated trotting track 24 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 and constructing a new playing surface and the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 2008 and grassed spectator mounds behind the northern 2017 Rugby League World Cups. It has also and southern ends. The existing western side entertained the likes of the Crusty Demons grandstand (which has a distinctive bend in the and Nitro Circus crews, staged numerous roofline where the finishing post was) was kept concerts including Elton John, Keith Urban and and terraces constructed on the eastern side. Cold Chisel, not to mention a plethora of local It was very much a community-based community sports events. redevelopment and the story goes that the For two seasons - 2009/2010 and Cowboys players were involved in turfing 2010/2011 - Dairy Farmers Stadium was also the new ground and grass mounds, all up home base for the North Queensland Fury helping to lay some 12,000m2. Another story A-League soccer side. While the new franchise that Fouracre relays is that during one of their never reached great heights, eventually having early games, which was badly rain affected, its license revoked, the stadium’s playing spectators started using the grass mounds as surface did and was adjudged as the second a makeshift ‘slip ‘n’ slide’. Concerned about best in the competition in its first season. the damage being caused to their handiwork, Fouracre had arrived at the venue the the Cowboys players pleaded with fans to stop previous spring in 2008. It was part lifestyle as they would be the ones who would have to change - his son was just three-years-old at repair the turf! the time - and part career move as he was Rebadged as Stockland Stadium for the attracted to the opportunity to take charge of Cowboys’ first competition season, it wasn’t his first major venue. He bought a house some exactly a promising start for the fledging 200m from the venue and for the past 11 years franchise. Within six minutes of their opening it has been his second home. Six years ago he home game against the Bulldogs, Cowboys During Fouracre’s 11-year tenure at 1300Smiles was joined by fellow Sydneysider and former centre Adrian Vowles was sent off, much to the Stadium, it has been widely regarded as one of the SCG apprentice McNeill who he handpicked dismay of the more than 23,000 spectators. best playing surfaces in the NRL comp for the assistant’s role. Like Fouracre, McNeill The Cowboys went on to lose that game and too bought a house just a stone’s throw from by season’s end would record just two wins 2003 and during 2005 and 2006 it underwent the stadium. from 22 games. an $11 million refurbishment, with extra seating After the Super League saga in 1997 - added, new lighting erected and corporate A SEASON TO REMEMBER Stockland Stadium incidentally hosted the facilities updated. Both Fouracre and McNeill have witnessed very first game of the breakaway competition As well as being the playing, training and plenty of sporting highlights on the ground on 1 March between the Cowboys and the administrative headquarters of the Cowboys, they immaculately prepare week in week out, Adelaide Rams - between 1998 and 2013 the the stadium also hosted a multitude of other but none quite compare to what transpired venue was known as Dairy Farmers Stadium. events. It held its first ever rugby league Test in during the 2015 NRL season. While the Management and operation of the ground October 2000 (Australia defeating Papua New Cowboys made their first NRL grand final back transferred across to Stadiums Queensland in Guinea 82-0) and hosted pool games during in 2005, losing to West Tigers 50-6, it would 1300Smiles Stadium was originally a trotting track, with the facility undergoing a major redevelopment in 1994 with the arrival of the North Queensland Cowboys into what was then the ARL (now NRL) competition NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 25 ARENAS Fouracre, along with McNeill, helped to spread the Greenlees Park couch sprigs at Fortini Turf in mid­ August. The sprigs were sourced from Twin View Turf on the Sunshine Coast and transported in a refrigerated truck some 1300km “When the team made the final and flew down to Sydney, the Townsville Bulletin newspaper printed a map of the route the team be 10 seasons later when they finally broke possession on their 10m line. Four tackles bus was taking to the airport. The streets all through in the most dramatic of circumstances. later and the Cowboys had Thurston perfectly the way from the stadium to the airport were After dropping their first three games positioned behind play and he did the rest, lined with fans farewelling the team. After they of the season, the Cowboys then smashed clinically nailing the field goal from 20m to won, there were about 15,000 people waiting out what is still their longest winning streak send the 82,000-strong crowd into hysterics. at the stadium to greet them when they got - 11 matches. They would win 15 of their Thurston, who co-captained the Cowboys that back. It was pretty cool to see the community 16 matches between rounds four and 21, night along with Matt Scott, lifted the Provan- come together the way it did.” finishing the regular season in third place Summons Trophy for the first time and was behind the Roosters and Broncos. They duly awarded the Clive Churchill Medal. OUT WITH THE OLD, pipped Brisbane in the qualifying final 16-12, Fouracre recalls that season with great IN WITH THE NEW before trouncing the Sharks in the semis 39-0 affection and how it galvanised the Townsville It was in late 2016 that the Queensland at 1300Smiles Stadium. They then travelled populous as the Cowboys went on their Government, together with the Federal south to AAMI Park and beat the Melbourne midseason charge to the finals: “It was an Government, Townsville City Council and the Storm by 20 points to progress through to an amazing time to be in Townsville,” remembers North Queensland Cowboys, announced that all-Queensland grand final affair against the Fouracre, a born and bred Dragons fan. “The a new multi-purpose arena was in the pipeline Broncos. buzz around the city for the whole month of for the city. If he wasn’t already a local legend, finals was unbelievable. And then to win it in 1300Smiles Stadium had initially been Cowboys halfback Johnathan Thurston the fashion they did was remarkable. identified for replacement as part of Australia’s immortalised himself in NRL and club bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite history on that evening, Sunday 4 October, the bid ultimately failing, the new North at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium. In what is widely Queensland Stadium (NQS) project was given regarded as one of the greatest NRL finals the green light anyway, with Watpac Limited of all times, and just the second to ever be beginning its construction in August 2017 (see decided in extra time, the Cowboys pulled off breakout panel on page 28 for more on the the most improbable Houdini act. features of the new stadium). Trailing by four points with 15 seconds The announcement of the new arena of the game to play, the Cowboys were on development was a bittersweet one for their fifth and final tackle about 10m from Fouracre and McNeill. While they would be the Broncos try line. After a poor pass from going across to the new facility upon opening dummy half, Thurston regathered, fended off and overseeing the new playing surface, it two Broncos tacklers before looping the ball to also meant farewelling the old venue and five-eighth Michael Morgan. wondering as to its future. It was also rotten Morgan turned on the jets, drew three timing for McNeill, who just days before the defenders, then threw a stunning one- announcement had purchased his house handed pass to Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt literally 100m from the stadium gates! who, taking the ball literally as the final siren While the future of 1300Smiles Stadium sounded, ran in unmarked in the corner to is still up in the air - Stadiums Queensland tie the scores at 16-apiece. With a chance to has yet to announce its plans - it will still very win the game, Thurston agonisingly drilled much be in use next season. Although the his conversion attempt low and hard into the NQS will host all of the Cowboys’ 2020 home righthand upright. games, 1300Smiles Stadium will remain as the Thurston, however, wouldn’t be denied. club’s administrative and training base until With the warmer months now upon Townsville, the From the kick off for the first period of golden a new ‘centre of excellence’ is constructed new surface is ticking along strongly and will be ready point extra time, his Brisbane opposite Ben for harvesting and laying in January. Pictured is the adjacent to the NQS in time, it is hoped, for the Hunt fumbled the ball, fatally turning over Greenlees Park couchgrass 12 weeks after planting 2021 season. 26 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Fouracre has been closely monitoring the new pad’s establishment and is looking forward to presenting the new surface for its NRL debut on 13 March “We’re in a bit of a funny situation,” HGST has designed the pitch in Establishment has steadily progressed and explains Fouracre. “Even though we held our conjunction with Melbourne-based field of with the warmer months now upon Townsville last official NRL game in August, it wasn’t like play experts SportEng and is supplying its the new surface is ticking along strongly. we locked the gates and just walked away. It proprietary Eclipse stabilised ‘ready-to-play’ Fouracre has been a regular visitor to the has been business as usual since then and turf which has been growing locally at Fortini turf farm during this time, documenting the we still did everything we would normally do - Turf. The new playing surface was established establishment, and will continue to do so up aerating, scarifying and topdressing. We didn’t mid-August, with washed Greenlees Park until harvesting and laying. switch off. We stayed focussed and made sure sprigs transported 1300 kilometres in a Following completion of the turf installation, we kept it in as good a condition as possible. refrigerated truck from Twin View Turf on the HGST project manager Josh Hanrahan will “The Cowboys have started pre-season Sunshine Coast. work with Fouracre and McNeill to assist with already and we will be making sure we have Due to its proven track record over many initial maintenance and renovation plans for the 1300Smiles Stadium in as good a shape as it years at 1300Smiles Stadium, Greenlees Park new surface. Additional turf will also be grown was when it hosted premiership games. We was an obvious choice for the new surface and and maintained at Fortini’s as a contingency. don’t want to drop the standards we have set something that Fouracre was insistent upon The NQS gets its first public unveiling on here. The one thing they did do right at the when decisions were being made as to what 22 February when it hosts ‘People’s Day’. This very start was the construction of the playing variety to go with. will give the chance for the local population surface. It drains incredibly well and I’ve never had to replace any turf which I’m very proud of. “Long-term, I do hope the venue gets It will be sad leaving 1300Smiles Stadium, but it has served used properly and doesn’t just go to waste. I don’t want to drive past it every day and its purpose really well and made a lot of people happy over the see tumbleweeds rolling through it. I’d be heartbroken if that happened.” years. It gives a lot and doesn’t ask for much in return and has looked after me really well over the years. - Bruce Fouracre LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS Local civil construction business Mendi Group was awarded the pitch works for the After the 11,000m2 plot at Fortini’s was to test drive the new venue and its facilities. new stadium and partnered with HG Sports prepared with HG’s Eclipse artificial fibre A week later Elton John will officially christen Turf (HGST) for technical guidance to deliver carpet laid on top of a geotextile backing, the venue as part of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick the new playing surface. HGST is project Fouracre and McNeill, together with turf farm Road’ tour, then 13 days later the Cowboys managing the construction of the surface, employees, hand-spread the sprigs on 16 kick off their 2020 campaign against the which got underway in late November, and August. A mower was then run over the sprigs Broncos. Interestingly, not all of the new the first rolls of turf will be laid in January in to help break them up and spread more evenly playing surface will be laid prior to the Elton time for the stadium’s public unveiling in late over the surface, followed by a layer of soil to John show, with the stage area to be installed February and NRL debut on 13 March. help bed them down. immediately after the concert has bumped out. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 27 ARENAS Remaining home games for the NRL “Once the new profile and turf surface is stadium’s horseshoe design and orientation season will see the Cowboys entertain the likes down, HG will be assisting Adam and I as we means it has very good air movement through of the Eels, Storm, Bulldogs, Titans, Rabbitohs, get used to maintaining it. I’ll be listening to it, so that will be beneficial as well. Roosters, Knights, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Sharks everything they tell me. No greenkeeper knows “I’m definitely looking forward to having a and Warriors. The NQS is also scheduled everything, so I’ll be talking to as many people brand-new Rain Bird irrigation system, as well to host the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 as I can. I’ve had a couple of good chats with as some new equipment. We will be getting a NQ Games on 9 April. This biennial event, Mai Caddies (Suncorp Stadium) as to what to new Toro 3575-D field mower, an aerator, as the largest regularly run multi-sport event in likely expect. well as an Outcross utility. So we are getting regional Australia, will be held in Townsville “It’s going to be exciting and challenging. some shiny new toys which sweetens the deal from 10-13 April with over 3600 athletes from It’s not every day you move into a brand-new a little, as well as a more spacious shed which an anticipated 40 sports. stadium, so it’s going to be a big learning we’re pretty happy about. “It has been very interesting watching the curve. We have seen a couple of shade “We don’t expect everything to be perfect new surface being planted and established,” models and from the looks of it one of the when we move in. We’ll just get in there and says Fouracre. “HG have been really good. corners will be impacted a little. Going from a do our best to present the new surface to the Apart from helping with the planting, I haven’t ground that has no shade to one where there best of our ability. We are going into it with an really had that much to do with it. I’ve left it to will be some impact will be interesting. The open mind. It’s our new home and it’s going to the guys there to grow-in and we’ll be going intensity of the sun up here is very different, so be great playing a part in the start of a new era across to the new stadium in mid-January. I’m hoping that may alleviate any issues. The for Townsville and the Cowboys.” FACT FILE - NORTH QUEENSLAND STADIUM, TOWNSVILLE Background: The North Queensland and allow panoramic views to the Townsville High Performance Centre: An 8000m2 Stadium (NQS) is a joint project of the CBD, Castle Hill and Magnetic Island. Other Cowboys’ Community, Training and High Queensland Government, Australian features include: Performance Centre will also form part of the Government and Townsville City Council and • Standing terraces with views to the field NQS complex. is supported by both the NRL and the North of play; The centre will provide high performance Queensland Cowboys. The project forms • A 9-metre-wide concourse where patrons training facilities for the Cowboys, with part of the Townsville City Deal signed in can walk the full 600 metres around the access available for other sports clubs December 2016. stadium; including Townsville Fire (the city’s Women’s • Sports lighting in the roof instead of light National Basketball League team) and touring Location: The new stadium is located towers; sporting teams. within the Townsville City Waterfront Priority • 500,000 litres of storage for rainwater. James Cook University has agreed terms Development Area adjacent to the Townsville Townsville City Council is working to as the first tenant of the co-located space Central Business District, between Ross connect the stadium to the recycled and will host a sports science and research Creek and Saunders Street. water network to help water the pitch and facility. Medical sports consulting and surrounding landscaped areas. rehabilitation services will also be provided at Capacity: The NQS will have a 25,000- the centre, while the Townsville City Council seat capacity with the option to expand to Facilities: A total of 88 external corporate will have rights to the community field for 30,000 seats in the future. While the capacity boxes, 17 corporate suites and two major general community purposes. is the same as 1300Smiles Stadium, the function rooms that can cater for up to 200 Funding for the centre is currently NQS provides 7000 more ‘seats’. It can people when combined. Four player change before the Queensland Government for also accommodate up to 40,000 patrons in rooms with dedicated wet areas, spa baths, final consideration, with the aim being for concert mode. warm-up areas, medical room and massage completion prior to the start of the 2021 NRL There are four primary seating areas room. season. in the new venue - Western, Southern and Eastern grandstands and the Northern terrace. The stadium will feature large plazas and landscaped green spaces. The grassed northern parkland and plaza will form part of the northern entry. Design: The NQS features a horseshoe­ shaped, cantilever roof inspired by the pandanus plant. The stadium roof will shade about 75 per cent of the seating, with generous overhangs over the concourse and main entry. In place of traditional trusses, folded plates achieve the roof’s ‘pandanus’ geometry. The folded plates provide strength to resist cyclonic wind loads and flexibility to allow the roof to expand and contract In place of traditional trusses, folded plates achieve the new stadium roof’s ‘pandanus’ geometry. These plates with tropical temperature fluctuation. The provide strength to resist cyclonic wind loads and flexibility to allow the roof to expand and contract with stadium faces north to catch the breezes tropical temperature fluctuations 28 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 HEAVY-DUTY Field-tested and time- proven gear drive for consistent performance TOTAL-TOP-SERVICE Easily access all rotor components without cutting into the turf VALVE-IN-HEAD Valve-in-head design for simple installation and convenient no-dig servicing The new ST-1700V synthetic turf rotor resonates power from the inside out to simplify installation and maintenance without breaking the bank. Discover what it can do for you at hunter.direct/st1700v. residential & commercial irrigation Learn more. Visit hunterindustries.com Built on Innovation® Hunter National Free Call: 1 800 HUNTER fw- NELSONTel: 1300 856 368 Suite 7,202 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Toll Free Fax: 1 800 651 680 www.hrproducts.com.au Sbf AUSTRALIA Fax: 1300 856 369 1. 1— www.nelsonirrigation.com.au ■UMMM. 11.1U11111U1 Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia Tel: 613 9562 9918 hrsales@hrproducts.com.au info@nelsonirrigation.com.au Fax: 613 9558 6983 SPORTS FIELDS The newly turfed Amata Oval in far northwestern South Australia certainly stands out against the barren backdrop of the surrounding landscape Outback. oasis PHOTOS: SA WATER Amata Oval, which will play host to local community events as well as the SANFLs APY League, is irrigated using recycled water from SA Water’s nearby treatment plant ore than 1300 kilometres “Building relationships between the local a sub-surface drip system which could use northwest of Adelaide, in community and SA Water has been essential either bore or recycled water. The existing M the middle of a vast red and brown landscape, an unexpectedly green oasis local football league and wider community to enjoy. The newly grassed Amata Oval is located to ensuring our infrastructure delivers the fundamental public health outcomes. Through initiatives such as our greening project, we’re supporting was officially opened in early November for the serve in Amata.” GREEN-UP greater liveability for the people we overhead sprinkler system was upgraded to ensure an even distribution of water across the oval, enabling seed germination and root growth. It was turned off once root growth had developed and to reduce demand on the aquifer, after which the sub-surface drip system became the source of irrigation. in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara South Australian irrigation and turf The sub-surface drip system comprises (APY) Lands, near the South Australia/Northern management company Greene Eden was 42,500 metres of drip tube installed at a Territory border, and is irrigated using recycled charged with the undertaking the works at consistent depth of between 125-175mm. water from SA Water’s nearby wastewater Amata. Prior to installation of the Rain Bird Tube rows are spaced at 400mm across treatment plant. SA Water manages water irrigation system, the oval’s soil and sand were the site, with drip tube emitters spaced at supplies and/or wastewater disposal systems tested, with the results indicating the existing 500mm, therefore creating a grid pattern. The in 13 Aboriginal communities and government terrain was nutrient-poor and required a soil precipitation rate across the site is 8mm per facilities in the APY Lands, including 53 bores builder that was rich in carbon and other hour. (nine of which are solar-powered), four state-of- nutrients. Sub-surface drip systems provide moisture the-art desalination plants and one wastewater Once the site was stripped and levelled, only to the rootzone of the plant, therefore treatment plant. around 12 tonnes of soil conditioner and ensuring deep root growth. This approach was The concept of greening Amata Oval was improver was applied across the entire site. integral to the success of the project, given spawned by SA Water’s Remote Communities This also served as a concentrated mineral the challenging climate and environmental team in 2016 following an analysis of potential fertiliser with the benefits of humic acid and conditions. While the surface of the soil dries reuse options for excess wastewater collected carbon, increasing available phosphorous and out, the roots can be maintained within a from the local network. A contract for civil other nutrients in the soil. The fertiliser enables moist, cool environment, promoting continued construction work was awarded in November a greater resilience to environmental impacts growth. 2017, with grassing starting in October 2018. and helps protect it from diseases and pests, The new irrigation system is monitored via SA Water’s Remote Communities manager while improving soil water use efficiency. cloud-based technology from Greene Eden’s Simon Wurst says the project’s objective was The oval’s soil profile was wetted using office based in Adelaide to ensure it operates to provide Amata with a functional open space overhead sprinklers and a sub-surface drip efficiently and provides a constant source of that could be maintained in an environmentally system. Once the soil moisture level was water to promote continued grass growth. sustainable way. satisfactory and climatic conditions improved, As for the ongoing maintenance of the oval, “Each day, around 70,000 litres of the area was seeded. A range of grass SA Water is working together to enable local wastewater is treated at the plant and pumped varieties were used including kikuyu, as well service providers to take ownership of the to an underground irrigation system at the as tall fescue, ryegrass and fine fescue, which oval’s upkeep, supported by the area’s local oval,” says Wurst. “It’s a massive feat to have will act as ‘cover’ seed for the kikuyu until it municipal services and employment provider. not only recycled water infrastructure in such ultimately establishes itself as the dominant an isolated location, but also green grass. We grass. LOGISTICS met this challenge through innovative solutions Initially, the Amata Oval irrigation system Due to its remote location, perhaps the like special durable materials and remote was comprised of an overhead sprinkler biggest challenge of the entire project was monitoring and operation technology. system, which utilised bore water only, and getting all the required infrastructure to Amata. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 31 SPORTS FIELDS Works on the oval started last October, with an extensive network of sub-surface drip irrigation piping installed to overcome the unique climatic challenges Specialised freight companies were used to across the APY Lands, as well as the Uluru­ like to reward their school attendance with make deliveries to the site, or weekly freight based Mutitjulu Cats. sporting carnivals, and while they’re usually deliveries to the township of Marla which is To celebrate the oval’s opening in early at Alice Springs or Ernabella, we jumped at around 300km east of Amata and 2.5 hours November, students from schools in the the opportunity to host this event at the newly north of Coober Pedy on the A87 highway. region were joined by players from two local grassed Amata Oval. Freight trucks had to be frequently football teams - including 2019 APY League “The importance of having a facility checked on the dirt roads between the premiers the Central Swans - as well as Port like this can’t be underestimated for the highway and Amata to assess load shifting and Adelaide Football Club (PAFC) who took the local community and SA Water should be safety. While this often delayed deliveries, it opportunity to host a sports carnival as part of commended for helping make it happen.” was important for the safety and wellbeing of its WillPOWER programme. the drivers. The quantity of product required for “WillPOWER is about encouraging ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS the system was extensive - including 122 rolls students in the APY and Maralinga Lands Australian Turfgrass Management wishes to of drip-tube - so freighting had to be carefully to stay engaged with and complete their thank Clare Hesketh and Julian Mittiga from SA managed. schooling,” says Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal Water for their assistance in putting this article Two days of travel was required to programmes director Paul Vandenbergh. “We together. reach Amata and therefore each trip had to be strategically planned to ensure all the equipment and resources were available for the allocated work during each trip. COMMUNITY ASSET The newly grassed oval will be the new jewel in the crown of the South Australian National Football League’s (SANFL) APY League which was revamped and relaunched prior to the 2019 season. Regarded as the country’s most remote Australian Rules football competition, spanning 200,000 square kilometres in remote SA and NT, the league replaced the former Far North West Sports League which was suspended indefinitely midway through the 2018 season following on and off-field violence at matches. The APY League recommenced on Saturday PHOTO: GREENE EDEN 4 May with 10 football and softball teams from Once the oval was stripped and levelled, around 12 tonnes of soil conditioner and improver was applied across the entire site 32 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21 JACOBSEN COMBINES PRODUCTIVITY EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF CUT to DELIVER IMPRESSIVE RESULTS FOR US GLENN STUART, Director of Courses, on the LF Range PENINSULA KINGSWOOD COUNTRY GOLF CLUB Jacobsen. Built for your success -» BOOK A TEST DRIVE NOW AT: JACDBSEPd jacobsenbuilt.com RACING Elevating Elwick Ladbrokes Park Elwick, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most prestigious metropolitan racing venues, has undergone a $12,675 million track redevelopment ahead of hosting its biggest annual meet, the Hobart Cup, in February. adbrokes Park Elwick has a long and proud history in the sport of L racing in Tasmania. Its location on the shores of the Derwent River in the northern Hobart suburb of Glenorchy, has attracted racegoers since the late 19th Century and is home to the prized Group 3 Hobart Cup which is raced every February over 2400m. In 2004, the Elwick precinct underwent a $20 million redevelopment which saw the construction of dedicated harness racing and greyhound tracks, as well as a facelift for the heritage-listed grandstand. Elwick’s Course Proper was also reconstructed around the same time with a conventional profile and primarily ryegrass/Kentucky bluegrass surface, but in the years since had never quite performed to expectation. To help ensure the long-term future of racing in state’s south, in 2017 Tasracing, the state’s governing body for racing, announced that the Course Proper would undergo a $12,675 million redevelopment. After extensive planning and consultation between Tasracing, stakeholders and the local racing industry to ensure the project would benefit all parties, construction started on the new 28-metre wide Course Proper immediately after the running of the 2019 Hobart Cup. StrathAyr were awarded the tender to construct the new track, with Dalton Consulting Engineers (DCE) and Macquarie Franklin appointed to manage the project on behalf of Tasracing. KEY CONSIDERATIONS Through early engagement with Tasracing, StrathAyr undertook significant preliminary planning prior to the project starting. StrathAyr’s Joe McCullagh, together with DCE’s Ross Mason, carried out a full design assessment of the build which would see the new Course Proper replace the old training track and existing smaller Course Proper. Among their key considerations were coming up with a suitable design that would optimise drainage and integrate the track’s new reticulated 34 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 The new StrathAyr-built Course Proper at Ladbrokes Park Elwick will get its first run when it hosts Tasmanian Derby Day on 31 January 2020 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 35 RACING harvested and laid in mid-November. Following turfing, a specific watering, fertilising and cutting regime was implemented to ensure optimal grow-in. FINISHING POST Post-establishment, maintenance of the new track will become the responsibility of A lower sand layer is laser levelled (left) prior to StrathAyr’s reinforced matrix layer being placed Tasracing, with StrathAyr having an ongoing involvement in the maintenance programme. stormwater system to harvest and store runoff ON TRACK All StrathAyr tracks have a modified for future irrigation needs. Bulk excavation works, reshaping of the USGA-type perched water table design Months before track works commenced, track profile and dam works were performed consisting of a gravel drainage layer, a sand in September 2018 some 65,000m2 of a by Shaw Contracting. The works included layer and a sand/ReFlex mesh element/peat Kentucky bluegrass/ryegrass mix was sown levelling the back straight by up to 1.4m to moss reinforced layer. Apart from the differing at StrathAyr’s primary turf production farm remove the existing large dip which historically geographical locations of these race tracks, 20 kilometres away in Richmond. As part of had been an area of high risk for horses and the only fundamental difference between all this, the farm’s turf washing equipment was jockeys. Reshaping works consisted of getting of them is the capacity of their respective extensively upgraded to ensure that volume of the desired two per cent crossfall on the drainage systems, which is dependent on turf could be washed quickly and efficiently. straights and four per cent on the bends. localised rainfall and turf type. Another primary consideration in the early Following excavation works, StrathAyr Elwick is globally the southernmost stages was sourcing a suitable sand. One of installed the mainline collector drains around StrathAyr track, with cool-season grasses the most important aspects in building the the track at the same time as carrying out the being the only realistic option for the surface. new StrathAyr track was securing delivery final base trim with a total station controlled Surprisingly, however, climate data shows that of 35,000 tonnes of quality sand to meet the laser bucket. Lateral drains were installed at Elwick has the lowest rainfall characteristics in specific design requirements. Sourcing a 45 degrees offset across the track at 10-metre both quantity and intensity of any previously suitable grade sand can be a challenge in intervals, before the gravel drainage layer was constructed StrathAyr track. Tasmania and for this project the best sand just installed and levelled. This poses the question of why does happened to be at the other end of the state As the drains were completed, a lower Hobart need an all-weather track given such a at Barnbougie on the north east coast. The sand layer was installed followed by the unique climate? The new StrathAyr track profile sand was sourced and supplied by The Baker spreading of StrathAyr’s unique reinforced will not only contribute to enhancing drainage Group and due to the long cartage distance (a matrix layer consisting of sand, ReFlex mesh during weather events, but will also; 10-hour round trip), stockpiling on site started elements and Canadian peat moss. The • Reduce damage to the track when there is in January 2019 to meet project delivery ReFlex mesh reinforcement is the critical a rare wet weather event; schedules. element in allowing such a free-draining and • Provide a profile that is the best for grass The extended width (an additional 4m) relatively unstable sand to be suitable for recovery and growth in any conditions; of the new Course Proper created some horse racing. Not only does it contribute to • Ensure consistency for the entire track operational challenges, particularly in regards stability and add huge load bearing capacity, surface in all weather conditions. to irrigation which was ultimately a Toro system it also reduces profile compaction. A final The new track has until late January to fully designed and installed by Brisbane-based 20mm-deep sand layer was then spread and ‘bed-down’ in time for initial trial track gallops. Project Irrigation. Due to its location by the the washed turf carefully laid. It’s first race meet will be Tasmanian Derby Day Derwent River, the Elwick site is particularly The extensive array of works were carried on Friday 31 January before the all-important windy and the track receives the full blast of out simultaneously with the last rolls of turf Hobart Cup on Sunday 9 February. the prevailing northwesterly winds that funnel down the river. To overcome that challenge, closer sprinkler head spacings on the northwestern side of the track and plenty of quick couplers were installed to assist the irrigation system meeting demand. The system also includes the latest communication technolgoy, allowing for remote operation by mobile phone and a weather station that communicates with the irrigation system which can suspend irrigation in adverse weather conditions if required. The new system has performed perfectly and was especially tested during the recent November period when the site experienced 12 days of strong to gale force winds. Strong winds were also a major issue during construction and keeping stockpiled sand on site in what was a particularly dry and windy year. Some 65,000m2 of Kentucky bluegrass/ryegrass washed turf was used on the new 28-metre-wide Course Proper 36 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21 6 John Deere GOLF 1 GREEN PERFECTION If you are looking for perfection, the 220 E-Cut Hybrid is an excellent all-around performer. Being electronically driven means it's not only quieter, it’s also better for the environment. With an adjustable, loop-style handlebar for maximum comfort and control, a quiet, smooth 2.6 kW (3.5 hp) engine, rubber isolators for reduced vibration and easily accessible bedknife-to-reel adjustment. Plus, it can be enhanced with a Greens Tender Conditioner or rotary brush to reduce grain OFFICIAL and help control runners for an even more impressive after-cut appearance. GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER To find out more contact your local John Deere Golf dealer today. ight, water, air, mineral nutrients, Ultimately, weather and the time of the year soil and temperature are six Seeing the determine how much sunlight can possibly L essential requirements to grow grass. On the golf course, we can manipulate and manage five of these requirements to varying degrees. For example, irrigation systems supplement the lack of natural rainfall and fertiliser applications help maintain optimal light reach the turf. To complicate matters, nearly all golf courses have significant amounts of turf affected by tree shade that limits the amount of light energy that reaches the grass. KEY TO LIFE Cool- and warm-season grasses require the levels of soil nutrients. Putting greens and tees energy provided by sunlight to convert water can be constructed with sand-based rootzones and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and to enhance drainage and compaction oxygen (the process of photosynthesis). Warm­ resistance. Various cultivation techniques can Adequate sunlight is an absolute season grasses have the ability to manufacture be utilised to ensure oxygen reaches the roots. carbohydrates at higher temperatures than Even temperature can be indirectly managed necessity for maintaining high- cool-season grasses, but the basic process by using turf covers to warm the soil or fans to and requirements for light, water and carbon cool overheated turf. Some courses have even quality turf. However, as USGA dioxide are similar. invested in subsurface heating and cooling Carbohydrates (sugars) are the food plants systems to modify the soil temperature of their agronomists Bob Vavrek and Patrick use to grow. The minerals in fertiliser provide greens. essential building blocks required during Unfortunately, golf course managers have O’Brien write, shade remains one photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates. little opportunity to increase natural sunlight. Despite creative marketing calling many There are only so many hours of daylight, of the most overlooked factors that fertilisers ‘plant foods’, these products do not which varies considerably throughout different directly supply the energy plants need to grow. times of the year, and you can’t wish clouds limits the quality of a golf course’s Granted, a lack of essential minerals in the soil away. Installing a bank of high-intensity lamps can limit turf growth. However, liquid sunshine over every shaded putting green simply isn’t most important playing surfaces. doesn’t exist and fertiliser is never a substitute feasible for courses. for adequate light if you desire healthy turf. 38 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 While many golf facilities are reluctant to address shade Diseases, such as dollar spot, that require long periods of leaf wetness, are more prevalent in shaded sites since dew remains on the turf longer Obviously, the inability to rapidly recover green-up. Any winter injury will also be from wear would affect the popular, heavily extra slow to recover due to carbohydrate played golf facilities the most, but all courses depletion. Spring growth and winter are affected by wear issues and the loss of turf injury recovery is also limited by low soil cover from time to time. Heavy play, disease temperatures that persist longer in shaded activity, excessive heat, mechanical wear and sites. the stress associated with too much or too little • Most greens that have severe tree shade water, are factors that necessitate rapid turf issues will also have problems associated recovery - but rapid turf recovery is impossible with poor air circulation and tree roots in the shade. competing with turf for water and nutrients. As mentioned above, putting greens are The lack of air circulation can be especially particularly sensitive to shade and they are, detrimental to turf health during extended by far, the most important playing surface on periods of hot, humid weather. a golf course and the most scrutinised by • A thin, shaded putting surface will have members and management. The following are a greater chance of developing moss examples of putting green issues directly or encroachment problems than dense turf in NEVER MADE IN THE SHADE indirectly caused by tree shade: full sun. The detrimental effects of shade on turfgrass • Winter injury caused by low temperatures • Recovery from cultural practices that thin growth and development are well documented affects the weak turf on shaded putting out the stand of turf - such as aeration and and obvious to any turf manager. Go no farther greens the most. Evergreen trees cause deep vertical mowing - occurs more slowly than your backyard to find weak, spindly the most winter injury problems because on shaded turf than turf in full sun. grass in the shade of a resident tree. Place they produce dense shade all year. the children’s swing set beneath the trees and • Shaded greens will experience the longest MINIMUM LIGHT REQUIREMENTS you’ll be lucky to find more than a few patches frost delays. Turf quality declines under shaded conditions. of scraggly turf because heavily shaded grass • Diseases, such as dollar spot, that require Sometimes buildings cause shade - for cannot recover from wear. long periods of leaf wetness, are more example, when the practice putting green is Except for roughs, golf course turf is prevalent in shaded sites since dew conveniently located immediately adjacent mowed much shorter than a home lawn, remains on the turf longer. to the clubhouse or golf shop. Sometimes which magnifies problems associated with • Shaded turf that is weak entering winter topography affects sunlight availability, such limited growth potential in shade. Turf growth has little chance to make and store the as when a putting green is located in a deep of short grass is limited in the shade because carbohydrates needed for rapid spring hollow. shorter turf has minimal leaf area to intercept sunlight in the first place, which is why divots Poor Fair Good Excellent DU >30 DLK1S are so slow to recover on a heavily shaded tee. It should come as no surprise that putting greens suffer the most from shade since they possess little more than a thin veneer of leaf tissue mowed at around 3mm. Turf health and playability go hand in hand because superintendents manipulate the turf to provide a desired playing surface. Golfers then play on that surface, causing wear that everyone hopes will recover quickly; except sometimes turf doesn’t recover quickly. Figure 1. Relative shade tolerance of common turfgrasses NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 39 AGRONOMY Buildings can cause considerable stress to nearby putting greens due to dense shade or reflected heat depending on sun location throughout the day needs a minimum DLI of 32.6 to provide acceptable turf quality. Research at the University of Arkansas (Russell, 2019) determined that Tyee creeping bentgrass maintained under putting green conditions required a DLI of 30 to maintain acceptable quality throughout the season. Figure 1 (previous page) provides useful information regarding the relative shade tolerance of various turfgrass species and DLI information. Armed with these baselines and the relatively inexpensive equipment needed to measure DLI on a golf course, turf managers However, trees are by far the most healthy growth, but not all six-hour intervals of can clearly identify and quantify the potential common cause of shade problems on a golf sunlight are equal. for putting green shade problems. The USGA course, particularly when we are talking about The amount of useful light energy, referred article, ‘Made in the Shade or Mud in the the closely mowed turf on tees and putting to as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), Shade?’ published in the USGA Green Section greens. Increasing the light reaching key that reaches the turf during six hours of full Record 11 May 2012, Volume 50 (10), explains playing surfaces through selective tree removal sunlight varies throughout the year based DLI in more detail, provides a practical method can pay huge dividends in turf health and on the time of day and angle of the sun. The to measure shade and explains how data can playing quality throughout the season. amount of PAR that shines on a specific area be utilised to make sound, fact-based tree management decisions. Author Chris Hartwiger begins the article Trees and turfgrass are like brothers. Give them ample with a wonderful description of the relationship between trees and turfgrass: “Trees and space to grow and they get along just fine. Put them together turfgrass are like brothers. Give them ample space to grow and they get along just fine. in a small bedroom and the bigger one is going to dominate. Put them together in a small bedroom and Just like finding a proper distance between brothers is a key to the bigger one is going to dominate. Just like finding a proper distance between brothers harmony, trees and turf must have adequate space too. -Chris Hartwiger, USGA In the past, agronomists and of turf over a 24-hour period is called the ‘daily superintendents had to make vague estimates light integral’, or DLI, and is expressed as about the amount of sunlight needed to grow moles of PAR per square meter per day. healthy putting green turf. For example, we A study at Clemson University (Bunnell, assumed creeping bentgrass greens needed 2005) determined that TifEagle couchgrass at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for maintained under putting green conditions Putting greens located in hollows receive shade from the topography and from the surrounding trees that are elevated Inexpensive smartphone apps, such as Sun Seeker, are above the putting surface useful for identifying shade problems 40 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 PHOTO: IDRIS EVANS is a key to harmony, trees and turf must have Commercial companies that utilise cause future problems. Also, the app is adequate space, too. If they are too close computer modelling software that can just as useful on a cloudy day as a sunny together, the trees will outcompete turfgrass for determine what trees cause shade to day. The date and time of day can be growth-related resources like sunlight, water, a specific site today and how shade easily changed to demonstrate how shade and nutrients. Spaced appropriately, trees and problems will increase over time. A shade patterns change throughout the season. turf will get along just fine, too.” study can predict the impact of removing • If a picture is worth a thousand words, then individual trees. The ability to predict a short video may be worth a million. An QUANTIFY, IDENTIFY, ACT the benefits of removing specific trees entire day’s shade pattern across a putting Decision-makers are often reluctant to remove can mitigate concern about tree removal green can be condensed into a short 10- the ‘shady characters’ from golf courses because only the trees that cause the most to 15-second video by using a time-lapse even when turf decline caused by insufficient shade will be harvested. camera. Mount the camera in a tree that sunlight is clearly evident. Documenting Inexpensive apps for smartphones provides a vantage point above the putting a shade problem with DLI data is a great and tablets, such as Sun Seeker and green and set the unit to start recording start, but identifying which trees cause the SunSurveyor (both $AUD14.99), use the at sunrise and end at sunset. Obviously, a most shade is also a key aspect of obtaining device’s camera to show the path of the day with no cloud cover is ideal. Watching approval to harvest trees. Superintendents sun from wherever the operator is standing the shade travel across the putting surface should consider the following options to (see photos opposite page). The software throughout the day can make it easy to support a case for removing trees that cause can illustrate which trees cause the most detect a clear correlation between dense significant shade problems: shade and help predict where trees will shade and weak, thin turf. RYEGRASS EXCELLENCE SR 4660ST OLYMPIC LEAGUE [W| ALL* STAR 3 "XAT^/Vearmaster [O] AXCELLA2 gOld^ BLEND — Bl F1 Turf Perennial Ryegrass V Vmwm blend Bl F I Turf Annual Ryegrass Superior wear Superior seedling Our high performance Brings together all Top rated variety Combines the Premium oversowing tolerance with and mature plant salt blend of the very the essential qualities exhibiting exceptional drought and salt turf annual ryegrass creeping growth tolerance. Has high best available elite required fora dark green colour and tolerance of fine leaf with the ability to habit. Great for high levels of endophyte turf type varieties. premium turf surface. overall turf quality. ryegrasses, with the germinate fast in end sports use where for insect control Perfect for use on a Carefully selected Excellent durability many benefits of cooler conditions. appearance and and rapid spreading wide variety of sports varieties have all through the high Double Tetrapioid Provides a durable quality is essential. tiller production field applications. performed admirably traffic winter period. ryegrass, such as winter cover over for excellent in harsh climates. strong wear and warm season grass turf recovery. disease tolerance. turf surfaces. Advanced For the name of your nearest distributor call 03 9462 0340 www.adseed.com.au Fl Seed NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 41 AGRONOMY However, an exception may be how fast weak, shaded turf responds to more sunlight. Turf’s ability to increase density and recover rapidly from stress can be dramatic and occur within a few weeks after removing problem trees when growing conditions are favourable. In an era when everyone craves instant gratification, you’ll be surprised how quickly an aggressive programme of removing ‘shady characters’ can inject new life into tired, weak putting greens. REFERENCES Bunnell, B. T., L. B. McCarty, J. E. Faust, IV. C. Bridges, N. C. Rajapakse, and IV C. Bridges. 2005. Quantifying a daily light integral requirement of a ‘TitEagle’ bermudagrass golf green. Crop Sci. 45(2): 569-574. Russell, T. R., D. E. Karcher, and M. D. Richardson. 2019. Daily Light Integral • Never discount the value of documenting courses have been able to offset the cost Requirement of a Creeping Bentgrass Putting the significant problems trees cause in of removing numerous trees by partnering Green as Affected by Shade, Trinexapac-ethyl, addition to shade. Removing leaves, with local timber mills who harvest and and a Plant Colorant. Crop Sci. 59:1768-1778. seeds and other tree debris from keep the timber (see ATM Volume 20.3 and putting surfaces and greenside bunkers Royal Wellington Golf Club’s experience). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS throughout the season is costly, not to • Is someone associated with the golf ATM wishes to thank the authors and the mention the annoyance the debris causes course skilled in woodworking? If so, USGA for allowing this article to be printed. to golfers. Are tree roots increasing the consider converting some of the harvested The original article, titled ‘Light the way to risk of localised dry spots? Are trees timber into tee markers and other wooden healthy putting greens’, appeared in the Green next to putting greens impeding golfers’ objects that can be used in the clubhouse Section Record, Vol 57 (19), 4 October 2019. ability to recover from an errant shot? Are or on the course or tables, bar tops and Bob Vavrek is director of the USGA Green trees adjacent to greenside bunkers an benches. This is a great way to enjoy a Section Central Region and Patrick O’Brien unnecessary double-hazard that does little tree without making the turf suffer. is an agronomist in the USGA Green Section more than slow the pace of play? What Southeast Region. about tree-related moss encroachment, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED dollar spot and inadequate air circulation? There is some truth in the old adage that AVONDALE GOLF CLUB Leave no stone unturned when making turf doesn’t do anything quickly, except die. your case for tree removal. SHADE RESEARCH f there is one Australian course HAPPY HARVEST Approval for tree removal is granted, now what? Don’t overestimate your ability to undertake in-house tree removal. Removing I superintendent who knows the impact that shade can have on turf, it is Avondale Golf Club’s David Warwick. The Sydney-based layout is heavily treed, with numerous large trees is a job for professionals. 50 per cent of the course significantly Obtain bids from reputable tree service impacted by shade. Seven of the back companies that have a certified arborist on nine greens and two of the front nine their staff and have experience working on golf greens have trees on their east, north and courses. Helpful harvest hints include; west aspects, with only four greens having • Grind the stumps and repair the scars as adequate light. soon as possible. To some golfers, stumps To better understand the extent of are the equivalent of tombstones and the shade and the impact of the available provide a nagging reminder of the loss. light on turf quality at Avondale, a detailed • Avoid the temptation to plant replacement analysis of each green and several tees trees right after tree removal. Wait at least was undertaken during 2016 and 2017 several years and then reassess playability, with the assistance of agronomist John appearance and turf health. More often Neylan. The research involved measuring than not, the harvested trees will never be light levels on each green, determining the missed. path of the sun in relation to the treescape, • Do you have a large number of high- taking photographs throughout the day to value trees targeted for removal? Some document the shade levels and assessing golf courses place little value on the trees turf quality parameters. Neylan presented they harvest while others overestimate Don’t overestimate your ability to undertake in-house the detailed findings of this research in their worth. Most have no clue how much tree removal. Removing numerous large trees is a job ATM Volume 20.2 (March-April 2018, a given tree could be worth. Some golf for professionals pages 42-48). 42 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 #1 in independent Australian turf trials Key features • Superb fast germination (faster than Mediterranean) (2>#1 germination speed • Proven winter growth and wear tolerance #1 winter growth and density • Handles both northern and southern climates • New standard for shoot fineness #1 seedling vigour • Mid-light green colour • Fast shoot recovery after damage #1 variety in close mown trials Look for Barolympic in the Striker Seed range available from Nuturf. For more information on how using Barolympic can suit all your golf and sportsfield oversowing needs, please contact your local Nuturf Territory Manager on 1800 631 008 or call Matt Merrick at Barenbrug. M 0413 442 811 barenbrug.com.au S BARENBRUG Aln Victoria and Queensland, trials conducted by John Neylan and Matt Roche. PETER McMAUGH AM Regular surface renovation remains one of the most critical cultural practices a superintendent will undertake to their greens. Compromising such practices, whether because of playing schedules or lack of resources, is sheer folly Rethinking renos Renovation practices and the options available to golf course superintendents have come a long way over the years. As ATM expert columnist Peter McMaugh writes, researching your options and choosing wisely will go a long way to ensuring your greens surfaces remain in optimum condition. ver the past few months I have lifted and a layer of root thatch removed and we have a vast array of tools aimed at keeping frequently been asked by the greens surface re-laid. This traditional excessive thatch out of greens and also aimed O golf course superintendents what I think about renovation practices related to the new becoming more and more popular in the market place, especially on newly built greens. I am also asked frequently what I think about practice is still carried out very successfully at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and with modern equipment a lot more quickly than when it was suite of super dwarf bentgrasses which totally a manual exercise. are Inspired by Claude Crockford’s methods during his 40-year tenure as course manager between 1935 and 1975, the practice forms at restoring greens somewhat towards their original oxygen/water balance. The work that Gary and I have done indicates quite clearly that in many cases the oxygen/water balance changes very quickly in the first few years when greens are built to the finer edge of the USGA specs. When we programmes of frequent mechanical treatment part of Royal Melbourne’s course management question why this occurs, it pays again to look with various tine types, coupled with queries philosophy. Every 10-15 years greens are at the history of the demands for play. about regular sand dusting. lifted and organic matter removed, with eight Once upon a time in Australia, golf was a I think it pays enormous dividends to look greens undergoing the practice over the past winter sport. There were windows in spring back into the history of renovation and try to two years. and autumn playing programmes where there see how the practices we use today fit with the So what does all this tell us? When we was time for renovation works to be carried result we are trying to achieve for the surface build or rebuild a green, we expect it to last out. And, what’s more, the members accepted of our greens with our current equipment. probably 30 years before we need to do the need for this to happen. How different it is Whenever we build a green, we are always any major work on it. Is this expectation today where members, visitors and corporate constrained by the materials we have available reasonable? That all depends on the players expect perfect surfaces 365 days of the and how the grasses we choose react to composition of the growing medium when it year and they are very reluctant to accept the the environment created for it to grow in. was built and its subsequent treatment under need for this disruption to their schedules. Historically greenkeepers in the ‘home of golf’ what will in most cases be several different Often the playing programmes of clubs forked their greens at least once a year with a superintendents. leave only very small windows available for solid tine fork. Usually, but not always, this was The work that Gary Beehag and I intensive work on greens. This often means done in the spring to encourage better overall presented at the Asia Pacific Turfgrass that techniques of renovation that worked well root growth. Even the introduction of the Conference in Wellington, New Zealand in 10 years ago may have to be modified to fit hollow tine fork did not change this much. 2018 (ATM Volume 20.6, pg 50-53) showed into today’s time lines. Can that happen and After this exercise the greens would be fairly clearly that greens built out of sands lying an adequate renovation result be achieved? topdressed with a special compost which the on the coarser edge of the USGA envelope greenkeeper would have been nurturing for have a longer life with less problems than THE FACTS... probably 12 months prior. This would usually those built with sands on the finer edge. Why? There are a few indisputable facts which have contain some farmyard manure and seaweed Because there is greater air porosity in these to be well understood and acknowledged if kelp, along with his choice of sandy material sands, which are slower over time to be filled you want to talk sensibly and intelligently about to true up the surface. This was an arduous with grassroots. renovation technologies. These include; practice so it wasn’t done frequently. It is the decline in oxygen/water ratios over • No core hole, no matter how wide or how Also in the renovation rotation, a staged time that is the main cause of decline in greens deep, aerates anything other than that number of greens each year had the turf health and performance as they age. Today hole. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 45 PETER McMAUGH AM The traditional practice of lifting and removing 50-100mm of thatch and organic matter is still successfully undertaken at Royal Melbourne Golf Club • Modern coring machines, with their high­ If you use a shattering technique on In my experience, not many golf course speed actions, have energy impact which its own, it will not be as efficient as the superintendents are willing to, or often need to, creates the hole but also leads, over time, combination of both. do a total severe renovation. These are more to a compaction pan at the base of the Any true complete decompaction will have often than not in the domain of the bowling hole. an effect on surface smoothness. greenkeeper, a sports ground manager or • No matter what spacing pattern you The more compacted the green is prior to a racecourse curator. The equation is very use, the area between the holes is not treatment, the greater the disruption will be simple - the more pounding impact on a decompacted. to the surface if the renovation is done in a surface the greater the compaction and the • On a 50mm x 50mm spacing pattern total manner. greater the need for full renovation. approximately five per cent of the greens Rolling after treatment can remove the The higher very fine particles are as a volume is removed using a 100mm length worst of the disruption without destroying proportion of the total volume, the greater tine x 9.5mm diameter. If you use a 16mm the effectiveness of the treatment. the potential for compaction will be in a diameter tine you remove about seven per Machines such as the Verti-Drain have a growing medium. From the many years I spent cent. ‘flick’ action which causes the top of the analysing soils in the laboratory, this starts to • For many superintendents, the holy grail tine to lean on the top of the hole, creating impinge at 12.5 per cent of total volume and is a corer which leaves a perfectly circular compaction, on that edge. by 15 per cent it becomes quite critical. This hole with no surface lift or disruption. They do exist, thanks to the unrelenting search by the late David Livingstone who tragically died before he saw his dream reach commercial acceptance. • With the advent of mini-tine coring, a much greater percentage of thatch can be removed with multiple passes, leaving the surface looking as if it has never been touched. I consider the Maredo heads for mowers to be one of the most exciting developments I have seen in a very long time. • Unless you use some kind of shattering over the top of the coring technique, the growing medium between the holes will not be decompacted. Tine types and sizes have changed significantly with many more options now available 46 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 With the advent of mini-tine coring, a much greater percentage of thatch can be removed has to be balanced by the composition of the rest of the sand. If the mix is a broad spread of values, then the compaction will be easier to achieve. If the spread is narrow, compaction will be harder to achieve. There is another not very well understood nor very well researched factor and that is the angularity of the particles in the coarser sand components of the growing medium. The sharper the edges the more difficult it is to get the sand particles to move evenly and inter­ pack. In other words, they are non-compacting but very stable sands. This is where understanding your sand source is so vital. Very often (even to the point of saying ‘always’) dune sands fail this critical test of shape. Their origin and age and frequency of movement make them almost always rounded. They may pass every other that by sending their roots down the paths of decisions made, when the crunch time comes test in the USGA catalogue, but put them into least resistance, it really doesn’t overcome it can mean many months of remedial work a green or tee and you will have a ball bearing the overall compaction problem caused by and less than perfect surfaces to claw back the disaster of surface movement under load. This golfers and mowing equipment. While it would quality needed. is so bad that even the strongest plant root be great without golfers, the reality is that the Management decisions are often hard to systems cannot keep them stable, especially compacting forces have to go somewhere and plan when there is a lot of pressure on time as they dry out. the only way that compaction can be relieved slots, but one of the jobs of a competent properly is by upward lift of the surface. superintendent is to make your voice heard. THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT This compaction relief must not be This is sometimes hard to do, and to protect When we look at renovation equipment, hollow confused with the removal of thatch. That is yourself it may be necessary to put your tine coring machines dominate the market a totally different question. With the practice concern in writing so that when push comes to place. But there are other options including of sand dusting having been clearly shown shove you can say ‘I told you so’ and ‘here is the Hydroject which is still very much loved by to be successful in keeping fast true putting the evidence’. some very successful practitioners. Then there surfaces, it does nothing ultimately for the Negotiating a clear pathway with is the question of should we use hollow tines buried thatch other than making the need for management is one of the skills you need as or solid tines? complete surface lifting come around quicker. a competent and professional superintendent There has been a very strong movement And that is ignoring the extra wear and tear on and sulking in your corner when you don’t win in the past 10 years towards using narrow­ mower cylinders. is not a solution. I’d like a dollar for every time diameter solid tines (which are longer than When I look at the array of implements and I have heard the phrase ‘them bastards’. But hollow tines) very frequently on greens. But reels designed to take thatch and grain out of remember, ultimately ‘them bastards’ pay your what type of solid tine works best? There is greens, not to mention the verti-cut machines, wages. Part of your skill has to be massaging no doubt in my mind that 8mm needle tines there is a veritable army of options. Ultimately them to your way of thinking. But that is set up properly on a coring machine that can though there is no gain without pain. If the another story in itself. put them in and take them out with vertical problems are pushed to one side either by I hope this helps you think about your precision, still do the best job of all the different stifling play programmes, lack of labour, lack options in a constructive way; there are now solid tines. This opinion is based on hundreds of suitable machinery or any other reason for many more than there used to be. of plugs I have looked at for root depth and the development of clean white healthy roots. The super dwarf bentgrasses, such as Pure Distinction, have the ability to develop a beautiful putting surface very quickly. They also help keep Poa out because it can’t find a spot to get in. But they thatch up very quickly also. This extreme density also occurs in the root and thatch development of these newer grasses, causing the loss of air porosity much more quickly than with older varieties like Penncross. While punching more holes, be they big or small, gives the plant more relief for air, and the plants obviously take advantage of H is the decline in oxygen/water ratios in the profile over time that is the main cause of decline in greens health and performance as they age NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 47 L^john neylan Making the most of the available water for irrigating sports fields is a combination of many things - good system design, flexible control, regular maintenance and auditing of the irrigation system, as well as a good understanding of plant water use requirements In his latest column, John Neylan focuses on irrigation management for sportsfields and asks sports turf managers whether they are making the best use of their most precious resource. roducing quality turf areas depends • The poor water distribution of many on sportsfields. One particular aspect that on the availability of a good quality irrigation systems; and has intrigued me is the promotion of using P and constant water supply. Water and how it is applied is a major factor in producing a high-quality • The inadequate amount of water being applied. In measuring soil moisture on a regular been the soil moisture content started in the turf. Over the past 12 months there have basis, two particular aspects related to the irrigation of sportsfields that has come to my attention which has had me questioning some current spring being at an adequate level and then steadily declined throughout the dry months. Shallow irrigations were most noticeable and fine-textured soils to reduce water use. The premise being that fine-textured soils (i.e. not sands) have a greater water holding capacity and therefore reduce the water demand. This theory is flawed and will be discussed later in this article. Water can be a high cost input in techniques and strategies being employed. none of the fields at any stage were being maintaining turf areas and in managing turf it irrigated to the full depth of the rootzone. In is important to understand the role of water IRRIGATION SCHEDULING AND fact, looking at the run times on many irrigation in grass growth. Unless the turf manager DEPTH OF WATER PENETRATION systems, they were locked into such short run understands where water fits into the turf During the STA Victoria-funded sportsfield times and struggled to apply 5mm of irrigation management picture, then understanding research project (see ATM Volumes 21.2 per irrigation cycle. water use efficiency is not possible. In fact, a and 21.3 for results), it was obvious over Consequently, most of the available better understanding of water use efficiency the summer months that some fields were moisture was in the top 25mm of the profile can improve turf health, wear tolerance, wear not receiving sufficient water because the where there were increased losses due to recovery, while giving a better-quality surface watering programme was locked into a time evaporation. More importantly, this did not as well as conserving water. programming basis rather than plant water allow the deep root system of the warm­ Managing irrigated turf requires knowledge requirements. season grasses to be used to their full of the grass species being grown and its Because the past two irrigation seasons potential. water requirements, soil types and the effects have extended into late April, the fields, albeit of cultural techniques used to maintain they were couch, were under severe moisture SOIL TYPE AND WATER them. With most sportsfields being warm­ stress going into the autumn. A search through CONSERVATION season grasses and, in particular, couch, it is Nearmap images (see example opposite page) With impending water restrictions in some quite clear that many turf managers are not confirms that this is a widespread problem. states and the increasing cost of water, exploiting the characteristics of these grasses From my research there are two components there has been an ongoing discussion in terms of how irrigation is programmed. as to why the fields were under stress; regarding how water usage can be reduced Grasses such as couch have deep root 48 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Poor irrigation system distribution uniformity has a deleterious effect on turf quality systems that can exploit moisture at depth, but couch fields are rarely irrigated to the depth of the rootzone as a method of water conservation. TURFGRASSES AND PLANT WATER USE The prime purpose of irrigating turf is to replace the water used by the plant. There are two important criteria to understand when discussing plant water use - water use rate and water use efficiency. Water use rate (WUR) is the total water requirement for turfgrass growth plus the quantity transpired from the plant and evaporated from the soil surface (Youngner, alter the leaf area or shoot density of a given and zoysia good and ryegrass being poor. 1985). The WUR is typically measured as species may result in a significant shift in its Ryegrass had 86 per cent of roots in the top evapotranspiration and changes with climatic relative ranking compared to the other species. 10cm and no roots below 20cm, even after 1.5 conditions, plant species (and cultivars), soil Significant variability occurs among cultivars years of growth. moisture availability and cultural practices. within the species. In contrast, most warm-season grasses Water is a critical component of plant As ET is a measure of the irrigation had 50-60 per cent of the root biomass in the growth and the production of new tissue is requirements of a turf sward, then if water use top 10cm with the remaining proportion of necessary for the plant to recover from wear. efficiency is to be improved then what are roots at greater depth. In some cases, roots Water is a key component of photosynthesis the most desirable turf sward characteristics? were found as deep as 100-150cm. Root and the rate of photosynthesis is dependent on Beard (1989) described the most desirable exploration capacity is a strong feature of water availability as well as nutrient supply and sward as one which has a high shoot density, warm-season grasses which provides them the ability of the rootzone to extract these from high leaf number, horizontal leaf orientation, with greater access to soil water reserves. the soil. Only a small proportion (about two per narrow leaves and slow vertical leaf extension Lambrides (2014) and his co-workers have cent) of water absorbed by a turfgrass plant is rate. These criteria fit well with warm-season studied the drought tolerance and the moisture used in photosynthesis and growth processes. grasses. extraction capabilities of various Cynodon The majority (the remaining 98 per cent) of the sp. selections and found that root growth water is transpired from the turfgrass surface TURFGRASS ROOT SYSTEMS could extend to two metres. In these studies into the surrounding atmosphere. From my observations, the deep root system it was found that the more drought tolerant The total water loss from the turf sward is of warm-season grasses needs to be exploited types maintain turf quality because of a large described as evapotranspiration (ET). While more. Short and Colmer (1999) ranked underground rhizome system, lower water use there are generic figures for ET quoted in the turfgrasses in terms of root exploration with during early stages of drought and better soil literature, cultural or environmental factors that couch and kikuyu rated as excellent, tall fescue water extraction. PHOTOS: NEARMAP The past two irrigation seasons in Victoria have extended into late April, with many sportsfields exhibiting moisture stress going into autumn. Pictured is a ground in southeast Melbourne (from left) in mid-November 2018, early January 2019 and early April 2019 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 49 01 JOHN NEYLAN Given the importance of the root system it TABLE 1: AVAIL ABLE WATER CONTENT A ND INFILTRATION RATE is important to note that the best root systems Soil Type Available water (mm/m) Infiltration rate (mm/hr)* develop in sandy soils where there is a high Sand** 70 >50 level of aeration porosity (large pore spaces). Fine sand 90 20-30 In comparison, the finer textured soils, where Sandy loam 120 15-20 there are fewer large pore spaces and a Sandy loam + OM 170 10-15 greater susceptibility to compaction, the root Loamy sand 170 8-12 systems are less expansive. Clay loam 165 5-10 In my opinion, most sports turf managers Clay 140 1 -5 aren’t exploiting the deep root growth and Notes: Adapted from Connellan (2013). * General guideline only ** Most sands used for sportsfield construction will have an heat tolerance of warm-season grasses and in infiltration rate greater than 100mm/hr particular the couch varieties. The available water content varies between • Increased soil compaction; SOIL WATER AND IRRIGATION soil types and is the store of water that is • Reduced infiltration rate; Different soils have different water holding available to plants and is what needs to be • Waterlogging; capacity and infiltration rates which is related replaced by irrigation. The total amount of • Reduced root growth; and to pore size and pore distribution. The large water that is available to plants is dependent • When fine textured soils become dry, they pores are responsible for drainage, infiltration on the depth of the roots and the available become hard and difficult to rewet. rate, aeration and root growth which are water holding capacity of the soil (Table 1). These aspects can be managed to a predominant in sandy soils. The small pores The infiltration rate of soils is a very certain degree but it will result in increased are responsible for water retention and are important characteristic when managing sports maintenance costs. predominant in clay soils. fields both in terms of drainage and irrigation. The infiltration rate varies between soil Sandy soils have good drainage and low Effective drainage of sports grounds is critical types (Table 1) and for efficient irrigation it water retention, whereas clay soils have good in maintaining the performance of the field. The is important that the precipitation rate of the moisture retention and low drainage rates. STA research project (2019) demonstrated that sprinklers don’t exceed the infiltration rate While the level of water retention will determine the consequences of poor drainage are; of the soil. If the water applied exceeds the how much water is available for use, infiltration • Reduced hours of use; infiltration rate it will be lost to evaporation and rates will limit the maximum irrigation rate. • Increased damage to the surface and turf; runoff. On heavier soil types with low infiltration There are two main soil moisture and rates, cycle and soak programmes need to definitions that are important in irrigation. The • Risk of injury due to unstable and be employed to ensure that the profile can be first is the field capacity, which is the amount of inconsistent conditions. wetted up effectively without wasting water. moisture retained in a soil after the excess has The type of drainage that is appropriate drained away after irrigation or rainfall. At field depends on soil type, the topography and the IRRIGATION SCHEDULING capacity it is the maximum amount of water required carrying capacity of the site. This then The three key pieces of information required to that can be retained by a soil. Figure 1 (below) raises the question - what soil type is going to establish the depth of water that needs to be gives the indicative field capacity for different best suit? From my perspective sand is best applied during an irrigation cycle are; classifications of soil. given that drainage is all-important so that the • Water holding capacity of the soil (WHC); The second important definition is the winter sports traffic can be well managed. All • Depth of the rootzone; and permanent wilting point, which is the soil of the statistics on field use confirm that the • Allowable depletion of soil water storage moisture content at which the turf will stop wettest time of the year coincides with the prior to refill. extracting water. That is, the water is so tightly greatest hours of use. Therefore I believe that Geoff Connellan, in his excellent book bound that the plant can’t extract it. More drainage cannot be compromised. ‘Water use efficiency for irrigated turf and importantly, it is the available water content If we accept the premise that there is some landscape’ (2013), provides detailed examples or the difference between field capacity and tangible benefit in using a finer soil type such of how to work through the process of the permanent wilting point that affects the as a sandy loam or finer textured soil, the soil determining how much water is available in irrigation regime. problems that will occur are; the soil and how to create the starting point for establishing a well-planned irrigation Figure 1: Indicative Water Retention of Soils management plan. Based on one of these examples, the following is provided; • Turfgrass species: Couch. • Rootzone depth (RZD): 250mm. • Sandy loam soil: Available water holding capacity (AWHC) 120mm/m (from Table 1). • Managed allowable depletion (MAD): The MAD is often set at 50 per cent but can be modified depending on the reaction of the turf and the required quality of the surface. It may also need to relate to the playability characteristics such as surface hardness. It is possible to use a portable Water retained (mm/cm depth of soil) soil moisture probe or in-soil sensors to ■ Permanent wilting point ■ Field capacity ■ Available water establish the MAD or the point where the 50 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 TAB _E 2: IRRIGATION FREQUENCY BASEL ON AWHC rainfall) and knowing the appropriate crop Soil type Available water of Water storage (mm) Irrigation frequency coefficient for the site. The crop coefficient can soil (mm/m) (days)__ vary depending on the turfgrass species and Sand 70 7 2.3 the turf quality requirements (examples are Sandy loam 120 12 4 provided in Connellan, 2013, and Handreck Clay loam 165 16.5 5.5 (say 6) and Black, 2010). Turfgrass: Couch Considering the example above, where Root depth: 200mm the refill point is 15mm and if the daily Evapotranspiration: 3mm/day evapotranspiration rate over a given period MAD: 50% is 3mm/day, then irrigation would take place Water storage (sand) = Available water (70/1000) x RZD (200mm) = 14. every 5 days (i.e. 15mm/3 = 5 days). The MAD = 50%. 14x0.5 = 7mm question is - how does this fit with your irrigation programme? turf manager deems irrigation is necessary. to apply 18.8mm to refill the profile to the Now back to soil type. If we work on the In this example the MAD is set at 50 per depth of the root system. presumption that a finer soil type with a higher cent. The next critical aspect is determining the available water capacity will require ‘less water’ In calculating the water stored in the timing of irrigation. Setting the controller for we can test this theory. The most important rootzone: AWHC x RZD = (120/1000) x 250 10 minutes/station every day is meaningless factor to remember is that plant water use = 30mm stored or available to the plant. If and most likely will be an inefficient use of is weather related. The hotter and drier it is, irrigation is initiated when the storage is 50 water. The time between irrigation events is the higher the evaporation and therefore the per cent depleted (MAD 50 per cent), then the the ‘irrigation interval’. If the storage is large evapotranspiration rate of the turfgrass will be storage will be refilled when the plants have or plant water use is low then there will be greater. Table 2 (above) provides an example extracted 15mm. longer irrigation intervals. The water extraction of the irrigation interval for different soil types Given that many irrigation systems have rate (due to evapotranspiration) is extremely and the quantity of water that needs to be less than 100 per cent efficiency, then the variable and is strongly dependent on the applied to refill the profile. application of water needs to be adjusted for weather conditions. While the fine textured soil holds more the reduced efficiency. If the system is 80 per Irrigation interval = Allowable depletion water and the irrigation interval is longer, it cent efficient, then the application of water will depth/ETc (where ETc is the evapotranspiration requires more water to refill the profile. This be: rate for the specific grass species and could be a significant challenge for most turf Irrigation depth (ID) = Replacement the predetermined crop factor). The daily managers, particularly where the soil infiltration amount 4- irrigation system efficiency (Ea) = water requirements for the turf needs to be rates are low. 15mm x (1/0.80) = 18.8mm. The irrigation determined using local weather data (i.e. The next question then becomes - how system needs to be operated for enough time Evaporation - A Class evaporimeter and does this relate to the way you irrigate? NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 51 Bjohn neylan several of these aspects is neglected, efficient water use cannot be achieved. To reduce water use and to maintain an acceptable turf quality requires having an irrigation management plan that is aimed at a high level of water use efficiency. The performance and management of the irrigation system must be evaluated on a regular basis. This includes both the operation of the irrigation system (i.e.; the mechanics of the system and how uniformly water is applied) and how well the system was managed over the irrigation season (i.e.; the amount of water applied compared to the amount that should have been used). I am quite convinced that water use can be reduced through; • Improving irrigation programming based on plant water use, root depth and weather The infiltration rate of soils is a very important characteristic when managing sports fields both in terms of drainage conditions; and irrigation. Effective drainage of sports grounds is critical in maintaining the performance of the field • Fixing up defects in the irrigation system; • Introducing a methodical irrigation system CONCLUSIONS maintenance plan. The efficient use of the available water supply In terms of using finer soil types to reduce is not only environmentally responsible but water use, I don’t believe that from a holistic also affects the quality of the playing surfaces. point of view that this has much merit. My There is a general desire to reduce water use mantra for many years is that good drainage for environmental and economic reasons and is the key to maintaining good quality playing has been at the forefront of turf managers’ surfaces that can tolerate high hours of use. minds for at least 20 years as the pressures on Exploiting the deep root systems of warm­ the available water supplies have increased. season grasses is an underutilised attribute However, while the intent is very good, there that can optimise use of the available water. seems to be a desire to have a ‘quick fix’ to Again, whether managing irrigation on achieve the outcome of reduced water use. sand or loams, it still involves the same Making the most of the available water basic principles of understanding water for irrigating sports fields is a combination holding capacity, infiltration/drainage rates, of good system design, flexible control, susceptibility to compaction and aeration regular maintenance and auditing of the porosity. There are no short cuts to reduce irrigation system, as well as having a good water use or improve water use efficiency. understanding of plant water use requirements. Turf management also strongly influences ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS water management and water use efficiency. John Neylan is a turfgrass agronomist with The effective use of the available water Melbourne-based Sporteng. resources cannot be achieved without considering all of these aspects. If one or REFERENCES Connellan, G (2013). Water use efficiency for irrigated turf and landscape. CSIRO Publishing Handreck, K. A. and Black, N. D. (2010). Growing media for ornamental plants and turf, 4th Edition, New South Wales University Press, Kensington, Australia. Lambrides (2014). Resisting Drought. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal - Volume 16.1 (January-February 2014) Neylan, J. and Nickson, D. (2019) Grounds for change. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal Volumes 21.2 (March-April 2019) and Volume 21.3 (May-June 2019) Short, D. and Colmer, T. (1999). A comparison of 11 turf grass genotypes during summer in Perth. ATM. October/November 1(5). Youngner, V B (1985). Physiology of water use and water stress. In: Turfgrass water conservation. Publications 21405. Univ, of Drought-affected couchgrass will survive. Root exploration capacity is a strong feature of warm-season grasses California, Oaklands, California, p 39-45. which provides them with greater access to soil water reserves 52 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21 .f Waldo TURF Miticide culture Active Constituent: 500 g/L diafenthiuron Don't gamble with Mite Control this season Take the safe bet, Waldo Miticide "Innovative & Professional Turf Products" www.turfculture.com.au TOURNAMENTS The famed island green of the par three 17th at TPC Sawgrass he Stadium Course at TPC spectators flock to witness the good - eight In March 2020, four Sawgrass in Florida has witnessed hole-in-ones have been recorded over the superintendents - three from Australia and one from New Zealand - will be winging their T many memorable moments since it was purpose-built to host The Players Championship in 1982. The world’s best annually descend on the Stadium Course for what is dubbed golf’s ‘fifth Major’ to compete for the highest prize purse of any professional golf tournament, a duration, the last in 2016 - and the bad. It has been the stage for many a seasoned pro to come unstuck, with Bob Tway holding the ignominious record of having the most shots on the hole - 12 - during the third round in 2005. Such is its tricky nature, especially when the wind is up, tournament officials even way to TPC Sawgrass in Florida to whopping US$12.5 million. keep stats on the number of balls that end up Designed by renowned golf course in the water. 2017 was a particularly bad year, be part of course preparations for architect Pete Dye and owned by the PGA Tour with 69 balls going the way of the wet stuff itself, TPC Sawgrass has proven to be a happy across four rounds, 29 alone in round two. golf’s unofficial ‘fifth Major’ - hunting ground for Australian professionals But that was nothing compared to the first over the years. Greg Norman went wire-to-wire round of the 1984 tournament in what would The Players Championship. to win in 1994 and Steve Elkington did likewise be, statistically, the worst single day in the three years later, adding to the title he won in hole’s history. With gusts of up to 70 kilometres 1991. Elkington is one of five players to win the per hour turning club selection into a lottery, a event twice and the only international player to total of 64 balls found the water in that round do so. alone. The stroke average for the hole on that In 2016 Jason Day would emulate his day was 3.853, the highest it has ever been in John Deere countrymen in setting a 36-hole record of any single round since the event moved to the GOLF 15-under before cruising to victory. It was part Stadium Course. of an incrdible run of victories for Day at the After 12 years of being held in a May time. Adam Scott also saluted in 2004. timeslot, the 2019 Players (won by Rory While TPC Sawgrass has seen many McIlroy) shifted back to its traditional sublime moments, it’s the course’s iconic March date. For the course management 132-yard par three 17th hole that continually team, headed up by director of golf course Left: Meadowbrook Golf Club’s Luke Helm is one of four superintendents from Australia and New captivates golfing audiences each year. The operations Jeff Plotts, that meant preparing Zealand that will get the opportunity to be involved in famous island green, with no bailout area, and presenting a golf course with oversown preparations at The Players Championship, thanks to makes for riveting viewing and across the turf surfaces. At the start of each November, John Deere and the Australian Sports Turf Managers tournament’s four days tens of thousands of the Stadium Course is closed for wall-to-wall Association NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 55 TOURNAMENTS Tony Gordon, pictured presenting at the 2015 Australian Turfgrass Conference, spent eight years at the MCG (five as arenas manager) before joining The National Golf Club in late 2017 oversowing. The TifEagle greens are oversown with Poa trivialis and velvet bentgrass, while the Celebration couchgrass tees, fairways and roughs are oversown with a ryegrass/fine fescue mix. For the tournament itself, Plotts, together with assistant director of golf course operations Lucas Andrews and Stadium Course superintendent Kyle Elliott, orchestrate a veritable army of crew and course volunteers to ensure the venue is in pristine condition. Operating an enviable fleet of John Deere equipment, conditioning standards are, as expected, among the best on the PGA Tour. FAB FOUR Earlier this year, the Australian Sports Australian Sports Turf Managers Association • Tony Gordon (The National GC, Vic) highlighted by eight years not only working (ASTMA), together with Silver Partner John • Luke Helm (Meadowbrook GC, Qld) on, but in charge of, the hallowed turf at the Deere, launched The Players Championship • Tim Hoskinson (Cairns GC, Qld) Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). (TPC) Volunteer Program. The program affords • George Flynn (Pukekohe GC, NZ) Those who attended the 2015 Australian three ASTMA members and one NZGCSA The quartet will arrive in the US the Turfgrass Conference in the Hunter Valley will member the opportunity to be part of the weekend before the tournament and will recall Gordon’s backstory. Originally hailing course crew at the 2020 tournament and spend nearly two weeks at TPC Sawgrass. In from Johnston, just north of Des Moines, Iowa, gain an incredible insight into major event addition to helping with course preparations, he started his turf career as a summer and preparation. they will also get the unique opportunity to weekend casual at Hyperion Field Club. After Applications opened in March and the play the famous 17th hole in a nearest-the- earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State ASTMA was inundated with more than 80 pin competition on the Monday after the University, Gordon completed an internship at members registering their interest. After final round. All four will regularly post about River Crest Country Club in Fort Worth Texas. filling in the initial application, those who their experiences on social media and will The internship allowed him to gain some were selected for the next stage were asked also present at seminars and conferences valuable warm-season grass experience that to submit a five-minute video introducing throughout the year. he hadn’t been exposed to in Iowa, where themselves and briefly addressing a number of Following their announcement, Australian bentgrass fairways, tees and greens are the pre-determined topics. Turfgrass Management caught up with the norm. The purpose of the video was for the successful candidates to find out a little more Upon graduation, Gordon gained the selection panel to gain an understanding of about their backgrounds and what they hope assistant’s role at Columbine Country Club in the applicant as an individual, their career aims to get out of their trip to TPC Sawgrass. Denver, Colorado, where he was charged with and ambitions and the positive impact the completing the grow-in and set-up of a nine- opportunity to take part in the TPC Volunteer TONY GORDON hole par three short course, while looking after Program would have for them and their course. Course Manager, Moonah and Gunnamatta an 18-hole championship course. Columbine Those who progressed through that phase courses, The National GC annually hosted a US Open regional qualifier were then asked to attend a final face-to-face The opportunity to volunteer at TPC Sawgrass and after being involved in that it was Gordon’s interview. will be a homecoming of sorts for the man desire to one day be a superintendent of a After a rigorous selection process, in known affectionately by many in the industry Tour-hosting course. November the ASTMA and John Deere were as ‘Flash’. Since landing in Australia in the All that changed, however, after he met delighted to announce that the four successful early 2000s, the American has had a rich an Australian girl and soon they were married applicants for the inaugural trip were; and varied sports turf management career, and migrating to Melbourne. Despite trying Tens of thousands of spectators cram the surrounds of TPC Sawgrass’s 17th hole each year to witness one of the most captivating par threes on the PGA Tour 56 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 PHOTO: LUCAS ANDREWS TPC Sawgrass’s Stadium Course has hosted The Players Championship since 1982. Purpose-built to host the tournament, it has been the setting for five Australian victories, with Steve Elkington winning it twice in 1991 and 1997 to organise a job while still in the US, upon is something that Gordon is very much looking “The ‘fifth Major’ at TPC Sawgrass is such arriving in Melbourne Gordon went from shed forward to come next March. a unique event. I have seen several videos and to shed looking for a job to get his foot in the “We hosted a big state tournament at social media posts of volunteers who have door. At the time, a new development was in Hyperion in Iowa each year, and the US Open participated in events like this, and they all the wings down on the Mornington Peninsula Qualifier at Columbine really got me interested say it is so beneficial and something they will - the Tom Doak-designed St Andrews Beach - in tournament golf,” reflects Gordon. “But after always remember. I think the excitement level and after a short time at RACV Cape Schanck, getting married, migrating to a new country and atmosphere the Stadium Course brings, Gordon joined the construction team there. and starting a family, your priorities change. particularly around the 17th, may only be After the development hit troubled “Being a part of the construction and rivalled by the Ryder Cup or a major like The times, Gordon worked for a local irrigation grow-in of two golf courses, either side of a Open. company before taking a punt and putting in very busy 8.5 years at the MCG, I haven’t had “I am really looking forward to playing my an application for the vacant assistant arenas the opportunity to volunteer on the course part in setting the stage, in whatever capacity manager role at the MCG. Not thinking he preparation side of an event. I’m really looking that may be. I am sure there will be some long stood a chance, Gordon got the gig and, forward to being a part of the presentation of hours, and perhaps Mother Nature may throw with the support of the Melbourne Cricket TPC Sawgrass and seeing the world’s best us a challenge or two, but that just makes it all Club, began a Master’s Degree which he performing on those surfaces. the more worthwhile.” completed in 2014 through Penn State University. In August 2012 he was promoted to arenas manager - an American in charge of Australia’s most hallowed turf - and in 2014 helped oversee the $1.7 million resurfacing of the venue. After five years in the main role, and enjoying every minute of it, Gordon departed to join The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula in 2017. As well as being a lot closer to home, it also afforded him the opportunity to reconnect with Doak who the club had engaged to redevelop what was then the Ocean Course. Gordon has now been at The National for two years and played a major role in the complete reconstruction and grow- in of what is now known as the Gunnamatta course, which has only been open for 10 months. He also oversees the much-lauded Moonah course. Although having experienced a lot during his turf management career, being involved in Having already been involved with course preparations for a PGA Tour event, Cairns Golf Club superintendent Tim preparing a golf course for a Tour-level event Hoskinson is looking forward to having another opportunity to be involved at the highest level NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 57 TOURNAMENTS The 2019 Players Championship moved back to its traditional March timeslot, meaning the tournament was played on oversown surfaces With the return of the tournament to March, It opened his eyes up to the level of detail TIM HOSKINSON Gordon is also particularly interested in how required to get a course up to tournament Superintendent, Cairns Golf Club the oversown playing surfaces will present. scratch. Now as a superintendent in his own Hoskinson, who ATM readers will recall from “We have fescue fairways on the Moonah right, Helm is relishing the opportunity to be last edition’s Regional Profile (ATM Volume Course and huge new fescue surrounds on involved in major event preparation again and 21.5), has been superintendent at Cairns Golf the Gunnamatta Course,” explains Gordon. “I hopes to gain a number of experiences from Club in Far North Queensland for the past two will be interested to see how some of the more his time at TPC Sawgrass. years. His first superintendent posting, it is the intricate areas of TPC Sawgrass are seeded “I’m really looking forward to seeing the culmination of what has been an interesting and what machinery they use to get the best attention to detail and how they carry out journey in turf to date for Hoskinson, one that result. This could benefit our potential plans for their practices to peak at tournament time,” started back in Sydney as an apprentice at regular overseeding to maintain the quality of says Helm. “Getting the greens to the perfect Manly Golf Club in 2001. our surfaces.” speed and performance is something I’m really Hoskinson is no stranger to the US style looking forward to seeing. of golf course management, having spent LUKE HELM “With similar grass types to my course, time on The Ohio Program in 2006 and 2007. Superintendent, Meadowbrook GC it will be a great opportunity to learn how During that time he was stationed at Robert Originally from Sydney, Luke Helm has been the very best in the business manage their Trent Jones GC (Virginia), Scioto CC (Ohio) course superintendent at the 27-hole public surfaces. We oversow our surfaces in winter and Congressional CC (Maryland). He was access Meadowbrook Golf Club just south here at Meadowbrook and I’m hoping to at the latter when it hosted Tiger Woods’ of Brisbane for the past two years. Helm broaden my knowledge by looking at their AT&T National PGA Tour event where he was completed his apprenticeship in western practices and learn some ways I can improve fortunate enough to change the back nine Sydney at the Rum Corps Barracks Golf the management of my surfaces. With the holes. The chance to be a part of another Club, before spending a year at Ashlar Golf tournament played on oversown surfaces, PGA Tour event, through the TPC Volunteer Club then accepting the role of assistant I’m very interested to learn their methods, Program, was too good an opportunity for superintendent at Windsor Golf Club. especially the transition back to couch in the Hoskinson to pass by. After two years at Windsor, Helm headed summer. “Sawgrass is a Mecca of tournament golf, to the Gold Coast and after working on a turf “It will also be a great opportunity to meet especially given it was designed with spectator farm and for a turf renovation/construction new people in the industry and have the viewing in mind,” says Hoskinson. “When I company, got back into golf at Colonial where chance to discuss ideas around our practices. heard about the opportunity, I couldn’t wait to he would eventually rise to be assistant And from a superintendent perspective, it apply. With somewhat similar weather patterns superintendent. After seven years at Colonial will be fascinating to watch Jeff and his team and turf varieties to Cairns, I believe I can take he then successfully applied for his first super’s pull together and see how they handle the a lot out of the experience to bring home to my role at Meadowbrook. pressure of preparing for such an event.” course. At the start of his career, Helm volunteered “The buzz of working at a tournament at the 2005 Australian Open held at Moonah Links on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Q golf John Deere l is super exciting, not to mention the famed 17th hole. I was lucky enough to be working 58 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 at Congressional for the AT&T National and During his career to date, Flynn has it was such an exciting time to be involved. I volunteered at the New Zealand PGA learned a huge amount about how far you can Championship, held at Remuera Golf Club, as push turf and the type of standards that can well as assisting with course preparations for be achieved. I believe my time there helped numerous Charles Tour events at Akarana Golf me develop my skills immensely and taught Club, also in Auckland. At such events Flynn me to always strive to produce top quality turf got a taste of what it was like to ensure a golf surfaces. course is prepared to absolute perfection and “Experiences like this are an amazing can’t wait to take that to another level when he learning curve. There is so much that goes into heads to Florida. organising these tournaments and I feel like I’ll “This will be a great opportunity to get be able to incorporate many of these features out and mix with some of the best golf course into my career. This includes everything from turf professionals in the world,” says Flynn. the organisational aspects, the agronomy “The experiences and learnings that I am programmes, different aspects of both the golf sure to gain over the two weeks will be highly course setup, design and playability, as well as beneficial to my career. I often find that you the maintenance facility. can learn a lot just by chatting to the guy next “It will be great to show my team to you and I’m sure this will be the case at Pukekohe Golf Club course manager George Flynn will some photos, so that they can have an be flying the New Zealand flag at TPC Sawgrass TPC Sawgrass. To be able to be part of a team understanding of what goes into a tournament that is preparing a golf course for one of the and how great a course can look. I have no work ethic. And it’s these traits that Flynn, top golf tournaments in the world is sure to be doubt I will be able to incorporate some of the superintendent at Pukekohe Golf Club just special. aspects of the Sawgrass maintenance regime south of Auckland, will be hoping to display “I also believe that the more us Kiwis get into our practices, which will help to lift the when he lands at TPC Sawgrass next March. to mix it with the best and learn from them the standards here at Cairns.” Flynn began his career at one of New better. Kiwis are often considered to be hard Zealand most exclusive establishments, The working and dedicated, yet humble individuals. GEORGE FLYNN Royal Auckland Golf Club, in 2012. After I’m going to do my best in my time there Course manager, Pukekohe Golf Club finishing his apprenticeship he began working to reinforce those thoughts throughout the Just like their Australian counterparts, Kiwi at Pukekohe as the assistant course manager international greenkeeping scene, as well as greenkeepers are renowned the world over for and after just nine months found himself bring back some knowledge and skills that will their passion, hands-on skills and their strong promoted to the course manager role. help assist my club.” NEW iPro 2.1 HOLECUTTER Used at - The Open - Royal Portrush Golf Club HAS ARRIVED!! 2019 iPro v2.1 is lighter and stronger then the original Exclusive to Dint Golf Solutions Contact your Rep for a free demo diixit Golf Solutions www.dint.com.au NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 59 COMPLIANCE hat does the golf club “board of the future’ look W like? It’s a pressing question today among golf course superintendents and general managers as the rules for success While the golf sector are constantly being rewritten. The rise of ‘RegTech’ (the use of new technology to facilitate the delivery of in course superintendents are often the ones doing the heavy lifting when it comes to ensuring EHS compliance at their regulatory requirements), evolving customer facility, as Terry Muir writes golf club boards also need to be and member expectations, the pressure of increased regulatory scrutiny and new fully engaged and know their responsibilities, as well as their requirements that focus on enhanced governance, are challenging the role and boundaries. nature of traditional boards. Boards must be prompted of the Staying in. importance of taking a critical look in the mirror to seriously consider what their ‘board of the your lane future’ should look like. As Australian public figure and leading businessman David Gonski says, “The clever board doesn’t increase risk, it takes a calculated look at risk.” It’s not unreasonable that every superintendent should have high and specific expectations of their board. Ideally, every board should have a statement that articulates their governance and risk appetite and confirmation that each board member knows skills to explore and gain insights into ‘knowing regulatory processes through technology ‘what lane to swim in’. what they don’t know’ on risk and governance and its main functions include regulatory The board’s swimming lane is setting with an understanding of what ‘staying in their monitoring, reporting, and compliance. strategic direction and governing. The own lane’ means. Many clubs have now focused on superintendent’s lane is interpreting and As technological and economic forces embracing regulatory technology solutions to helping execute the board’s strategic direction combine to exert new pressures on the help achieve compliance and minimise risk. in relation to golf course maintenance and industry, clubs must modernise their boards Why? Because every insurer, every regulator management operations. The last thing a and their operations for the new economy. and every staff member, club member and contractor want to see the club strengthen its core risk management governance, Board members are a powerful resource. They can propel controls, practices and reporting. Every club should be engaging in regulatory technology everything the business does. A board that can accept the role solutions. Its promise is proven and includes of the superintendent a and GM as partner in risk management increased revenue, reduced costs, streamlined processes, efficiency gains and reduced risk. can push their club to fulfil every bit of its potential. -Terry Muir For a club board to deliver future success, key capabilities to consider include; superintendent wants is a board swimming in Clubs should waste little time implementing • Being informed and highly proactive with a his or her lane and being ‘over-engaged’. real change in their boardrooms to meet clear understanding of emerging risks and An over-engaged board micromanages emerging challenges in the fast-evolving and issues; staff, gets involved in course maintenance increasingly complex global environment in • Equipped to consistently address risks; operational discussions and engages itself which golf will operate. • Having the acumen to understand the in managing daily operations rather than The rising need for RegTech is a standout golf business challenges and listen to the governing. The ‘future board’ will possess the example. RegTech is the management of experts and their advice; 60 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 A board’s swimming lane is setting strategic direction and governing. The superintendent’s lane is interpreting and helping execute the board’s strategic direction in relation to golf course maintenance and management operations senior officers. They are looking for the infrastructure, including the right systems, processes and talent, to help ensure a high degree of management attention on managing environment and safety risks. Board members need to be doubly careful to meet their environment and safety obligations as regulators have toughened up their approach to prosecuting breaches. The tough stance comes as Australian governments and regulators ponder the recommendations of a review led by former executive director of SafeWork SA Marie Boland. The review made a series of recommendations, including tougher penalties for breaches, the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws and removing the right of duty holders to recover penalties through insurance or indemnification. Officers, directors and board members who fail to take preventative action to ensure the health and safety of their workers and the protection of the environment can be held personally liable for any acts or omissions by the company, its employees and contractors. Golf club board members who want to lead • Diversity in relation to gender, age, skill set from 76 risks of concern to just 28. What’s environment and safety cultures should and digital acumen; more, risk activities classed as ‘extreme’ had consider; • Lifting their technology and digital literacy; been eliminated. Of the remaining 28 EHS • Implementing an appropriate EHS • Making risk-based decisions on the risks; management system as a starting point; proposals put forward by the executive; • Activities assessed as ‘high risk’ had • Setting up systems and procedures • Non-industry experience that can bring almost halved and are now assessed as to ensure that instructions are actively valuable new insights; ‘medium risk’; and complied with by employees and • Creating and sustaining modern cultures • Activities now assessed as ‘low risk’ had contractors; and values for their club; increased fivefold; • Incentivising management and supervisory • Promoting a healthy ‘decision culture’ This shows that risk management is staff to champion safety; that provides opportunities to challenge taking a much more prominent role with • Appointing safety ‘champions’, linking risk decisions from diverse management many superintendents. They are dedicated to safety improvements to KPIs and perspectives. thinking about their management practices rewarding safety-conscious behaviour; There is no doubt superintendents are and the intersection between their course • Measuring environment, health and safety doing the heavy lifting when it comes to maintenance activities, risk management outcomes. environment, health and safety risk (EHS) and and compliance. Their clubs are stronger Board members are a powerful resource. I have seen a massive shift in the way they as a result. How? They got their board/staff They can propel everything the business manage their extraordinarily large EHS risk relationship in order by working to create the does. A board that can accept the role of the inventory. right kind of board engagement. This is key to superintendent and GM as a partner in risk Just recently I saw the final results from the a healthy board/staff working relationship. management can push their club to fulfil every risk reduction campaign of one Sydney based As regulators shift their focus towards bit of its potential. With the right board and the superintendent. Assessing the typical 200-plus ensuring that golf clubs have the capabilities right technologies, clubs can identify systemic EHS risks on their site, within 12 months the to identify and manage risks as they emerge, weaknesses and pinpoint areas for future risk profile of course operations had changed they are taking a closer look at boards and focus. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 61 ENVIRONMENT PHOTOS: MONINA GILBEY identified and protected up to 20 local Glenelg’s biodiversity indigenous plant species, including: • Sticky hop bush (Dodonea viscosa); • Native scurf pea (Cullen australasicum); boost • Common everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum)-, • Muntries (Kunzea pomifera); • Coast groundsel (Senecio pinnatifolius)’, and • Creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium). \Ne are also finding more plants as we Monina Gilbey, biodiversity manager at Glenelg Golf Club, looks at some of change our weed management practices by avoiding spraying in some areas. the measures being implemented to help enhance and beautify the Adelaide­ One of our priorities has been to reinvigorate the course with new plantings. based course’s out of play areas. More than 1500 indigenous plants of local provenance have been planted. Members have magine enjoying a round of golf to 1.5 full-time equivalent. Our vegetation said that they are enjoying a more colourful surrounded by colourful wildflowers, team has removed over 30 cubic metres of course that changes with the seasons. I grass heads swaying in the breeze and a wide variety of bees, birds and butterflies darting around the course. That’s the senescing plants, weeds and dead plant material during that time. Due to suffocation from weeds, much image that course superintendent Tim Warrenof our remnant vegetation has disappeared. and I have of a future Glenelg Golf Club experience. Glenelg hasn’t had a vegetation officer for One of our colleagues - Ian ‘Henry’ Lawson from Royal Adelaide Golf Club - told us that the seeds are around - we just had to find ECOLOGICAL BURNS In Australia, fire is a natural event and can greatly assist plant regeneration. After part of our course was burnt accidentally - the council verge caught fire and jumped our fence - creeping saltbush (Atriplex semibacatta) over 10 years. Since Tim and I started here 18 them. As we have cleared areas of weeds and appeared. Next to the Atriplex was a shrub months ago, we have established a team of deep pine needle litter, we have discovered which is rare in Adelaide - the Coast bitterbush two part-time vegetation staff, which equates that Henry was right. We have subsequently (Adriana quadripartita). 62 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 The bitterbush had been suffocated by weeds and, after the weeds were removed, wasn’t looking healthy. However, the fire regenerated the shrub and it is now a healthy specimen. The bitterbush is a much-needed host plant for the endangered Bitterbush blue butterfly (Theclinesthes albocincta), so the regeneration of the Coast bitterbush isn’t just good news for us. Since then, our team has been trialling controlled burns to return some of our areas back to sand and to burn off dead plant material and weeds - which reduces staff time and green waste fees. We have found that spraying an area the week before the burn, to dry out the weeds, provides more biomass. We don’t require permits from local authorities if we are burning outside of a fire ban season. Our only requirements are to notify emergency services and the nearby Adelaide Airport. Burning is an effective way to remove overgrown Knobby club rush (Ficinia nodosa). After the plants have been burnt, the plant control and reduce the need for and costs of nodules can be removed - it is much easier pesticides. and quicker than digging them out manually. We are hoping to spread our biodiversity message through member biodiversity PROMOTING BIODIVERSITY updates and involving members in nursery Biodiversity is the shorted version of ‘biological work and weeding. There are opportunities diversity’. Biodiversity refers to the variety to include the wider community by involving a of all living things - plants, animals, fungi, local school in creating a biodiversity hotspot micro-organisms - and the ecosystems they or making bee hotels. Our local men’s shed create. We believe that the parcel of land upon has made owl boxes and rosella boxes which which Glenelg Golf Club resides presents an will be installed next year. We aim to create opportunity to create a place for local fauna, vegetation corridors on our course and, The vibrantly coloured Coast groundsel is among up to in time, we hope to work with nearby golf 20 indigenous plant species that have been identified as well as a conservation ark for remnant and protected at Glenelg Golf Club vegetation and valuable seedstock for future courses to connect to their vegetation. generations. We are playing a long game to reach our Melbourne’s Eastern Golf Club to host an We are working on a Biodiversity vision, but we are getting there. More plants ASTMA environmental management education Management Plant to protect our course and are being uncovered and we are seeing plants seminar in late October. Held in conjunction futureproof our current investment. The plan... self-seeding which is very encouraging. A with ASTMA Gold Partner Syngenta, the free • Sets out management options to protect biodiverse course is not only beneficial in seminars gave the likes of Monina Gilbey and care for our vegetation; creating a natural-looking landscape for our (Glenelg) and Bivek Inderjeeth (horticulturist, • Outlines threats to biodiversity and ways to members to enjoy, a variety of flowering plants Eastern GC and 2019 ASTMA Claude manage those threats; creates colour and interest and provides much- Crockford Environment Award winner) the • Provides a record of the fauna and flora; needed habitat for our local fauna. chance to showcase the great work being • Allows us to plan programmes so we can Editor’s Note: Glenelg Golf Club joined with achieved at their respective clubs. be proactive, rather than reactive. The plan will also document processes and information on weed control methods, management of pests and controlled burns - so that the emergency services don’t pay us an unexpected visit! A Riparian Zone Management Plan, written by a consultant, will be an appendix to the Biodiversity Management Plan. Promoting a more biodiverse course may seem like an environmental utopian ideal, however, increasing biodiversity can have benefits. A local men’s shed has made a microbat box for us to trial. Microbats can eat up to 1200 insects an hour, or half their body weight in insects per night. With our numerous watercourses, this will help us with insect NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 63 With a horror start to the bushfire season, HR expert Vicki Crowe provides some timely advice on how to support a work colleague who may be experiencing difficulties following a major trauma or natural disaster. ould you know how best to natural disaster, keep an eye on them as to thoughts come and go as if they are just support a person who has whether there have been any changes to passing cars, driving past you. W experienced an emergency, their behaviour lately that might give you an • If you are feeling anxious, try to look up. By disaster or traumatic event? indication they are not okay. looking up we make ourselves aware that According to employee Suicidal behaviour often starts with nothing is weighing us down. By doing this counselling organisation Acacia thoughts Connection, of suicide which develop in intensity we become aware that it’s our thoughts people who have, or are, experiencing an if the contributing factors are not addressed. that are making us feel the way we do. emergency, disaster or traumatic event can Stressful life events, grief and trauma exposure This also allows us to take in more oxygen have physical, psychological, emotional and are some of the contributing factors of suicide. which helps us calm down. behavioural responses which can impede a You may hear someone who is feeling suicidal • Writing down your thoughts allows you person’s ability to cope. say things which suggest that they; to unpack the experience and evaluate During and after an emergency, like the • See themselves as a burden; issues. It is a great stress management recent catastrophic bushfires in NSW and • They can’t see a way out of their situation; tool that lessens the physical impact of Queensland, people can lose trust in social • Are feeling a sense of hopelessness. stress on your overall health. norms and networks. As a result, we may Warning signs may include; Strategies recommended by Acacia that experience a range of thoughts and feelings • Withdrawing from family and friends; can be helpful in the days and weeks following that can be confusing and frightening. Social • Sleeping or eating changes; a traumatic incident include; norms are the unwritten rules or guidelines • Loss of interest in things they previously • Accept that it takes time to overcome about how we behave. Most of us, the majority enjoyed; traumatic events; of time, conform to these guidelines according • Irritability, mood swings or becoming easily • Try to keep life as normal as possible to the roles we perform. These are some of the upset (routine can be helpful); feelings and responses with grief and loss; • Decreased work performance; • Attempt to do those things that you are • Self-harming behaviours; fearful of as soon as you feel able to do so; Feelings Responses • Risky behaviour (alcohol or drug use); • Break down difficult tasks into more Fear Sleeping difficulty • Stopping making future plans; and manageable stages; Confusion Aggression • Giving items or belongings away or • Accept help from others or seek Sadness Mood swings wrapping up their affairs. counselling support; Anger Obsessive Acacia has provided the following tips to • Give yourself time to think about what has Depression Reliving events assist with coping with an emergency; happened but also recognise that healthy Anxiety Being in a haze • Take 10 slow, deep breaths. Focus on distraction is helpful too; and breathing out as slowly as possible until • Importantly, DON’T bottle up your feelings, If you are aware that someone has your lungs are completely empty and then expect too much of yourself and avoid experienced a trauma or gone through a allow them to fill back up again. Let your making any life changing decisions. 64 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21 € Perfect turf isn’t your only reward Sign up for Syngenta Turf Rewards and start earning great industry benefits, including AGCSA memberships and discounts to the 2020 Australasian Turf Conference in Melbourne. Register free at www.greencast.com.au/rewards syngenta Syngenta Turf Rewards Program runs from 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020. All purchases of Syngenta Turf and Landscape products during this period earn points that need to be redeemed by May 31st for AGCSA conference and July 31st for other rewards. Syngenta Australia Pty Limited, Level 1, 2-4 ttyonpark Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ABN 33 002 933 717. ©Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. TMTrademark of a Syngenta Group Company. All products written in uppercase are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © Syngenta 201 & AD 19-232. REGIONAL PROFILE For a one-man operation, Harden Country Club boasts some exceptional turf surfaces and recently hosted the Australian 2-man Ambrose Championship to much acclaim ATM profiles Benjamin Glover who is in his second stint as course superintendent at Harden Country Club in regional NSW. Harden Country Club, Superintendent: Benjamin Glover (40). located in the southwest slopes of NSW, about nsw contractor. I then did a pre-apprenticeship in Nickname: Benny or Banjo. 1.5 hours northwest of Canberra and a similar carpentry. After that I moved to Wollongong to Family: Wife Karen and children Jack (16) and distance northeast of Wagga Wagga. Harden play rugby league and worked with builders Jesse (14). is a twin town with Murrrumburrah - the correct and as a barman at the local club. I worked Period as a superintendent: 11 years. name is Murrumburrah-Harden - and together various other casual jobs and after five years Association involvement: Australian Sports boasts a population of just 2200. Karen and I decided to head back home, get Turf Managers Association. The township is famous as being the married and start a family. Turf management career: Apprenticeship birthplace of the 1st Australian Horse infantry Not long after returning home I started my at Garangula Polo Club; superintendent after the first muster and enrolments took apprenticeship at Garangula Polo Club located at Harden Country Club, five years; place in 1897. To honour that, there is a bronze between Harden and Jugiong. Garangula superintendent Yass Golf Club, five years. One memorial statue in Murrumburrah featuring hosts two or three tournaments a year and is year into second stint at Harden CC. ‘Bill the Bastard’, a 17-hands-high stallion who owned by a family from overseas. It has three Turf qualifications: Certificate III Horticulture was considered one of Australia’s greatest polo fields and many other areas that have and Turf. war horses following his feats of courage and manicured lawns and gardens. Major hobbies/past-times outside of turf endurance during his service in the Middle I really enjoyed my time there, however, management: Golf, bowls, rugby league and East in World War I. just as I had finished my apprenticeship the fishing. Taking the kids to just about any sport golf course superintendent’s position came there is! Tell us a bit about your background and up at Harden Country Club. I loved my golf - I how you started out in the turf industry. was a passionate single figure player - and I Where in Australia is Harden and what is When I left school, I was involved in the was lucky enough to be successful with my the township known/famous for? Harden is shearing industry as my father is a shearing application. 66 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Harden CC superintendent Benjamin Glover (left) with general manager Chris Longbottom in front of what will be the new 10th tee and fairway recently sprigged with Wintergreen couch Who were some of your early mentors in the industry? My early turf mentors at Garangula were Mai Caruthers and Greg Stevenson. Also my TAFE teacher Peter Lawson had a big influence. They taught me how to maintain ryegrass in a harsh environment and couch management. You are currently in your second stint at Harden. Talk us through your initial posting there, the transition to volunteer maintenance and your subsequent return. Harden has been a fledgling club for a number of alignment. We renovated heavily, applied Take us through your turf management of years and struggled to pay wages due required nutrients and implemented a strategic operations there. Aside from some of the to limited patronage. In July 2011, the club maintenance plan to ensure the best surface immediate changes you implemented decided to switch to volunteer maintenance possible. Now that I have renovated the upon your return, what other management and unfortunately the course deteriorated greens they are much better, but in saying that changes have you instituted? I have over subsequent years. For a period of time I don’t think any superintendent is ever truly implemented nutritional programmes that they did have a paid labourer which the club satisfied as there is always something that can ensure our poor water quality (we use treated put through TAFE, but prior to my return be made better. Another major issue was the effluent) is ameliorated and the turf is growing in December 2018 the course went totally increase in couch encroachment which we at its optimum. With the major thatch issues voluntary for two years. have subsequently looked at as a long-term and an extensive scarification programme in During this time I left to take over as reduction strategy with Tupersan. place, I also use minimal nitrogen. Our long­ superintendent at Yass Golf Club where I term goal is to sprig Wintergreen couchgrass stayed for six years. The new board at Harden Give us an overview of Harden CC and into the fairways. We have already completed Country Club soon realised they needed an some of its unique characteristics from a the 10th fairway and would like to do four experienced golf course superintendent and course and turf management perspective. Is fairways a year. I am also going to implement a after short negotiations I found myself heading it an easy/hard facility to manage? Harden programme to eradicate kikuyu encroachment back home. CC is a fun layout that provides a fair and on the greens. The use of Tupersan during Since arriving back at the course, I have reasonable challenge to any level of golfer. the autumn months will be paramount in this focused on getting the greens back to a good The course lends itself to golfers of all abilities endeavour. consistent standard that will produce a true and ages and with the improving conditions putting surface. I feel that I did achieve that will develop into a golfing destination. Hitting Any special environmental considerations to a point as the Australian 2-man Ambrose greens in regulation is paramount as the that you have to incorporate into the Championship, held in September, was average size green is only 300 square metres management of the course? We have an fast approaching and proved to be a great in size. I am a one-person team that has to environmental management plan in place for success. manage everything on the whole course, so it the course. The use of effluent has the biggest On returning after seven years absence, does have its challenges. It is what it is and I environmental impact. This has been alleviated the greens had thatched up dramatically complete what I can. We do have volunteers with the new Rain Bird IC irrigation system and the soil nutrient balance was way out but not nearly enough to get everything done. which allows us to water during the night. What are some of the major challenges facing Harden CC both from a turf management and general club management perspective? The club, as with all regional clubs, faces industry-wide challenges of dwindling membership and receding profit margins, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the club’s facilities and services, never mind being able to develop them. The golf course’s condition is always directly Harden CC has just undergone a $495,000 upgrade of its aged irrigation system together with Rain Bird. The upgrade included pump house, control system and greens, tees and surrounds irrigation NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 67 REGIONAL PROFILE summer goes on the harder it gets. We have to share the water with the council’s parks and gardens facilities. We need to find another water source sooner rather than later for the course to fulfil its potential. The weather and climate is always a great leveller for a course superintendent. How has Mother Nature treated the course in recent times? This area has been in drought for two years. Fortunately we have the effluent water, although as mentioned above it is a limited resource as we have to share with council. The one product I couldn’t manage my course without is... Wetting agent. In drought, trees surrounding greens and summer days continuously over 40 degrees means that wetting agents are so important for bentgrass related to the funds available to develop and/ with Rain Bird. The upgrade was targeted at survival. or maintain it. These increasingly tight margins the pump house, control systems and greens, put extreme pressure on the club’s ability tees and surrounds areas of the golf course. What are some pros and cons of being a to maintain its golfing product with only 87 The second stage will be the fairways at a cost regional superintendent? Limited budget and golfing members. Plant and machinery is also of some $400,000 which will not happen until subsequently limited staff. Having more staff is a challenge and a major stumbling block to the funds are sourced. the one thing I would change about the job. continued improvement of the golf club. This initial upgrade is just one step in a The club, with new general manager Chris process so that Harden CC can realise its goal Are expectations of course presentation Longbottom on board, is in the process of of being one of the best regional clubs in NSW. and conditioning any less than those placed improving its service to members and patrons It involved installing a new mainline around on your metropolitan counterparts? Our through modern systems that allow the club the course, as well as installing new sprinklers members don’t expect what they get at a city to communicate and promote in a timely and around the tees and greens/approaches. This course. However, they certainly have high professional manner. We are also trying to was also all done while trying to maintain expectations for one staff member for 18 holes. upgrade the machinery with the little resources the integrity of the old irrigation system, the club has. Such challenges I do not believe which is still in use periodically to water the Do you use volunteers to assist with the are unique to Harden CC but are endemic fairways. These works have given the club the management of the course? We do have a within the club industry at this point in time. opportunity to improve the quality of its playing few volunteers, however, they are getting on in surfaces for members and visitors. years. They have been fantastic in recent times Outline any major course improvement when trees/limbs have blown down. At the works recently completed or coming up. Water is obviously a critical issue for any moment we have no structure for volunteers The course has just undergone a $495,000 golf course. How is Harden CC faring in the as they are not around on a day-to-day basis, upgrade of its aged irrigation system together water management stakes? The longer the although my wife Karen has been known to jump on the fairway mower to give me a hand. I would be over the moon if a couple of blokes could help out filling sand bins, cut some rough, mow around the clubhouse etc. How important are the relationships you have with other course supers/trade reps? Very important, I speak regularly with superintendents and former supers that are trade reps. They are very accessible and great with their time. The long-term goal at Harden is What are some of the more unusual to sprig Wintergreen couchgrass requests/things you have had to do as a into the fairways which are primarily annual ryegrass superintendent of a regional course? I was between autumn and spring) and once called upon to de-grease and pressure a mix of couch and kikuyu wash the bistro exhaust fan! 68 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Hitting greens in regulation at Harden is paramount as the average size is just 300m2 Do you think regional/country superintendents have a better work-life balance than their metro counterparts? As a country super I walk 200m to my work place and get to enjoy the tranquil country lifestyle, so I believe our work life is certainly balanced. What have you got in your shed and what’s on the wish list? In the shed - Toro 3150 (greens), Toro 7200 (rough), Toro 4500 (second cut around greens, tee shoulders/ rough), Toro Workman (spray unit, topdresser, mower that must be at least 20 years old. early every morning and check every green tip tray). One Jacobson Greens King IV I use it to mow greens collars, tees, attach and ask yourself, ‘Has something changed (greens collars and tees), Jacobson LF3407 verticutters to and acts as a backup green’s since yesterday?’ or ‘Does everything look (fairways), Kubota tractor. The Workman is my mower. right?’. Observation is the best tool you’ve got favourite piece of equipment because of its as a superintendent and I still do this routine versatility. We are currently looking at getting Favourite spot on your course? Besides every morning. a new greens and fairway mower. Our existing the 19th, the 16th tee. This hole is a short units have plenty of hours on them. On the par three hitting out of a narrow opening to a What do you think is the most challenging wish list is a Toro Pro Core. That would give 220m2 green overlooking Murrumburrah. aspect of a superintendent’s role today? me the flexibility to core/solid tine greens/tees Keeping all members happy has never been more regularly without relying on a contractor. Best advice you have received about being easy. Time management nowadays is always a course superintendent/greenkeeper a challenge, especially keeping up to date Do you have any old pieces of equipment and who gave it to you. Peter Lawson was with all the paperwork and computer work that that you keep alive through necessity? our practical TAFE teacher and the super at is needed these days. After a day’s work to We have a Jacobsen Greens King IV greens Wagga Wagga Country Club. He said go out sit and document everything you have done NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 69 REGIONAL PROFILE in it were nothing but complimentary. During the week of the tournament I worked 60 hours to ensure the course was in prime condition. Karen even came in to cut fairways. Everyone gets involved when needed in the country. And finally, as you mention earlier you are a passionate golfer and have actually tasted quite a bit of success at Harden CC, including being crowned 2019 club champion. Golf has always been a love of mine since growing up in a town nearby called Binalong. I learnt to play on sand greens and this has held me in good stead over the years. I have contested the Harden club championships 12 times and have won 10 of them. This year was by far my most memorable victory as going into the last round for the day and what your plans are for the satisfying things to hear. Hopefully in the future I was five shots behind. I managed to shoot next week can be frustrating at times. I do it will be how amazing the course is from a even par to win by five. understand the need for this as we can give playing point of view and looks. Each year it gets tough as some handy our board members an overview of what it is golfers come out of the woodwork to play. like to try and keep on top of things and what Most pleasing/rewarding moment during I always go into them knowing that it’s over can sneak up on you. your time as Harden CC superintendent? 72 holes. I remember having a bogey on the After a year back in the position it is fantastic to very first hole one year and picked my ball What have you worked on personally in receive positive feedback from visiting golfers up out of the hole and said, “Well, 71 holes to recent years to improve your skills as who say the course has never looked as good. get that shot back”. I pride myself on being a a superintendent? Definitely my IT skills, competitor but at the same time a good sport. budgeting and reporting. You recently hosted the Australian 2-man As far as setting the course up goes, I Ambrose Championship - talk us through do occasionally get a ribbing. But I just say What gives you the most job satisfaction? your preparations for that event and how to guys, ‘Til show you where the hole cutter Having visiting golfers comment on how true the course came up. The event was an is - one less job I’ll have to do”. That generally the greens are is definitely one of the most amazing success and all those who played quietens them down! AT A GLANCE - HARDEN COUNTRY CLUB, NSW Course specs: 5657m par 71.85 per cent degrees, summer 34 degrees. Annual rainfall Renovations: We renovate twice annually bentgrass greens, 15 per cent Poa/couch 600mm. in September and March. We use half-inch greens. Annual ryegrass fairways in late Soil types: Greens are sandy loam and hollow tines to a depth of three inches, scarify autumn to early spring. There is a mixture of fairways clay. and topdress. This summer I will be dusting kikuyu/couch on the fairways although not full Water sources/irrigation: Treated and verti-cutting regularly. coverage. effluent. Rain Bird IC controls greens, tees, Major disease pressures: Fortunately Members/rounds: 87 golfing members/5500 approaches and 10th and 18th fairways. The our climate doesn’t favour a lot of disease. rounds. old system can still operate fairways, although We generally don’t have a lot of high Major tournaments/events held during it needs a major overhaul. Hopefully we can humidity. Dollar spot and brown patch pop the year: The Australian 2-man Ambrose get another grant from the NSW Government up occasionally. I make sure I put out a Championships in September over two to do the fairways, as they generously gave preventative for pythium this time of year days has been running for 29 years. This us the grant for the first stage. I couldn’t be (November/December) just to be on the tournament generally attracts over 190 players happier with the Rain Bird IC system and the safe side, because on my return last year each year. The Open tournament in June. installation job Bray Water and Earthworks that’s what I was confronted with. Luckily, A lot of golfers come from Sydney, North have done. we escaped major injury with a curative Ryde in particular, the south coast of NSW, Cutting heights/regimes: Greens 3mm year- application. Canberra and surrounding towns. round. We generally cut greens four times a Nutrition management: I am conscious of Annual course budget: $15,000 week. Fairways are mown at 15mm in winter the fact the effluent water has a detrimental Staff structure: At the moment I am the only and 20mm in summer. Regularity of cut is effect. I use a lot of liquid calcium, with humic staff member employed on the course, but am rainfall dependent. Tees and collars are cut at and fulvic acids plus acids to dissolve the always happy to have any help that is on offer. 9mm. Rough and surrounds at 2.5-3 inches bicarbonates. We also apply sulphur fertilisers Climate/annual rainfall: Winter average 13 depending on what time of year. to offset the effects of bicarbonates. 70 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT & GOLF BUSINESS TRADE EXHIBITION 2020 June 23-24 MCEC, Melbourne J ON SALE NOW! OVER 80% SOLD For more information and pricing contact Simone Staples simone@agcsa.com.au, Pam Irvine pam@agcsa.com.au or call the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association on (03) 9548 8600 AROUND THE TRADE TORO PUTS THE ‘E’ INTO EFFICIENCY WITH GREENSMASTER eTRIFLEX 3360 STMA Platinum Partner Toro reel and wheel speed control, reducing the Other new features include an automatic A Australia has launched its most effect known as ‘triplex ring’. The clip rate of slowdown in turns at high transport speeds, advanced, electric-drive riding each individual reel is standardised to avoid auto-brake functionality when the operator greensmower into Australia - turfgrass thinning on the inside reel during dismounts the mower, a foot-operated parking the Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360. perimeter cutting and wheel turf scrubbing is brake as well as an optional mowing slowdown The new eTriFlex carries no hydraulic reduced.” setting to help protect the integrity of the collar. fluid and utilises all-electric components The eTriFlex 3360 is powered by a Operators also have more control and for traction, steering, lift and cutting units. Kawasaki engine/generator and built upon the access to advanced diagnostic information The new EnergySmart model delivers an TriFlex platform. The than before thanks to the onboard InfoCenter. operationally friendly design with noise engine-powered This control panel can adjust mowing and reel reductions, operational cost savings and eTriFlex with speeds, calibrate lift, steering and traction and other improvements, complementing battery assist engage the ‘slow-in-turn’ feature to reduce enhancements in cutting performance. technology is up damage on the fringe area of the green in “Superintendents can rest easy knowing to 20 per cent more turnarounds. that all hydraulics have been replaced fuel efficient, “Our electric-drive riding greensmower with electrical components,” says Brian resulting incorporates some very important and Goodridge, Toro’s equipment product in lower revolutionary new features,” says Goodridge. marketing manager. “There’s no need to emissions “The result is a much quieter, easier-to-operate, worry about potential hydraulic leaks that and fuel labour-saving machine that delivers a best- tend to happen at the most inconvenient savings. in-class level of cut quality, consistency and times. playability.” “The lower noise levels of the The Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360 engine- eTriFlex certainly help with early powered model is now available and is mowing starts and tee times, to help compatible with existing TriFlex cutting units the course with local noise regulations. and accessories. Visit www.toro.com. The new generator model is much au or contact your local Toro quieter than traditional engine-powered rep for more information. models.” Cutting performance has also been improved, especially on the perimeter cut, by monitoring each individual reel The new non-hydraulic Toro and traction wheel speed during turns. Adds Greensmaster eTriFlex 3360 greens mower boasts lower noise levels and Goodridge: “This mower has individual an environmentally friendly design 72 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 HERITAGE SEEDS REBRANDS TO BECOME BARENBRUG □BARENBRUG ne of Australia’s largest seed O companies has undergone a major rebranding, with Heritage Seeds now known as Barenbrug. Coming into effect from 28 October 2019, the name change to Barenbrug will bring Heritage Seeds in line with parent company The Royal Barenbrug Group who part-owned Heritage Seeds from its inception in 1990 and have fully-owned it since 1996. The Royal Barenbrug Group operates globally with headquarters in The Netherlands and is recognised as a leading worldwide creator of forage and turf solutions. It has 18 operating companies and 22 research and development locations, creating grasses for Barolympic ultrafine perennial ryegrass can maintain excellent density under high wear and can be mown down as low as 5mm for golf situations different purposes in all major climate zones. Managing director Toby Brown says light green colour variety is well suited to variety has also been trialled successfully at a Barenbrug would provide the same service tough Australian conditions, showing excellent major soccer venue in Melbourne in a blend and products as Heritage Seeds, while establishment, density and winter recoverability with Premier 3. embracing the 114 years’ of experience of its in independent trials. Barenbrug turf portfolio manager Matt parent company and enjoying the advantage While autumn 2020 will see the first Merrick says Barolympic sets a new standard of its global network. “Nothing changes but widespread commercial use of Barolympic in for fine turf that can maintain excellent density the name,” says Brown, who joined Heritage Australia, local trials have already reinforced under high wear and can be mown down to Seeds as MD in July. “We have a strong history the quality breeding and research which has 5mm for golf situations. It has also performed with Barenbrug and the fourth-generation taken place globally, including the UK where it well in independent trials conducted in Victoria family business is well-known globally, so it has been the top performer in sports trials. The by John Neylan and in Queensland by Matt will be a great advantage to strengthen that Roche from Australian Sports Turf Consultants. connection to Australia.” “In the southern trial, Barolympic was The name change also coincides with the the best variety for germination and seedling opening of a new $15 million warehouse facility vigour, and statistically the best variety for in Toowoomba, Queensland. Adds Brown: winter growth and density,” says Merrick. “In “Supporting growth into northern Australia the Queensland trial, Barolympic was the best forms an important part of our strategic performer in early gemination and density direction. We believe there is a significant where relative humidity levels were 81.4 opportunity to increase engagement and per cent. It was then rated the best overall support northern growers, so we’ve designed BECKETT, GAMMAGE JOIN JO performer in terms of quality at the completion a new Toowoomba facility with capacity to ASTMA Silver Partner John Deere recently of the 18-week trial.” expand as needed.” announced two significant appointments, Barolympic will be supplied into the The existing Heritage Seeds company with Kodi Beckett and Tim Gammage Australian market in a mix with Premier 3, a structure and staff has continued under the taking on key account manager roles combination which was the top performer rebranding. The company employs 110 with the company. With over 20 years’ in the northern trial in terms of percentage people with representation across the country experience, Beckett started his career as ryegrass coverage winter sown into and Brown says they will continue to invest a greenkeeper managing and maintaining Wintergreen couchgrass. in research and development to produce some of the best golf courses in Australia. “We wanted to trial Barolympic in both solutions for Australian conditions. Gammage has 29 years’ experience the north and south, just to look at early For more information on Barenbrug, visit working with John Deere dealer groups establishment in heat, overall coverage and barenbrug.com.au. throughout the UK, NZ and Canada and performance over winter,” explains Merrick. is passionate about the brand. “Significant “A lot of sports fields start the oversowing BAROLYMPIC GOES FOR GOLD investment in research and development process quite early in preparation for the start arenbrug will shortly introduce its new and continuous technology adaptation of football in winter. It performed admirably in B ultrafine perennial ryegrass Barolympic into the Australian market. The mid- keeps John Deere ahead of other manufacturers,” says Beckett. both regions, which means that it can be used anywhere in Australia with confidence.” NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 73 AROUND THE TRADE According to Merrick, Barolympic shows very fast recovery and growth rates, enabling quick germination, establishment and mid­ TURF CULTURE PRODUCT UPDATES STMA Bronze Partner Turf Culture TURF season repair in areas of high traffic. It does this while maintaining turf density, which is essential for wear tolerance throughout winter and recoverability. A recently announced some updates and changes to its Monarch insecticide and Waldo miticide products. The Victoria-based company has released • culture General public: Do not allow entry access to treated areas until spray has dried. To find out more about Barolympic ultrafine Monarch 100 Insecticide (a.i. 100g/L fipronil) • Grounds staff/professional operators: perennial ryegrass, visit barenbrug.com.au. into the Australian market which replaces • Low exposure activities - do not the original Monarch Insecticide product (a.i. undertake low exposure occupational E-PAR GETS DIRTY WITH 125g/L fipronil). The major difference between re-entry actives such as irrigation and NEW EHS RISK INITIATIVE the old and the new is the scheduling. The mowing on treated turf until the spray nvironmental health and safety original Monarch Insecticide was an S6 has dried; E provider e-par has launched a unique campaign aimed at helping Poison, whereas the newly launched Monarch 100 Insecticide is an S5 Caution. Monarch superintendents and turf managers better 100 Insecticide is registered for the control manage their EHS risks. of Argentine stem weevil, funnel ant and • High exposure activities - do not undertake high exposure occupational re-entry actives such as hand-weeding or transplanting of turf until 15 days Titled the ‘EHS Dirty Dozen’, according mole crickets in recreational, domestic and after application, unless wearing cotton to e-par managing director Terry Muir the commercial turf. overalls buttoned to the neck and wrists campaign aims to highlight the 12 most “The new Monarch 100 rates apply the (or equivalent clothing) and elbow significant environment and safety risks same amount of active constituent per hectare length chemical resistant gloves. that are keeping superintendents and turf as the previous Monarch product,” says Turf The updated and now applicable re-entry managers awake at night. Culture’s Warren Braybon. “So while there period is: Do not enter treated areas until the The Dirty Dozen campaign is a real time is a rate change, that is only to allow for the spray has dried unless wearing cotton overalls risk management initiative to reduce stress and change in strength as the same amount of buttoned to the neck and wrist (or equivalent liability and improve EHS governance. Starting active per hectare is applied per pest.” clothing) and elbow-length chemical resistant in January 2020, e-par will use its Connect 2.0 The APVMA also recently granted Turf gloves. Clothing must be laundered after each EHS app to address one of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ Culture a re-entry period change for Waldo day’s use. every month and are actively encouraging miticide (a.i. 500 g/L diafenthiuron) which New product labels and MSDS sheets for customers to tell them their most pressing EHS removes many previous restrictions placed on both Monarch 100 Insecticide and Waldo issues for inclusion on the list. turf managers post-treatment. Previously the miticide can be viewed or downloaded at These could range from workplace bullying re-entry period was; www.turfculture.com.au. and harassment, manual handling or working on steep slopes, through to chemical handling and mixing, spill management or use of PPE. VALE MAURIE MENHENNET - MENTAY FOUNDER Each month e-par will provide the ustralian Turfgrass Management in 1973 had purchased a new cricket pitch documentation turf managers need and other protocols to manage that specific risk and create a ‘live’ Risk Register in the Connect 2.0 system to demonstrate that they are managing A Journal passes on its sincere condolences to the Menhennet roller from Melbourne. At the time, Mentay was in the business of repairing many family following the death of father Maurietypes of rollers, some of which were poorly (pictured) on Saturday 9 designed, and Menhennet told that risk at their facility. November. He was 79. Hollioake that he could build “We’re pretty excited about this as Founder of Mentay Steel a far superior machine for the it’s a world-first, 12-month initiative that Fab Construction, which job. targets exactly what it is that is stressing manufactures Mentay cricket The Mentay Hydra-Glide superintendents,” says Muir. “It’s a strategy to pitch rollers, William Maurice walk-behind cricket pitch rest the stress of many supers by putting to ‘Maurie’ Menhennet was roller was the end result and bed the top 12 things from an EHS risk and farewelled by a large gathering in 1980 it would go on to win compliance perspective that troubles them the of family and friends at his an Australian Design Council most.” funeral service in Ballarat on 18 Award. Since then, Mentay’s To be involved in the ‘EHS Dirty Dozen’ November. signature green and yellow campaign, contact e-par on (02) 4917 3166 Ironically, Menhennet never pedestrian and ride-on cricket or email info@epar.com.au. played the game of cricket pitch rollers have become but can lay claim to manufacturing one of commonplace at many cricket grounds the most popular and integral items of plant across the country, among them the required in the preparation of modern-day Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Gabba and wickets. According to the Mentay website, Bellerive. Mentay rollers have also found it all came about from a challenge that their way to New Zealand, the Hong Kong epar connect Menhennet issued to then Ballarat Cricket Association president Rex Hollioake, who Cricket Club and as far away as the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. 74 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 BARONESS LM551 Further customisations are available with TEES OFF ON FAIRWAYS each cutting unit having the option of seven- or STMA Silver Partner Kubota has nine-blade reels and the ability to be fitted with A launched the new Baroness LM551 five-gang fairway mower in Australia. Built for elite golf courses, the Baroness LM551 has been ergonomically designed with a groomer, power brush, front roller scraper and newly designed grass boxes. The LM551 is powered by a Kubota V1505-T diesel four-cylinder engine (44.2hp). custom cutting unit options to ensure perfectly A cut width of 254cm enables the LM551 manicured fairways. Trent Saunders, Kubota’s to cover a greater surface area to golf and turf equipment sales executive, is further increase efficiency. A tight excited to bring the Baroness LM551 to the turning radius for cutting Australian market. at 180cm means “The LM551 ’s unmatched quality of cut no corner is left and performance fills a gap in the market untouched and for elite golf courses,” says Saunders. “The a comfortable forward and backward slide rear cutting and function allows the unit to closely follow all ergonomic undulations and contours, creating optimum operating area playing conditions.” ensures a smooth and responsive The LM551 joins the LM2400 lightweight ride for the user. fairway mower and LM2700 mid-weight fairway “A mowing height of 6-20mm in the LH52 The new Baroness LM551 five-gang mower has been mower in Baroness’s golfing product range. cutting unit and 8-45mm in the LH62 cutting ergonomically designed with custom cutting unit options Two options of cutting units are available to unit allows the LM551 to be adaptable for all match with each golf course’s requirements - premium playing surfaces,” says Saunders. The Baroness LM551 is now available. the LH52 unit (which has a 127mm diameter “The LM551’s industry-leading range of motion Contact Trent Saunders on 0437 814 392 reel) or the LH62 unit (with a 163mm diameter is a key component to achieving perfectly or your nearest specialised turf dealer to reel). manicured fairways.” arrange a demonstration. PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN PROUDLY INDEPENDENT ^AGCSATech Analytical, Diagnostic and Consultancy Services • GOLF COURSE, SPORTSFIELD AND RACETRACK ASSESSMENTS • CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS • SOIL, PLANT AND WATER ANALYSIS • DISEASE DIAGNOSIS AND NEMATODE COUNTS • DRONE SERVICES (TURF HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND AERIAL IMAGERY) Senior agronomist - Bruce Macphee Agronomist - Tim Fankhauser bruce@agcsa.com.au 0409183 710 tim@agcsa.com.au 0422 418 038 www.agcsa.com.au/agcsatech (03) 9548 8600 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 75 STATE REPORTS NSWGCSA • Anthony Mills (The Lakes GC) was named NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year Pambula Merimbula Golf Club superintendent and new NSWGCSA board member Pat Wilson (left, pictured with Lee Sutherland (St Michael’s GC) posted the best association president Nathan Bradbury) won the NSWGCSA Outstanding Achievement Award at the recent NSW Golf scratch score at the Rube Walkerden Trophy day to win Industry Awards the Peter Ingram Trophy he NSWGCSA held its Annual General In October the NSWGCSA joined with all Somerville (NSWGCSA vice-president) and T Meeting and Rube Walkerden Trophy event on Monday 18 November at the recently rebuilt Concord Golf Club. Credit goes to superintendent Chris Howe for presenting other golfing bodies in the state as part of the NSW Golf Industry Awards at Curzon Hall. The association handed out four awards on the night; I met with Sydney Water representatives and representatives from the NSW Bowling Greenkeepers Association, STA NSW and GolfNSW to discuss a plan moving forward for a very challenging golf course in some pretty • Outstanding Achievement Award the exemptions of use. dry conditions. This year saw 116 players take (sponsored by Living Turf): Pat Wilson As it stands, NSWGCSA has enlisted the the challenge with only a very small amount (Pambula Merimbula GC) services of a water consultant to start drafting coming out on top. • Superintendent of the Year (sponsored a document to present to Sydney Water and Brendon Warby (Narooma GC) was the by Australian Turf Projects): Anthony the Minister that will outline the demand our Rube Walkerden Trophy winner with a score of Mills (The Lakes GC) membership require of potable water. The 37 points, while Lee Sutherland (St Michael’s • Outstanding Performance and NSWGCSA will also be corresponding with GC) won the Peter Ingram Trophy for best Dedication Award (sponsored by GMA, Bowls NSW, GolfNSW, ASTMA and STA, scratch score. Matt Kennedy (Living Turf) WaterWise): Brendan Brown (Northbridge plus all the other relevant water authorities won the Patron Shield for best trade score Golf Club) across the state to try and assist in the of 41 points. NTPs went to Dominic Yates, • Graduate of the Year (sponsored by JT management of exemptions and use of water. Chris Boggs, David Thomson and Brendan Turf): Angus Beasley (Gunnedah GC) Information will be sent to the membership Warby. Longest drive went to Peter Blain. For their efforts, both Pat and Anthony as the board receive it and all we ask is the Thank you to all that attended. win a trip to an international turf conference, support of members when required with survey Stepping down from the board of directors while Brendan will be attending the ASTMA’s information. This will help build this document during the year was Rod Hinwood (Ellerston Sports Turf Management and Golf Business to be informative and precise. GC) and Russell Fletcher (formerly St Conference & Trade Exhibition in Melbourne. At the time of writing the 2019 Emirates Michael’s GC). Part of the NSWGCSA plan Angus will also be heading to Melbourne Australian Open was just 10 days away, so was to branch out into the Far South Coast where he will represent the NSWGCSA in on behalf of the NSWGCSA I would like to and North Coast regions of the state and in the final of the ASTMA’s Graduate of the congratulate Phil Beal and his staff at The doing so Pat Wilson (Pambula-Merimbula Year Award. But before that, he will head to Australian Golf Club on their efforts. Knowing GC) and Mark Spraggs (Forster Tuncurry Singapore where he will be a volunteer at Phil, I know he will probably think the course is GC) have been elected to the board. 2020 will Sentosa Golf Club for its major tournament in underdone, but I can assure you everyone else see education days being held in both those January. Congratulations to all award winners. will be thinking it’s phenomenal. regions of the state to support our members. The serious issue of water restrictions The board is excited to welcome both Pat and is ever-growing across the state, with Mark and look forward to working closely with some areas already on Level 3 or higher NATHAN BRADBURY them to help support their regions. - and summer hasn’t begun yet! David PRESIDENT, NSWGCSA 76 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 STANZ s™NZ PHOTOS: PETER DRURY, COURTESY OF HAMILTON CITY C0UNCIL/H3 FMG Stadium in Hamilton is currently being resurfaced. Turf from the existing surface has been recycled and used at other sports venues around the city s we roll into a busy summer season, Over the first two weeks of November, and trainees in an effort to collectively develop A there have been a few projects of significance already getting underway in New Zealand. Not least has been the resurfacing of the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton the surface was removed and the top 100mm or so of sand material above the pre-existing ‘MOTZ’ layer taken off site for future re-use on the city’s sports parks. The ‘MOTZ’ was also educational and networking opportunities for the golf course sector in NZ. The event is being organised by Des Topp, chairman of the New Zealand Golf Industry Council, and will be (FMG Stadium). shredded and removed. A new sand layer, staged at Ellerslie Racecourse (Auckland) from Waikato Stadium has historically provided irrigation system and artificial turf ring road 3-5 August 2020. one of the best cool-season turf surfaces was installed. The turf surface will be grown in The forecast for much of NZ this summer in New Zealand and hosts a wide range of by Karl Johnson and his team, with ‘Desso is to experience a slightly hotter and drier national and internationally significant sports Grassmaster’ stitched into the ryegrass surface summer than ‘normal’ - although I think we events. The Hamilton City Council owns and prior to Christmas. could be forgiven for forgetting what ‘normal’ manages this facility and wanted to invest In addition to all of the renovation and even is! There are a huge number of events in a hybrid turf system due to the increasing preparation work being carried out up and being stage on sporting surfaces across NZ multi-functional use and demand of this down the land this spring, arrangements are this summer. It kicked off with the Test Series facility. Recently, events such as motocross, well underway for the staging of the inaugural between the Black Caps and England, which firework displays and community festivals/ ‘Whole of Golf’ industry show and conference. was staged at the magnificent Bay Oval concerts have all been staged at the stadium. This is a unique event that will bring together (Tauranga) and Seddon Park (Hamilton) in the The challenge has been to ensure the surface the entire golf course management sector last two weeks of November. is ‘good to go’ for the hosting of the HSBC under one roof. Sevens Tournament which is held every Course superintendents are being WILL BOWDEN January at the stadium. encouraged to attend with their managers COMMITTEE, STANZ A POETIC APOLOGY... Australian Turfgrass Management Journal prides itself on providing / had good hope of putting pen onto paper a vehicle through which the state superintendent and sports turf With news from NZ for the bi-monthly caper associations and allied organisations can update the wider industry on But alas when it seems the moment is right their activities. Something else arises to put it from sight. Spring and summer are notoriously busy for turf managers everywhere and for those tasked with the responsibility of providing a So I’m sorry Brett, me ole mate report, sometimes editorial deadlines can fall at the wrong time, in this There will be no article this time, not even late case mid-November. It seems we need more hours built into the day While many will fire off a quick missive informing the editor Spring seems all work and a complete lack of play. they won’t be contributing, NZGCSA president Steve Hodson, superintendent at Westown Golf Club in the mighty Taranaki region, So it is a must to do, my next contribution took a bit of poetic license when passing on his apologies for this Which is likely to be early 2020 distribution edition which we felt worthy of some column inches. Martyn Black and By then we hope some norm has returned Peter McMaugh... you have a rival! And the brain running clearly rather than churned. The days are long as is the grass In the meantime I wish you well for the festive season I’m spending much of my day sitting on my arse Where eating and drinking is an impulse without reason Musical chairs as I go from this mower to that one A time to relax, rest and recharge the body All day it seems from the rise of the sun. It’s good night from me, the old grey bugger ‘Hoddy’. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 77 STATE REPORTS VGCSA® s I write this, it’s hot and gusty winds A are buffeting Melbourne. For most of us in the metropolitan bubble or its fringes, this spring has so far been kind. For those further afield in Victoria though, there has been a severe lack of precipitation. Meanwhile, our condolences go to those in eastern Australia who have experienced the devastation of bush fires - a catastrophe far too early in the season. I really hope that this summer is not a repeat of the last. This summer season seems to be attracting a large amount of international seasonal staff with many course managers left The winning and runners-up teams from the VGCSA’s Annual Golf Day held at The Dunes with no option but to fill staff vacancies with seasonal or unqualified staff. Over the past few Turf consultant John Neylan has now GC) and Commonwealth Golf Club’s Caleb years, it has become very clear that qualified collated data from our most recent research Johnson and Ben Williams. Runners-up staff are becoming scarce. trials conducted in winter. The full report will were James Hewitt and Mathew Roach It’s not uncommon to hear of course be available to VGCSA members in 2020. A (both Cranbourne GC), Brendan Dooley managers having zero response to job ads massive thanks to all the clubs involved for the (Peppers The Sands Torquay) and Matt Scott posted on the national website. Alternatively, use of their course and facilities. (Advanced Seed). Nearest the pins went to those lucky enough to receive any applicants The second to last week of November saw Lachlan Vassallo (Northern GC) and Kent find that they are not up to the level of desired our final event for the year with the VGCSA Taylor (Anglesea GC), while Scott Fullerton expertise. Annual Open Golf Day. A big thanks to Oasis clubbed the longest drive on the 18th. The lack of attraction to our industry is a Turf and The Dunes Golf Links (superintendent Our first education meeting of 2020 will concern, as too the removal of greenkeeping Simon Muller) for their support. It was a be in early March which is shaping up to from the Australian skills shortage migrant list. fantastic course and, unlike today, perfect be a cracker! We will be catching up with While a two-year working visa may be applied weather for golf with colleagues. It is always a superintendents Steven Newell, Nicholas for, there are international qualified staff who tricky time of year to host such an event, with Staff and Richard Forsyth as they take us on would jump at the opportunity to remain in many undertaking renovations or the spring a tour of the course works at Victoria Golf Club our country, yet the opportunity to sponsor season workload ramping up quickly. I would and Sandringham Golf Links. I wish everyone a permanent residency is no longer available. like to thank everyone who attended and for safe and pleasant summer season. Hopefully, we will make some headway with their continued support of the association. state and federal governments regarding this The winning team comprised yours truly BARRY PROCTOR matter. along with Scott Fullerton (Woodlands PRESIDENT, VGCSA STAVIC TA Victoria is pleased to announce Ballarat on Tuesday 21 April. A programme is S its new partnership for the 2019/2020 cricket season with Cricket Victoria. The funding provided is for 12 months and is sourced through Cricket Victoria’s Cricket currently being developed that will achieve all these objectives and will be both entertaining and informative for all who attend. If you have any suggestions/requests for World Cup 2020 Legacy partnership with the topics or speakers for this seminar, or any Victorian Government. other events, please contact Jan Fenton Throughout the next 12 months STA vic@sportsturf.asn.au. We also welcome Victoria and Cricket Victoria will be developing suggestions for topics for research projects to programmes for their regular seminars that be undertaken and funded by STA Victoria in encourage and promote women in turf the coming year. management and the Cricket World Cup. Our The STA Victoria committee wishes you all encouragement of ‘women in turf’ continues a safe and happy festive season and we look to grow and 2020 will see that embraced. forward to sharing information and news and STA Victoria thanks Cricket Victoria and the providing support to the turf industry again in Victorian Government for their support. 2020. A new partnership between STA Victoria and Cricket The next STA event will be the annual Victoria will over the next 12 months aim to encourage Regional Seminar to be held at Mars Stadium, COMMITTEE, STA VICTORIA and promote women in turf management 78 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 GCSAWA® t has been a hot start to the season I here in Perth with a couple of 40-degree days already by mid-November. The strong easterly winds we get overnight and throughout the morning have also started. These winds can really affect irrigation and dry out the course pretty quickly. We don’t usually get summer rains, so anything we get from now until around March is a bonus. We want to thank Mark Unwin and the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association team for professional development seminars they have started running around the country. I recently attended the Microsoft Excel Kalgoorlie (above) and Cottesloe (left) hosted major tournaments in October to great acclaim workshop at the Western Australian Golf Club and all the guys got a lot out of it. We look and superintendents hosting tournaments. forward to the next workshop. I’ve enjoyed the diary entries from Mat Soles At the same time, we were overlooking and Phil Beal (The Australian GC) and also superintendent Idris Evans and his team Craig Anthony and Richard Forsyth (Royal reconstructing the 9th green - their fourth Melbourne GC) on their respective build ups. green in four weeks and the last of the greens on the course. It has been a busy four years SHANE BAKER for them replacing all the greens with just the SECRETARY, GCSAWA practice greens to finish off next year. The Waterwise Program is starting to really amp up with a meeting planned for ON THE MOVE... late November. It is part of the ongoing plan JAMES COCKER: From second assistant to get every course ‘waterwise’ with the help Metropolitan Golf Club, Vic to assistant and guidance from John Forrest and the superintendent Woodlands Golf Club, Vic. Department of Water. One course locally in TONY SMITH: From superintendent Perth has already had their water allocation Launceston Golf Club, Tas to reduced, forcing them to look for other water Cottesloe. There was no rest for them as the superintendent Mowbray Golf Club, Tas sources and turn off some areas on the very next morning they started on the irrigation replacing James Pyke. course. We hope to also have meetings with install and construction of four new greens. SEAN STUCHBERY: Departed as the GMA soon at one of their get-togethers. Royal Fremantle and Lakelands are also superintendent Bundaberg Golf Club, I travelled up to Kalgoorlie in mid-October continuing with greens construction projects. Qld after 11 years to take on a role with to help out Pat Casey and his staff for the The GCSAWA wishes everyone a safe SunWater as operator/maintainer of water WA PGA Championship. A week of heat in the and merry Christmas. Hopefully there are channels between Bundaberg and Gin Gin. high 30s didn’t affect the guys too much with some breaks in the weather where you can MATTHEW TURNER: From Terrey the course looking magnificent. The following relax a little and hopefully get a couple days Hills Country Club, NSW to assistant week Simon Bourne hosted the WA Open at off. We also wish all the best to those courses superintendent Cumberland CGC, NSW. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2019 79 STATE REPORTS TSTMAS lthough not quite official, the Tasmanian future of the turf industry and the challenges A Sports Turf Managers Association (formerly TGCSA) held an educational and environmental seminar at Invermay Bowls Club in Launceston. This Syngenta-sponsored we may meet along the way. Robin from Air Inject also gave us a demonstration of the benefits of using the Air2G2 machine which was very interesting event was very well supported with 35 for those requiring some aeration without attendees from all over the state representing turf disruption. The day concluded with a all areas of sports turf management. very informative account of the construction Tim Bilston (Syngenta) opened up process at UTAS Stadium delivered by Bryan proceedings with a very informative session Dunn and Hazell Bros construction. on environmental stewardship as well as Finally, there has been a bit of industry Argentine stem weevil management. Kate movement across the Apple Isle, especially Torgerson (Environmental Golf Solutions) then up north. James Pyke (Mowbray Golf Club) threw a whole different light into management has resigned and left the industry which has of green space areas, whether that be council, opened up the opportunity for Launceston a golf course, parkland areas or even schools UTAS Stadium curator Bryan Dunn shows seminar Golf Club superintendent Tony Smith to slip for that matter into reducing mowing while also attendees the new turf pad prior to it being harvested back into his old role that he held prior to complementing areas with indigenous native as part of the stadium’s resurfacing project going to Launceston. Mowbray holds a special plantings. the last 12 for the stadium development which place in Tony’s heart as it was there that his Mathew Jackson, greenkeeper at at the time of writing was nearing completion. career started as an apprentice. Sam O’Keefe Invermay Bowls Club as well as course Bryan explained the process of the profile (Riverside Golf Club) has resigned and left superintendent of Longford Golf Club, then construction and the stabilising of the turf and the industry as has Isaac Jones (Ulverston gave a short presentation on his role juggling how it will all play out to produce a world class Golf Club). This may well open up some the two turf facilities and the challenges he is sporting facility which will future proof the opportunities for our next crop of budding turf presented with. venue for the next 20 years. practitioners. A short trip in a car pool road train had We were also very privileged to have us at Dilston to the turf farm that Bryan Dunn ASTMA CEO Mark Unwin attend our seminar PHIL HILL (UTAS Stadium) has been developing over and deliver a very focused direction on the PRESIDENT, TSTMA SAGCSA ® t has been an interesting year in South Rowan’s work ethic, organisational skills, I Australia with some normal weather in the cooler months. As this report is being written, however, we are staring down what will no doubt be another long, dry summer with turf management knowledge and leadership have been instrumental in the outstanding year-round presentation of the golf courses at The Grange and the hugely successful staging rain looking increasingly hard to come by. of the 2019 Women’s Australian Open. The SAGCSA and the STA SA had a joint Thomas Burridge has had a big year education day back in late July. The event was and the state acknowledgement came after well attended with around 145 delegates from he had earlier this year become the first SA both associations. This was a great opportunity S4GCS4 Excellence in Turf Management Award winner representative to win ASTMA Graduate of the for the two bodies to come together and work Rowan Daymond (right) with association president Year Award. Thomas learnt his craft under on the one event and hopefully will be the start Nathan Bennett the expert guidance of Steven Newell and of greater collaboration moving forward. October 2017. In February 2019, The Grange Richard James at Kooyonga Golf Club, The SAGCSA was honoured to recognise hosted the Australian Women’s Open, a and during his time there was involved in the two of its outstanding achievers at the recent co-sanctioned event with the US based LPGA preparations for the 2018 Women’s Australian South Australia Golf Industry Awards. The tour. Open, having volunteered at Royal Adelaide SAGCSA handed out two awards as part of 2018 was a dry year with only 220mm in 2017. the night, with The Grange Golf Club’s Rowan of rain. From December 2018 until the Thomas’s thirst for improvement and Daymond winning the SAGCSA Excellence tournament in February 2019, only 2mm of knowledge has seen him move to Melbourne in Turf Management Award and Thomas rain fell. In response to the challenging climatic where he is now part of the crew at Peninsula Burridge (formerly Kooyonga Golf Club) conditions, Rowan and his team modified turf Kingswood Country Golf Club, following in the collecting the Graduate of the Year Award. nutrition and irrigation practices to ensure footsteps of his older brother Jacob who made Rowan first started working at The Grange that the West Course was in prime condition a similar move a few years back. in 2009, rising through the ranks under the for the main event, whilst also preparing the expert guidance of Richard James, and taking East Course in tournament condition for the NATHAN BENNETT up the position of course superintendent in qualifying rounds. PRESIDENT, SAGCSA 80 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.6 Fl THE WETTING AGENT OF CHOICE FOR PROFESSIONAL THE SMART SOLUTION FOR GREENS... TOURNAMENT-READY 100% ACTIVE INGREDIENT PREMIUM PENETRANT SOIL SURFACTANT DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS, CHOOSE THE BEST! Ill 45 YEARS OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN PIONEERING HIGH PERFORMANCE WETTING AGENT PRODUCTS USA 10 Litre Soil Surfactant Code: UH-TUR02 208 Litre Drum Soil Surfactant Code: UH-TUR55 1003 Litre IBC Soil Surfactant Code: UH-TUR265 What Makes Tournament-Ready®So Special? 3 KEY COMPONENTS UTLISING SMART SURFACTANT TECHNOLOGY™ Component 1: Quick wetting penetration of soils, plus moves water out of water saturated soils. Immediately relieves localized dry spots (LDS) and wets the soil profile. Component 2: Moves excess water out and keeps doing it. Tournament-Ready will reduce the surface tension and attraction of water molecules to each other, making water “spread and infiltrate". Component 3: Holds water in the right place where it should. Relieves localized dry spots (LDS) in thatch that won’t wet, but will not leave thatch permanently wet. Ljnderhiir exclusively distributed by david ----- CJgolf davidgolf.com.au 1300 790 890 A NEW ELECTRIC-DRIVE RIDER, CHARGED WITH GREENS PERFECTION. The all-new Greensmaster® eTriFlex™ 3360 riding greensmower provides all the innovative features of the original TriFlex and more. The new Engine Generator 3360 model comes with no onboard hydraulic fuid. The new Radius Dependent Speed (RDS™) System, in combination with the Lift-In-Turn™ cutting unit levelling feature virtually eliminates the effect known as "Triplex-ring”. This along with many new features provide added versatility, simplified service and ultimately, more productivity. For more information, call 1800 356 372 or contact your Toro Golf Area Sales Manager. toro.com.au TORO f /toroaus /toroaus (3) /toroaus YOU Tllbfi /toroaustralia