CELEBRATING THE EFFORTS OF AUSTRALIA’S SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS AUSTRALIAN ISSN 1442-2697 www.agcsa.com.au VOLUME 22.3 MAY-JUNE 2020 MANAGEMENT JOURNAL Research wrap ANTEP5, Poa resistance The mark of a professional ASTMA Certification Program > Renaissance at The National Doak delivers dramatic Gunnamatta design 4 Barricade Hprhiridp Season long weed control in garden beds ^Casper Turf herbicide Monument Liquid Turf herbicide K4 wffi1RWiffl rA Powerful ■-.(■I- . ......MU,- 11 I1 herbicides deliver total weed control BARRICADE Herbicide is the ultimate season long barricade against a wide range of pre-emergent grassy weeds in turf and gardens beds. The combination of BARRICADE with the post emergent activity of either MONUMENT LIQUID or CASPER Turf Herbicides deliver total weed control for grasses and broadleaf weeds. Early spring applications of BARRICADE will ensure season long control and mixing with MONUMENT LIQUID and/or CASPER provides you flexibility for broadleaf weeds, sedges or residual Poa annua. syngenta. For more information ask your Syngenta Agent or go to www.greencast.com.au FLAME_SYN4874_03/19 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 19-088 MANAGEMENT JOURNAL Published by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) 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 Corne Office: (03) 9548 8600 Email: jo@agcsa.com.au Printed By Southern Colour Pty Ltd PLATINUM r i AAMA Audited Media Association of Australia golf med fa TORO Australian Sports Turf Managers Suite 1, Monash Corporate Centre 752 Blackburn Road, Clayton, VIC 3168 P: (03) 9548 8600 F: (03) 9548 8622 Association GOLD E: admin@agcsa.com.au W: www.agcsa.com.au ABN 96 053 205 888 ASTMA Board JACGJBSEN syngenta Brett Balloch (president), Chris Burgess, Peter Lonergan, David Thomson Chief Executive Officer Mark Unwin E: mark@agcsa.com.au Membership Allison Jenkins SILVER E: admin@agcsa.com.au Accounts Philip Horsburgh , KUBOTA E: philip@agcsa.com.au anonnece Events and Education Simone Staples E: simone@agcsa.com.au Pam Irvine l iV» ng turf Rain'&Bird SCIENTIFIC TURF MANAGEMENT E: pam@agcsa.com.au AGCSATech Bruce Macphee (Senior Agronomist) E: bruce@agcsa.com.au Tim Fankhauser (Agronomist) E: tim@agcsa.com.au BRONZE Steve Tuckett (Agronomist) E: steve@agcsa.com.au Brown Brothers Social Media fl I Engineers CCI^ COUNTRY CLUB INTERNATIONAL Keally Nankervis W Australia Ltd GOLF COURSE SfVr EQUIPMENT SAFETY ■WV FENCING WATER MANAGEMENT E: keally@agcsa.com.au |fj| www.facebook.com/TheASTMA Hunter !z>ir*j"r Q www.linkedin.com y ffldGREENWAY Golf Solutions ..a cut tfi* ttsti TURF SOLUTIONS Bu//t on /movot/on- www.instagram.com/the_astma Q @TheASTMA ® Z\jCL O Mainahle TURF Copyright © 2020 Husqvarna Z±±!±!- Oasisturf culture " 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 within. No portion, in whole or part, may be reproduced without the these companies who support your association written permission of the ASTMA MAY-JUNE 2020 1 CONTENTS PHOTO: WILLIAM WATT (CADDIE PRODUCTIONS) COVER STORY GUNNAMATTA OCEANS AHEAD 6 Between July 2018 and April 2019, The National Golf Club embarked on the major remodelling of its Ocean Course under the auspices of renowned designer Tom Doak. The dramatic new Gunnamatta Course has quickly won over a demanding membership and has usurped PHOTO: EDUCATION CITY GC its much-loved siblings - the Moonah and Old courses - in the course rankings stakes. ATM editor Brett Robinson talks to The National’s golf course manager Leigh Yanner and Gunnamatta superintendent Tony Gordon about the challenges and work that went into this significant project. Cover: The National Golf Club, Gunnamatta Course, 16th hole Photo: William Watt (Caddie Productions) FEATURES Top class - Education City GC 14 TPC perfection 22 ALSO IN THIS EDITION... ASTMA Certification Program 28 Foreword Thinking 4 Regional Profile - Hamilton Island GC 64 Graduates on a roll 32 Around the Trade 70 ANTEP 5 gets green light 36 Association Reports 72 Up the last... A life in lockdown 78 Multiple resistance in Poa 44 A good feed 48 2 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 2 Gunnamatta got game remember the shot so clearly, mainly because my playing partner (former colleague and I AGCSATech agronomist Andrew Peart) burst out laughing immediately. Standing on the 3rd tee of The National Golf Club’s Ocean Course, playing in the 2016 VGCSA Golf Day, I bladed a 4-iron no more than a few feet off the ground. Quality! A few muffled expletives and thumping the club into the turf were quickly followed by the growing realisation that the ball was surprisingly tracking nicely towards the green. After a few bounces short, it ran up onto the green to within two feet and I had my first nearest-the-pin prize on Australian soil. As I sheepishly retold my achievement to course manager Leigh Yanner later, he made the wise observation, albeit laced with a hint of sarcasm, that I had played the perfect links golf shot. (And, yes, for the record I did sink the birdie putt...) At last November’s grand opening of the new Gunnamatta Course at The National Golf Club, renowned golf course architect Tom Doak would relay a similar, although far more interesting, story to Yanner. Early on in his career, Doak had toured the great links courses of the UK and Ireland, along the way stopping off at St Andrews, Scotland where he spent three months as a caddie on the Old Course. During one round he watched a husband and wife playing the famed links, the husband a single figure marker and the wife a high handicapper. Playing the same hole, the husband hit COLUMNS a beautifully lofted shot and landed in prime position on the green. By contrast, his wife hit her JOHN NEYLAN 38 shot no more than a few feet off the ground, but also ended up in just as good a position. That PETER MCMAUGH 52 simple encounter entrenched in Doak’s mind the innate qualities of links golf and how classic JOHN FORREST 54 layouts, like the Old Course, espoused the importance of the ground game and providing multiple opportunities for players of all skill levels to enjoy the game. VICKI CROWE 58 As we know, Doak has subsequently gone on to build a reputation as a modern day genius TERRY MUIR 59 and his uncanny ability of working in with the riches of nature have led to some of the game’s KATE TORGERSEN 60 most talked-about designs which celebrate its true essence. In Australia, his Barnbougie Dunes and St Andrew’s Beach creations have become critically regarded, and on the back of those and the suite of international successes he has notched up, many leading clubs here have sought his guidance for improving their courses, among them Royal Melbourne, Royal Adelaide, New South Wales, Yarra Yarra and Woodlands. Quite the collection. To that list can now be added The National and what Doak has created in transforming the out-of-favour Ocean Course is simply remarkable. The club asked Doak to deliver a course that was enjoyable regardless of ability and took full advantage of the incredible land they are lucky to be custodians of. Ultimately they wanted something memorable and having had the privilege of visiting the course on a beautifully fine but very brisk early June morning, it ticks all those boxes and more. Sadly, for me anyway, the old 3rd hole is no longer there, but as you will read, its replacement provided a major turning point in the redevelopment. In this edition we track the rise of the Gunnamatta Course and the immense level of work that went into it. To achieve what is on the ground now required unwithering effort - from Yanner and Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Journal club general manager Jon Gahan, down to Gunnamatta superintendent Tony Gordon, his senior Volume 22.3 (May-June 2020): Shane Baker (CSTM, crew members Glen McLeod and Rebecca Woolley, all of the staff across The National’s four GCSAWA); Rajesh Barua (University of Adelaide); Peter Boutsalis (University of Adelaide/Plant Science Consulting); courses and the many contractors. Everyone played their part in its ultimate success. Nathan Bradbury (CSTM, NSWGCSA); Harry Brennan (CSTM, Gordon also features in this edition’s look back at the TPC Volunteer Program, which sadly Dubbo City Council); Fraser Brown (CSTM, Lake Karrinyup CC); Vicki Crowe (PGA of Australia); John Forrest (Forrest became one of the first victims of the COVID-19 pandemic when the PGA Tour had to cancel The and Forrest Horticultural Consultancy Services); George Players Championship after the opening round. Gordon and his fellow programme members Flynn (Pukekohe GC, NZ); Tony Gordon (The National GC); Cam Hall (CSTM, Kew GC); Luke Helm (Meadowbrook look back at some of the highlights of their brief but unforgettable time in Florida. Elsewhere, we GC); Phil Hill (TSTMA); Steve Hodson (NZGCSA); Brad also review the ASTMA Certification Program launched in May and ex-pat Queenslander Andrew Hole (Hamilton Island GC); Tim Hoskinson (CSTM, Cairns GC); Andrew Ikstrums (Education City GC, Qatar); Dave Ikstrums provides a fascinating insight into the construction of Education City Golf Club in Qatar. Mason (CSTM, Metropolitan GC); Bruce Macphee (CSTM, It is the only golf course in the world to have all playing surfaces - greens, tees, fairways and ASTMA); Keith McPhee (CSTM, Maitland City Council); Paul McLean (GCSAQ); Peter McMaugh (Turfgrass Scientific roughs - built with USGA spec profiles. Yes, you read correct... all surfaces. Enjoy the read... Services); Anthony Mills (The Lakes GC); Terry Muir (epar); John Neylan (SportEng); Luke Partridge (CSTM, Manly GC); Christopher Preston (University of Adelaide); Kate Torgersen (Environmental Golf Solutions); STA Victoria; Steve Tuckett (CSTM, ASTMA); Mark Unwin (AGCSA); William Watt (Caddie Productions); Leigh Yanner (The National GC); 2020 Graduate of the Year Award finalists. MAY-JUNE 2020 3 ES FOR E WOR0TH IN KI N G WITH MARK UNWIN, CEO Sports turf industry showing its true character by standing tall cclaimed American author Maya sports turf management as a career, is the A Angelou once wrote, “I can be Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner changed by what happens to (OVSC). The OVSC works with employers, me. But I refuse to be reduced industry peak bodies and government to align by it.” In some of the rare training and advocacy with the needs of the quiet moments over the past eight weeks, I industry, ensuring the training requirements of have found myself reflecting on all that has students and employers are met and that skills happened in such a short amount of time. outcomes support the government’s objectives The circumstances our members, industry, for skills requirements, productivity and growth. Australian our association, families and friends - in fact, Together, the OVSC and the ASTMA set Sports Turf Managers almost every area of our lives - have faced in about developing a programme of work to the last few months have challenged us. And Association assist in establishing and growing pathways challenged us greatly. to ensure that the available options were Yet the signs that our turf community supported for people to enter sports turf would meet these challenges were common management training and apprenticeships and and consistent. We witnessed leaders showing then transition from training into work. care and compassion for their teams, turf We were pleased to announce recently managers reaching out to each other to offer the launch of the first of these initiatives to a hand, picking up the phone and having a promote sports turf management as a career, chat with those doing it tough. We saw trade with the release of an advocacy video that will partners reaching out to offer support wherever be supported by additional work with schools, possible which yet again showed me the true career and workplace advisors and vocational value and nature of the industry we work in. It career agencies in the months ahead. also highlighted to me that while times were challenging, and will likely continue to be for GET CERTIFIED some time, we wouldn’t be reduced by it. In perhaps one of the largest changes to the I continue to be impressed with the way future of our industry, mid-May saw the ASTMA our industry has pulled together, knowing that launch a professional industry certification our actions can make a small but meaningful programme for sports turf managers, difference in the support we show our recognising our leading turf managers and colleagues, encouragement for our teams or to encouraging investment in education and the mental health of our peers who may have continual professional development. been doing it tough as the country seemingly The ASTMA Certification Program is a key ground to a halt. initiative in our commitment to maintaining Additionally, I am also grateful for our and improving the quality, recognition and association staff who have been flexible in professionalism of the industry, in addition to the face of one of the most significant tests promoting the industry and its professionals to our industry has experienced. While many the public. grappled with course closures, standing down The early take-up of the programme of teams, uncertainty in hours or variations has been outstanding, highlighting the large in roles, the ASTMA team has willingly been number of turf professionals that are dedicated active in contacting members, following up on to their trade and the universal nature of the the literally hundreds of requests for support, skills and knowledge within our industry. In this facilitating discussions with our partners and at edition (page 28) we look in-depth at how the the same time working through challenges of new ASTMA Certification Program works and A new advocacy video jointly produced by the our own such as shifting work practices or the Office of the Victorian Skills Commissioner and the list those early adopters who have completed cancellation of the 2020 conference. ASTMA is being used to actively promote sports turf certification and are driving the initiative. management as a rewarding career path In addition to this, the ASTMA has ADVOCACY FOCUS industry. Discussion of these issues have launched a series of 45-minute live webinars Many would be aware of the increase in put our industry, and members, in front of with a range of local and international turf advocacy of turf management needs at all key decision-makers and Ministers who experts. The first seminars were held in late levels of government we have undertaken in were previously unaware of the level of work June with the likes of Dr Frank Rossi and Mark the last few months. This has highlighted the involved in the trade and also have the ability Carter hosting, with further webinars planned work that sports turf managers undertake, the to support our desire for change. weekly over the coming months. These value they contribute to sport and recreation One state department that has picked up webinars are free for all ASTMA members and and also continued to discuss our concerns the need quickly, and identified the ability to you can register through the ASTMA website - relating to the skills shortage across our work with the ASTMA to educate and promote www.agcsa.com.au. 4 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 2.3 John Deere GOLF REPAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS ON NEW GOLF EQUIPMENT RELIED ON BY THE BEST COURSES ON EARTH John Deere’s extensive line-up of innovative golf equipment is now available with low interest finance and zero repayments for 12 months*. Plus it's supported by our local golf experts who are committed to helping you deliver the very best golfing experience. Contact your local John Deere Golf dealer before 31 October 2020 to take advantage of this no repayments offer. PHOTO: Gleneagles, Scotland Conditions apply. John Deere Financial Limited. Approved commercial applicants only. Based on 25% deposit, GST back and 48 month term. A first repayment will be due no earlier than 12 months after commencement of the term. Interest will be charged at 1.99% p.a. after the interest free period expires. Fees and charges apply. Expires on 31/10/2020. REDEVELOPMENTS Since opening in April 2019, the new Gunnamatta Course has entranced members and industry pundits, replacing the Moonah Course as The National Golf Club’s highest ranked layout. Pictured is the short par four 17th, one of many new holes that now afford dramatic views of Bass Strait Gunnamatta oceans ahead MAIN PHOTO: WILLIAM WATT (CADDIE PRODUCTIONS) OTHER PHOTOS: LEIGH YANNER AND BRETT ROBINSON Between July 2018 and April 2019, The National Golf Club embarked on the major remodelling of its Ocean Course under the auspices of renowned designer Tom Doak. ATM editor Brett Robinson talks to Leigh Yanner and Tony Gordon about the dramatic new Gunnamatta Course and the huge team effort required to turn it from concept to reality. here’s a reason why golf course architect Tom Doak and T his Renaissance Golf Design (RGD) team have become the most sought-after craftsmen of their trade. Over the past two decades, the masters of minimalist golf course design have produced some of the most dramatic and talked-about layouts in world golf, their innate ability to work with the beauty and grace of nature being a hallmark of their work. They have compiled an impressive dossier. Think of Pacific Dunes and Old Macdonald (part of the Bandon Dunes complex) and Ballyneal in the US, Tasmania’s own Barnbougie Dunes and across the Tasman the likes of Cape Kidnappers and Tara Iti. Such sites have allowed Doak to truly express himself and his design philosophies, providing the necessary features and freedom for him to create layouts that are truly memorable. It was therefore something of a perfect fit when, in 2016, The National Golf Club on Victoria’s famed Mornington Peninsula came Key members of The National crew responsible for the Gunnamatta redevelopment (from left) Rebecca Woolley (foreman), Glen McLeod (assistant), Tony Gordon (superintendent) and Leigh Yanner (courses manager) calling. Australia’s largest golfing operation, boasting four championship-level courses, was Henderson came up with their concept his fellow RGD colleagues as well as an looking to enhance its brand by undertaking to transform the site. Doak would end up army of contractors - irrigation, earthworks, works to the Ocean Course which the spending two more weeks on site prior to turf laying, hydroseeding. Together with The membership had gradually fallen out of love the course’s eventual opening to members in National team, led by course manager Leigh with over the years. In the Ocean Course they April 2019, one to finalise greens and bunker Yanner, superintendent Tony Gordon and club arguably had the best parcel of land on the locations and a second to sign them off. That general manager Jon Gahan, over a period of club’s sprawling Cape Schanck property and was all that was needed. The land and the 10 months the Ocean Course was put to rest knew it would provide the ideal canvas upon features were already there, it just needed and a new course brought to life. Renamed which Doak could work his magic. someone like Doak to realise its full potential. ‘Gunnamatta’, after the beach which resides Over a three-day visit in October 2016, The rest was left to the wizardry of design the other side of the sand dunes, it has been Doak and his RGD counterpart Michael associate Brian Schneider and his D5 dozer, nothing short of a revelation. The hole that would change it all. The new 3rd hole of the Gunnamatta Course traverses the old 17th hole of the Ocean Course. It was a significant turning point in the project that transformed it from a mere refurbishment into a full scale remodelling MAY-JUNE 2020 7 REDEVELOPMENTS Course architect Tom Doak in his element - on site during final greens shaping and sign-off in September 2018 (left) and confirming the location of the new 16th green during his visit in January 2018 (above) THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE Course were slowly dwindling, which in turn In submitting his concept plan to the club, Designed by Peter Thomson, Michael was putting pressure on the other two courses. Doak made the following comments: “The site Wolveridge and Ross Perrett (TWP), the Ocean As a result, it was becoming apparent that a for the Ocean Course is brilliantly suited for a Course was opened in 2000 alongside the testing championship style golf course was no golf course and is both dramatic and severe. Greg Norman-designed Moonah Course. The longer suiting the membership. It provides the sort of character that golfers two new courses thrust The National into the Although totally subjective, the Ocean adore - windy, linksy conditions that test the spotlight, joining their fabulously quirky sibling Course had also never reached any great player while also providing an exhilarating - the Old Course, designed by Robert Trent heights in the biennial course rankings. It experience. However, in my opinion the current Jones - in offering members three world-class lagged behind the Moonah and Old courses, design of the course seems to be trying to layouts. which perennially ranked inside the top 15, create ‘something for everyone’ and the end For nearly two decades the Ocean Course dropping as low as 50 in 2018. As such, it was result is it never quite got anyone on its side. I had served The National well. True to the TWP felt the Ocean Course wasn’t representing think it is very realistic to make changes to the model, it was a strong championship course, The National ‘brand’ and in addition to a current layout so it is more interesting and fun one that was brutal in the plentiful winds of member survey conducted in April 2016 which to play. To do so, all you really need to do is the peninsula. Many of the sloping greens highlighted many of the above issues, it built a decide the course is there for the enjoyment complexes were raised and had huge false case for the Board to take action. of the members, and making a difficult test of fronts which demanded pinpoint accuracy Ultimately the goal was to lift the status of golf for low-handicappers is not the objective with approach shots. While it was a true test of the Ocean Course to be more in line with the of design”. skill for the lower handicapper, for the higher Old and Moonah courses. The club wanted handicapper it could be a grind. a members course that was enjoyable and CHANGING TACK Although a links style course, the use of fun to play, was playable in the wind and also The original brief wasn’t to totally reconstruct couchgrass right up to the greens made it provided enough strategy to challenge the the course, but during Doak’s initial site visit in difficult to play links style shots, and somewhat lower handicapper. They also wanted a course October 2016 all bets were quickly off. While ironically, even though it was called the Ocean that celebrated and took advantage of the the 1st and 2nd holes followed the original Course, the only time you saw the dramatic site’s wonderful topography and vistas. The Ocean Course routing, albeit with significant vista of the peninsula and Bass Strait was from club approached two architect firms - RGD changes in greens locations, design and atop the 1 st tee. (Doak) and TP Golf (Ross Perrett) - both bunkering, it was the 3rd hole where the Over the years the club had noticed the coming back with significant reworkings, but it project went from a mere refurbishment to a number of member rounds on the Ocean was Doak’s vision which resonated the most. full scale remodel. The spectacular new par three 16th hole with Bass Strait as its stunning backdrop 8 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT Brian Schneider would cover a remarkable 1800km in an elevated section of fairway which provides a this D5 dozer shaping Gunnamatta’s new greens far better view into the green. The original 10th green also didn’t survive The old 3rd on the Ocean Course was the concept plan. Despite being stripped and a non-descript, slightly uphill par three that rough shaped, on Doak’s final visit to sign off played back inland. It wasn’t a favourite of the the greens, he moved it 100m to the left, the members or Doak for that matter. Instead, his surround marrying in with that of the adjacent proposed 3rd changed tack, sweeping down 8th green just 50m further to the left. Such and across the old par five 17th hole to a flexibility throughout the project was critical at fantastic new green site carved out of a sand all times. dune. It was at that point RGD was essentially given carte blanche by the club and Doak TESTING TIMEFRAMES didn’t disappoint. off the black tees) over a valley and the 12th a While Doak and RGD were afforded the luxury Significantly, three of the new holes - 5, downhill par four to a long narrow green which of some fluidity and freedom to come up with 16 (both par threes) and 17 (a short par four) measures 45m front to back and just 14m at its the best possible design, for the crew on the - now play towards the ocean, the 16th green widest and 10m at its narrowest. ground there was little leeway. Once Doak’s having nothing but Bass Strait and the horizon Somewhat controversially, Doak had also concept plan had been approved in June as a backdrop (see photo bottom opposite mooted back-to-back par threes on 15 and 16. 2017, he and Schneider returned for a day in page). Many of the new greens are located The 16th was always going to be a long par mid-January 2018 to finalise green sites and in valleys, are smaller in size and punchbowl three and 15 solved the problem of how to get shapes. style, with massive undulating fescue there. In the end 15 was turned into arguably In between that time, Yanner and Gordon surrounds feeding shots into them. Fairway one of the best holes on the course. Located (who had arrived at The National the previous widths are generous, while the bunkering where the old Ocean 9th once was, it is now October after nearly 8.5 years as arenas is rustic and rugged, far removed from the an uphill short par four (some 300m off the manager at the MCG) had started spraying manufactured and manicured appearance of back tees) with a fairway that, at its widest, out, cutting down and burning off some of the previous hazards. measures 130m across. You have the option the new green and fairway sites. When Doak On the initial concept plan, Doak had of either playing straight off the tee to leave arrived, he walked the site and gave notes holes 11 and 12 as a par four followed by a yourself with a challenging uphill approach on the fly to Schneider about shapes and par three. He ended up flipping them around, where only the flagstick is visible, or you can levels. There were no formal plans, no fancy the 11th turning into a long par three (206m drive blind over a hill to the right and land on renderings or 3D CAD modelling to refer to; OUT-FRONT GROUNDSMASTER® 3000 SERIES PERFORMANCE From hardscape to FROM landscape to mowing, START Toro® has you covered with a H "TO full range of solutions for the i EIKIICU jobs you need to do. The new Groundsmaster 3000 Series delivers unparalleled productivity. Featuring a powerful 27.5 kW or 18.4 kW Yanmar® engine, CrossTrax® TORO. all-wheel drive and legendary Groundsmaster decks that deliver an exceptional quality of cut. From the fully adjustable suspension seat and steering column, fingertip engine controls and optional all-season cab, this new mower is designed for all-day comfort. Routine maintenance is also easy with the innovative tilt-up deck design. Productivity, comfort, reliability. That’s the all-new Groundsmaster 3000. Explore the full line of Toro products for grounds professionals at www.toro.com.au or contact your local Toro Representative to learn more. ©2019 The Toro Company. All rights reserved. 1300 867 628 I www.toro.com.au ■f /toroaus /toroaus (O>) /toroaus YOU Tufcfi /toroaustralia TORO MAY-JUNE 2020 9 REDEVELOPMENTS Integral to the new course design are four hectares of undulating fescue surrounds, a mix of Shoreline and Barcrown II slender creeping red fescues. Pictured is the par four 12th green complex, the green measuring 45m front to back and just 14m at its widest this was golf design at its most organic and by Needing greater flexibility to irrigate during one of them ending up running underneath the the day’s end most greens had been mapped the construction and grow-in of Gunnamatta, 12th green which was among the last to be out, with only holes 11, 12, 15 and the tees on the two courses had to be separated. To shaped. 13 undecided upon. do that A&M isolated the existing system, In some areas, temporary wire lines Following that visit, Yanner and his team switching it across to solely operate the had to be run, while for a five-week period continued to prep the site in readiness for the Moonah Course, while a separate dam foot a generator ran 24-hours a day to power a Ocean Course’s eventual closure in July, which valve, new pump set, pipework and irrigation Smart-Hub to ensure water could get to the would signal the start of an intensive 10-month components were installed across the new newly constructed areas. Fortunately A&M construction and grow-in phase. course. Incidentally, Gunnamatta is the first had worked with RGD before and knew their Prior to the closure, in May, A&M Watering course in Australia to use Toro’s new Lynx requirements and by the project’s end had arrived on site to begin what would be one of Smart-Hub set-up. installed 35km of irrigation pipe work and 1250 the fiddlier aspects of the project. Some 20 At the same time, A&M started the sprinklers. years earlier, Brendan Graham and his team challenging task of getting pipe out onto all In tandem with the irrigation work, as had been responsible for installing an irrigation parts of the course. One of the difficult aspects soon as the course was closed in July, Maw system that serviced both the Moonah and of the construction phase was the need to Civil came in to strip the new greens sites and Ocean courses. Both courses shared pumps, have all green sites completed first so that they remove the features of the old course (greens mainlines and control systems and two could be signed off by Doak upon his return in complexes, tees and bunkers). Yanner admits decades on A&M found themselves having to mid-September. That meant running mainlines that this was perhaps the biggest aspect of deconstruct their handiwork. through areas that hadn’t been shaped yet, the project that was underestimated during The new Gunnamatta Course is all about width and angles into brilliant greens surrounded by fescue that emphasises the ground game. Pictured is the reworked 2nd 10 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22,3 The new Gunnamatta greens are a 50/50 blend of A1 and Pure Distinction, the latter’s improved density and lateral growth making it a perfect combination planning and took far longer and greater ALL IN THE MIX rather than being hydroseeded over the top. resources to achieve. During his 13 years as course manager at The With a large area to seed, Gordon came up By the time the RGD shaping team - led National, Yanner has always been meticulous with an ingenious method which harked back by Schneider and comprising Henderson in his planning and researching of new turf a little to his days oversowing the MCG. (semi bulk out/rough shaping) and Clyde varieties and it was again the case for the new “We had to do a lot of large areas quickly, Johnson (bunkers) - had arrived in mid­ Gunnamatta surfaces. The existing Ocean so I knew a SpeedSeeder was the tool to August, six greens - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 - had Course greens were Penn A1, a variety which use, but I just had to figure out how,” explains been stripped back to dirt and mainlines had always produced exceptional surfaces on Gordon. “While the spacings of the spiked installed. To the credit of the on-ground crew, the Peninsula. It was always going to be in the rings on the seeder are great for oversowing RGD discovered they had a far better site to mix for the new greens, but with the arrival of on established turf, on bare ground they work with. Pure Distinction onto the market, and having collected soil between them and became Working huge hours over the next couple seen its success at Peninsula-Kingswood, clogged. If I could get the spikes farther apart of months, by mid-November 90 per cent of all Yanner saw an opportunity. the soil wouldn’t stick, so I found some 150mm shaping had been completed. Doak returned Essentially from the same parentage as pressure pipe that I thought would be strong in mid-September 2018 to sign off the final A1 but a newer generation, Pure Distinction’s enough and cut something like 90 25mm-thick greens and confirm the design of the last improved density and lateral growth piqued rings. We replaced every second spiked ring three holes, while Schneider was back for two Yanner’s interest. Twelve months out from with a PVC spacer and the result was a seeder weeks just before Christmas to complete the construction he seeded trial plots of both that could be used on the bare sandy soil finishing touches in preparation for seeding, varieties, as monostands, as well as a 50/50 regardless of its moisture content. turfing and a summer grow-in. The National mix of the two. As Yanner explains, as the trial “After Glen (McLeod, assistant crew member Travis Best also played a critical progressed his eye was constantly drawn to superintendent) had carefully mixed the seed role in assisting the RGD team with the finished the blended plot every time he saw it. It looked and calculated the seeding rates, we put the surfaces, his skills with the skid steer proving finer, denser and it when it came time to make seeder across the surrounds in two directions. invaluable. the call, the blend got the nod. This gave us the critical seed-soil contact “It was quite incredible how quickly it all The four hectares of fescue surrounds, an and left a nice dimpled, fluffy surface which came together,” reflects Yanner. “Watching the integral component of how the new course was then hydroseeded with straight paper greens sites come to life was fascinating and plays, were also a blend. A 50/50 mix of mulch and fertiliser over the top. The end the remarkable thing was Brian did them all Shoreline and Barcrown II slender creeping result was a surface that was able to cope with a D5 dozer. You could sit and watch him red fescues was selected, their tight, compact with all the regular irrigation and occasional all day. It was amazing what he could do with nature and greater tolerance to herbicide being heavy downpour, with the mulch acting as a that machine. The skill and the speed at which of paramount importance. growth blanket. The size and quality of cover he could operate it, even when moving just the To get the desired quality and playability we achieved on these broad areas in only one smallest amounts, was so impressive.” with the surrounds, some clever innovations growing season has really been impressive.” In one of the more remarkable construction were put into practice when it came to seeding By contrast, the greens were hydroseeded statistics from the project, the GPS tracker on the fescue. Over many years of establishing conventionally (by Turf Renovation Australia), Schneider’s dozer clocked nearly 1800km. fescue nurseries for use on the Moonah albeit with one slight adjustment. With the That’s the equivalent of driving it from Course, Yanner had found they got far better Pure Distinction having a reputation for being Melbourne to Brisbane! results when the seed had good soil contact, aggressive at establishment, it was decided MAY-JUNE 2020 11 REDEVELOPMENTS not to add any amendments to the natural sand profiles. This gave greater control over growth and the ability to prevent any potential thatch development by only applying post- emergent fertilisers as needed, along with regular and heavy sand topdressings. Due to the tight construction timeframes, all new fairway areas and tees on the Gunnamatta Course were solid turfed. In addition to the construction of a 1 ha Wintergreen nursery (for tees) and some balance of turf purchased from Sydney, the rest was harvested from the existing Ocean The recent COVID-19 course closure enabled The National crew to heavily topdress the new Gunnamatta fairways. Course fairways. Charged with that mammoth Pictured is the uphill par four 15th task of cutting, lifting, stacking and re-laying was Richard Obee and his team from Now open for more than 12 months, it is the ultimate vindication of the club’s bold Lawnlayer Victoria. the course has continued to grow in stature. move to push ahead with the redevelopment. It was initially estimated that nine hectares Again, the numbers don’t lie and just as they For Yanner, it is the ultimate reward and of sod would need to be harvested and re-laid, had signalled the demise of the Ocean Course, compliment for all those intimately involved in but after starting with the first sod on the 6th they are now proving beyond a doubt that the the project. fairway in September 2018 and finishing with Gunnamatta layout is a firm favourite, not only “The club has got what it wanted, and the last piece on the 1st Black tee five months among the members but industry pundits as probably more,” concludes Yanner. “It has later, all up Obee’s team laid an incredible total well. Last summer it recorded the most rounds brought a lot of interest and excitement of 15 hectares. Such effort typified the lengths of any of The National’s four courses, while back into the club and has provided a lot of that all involved in the project went to deliver in Golf Australia magazine’s Top-100 Courses exposure. It’s the sort of course that you just the finished product. for 2020 rankings list, Gunnamatta debuted at want to come back and play. Visually it is so No. 10, usurping Moonah’s mantle (by three much more memorable and has some very RAVE REVIEWS spots) as the club’s highest rated course. unique holes that test all levels of ability. It was indeed a halcyon day for the club when, Melbourne-based rankings panellist Matt “The golf course is still very raw at the on 28 April 2019, the new Gunnamatta Course Mollica noted in the judges’ comments that moment and there is still a lot of work to opened for member play. Gordon had the RGD’s reworking was a “revelation” and do out there with the fairways, roughs and honour of setting the pins that day and as he that “arguably The National’s best land for the landscape areas. But the greens and was finishing up on the 17th green he looked golf is now home to its best course.” Fellow surrounds are providing fantastic surfaces across to see the first group putting out on the judge Brian Walshe was also effusive: “The and have come through the first 12 months 1st. Made up of the club chairman, captain and National asked Tom Doak to build a course exceptionally well. two directors, they all cheered and applauded the members would find both playable and “Every project is different, but to see the Gordon as they made their way off the green. fun and he and his associate, Brian Schneider, Gunnamatta Course going from a concept “It just gave me a real sense of satisfaction, have delivered a modern take on ‘Golden through to the finished product has been that everything we had done over the past Age’ architecture. Gunnamatta is about width fascinating. Everyone worked so well together 10 months had finally come to fruition and to and angles into brilliant greens surrounded by and that’s why the project was such a success. see how well it had come together,” reflects fescue that emphasises the ground game... Everyone can feel very proud of what they Gordon. “We didn’t switch off for 10 months. Gunnamatta is about as much fun as you can have achieved and the part they played. All the hours that everyone put in, it was just have on a golf course.” Hopefully we’ve created something that is great to see it finally in play and how happy the With the membership voting with their feet going to be here and enjoyed for a very long members were to be back out there.” and the positive feedback across the industry, time.”^ From the 1st to the 18th (pictured), the new Gunnamatta Course is immensely enjoyable for all levels of ability, while also providing enough strategy and guile to challenge the single markers 12 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT KUBOTA nnonnccc DEMO MODEL CLEARANCE SALE- ON NOW SNAP UP AN UNBELIEVABLE DEAL ON ONE OF OUR BARONESS EX DEMO MODELS. GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY. THESE UNITS ARE PRICED TO SELL FAST! LM2400 LIGHT WEIGHT FAIRWAY MOWER Hydraulic drive 26" Baroness reel and bedknife cutting system On board backlapping feature Powered by a Kubota 3 cylinder, 34 HP engine 4 wheel drive WAS DEMO SALE PRICE $61,050 R.R.P INC. GST *29,900 INC. GST 4x UNITS AVAILABLE WITH HOURS RANGING FROM 6 - 85 HOURS Available demo models also include: LM2700 SP05A LM56 MID-WEIGHT FAIRWAY MOWER BUNKER RAKE WALK BEHIND MOWER FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT: Trent Saunders on 0437 814 392 o FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: For Earth, For Life or baroness@kubota.com.au facebook.com/baronessaustralia Kubota COURSES The Middle East has seen some significant golf facilities developed over the years, but none quite compare to Education City Golf Club in Qatar. A masterclass in profile design, all playing surfaces - greens, tees, fairways and roughs - have been constructed to USGA specifications. To say it is one of world golf’s most unique creations is an understatement and for ex-pat Queenslander Andrew Ikstrums it has provided a career opportunity few greenkeepers will ever experience. 14 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 pening in January 2019, Education the growth of golf in Qatar, while honouring of the golf course - greens to rough - being City Golf Club (ECGC) became just built to USGA specifications. Considering O Qatar Foundation’s values of education, the second golf course in Qatar. innovation, sustainability and research and the ambitious vision of creating a world class The facility consists of 33 holes - development. Not only does ECGC offer a sporting facility and the high standards set two Championship courses (one unique experience, but it has a memorable in construction, it goes without saying that backdrop too, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup 18-hole and one six-hole) as well as a floodlit the golf course maintenance had to be up to nine-hole par three course - all of which were stadium only a couple hundred metres from scratch as well. designed by Spaniard professional Jose Maria the 18th tee. Tasked with the responsibility of Olazabal. Qatar does not do things by halves and overseeing this facility is superintendent Darren The vision of the project was to design, this could not be truer for ECGC. The complex Smith who arrived in 2013 when the place was build and operate a golf facility that would drive covers 120 hectares, with all the green areas still a desert landscape. Darren advised on the MAY-JUNE 2020 15 COURSES Far left: Andrew Ikstrums (holding trophy) was appointed ECGC deputy superintendent in 2018. He is pictured at the 2020 Qatar Masters with superintendent Darren Smith (left), Aussie tournament volunteer Ryan Murphy and European Tour agronomist Graeme MacNiven. Left: The ECGC crew now and as a result getting products into the country is very difficult. We now get the majority of our products from Australia, which take up to eight weeks to arrive. Before placing any orders, everything needs to go through a pre-approval process, as per government legislation. Just because something was construction of the courses before heading up and by the week’s end I had the job! It was approved before does not mean it will be the agronomy team. I was appointed as deputy certainly a bit of a rush, but on reflection I approved next time, meaning there is nothing superintendent in early 2018, arriving as the know I made the right decision. as simple as a repeat order. construction phase was almost complete. To say moving to Qatar was a culture My responsibilities centred around shock would be a serious understatement. CONSTRUCTION EXTREMES maintenance, taking the course from the Coming from the ‘bush’, I don’t think anyone The development of ECGC was part of Qatar’s grow-in stage to a fully operational club in saw me ending up in the desert! One of the 2030 vision in developing a sustainable championship condition. Initially my main biggest changes (and I’m still getting my head tourism market and providing world-class priorities included training the team (of 45), around it) would be the different working week sporting venues. Construction officially started taking them from their minimal experience to which runs from Saturday to Thursday. Friday in 2013 with the excavation of the lakes becoming fully competent greenkeepers, as is a day of prayer for the locals and a day of which was followed by rough shaping and well as being heavily involved in developing play for the ex-pats... the construction of the pump station in 2014. property level policies, such as a maintenance Being here for two summers now I don’t The back nine of the Championship Course manual and all agronomy plans. think I’ll ever get used to the scorching was completed first, with the 14th hole being temperatures; when it’s over 40°C by 5am you grassed first in early 2015 and the rest of the FROM BUSH TO DESERT know it’s going to be a long day! Qatar has a holes being grassed throughout that year. Despite only being 26, I feel I’ve been in the very diverse population, with ex-pats making By the end of 2016 both the front nine and turf industry a long time. My interest in grass up over 80 per cent, meaning you are exposed the par three course were grassed. 2017 saw came as a result of wanting to jump on the to a multitude of nationalities. The team at construction start on the clubhouse, driving old man’s 42” John Deere and start cutting... ECGC is made up of 20 different nationalities. range building and Centre of Excellence, as he would put the mower in gear and off I This has definitely been a learning experience, well as the testing and commissioning of the went! Growing up on a large property in Baffle not only having to learn about local customs par three course floodlights. Creek, an hour north of Bundaberg, there and norms but also the variety of different When I arrived in 2018 the final holes were was always plenty of grass to cut. Behind cultures around you. being shaped and grassed on the six-hole the caravan park there was a small nine-hole One of the biggest challenges of working course, but by October all the grass areas of golf course where I would spend most of my in Qatar is the impact of a current blockade the facility were grown-in and handed over and afternoons and weekends either playing or between it and the other Gulf Nations. Not we were ready for golfers. The handover of cutting fairways. I quickly realised that high only does this prevent any regional weekend the golf courses aligned with the handover of school wasn’t for me, but luckily Bundaberg getaways, but more importantly it has a direct the buildings, allowing the club to open on 1 Golf Club was advertising for an apprentice impact on our supply chain of products for January 2019. Despite the construction of the greenkeeper and I couldn’t get my CV in quick the golf course. Prior to the blockade, which golf courses being completed over a five-and- enough! came into force in 2017, fertility products, sand a-half-year period, they only broke ground on In 2009 I started my apprenticeship under and pesticides were freighted by truck from the permanent maintenance facility in April this then superintendent Sean Stuchbery and I will surrounding countries. This is not possible year! forever be indebted to him and the club for giving me my first break. After completing my apprenticeship, in late 2012 I headed to the Gold Coast to work at Emerald Lakes, before heading across to The Glades Golf Club 12 months later where I rose up the ranks to be assistant. Working there under superintendent Glenn Gibson-Smith helped me immensely, with his enthusiasm, structure and planning allowing me to further refine my skills. It was early 2018 when I received a phone call out of the blue from an unknown Qatari number. It was Darren seeing if I would be interested in becoming the deputy superintendent at ECGC. Despite not knowing where Qatar was, I said ‘Of course, what an opportunity!’ I sent my CV in straight away Education City CG is wall-to-wall Platinum TE paspalum 16 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT Anthracnose Ectotrophic Root (Colletotrichum graminicola), DISEASE Infecting Fungi (ERI) [Autumn strategy] Brown Patch Spring Dead Spot (Rhizoctonia solani), SUCCESS (Ophiosphaerella narmari), Dollar Spot (Sclerotinia Take-all Patch homoeocarpe), (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae) Helminthosporium Disease (Bipolaris spp, Ectotrophic Root Drechslera spp, Infecting Fungi (ERI) Exserohilum spp), [Spring and Summer strategy] Pythium Leaf Blight, Pythium Root Rot, Couchgrass Decline Seedling Damping Off (Gaeumannomyces (Pythium spp), graminis var. graminis), Fusarium (Fusarium nivale, Take-all Patch Microdochium nivale), (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae) OFF MAX Take-All Patch (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae), Ready to amp up disease control ? This year, turn up the dial on disease control and turf quality with Impala Fungicide. Backed by preventative protection and curative results. Plus a new active ingredient for the Australian turf market. Broad spectrum control of over 10 major turf diseases. Active Constituents: 96 g/L Azoxystrobin APVMA Product No.: 80146 Impala TURF "Innovative & Professional Turf Products" www.turfculture.com.au Fungicide culture COURSES All playing surfaces at Education City were constructed to USGA specification. For the fairway and rough areas on the 18-hole Championship course alone, 60,000 tonnes of drainage aggregate was used along with 156,000 tonnes of dune sand for the rootzone mix profile was modified slightly for mounded areas and the driving range target greens which consisted of the same drainage layer but a 200mm ‘bottom rootzone’ and 200mm ‘top rootzone’, the latter of which was ameliorated with 10% organic compost. Although not here myself, I know Darren The project was designed to be ‘cut and system and maximising the retention of water found the installation a fascinating process. fill neutral’, with all the shaping material for in the property. Despite the expansive area the USGA the project coming from within Education City. As I arrived after the majority of the profile needed to cover, there were no major The site was initially completely flat, with the fill construction was completed, I cannot provide challenges with the installation. In fact, the coming from the excavation of lakes and the exact details on all quantities of construction consistency across all turfed areas made it World Cup stadium site next door. materials. What I do know is that the fairway easier as they did not need to worry about As mentioned, one of the unique aspects and rough areas on the 18-hole Championship different profile mixes, with only the greens and of ECGC is the fact that all playing surfaces course (34 hectares) required 60,000 tonnes of tees requiring a different type of sand (silica across all courses are constructed on a USGA slag aggregate for the drainage layer alone... sand). profile. The rationale behind this was to align that’s about 1500 trucks of gravel! For the The profile has benefited us greatly with Qatar Foundation’s values of research same area, 156,000 tonnes of dune sand was when it comes to managing the turf. Having and development and sustainability. The USGA used for the rootzone mix... another 4000 these profiles makes flushing out salts and profile acts as a perched water table, resulting trucks! And this accounts for only half the bicarbonates a whole lot easier, which is in a water consumption saving of 20 per cent. grassed areas! The profiles consist of; essential considering the poor quality of our Also, it further supported the goal of providing • Putting greens and tees: 150mm water. We also face minimal issues when it a world-class sporting facility, as it allows for a drainage aggregate (2-6mm modified slag comes to water retention and drainage. The superior growing medium. gravel); 300mm rootzone mix consisting gravel layer acts as a drainage channel for The concept was to create consistent of an 80 per cent USGA-spec silica water to flow, meaning we have no drainage playing surfaces all year round and I’m fairly sand ameliorated with 5% greens grade lines. Our catch basins are located on the confident in saying that we are one of the only profile and 15% organic compost. An low points of fairways, with the drainage facilities in the world that has a USGA profile impermeable liner was installed around the pipes running directly to the lakes and wadi below all grass surfaces. With the subgrade perimeters of the rootzone material (down (ephemeral) areas. material being Subka limestone, they felt the to the bottom of the gravel layer) on all Even though the profile does make our rootzone needed to be separated from it with greens and tees. lives a lot easier, it is important not to get too a layer of gravel to allow for consistent water • Fairway, semi-rough and rough: 100mm complacent. As a team we constantly review percolation and drainage. Installing a USGA drainage aggregate (2-6mm modified our maintenance and cultural practices to profile across the whole site gave complete slag gravel); 250mm ‘bottom rootzone’ ensure we are getting the most out of the control of where the drainage fed back to, comprising of a dune sand; 150mm ‘top plant. Often this requires experimenting a meaning they could ensure that all water rootzone’ comprising a mix of a dune sand little to make sure we are providing the best drained back into the lakes, creating a closed ameliorated with 5% organic compost. This surfaces possible. Tubes showing the contrast between the greens and tees profiles (left) and fairway/rough profiles (right) The par three nine-hole course is floodlit for night golf so as to beat the extreme day-time heat 18 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 Yes, it can rain in Qatar! Although annual average rainfall is just 75mm, in October 2018 ECGC copped a dump of 178mm in a 24-hour period, causing widespread damage The finished golf courses specifications For instance, we only had to apply 134kg of treatment plant. Bicarbonates and dissolved are: active N per hectare across our greens over salt levels are quite high and was one of the • 18-hole Championship course: Par 72, the past 12 months, compared to 352kg of major reasons for selecting Platinum TE due 7306 yards. Longest hole measures 593 active potassium. Our agronomy programmes to its high salt tolerance. Our irrigation system yards from the Championship tees. It is are heavily reliant on Growing Degree Days comprises a Toro Lynx central control with a true test of golf, taking you through the (GDD) modelling, as this ensures the growth is Infinity sprinklers. The Flowtronex pump station desert and wadi terrain. regulated and consistent, minimising the stress has a flow capacity of 6300 gallons per minute • Six-hole Championship course: Par the plant is under. (close to 24,000 litres per minute). 23, 2136 yards. It offers the experience Being situated in a desert, Qatar Our water management plans are tailored of playing a beautifully manicured experiences minimal rainfall and high to match the challenging weather conditions. Championship course in less than 90 temperatures, making water management The continual use of the weather station, soil minutes. Each hole has seven tee box critical to the success of our playing surfaces. sensors and Pogo readings are essential locations and can play as easy or as The winters (if you can call them that) remain in providing accurate information about the challenging as you wish and supports a mild, with day-time temperatures in the early weather and evaporation levels each day, range of ability levels. 20s. However, in the summer the heat steps up which allows us to confidently and consistently • Nine-hole par three course: Par 27, 1258 a couple of gears with temperatures soaring provide the correct amount of irrigation each yards. Specially designed to allow golfers into the mid-40s. night. of all abilities to experience the fun of the On average, annual rainfall is 75mm, often The highest evapotranspiration (ET) I have game, day or night. coming at the change of seasons. In October seen so far is 14.89mm, however, our daily 2018 we received a ‘one-in-a-hundred-year’ summer ET average sits around 10mm. These PREMIUM SURFACES storm, recording 178mm of rain over a 24-hour levels, paired with the temperatures, result in The whole facility is wall-to-wall Platinum TE period, with 164mm of that falling in one hour. an average of 16 million litres of water being paspalum, with over half the property being All the roads flooded, motorway underpasses put out each evening. Even after a day of solid turfed (roughly 60ha) and the rest being filled with water and cars were floating down extreme heat and evaporation we are still able made up of desert landscape, lakes and the streets! At the golf course we had a couple to comfortably irrigate the whole facility twice natural wadi complexes. hundred trees uprooted, lightning strikes on in an evening. The reason behind two smaller The paspalum provides unparalleled the fairway and our pump station flooded. It cycles is to encourage greater water retention playing surfaces for multiple reasons. The took months to get the golf course back to by the plant and to minimise run off. growth is vertical which minimises grain and how it was, from repairing washed out desert One of the most critical parts of our annual the plant has a heavy wax load on the leaf areas to fixing bunkers. maintenance programme is the renovation sheaths which reduces dew retention. Its shiny, Considering 75mm is the average, it is of all our playing surfaces. Conducted every dark green colour allows sharp patterning, important we have a reliable water supply. June as summer commences, they ensure the creating a striking visual impact. We can keep All our irrigation water is treated sewage integrity of the USGA profile is maintained. Soil the aesthetics at a high level during winter as effluent (TSE) which comes from Doha’s south tests are done prior to renovations to give us a the paspalum maintains good colour in low light and cooler weather, although we do give it a helping hand with an application of fertiliser. To maintain the high playing standards and aesthetics, we cut greens at 3.25mm, tees and collars at 5mm, fairways at 10mm, semi-rough at 28mm and rough between 64mm-70mm. These heights are kept consistent across all courses, including the practice facilities. Nutrition management plays a key role in our programmes and when it comes to foliar applications ‘little and often’ is our philosophy, spoon-feeding the surfaces 10 days apart to promote consistent and healthy growth habits. Platinum TE has low fertility requirements, Education City GC hosted the European Tour’s Qatar Masters for the first time in March. Six days later it was in especially when it comes to nitrogen (N). lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic MAY-JUNE 2020 19 COURSES To maintain the high playing standards, cutting heights are kept consistent across all courses, including the practice facilities. Greens are cut at 3.25mm, tees and collars at 5mm and fairways at 10mm to re-pack all 91 bunkers faces due to a few reports of plugging during the practice rounds. This required a colossal amount of work and some very long hours for the boys. Thankfully our team, with the help of an additional 15 labour hire staff, managed to get the work completed before the Wednesday Pro-Am. Throughout the week the Tour’s agronomist Graeme MacNiven was in constant communication with us, picking up on any details that weren’t quite right. This required a great deal of adaptability and being able to react to any of their demands quickly was important. Again, this uncertainty about what detailed insight into the areas that require the especially when trying to gauge if the staff the week would throw at us emphasised why most attention and nutrition. Our greens and have understood what they have been tasked getting the basics right in the lead-up was so tees are treated the same, as they have the to do. I have found learning about their culture important. same profiles, with the fairways and roughs and norms fascinating, although I am yet to From the heights of hosting the Qatar getting a slightly different treatment. Our embrace eating curry for breakfast! Masters, just six days later the world came renovations comprise; With our goals centred around maintaining crashing down as we found ourselves having • Greens and tees (silica sand profiles): excellent playing standards, we run an to close the facility due to the COVID-19 5mm double vertical cut, 3mm double cut extensive fleet of equipment. We have over pandemic. After three months in lockdown, clean up and 19mm hollow core (1.5’ x 100 pieces of machinery in our fleet, with 35 on 12 June we were finally allowed to reopen 1.5’ spacings, 784 holes/m2). We aim to per cent being hybrid mowers. Just before I to members and the hope is that they will be remove 37 per cent of our greens and tee arrived, the club signed a deal to become the allowed to welcome guests back in from July, surfaces, with 3.4 tonnes of silica sand first Middle East club to be fully equipped with with the course opening up to the public after used per green (on average) to refill the John Deere machinery. that. core holes and level the playing surface. All crew and equipment were put to the It was great to be able to welcome the • Fairways (dune sand profile): -15mm ultimate test back in early March when we members back and since re-opening we have double vertical cut (using a Sisis Veemow), hosted the European Tour’s Qatar Masters seen a huge influx of new members - in one 8mm scalp double cut, blow and sweep for the first time. Having been held at Doha week alone we had 80 new members sign up! debris. 21mm hollow core (2’ x 2’ Golf Club since 1998, it was a big move to The club has had to adapt due to the change spacings), Core Buster drag mat and shift the tournament and coincided with the in operating environment and has been sweep debris before topdressing and drag club’s official grand opening. With neither offering short term memberships from one to finish. Darren nor I being involved in a tournament month deals to 12 months. One thing we can • Rough: -15mm double vertical cut (using of such magnitude before, our main focus learn from COVID-19 is the need to be flexible a Sisis Veemow), 32mm scalp off (using was on planning and preparation and getting and so far it seems to have been well received. rotary rough units), blow and sweep everything right in the lead-up. From a maintenance perspective, we debris. 1’ solid tine (2’ x 2’ spacings). My personal philosophy is that the golf were very fortunate we didn’t lose any of our This renovation procedure, alongside our course should be set up and presented in permanent staff. In saying that, we have had daily agronomic processes and programmes, tournament condition every day of the year, had some decent budget cuts and budgets have the ultimate goal of producing a healthier meaning there were no significant changes to re-forecast (as a whole the facility is looking at plant to minimise disease. Our major disease the agronomy team’s daily operations in the a 30 per cent cut for next year). comes in the form of brown patch (typically build-up to the tournament. With the European Moving into summer is never easy here around the change of seasons) and pythium Tour setting the green speeds, we just had to and the three-month lockdown created some blight occurring in the summer months. Both ensure the greens were primed to be cut lower, an additional challenges. Motivating staff was of these diseases can be controlled culturally going from our usual 3.25mm down to an difficult, especially as they were concerned with sand, aeration, thatch management and eventual tournament height of 2.75mm. about their families and their own health. soil moisture levels. Once the Tour arrived, our rolling practices As soon as the course closed we brought also increased, allowing stimp readings to get forward our renovations, but with the daily ULTIMATE TEST to 12.4 feet and moisture content readings team size being reduced, social distancing To maintain the golf course, Darren and I averaging 16-19 per cent throughout the enforced and the working hours shortened have an agronomy team of 45 ground staff, tournament. During the tournament we would (due to government regulations), the process including four foremen, an irrigation technician cut and roll greens in the morning (also took significantly longer. It was a worthwhile and a spray technician. The majority of the rolling the 5mm collars) and roll greens in the exercise, however, and the course has team are from Bangladesh, with the exception afternoon. The fairways were kept firm and bounced backed even better than before. Now of head foreman Sunil (Nepal) and foremen tight at 10mm and the rough lush at 70mm. with golfers back out we are looking forward to Arnel and Ronald (The Philippines). There are Despite thorough planning there were getting back to some normality and presenting definitely language barriers, but it has allowed always going to be unexpected challenges. this unique and fascinating golfing facility for me to explore new ways of communicating, On the Monday evening, the Tour asked us everyone to enjoy. 20 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT . A unique and flexible Stressgard fungicide for broad spectrum disease control II Unique SDHI active ingredient // Leaf-Cote formulation technology // Outstanding performance and user flexibility Visit es.bayer.com.au to download SDS, Label and Technical brochure ALWAYS USE ACCORDING TO PRODUCT LABEL Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., Environmental Science Australia, 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 ©2020 TOURNAMENTS /Is the most lucrative event on the annual PGA Tour, no expense is spared to ensure the playing surfaces at TPC Sawgrass are nothing short of perfect for The Players Championship perfection The Players Championship in early March became golf’s first high profile victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the PGA Tour cancelling the tournament after the opening round. For the four sports turf managers who were there as part of the ASTMA and John Deere sponsored TPC Volunteer Program, it was an experience they won’t likely forget. t happened fast - real fast. Midway John Deere organisation is our number one priority. We through the opening round of The Players GOLF tried to be as thoughtful and measured as I Championship (TPC) at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan called a press conference in response to the growing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous evening, while Monahan was attending the pre-tournament reception, on Thursday Monahan reaffirmed the Tour’s commitment to keep playing the event, albeit that fans would not be allowed to spectate for the remaining three rounds. By 9.30 that evening, however, the tournament was off. At his Friday morning press conference, possible during this dynamic and challenging time. We took all the steps within our control and felt comfortable proceeding. “I’m proud of the team. And I’m a fighter. I wanted to fight for our players and our fans and for this Tour to show how golf can unify and inspire. But as the situation continued the NBA made global headlines when it Monghan talked about the rapidly changing to escalate and there seemed to be more announced it would be pausing its 2019/2020 nature of events and the decision to cancel: unknowns, it became a matter of when, and season after Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert “We’re obviously incredibly disappointed to not if, we would need to call it a day.” tested positive for COVID-19. While other US suspend the PGA Tour’s season for our players The Players Championship is steeped in sporting competitions followed in the NBA’s and our fans. I’ve said all along, the health history and has been a marquee fixture on footsteps, at that midday press conference and safety of everyone associated with this the PGA Tour since the mid-1970s when Jack 22 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT year were three Australian superintendents and a Kiwi counterpart who were chosen as part of the inaugural TPC Volunteer Program run by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association in conjunction with Silver Partner John Deere. Luke Helm (Meadowbrook GC, Qld), Tim Hoskinson (CSTM, Cairns Golf Club, Qld), Tony Gordon (The National GC, Vic) and George Flynn (Pukekohe GC, NZ) went through a rigorous application process before being selected last November, arriving at TPC Sawgrass on 6 March, the Friday before the tournament teed off. Assisting with course preparations up until the first round, unfortunately they too became victims of the pandemic and the tournament’s cancellation. Within 24 hours of finishing their set-up tasks ahead of Thursday’s opening round, through the swift coordination of John Deere they found themselves on a plane back home. Once back, they were forced to go into self-isolation for 14 days as both countries had started imposing restrictions on returning travellers. “It was kind of surreal as it all happened so quickly,” reflects Hoskinson, superintendent at Cairns GC since 2017. ‘Just before I left our irrigation technician Karl asked me whether I had any concerns about COVID-19. It was early March and at that time I didn’t. However, just seven days into the trip places were shutting down, travel was being suspended and countries were going into lockdown. “Within that 12-hour period on the Thursday, it went from being a possibility of no spectators for the weekend, to a complete ban on spectating and staff being told even they weren’t allowed to spectate, to the whole event being cancelled! It was devastating for everyone when we heard the news. As volunteers we were gutted, but you really felt for the crew at TPC Sawgrass as they had been working their tails off for months leading into the event. I really take my hat off to John Deere who looked after us and got everything sorted so that we could come home to our families quickly and safely.” Nicklaus collected the inaugural title at Atlanta charitable donations are made to the local NOT A BLADE OUT OF PLACE Country Club. The tournament moved to north community and organisations as a result Despite the abrupt end, the Down Under east Florida in 1982, the Stadium Course of the tournament, while for the golf course quartet garnered plenty from their trip. Due specifically designed by course architect Pete management profession it brings together to the stature of the tournament, course Dye with the purpose of challenging the Tour’s volunteers from across the world eager to presentation is of paramount importance and best. Sadly, in the lead-up to this year’s event, experience tournament preparations at the elite the lengths that Plotts and his team go to Dye passed away at the age of 94. level. achieve that is something to behold. In the years since arriving at Sawgrass, For the 2020 event, a total of 90 volunteers Up until 2018, the tournament was the tournament has grown in stature to had arrived at TPC Sawgrass the weekend traditionally held in early/mid-May, but with a become the Tour’s biggest event, boasting before the tournament, complementing the change of scheduling the PGA switched it to a $15 million prize purse. It attracts one of already 110-strong crew overseen by director early/mid-March for the past two seasons. The the strongest fields in golf and with a fan­ of golf course operations Jeff Plotts, his change made logistical sense as it became the friendly course, boasting its famed 17th island assistant Lucas Andrews and superintendents third of a four-tournament Florida swing and green, it has come to be regarded as golf’s Kyle Elliott (Stadium Course) and Shannon now provides a perfect lead-in to the Masters unofficial ‘fifth Major’. Millions of dollars in Wheeler (Valley Course). Among them this held in early April. MAY-JUNE 2020 23 TOURNAMENTS • In the lead-up to the tournament, over the course of four days a contracted crew of 100 is brought in to place $US600,000 in pine straw outside the rough areas to achieve a look similar to Augusta National. • An illustration of how far things can be taken with a tournament crew of 200 - one person was assigned each morning to ‘roll pro walks’. Using a meter-wide sponge roller on the end of a rake handle, a crew member would clear the dew formed on the short cut strip of grass from the tee to the fairways, so the players’ shoes wouldn’t get too wet in the morning! ATM asked the four TPC Volunteer Program members to pen a few thoughts on their time in Florida and what they took out of their trip. Despite not getting the full experience due to the extraordinary circumstances, all agree that the trip was well worth it and provided plenty of memorable moments. What follows is a snapshot of some of their TPC Volunteer Program members (from left) Tony Gordon, George Flynn (seated), Luke Helm and Tim Hoskinson highlights... That two-month forward shift meant a big out of place. With a 200-strong tournament change for the course and the crew with the crew on deck, some of the maintenance LUKE HELM tournament now played on oversown surfaces. practices include; Meadowbrook GC, Qld At the end of October the course is closed • The overseeded rough is cut at 65mm “Even though the trip was cut short due to and contractors are brought in to oversow the with 40 walk-behind rotary mowers rather COVID-19, I got a tremendous amount out of facility wall-to-wall at a cost of about $US2.4 than large rough cutting units to avoid the experience. The very first morning on the million. The Celebration couchgrass fairways, heavy wheel marks and stand up the grass course I was thrown in the deep end when I tees and roughs are oversown with an 80/20 blades. was told I’d be walk-mowing greens. My first blend of ryegrass and fescue, while the • Greens are cut at 2.5mm and tees/fairways green to mow was the main putting green TifEagle couchgrass greens are oversown with at 7.6mm. Greens, tees and fairways where I had Jeff, both course superintendents, a blend of Poa trivialis and velvet bentgrass. were cut morning and night each day, the four assistants and two PGA Tour officials The seed is sown in the fairways and flat greens usually receiving a double cut and watching me. Talk about pressure! areas of rough by a tractor-driven air injection roll in the morning. Each green has the Adding to the challenge was there was machine, while staff seed all remaining slopes, PrecisionAir system installed. no dew that morning and it was almost bunkers and greens by hand with push • To get the level of perfection with the impossible to see the mowing line, but once spreaders. Stadium Course’s 88 steep, grass-faced I had that dialled in I never took my eyes off The TPC Sawgrass agronomy team and bunkers, 50 man-hours are dedicated daily it! It was some introduction to the US PGA the PGA Tour view this event as their ‘gold to preparing them - raking, fly-mowing - Tour and I don’t think I’ve ever had a level of standard’ and no stone is left unturned to during tournament week. Some bunkers concentration like that in my life! To mow the get the facility ready. From the first-class range in size from just a rake-width across huge putting green took an hour, but thankfully maintenance facility to the meticulous to others which stretch more than 250m in I passed the test and was on to the course to pampering of the overseeded turf, nothing is length (see photo bottom opposite page). mow more greens. On the greens we measured our clip, averaging around four gallons per green at the start of the week and getting down to around two gallons by tournament time. Green speed was fast, stimping at 14 for the first round. We actually stopped mowing in the afternoon as they were getting too quick. The faith Jeff and his team put in us as turf professionals to just put us on their greens the week of the tournament was incredible and it was certainly a great sense of achievement. My afternoon jobs consisted of bunkers and hand-mowing rough. Yes, hand-mowing rough... it was truly unbelievable the lengths they went to get the course perfect! The level of professionalism was visible for all to see and they were so well organised. All machines were out and lined up ready to go for the morning set-up and any mechanical issue that 24 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT would arise was fixed in a matter of minutes as one of 10 mechanics would be following as you went about your course preparations. There was always a supervisor within 100 metres if you had any questions or concerns and once you had finished your designated task you would proceed back to the shed where you were greeted by a full-time employee at the wash down bay. His job was purely to keep the machines looking like new! Obviously everyone was very disappointed when the news came through that it was being called off. To do the prep all week and only get one round in was deflating. You could see the TPC staff were also extremely disappointed. John Deere reacted tremendously and had us on flights home the following day and a huge credit goes to Howard (Storey) and Kodi (Becket) for their professionalism and care. My impression of TPC Sawgrass was ‘perfection’. The course design is the best The design, size and quality of the brought on site to help them reclaim several I’ve experienced and you get the feeling you maintenance facility was first class - plenty of areas and stayed on after construction to help are somewhere very special. The greenside room for staging such a big event and good out also. It all ended, however, when one of the bunker design was something I was amenities for the crew. It reminded me of my goats ended up on the roof of the clubhouse! considerably impressed by due to its fantastic first visit to Royal Melbourne to see the new While many of their course maintenance look and fairly low maintenance levels. The sheds there. At first you are overwhelmed by practices undertaken at TPC Sawgrass are height definitions between greens, collars and the size, but after you calm down you can well beyond the reach of ordinary clubs, rough can totally change the visual aspect of reflect on the amount of thought that went into you can only but admire the standard they a golf course and is something I’d like to look the layout to maximise efficiency. It is simply achieve. One may argue that what they do is at next summer for Meadowbrook and think good design, with enough space and all the completely over the top, but this is meant to be outside the box a little.” tools and material handling equipment that the premier event for the PGA Tour and they really should be in every shed but are often cut are simply pursuing the best possible surfaces TONY GORDON back because of budget constraints. with the resources at their disposal. This is the The National GC, Vic From Jeff right down to the team leaders same reason that one cannot fault a Formula 1 “This was a great experience both personally and the Hispanic labourers, all the TPC car for not being fuel-efficient; both are meant and professionally. I was on a bunker crew Sawgrass staff were very open and happy to to push the boundaries of what is possible.” where our group of 10 prepared the front share any information that they could with us. nine bunkers each morning and trimmed and It was also interesting to have discussions TIM HOSKINSON (CSTM) groomed them in the evening. There are over with other course superintendents about their Cairns GC, Qld three hectares of bunkers on the Stadium struggles finding not only quality workers, but “TPC Sawgrass is unbelievable and it is difficult course and several of them over 250m long. any workers for that matter, and what they are to explain exactly how much effort goes into While not the most glamorous of jobs, being doing to attract them. achieving such a standard of maintenance. on the bunker crew did allow the freedom to I was even able to quiz one guy who had The detail work is incredible. Their budget is move around the course, take photos and been there from the day the course was carved almost open ended and there is not a blade of observe other tasks being executed without out of the swampland to try and verify or dispel grass out of place on course. being constrained to a mower. a couple of stories. He was able to confirm that The course is an absolutely brutal test of During this time I was able to quiz at one point during construction there were golf. The fairways are narrow and there are the full-time staff about the maintenance several places they just couldn’t get to easily to bunkers and water everywhere. The bunkering processes on the course. We also had the clear out and maintain the scrub. Goats were was definitely a strong feature with their steep opportunity to speak to several of the assistant superintendents and have brief conversations with Jeff and Lucas. From those I was able to bring back a number of observations that will assist with planning and organising some of our larger practices (e.g.: renovations) or special projects. As we have overseeded surfaces at The National, it was interesting to learn of their practices and methods and some of the machinery they use. TPC Sawgrass dedicates about 50 man-hours daily to preparing the Stadium course’s 88 grass faced bunkers during tournament week. Some range in size from a rake-width across to more than 250m long MAY-JUNE 2020 25 TOURNAMENTS grass faces and Pete Dye design. Having seen My tasks included what they referred to as the course on TV for many years, seeing the ‘detailing work’, not the most labour-intensive 17th island green first hand was special. task but it was vital to ensure everything was I was part of the bunker crew during my perfect for the tournament. This involved week there. The expectations were high and working directly with a senior TPC Sawgrass there were always supervisors following the crew member and ensuring everything was workers around checking on their work. Until in order after the team had been through. I we got it right there were a few times people really enjoyed these tasks as we were able to would get called back to fix things. see all the beauty unfold in all of the course I was lucky enough to meet quite a few maintenance sections as the team went about No shortage of staff or John Deere equipment people during my time at TPC and talk with a their duties. few supers from the UK and Europe. Everyone Jeff, Lucas and the whole leadership was super keen to get involved and it was team were great to work with. They went out great to get other people’s opinions on the of their way to ensure you felt welcome and course and hear about what they are doing provided any information that you required. I at home on their courses. I was also lucky gained some great contacts and friends from enough for one of the assistants to take me on throughout Australia, the US, the UK and all a tour of the Valley course one day and check around the world. out their office spaces and pump sheds. The thing which amazed me the most As well as having a good look at the was the machinery rolling out every morning, course and just being involved in the ready to complete their tasks for the day. tournament set-up, I really wanted to get an Upwards of 200 course agronomy personnel understanding of some of their fertiliser and on their way to prepare a golf course for The chemical programmes. While they weren’t Players Championship was really something willing to disclose full information, I did get spectacular. some idea of the products they used. I also Unfortunately, things ended rather wanted to check out their irrigation system Luke Helm scored the plum job of cutting greens strangely with the evolving COVID-19 situation and their new potable water upgrade which opportunity to experience, and appreciate what and it was reassuring to know that we had will allow them to just water greens which was goes on behind the scenes at a tournament of the support of John Deere to get us home as definitely impressive (and expensive).” this calibre. safely and as promptly as possible. Once I had The first morning of preparation we began arrived home, it was off to the bach (beach GEORGE FLYNN while in the dark, a sea of yellow and green house) for two weeks of self-isolation followed Pukekohe GC, NZ venturing out onto the golf course to set the by four more weeks of quarantine as New “TPC Sawgrass is a truly amazing piece of golf course up and dial in those ‘one percenters’. Zealand went into Level 4 lockdown. course architecture mixed with perfection. You Initially while we were in the dark I was Overall, I got to experience the setup of cannot fully appreciate this until you walk the struggling to gain my bearings, however, once one of the most pristine courses in the world. hallowed turf. I guess for me, I wanted to gain the sun came up and the golf course emerged, I cannot thank John Deere enough for the an understanding of what it was like to operate in among its perfection, it was one of those opportunity and would highly recommend it to on that level, a level at which very few get the ‘wow’ moments. anyone.^ The iconic 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass. Sadly, The Players Championships was called off after the opening round due to the escalating CO VID-19 pandemic 26 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 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 EXTENSIVE UNMATCHED R™ O T matonia। © IRRIGATION SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE SPECIALISTS FOUNDATIONS QUALITY Discover your winning formula at Living Turf 1300 556 116 | livingturf.com CERTIFICATION The new ASTMA Certification Program sets a quality benchmark for the sports turf management industry by formally recognising the skills of its professionals ne marK ot a proiessionai In May, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) launched a new industry certification programme which formally recognises the professionalism of sports turf managers and encourages the continual investment in education and development. ustralia’s sports turf managers Once prior learning requirements have are rightly regarded as among Certificate of been proven, the turf manager then undertakes A some of the best exponents of their profession in the world. From those who manage the famed golf courses on the Melbourne Sandbelt, the major stadiums and arenas which attract tens of thousands of fans every week, through to the multitude of regional sports facilities that Sports Twf Managers Attainment of Professional Accreditation as a Certified Sports lurt Manager Accreditation Joshua Leyland successfully completed an online assessment designed to assess their competence across a range of key agronomic areas. The assessment comprises 107 questions, testing knowledge in five categories; • Soil performance; • Soil calculations: are the lifeblood of community life, sports turf • Plant biology; managers play an integral role. Sports Turf Managers Certification • Disease and chemistry; and One of the main responsibilities of the awarded by Australian Sports Turf Managers Association on 15 June 2020 • Irrigation and water. Australian Sports Turf Managers Association Overall, a 70 per cent pass rate is (ASTMA) is to maintain and improve the required to attain certification. The online quality, recognition and professionalism of assessment can be stopped and started at the industry, in addition to promoting its any time and generally takes about 1.5 hours professionals and their role to the public. To to complete. Upon achieving the 70 per cent assist in this endeavour, in May it launched Mark Unwin - Chief Executive Officer pass rate, the turf manager is deemed to have Australian Sports Turf Managers Association the new ASTMA Certification Program. This attained certification and is sent a certificate Verity this certiBcate's initiative sets a quality benchmark for the authenttertyby vfeffing acknowledging that they are a Certified Sports iirteto.com/rertfy and sports turf management industry and helps to entering this code. Turf Manager. n6IQ-zZfu-NCGF formally recognise the skills of its professionals The ‘Certified Sports TurfManager’ designation is a and the role they play. mark of leading professional competence MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION Looking at the ASTMA’s overseas Once the CSTM designation has been partners (e.g,: GCSAA and BIGGA) as well ELIGIBILITY achieved, the process doesn’t end there. as similar industry peak bodies and their So how does a sports turf manager become At the programme’s core is the concept of respective certification programmes, it is ‘certified’ as part of the new ASTMA continual professional development which clear the impact that such schemes have. In Certification Program? To achieve certification is vital in order to keep vital skills up to date. all cases certification programmes not only and therefore be able to use the ‘CSTM’ To maintain professional certification the turf have a profound affect in terms of recognition designation, a turf manager must; manager must achieve a minimum of 25 of the industry, but also on the members • Be a member of the ASTMA. The Continual Professional Development (CPD) in lifting public awareness of their level of Certification Program is open to all points over a two year cycle. CPD refers to professionalism, education and value. membership types - Full, Standard, the process of tracking and documenting the With that in mind, over a number of Trade and International - but excludes skills, knowledge, training and experience months the ASTMA worked on tailoring a apprentices. that turf managers gain formally beyond their certification programme specific to the sports • Meet the ‘prior learning requirements’ initial training. The objective of CPD is to keep turf industry. What it has come up with is a recognised by the ASTMA and/or professional knowledge and skills current, robust scheme that not only recognises the attain eligibility requirements through develop and adapt careers and maintain vast skill set that a modern day turf manager is an appropriate level of employment or status as a CSTM. CPD points are a record required to possess, but also the importance professional industry experience; of what education or training turf managers of members investing in continuing education • Pay a one-off $195 certification assessment experience, learn and then apply as an active and their professional development. administration fee; and demonstration to their commitment as a Those who attain certification under • Complete and achieve a minimum of CSTM. the new programme will be entitled to use 70 per cent in the online certification CPD points can be obtained in four areas the Certified Sports Turf Manager (CSTM) assessment. (the ASTMA website has the full list of activities designation after their name. The ‘CSTM’ To begin, turf managers must achieve a and points attributable): designation is designed to be the most widely minimum of 20 points of prior education and/or • ASTMA service points: Examples include recognised industry standard and the highest professional experience to be eligible. Formal winning an ASTMA Award (e.g.: Excellence recognition that can be achieved by sports turf education includes the various Certificates in Golf Course Management Award or managers in Australia. Being a CSTM is a mark and Diplomas of Sports Turf Management Claude Crockford Environment Award), of leading professional competence, indicating courses or Bachelor degrees which are presenting at an ASTMA education event reliability in depth and quality of performance, attributed a certain number of points. Other (such as the annual conference or seminar skill and knowledge. formal qualifications, such as a chemical series), or serving on the ASTMA Board. Earning the status of CSTM involves a handling certificate, can also be used towards • State association service points: These combination of formal education, experience the applicant’s points tally. Professional include serving on a state association in turf management and ongoing professional experience in the sports turf industry also committee/board, winning a state education. Through earning the designation goes towards prior learning requirements, with association award, presenting at an of CSTM, a member demonstrates a personal one point earned for each year served post­ endorsed state association education day commitment to education, professional apprenticeship. and attending a state association AGM. development and elevating the sports If a turf manager is under the minimum • Training and education points: These turf management profession as a whole. requirement of 20 points in formal education include attending the annual conference Importantly, it also documents and validates plus professional experience, further education (either as a full or day delegate), attending a turf professional’s achievements and or experience must be undertaken to achieve an ASTMA or endorsed state association competencies to employers. the minimum benchmark before applying. education event, writing or contributing MAY-JUNE 2020 29 CERTIFICATION to a turf management article published in continue to educate themselves as they too Australian Turfgrass Management Journal strive for a more professional industry. or volunteering for a major tournament at “It is up to each individual to keep an Australian or international venue. relevant, current and in tune with the changing • Approved professional development workplace and this has never been more education: These include completion of critical than now. Apprenticeships, diplomas a recognised training/competency course and turf degrees are extremely significant, (e.g.: irrigation, first aid, WHS, chemical but the options for additional skills and handling, chainsaw operating), completion continuing education is equally as important. of a Certificate II in a related field of The ASTMA Certification Program champions the Report writing, public speaking, computer horticulture or completion of other non-turf importance of continual professional development skills, media and communication, accounting, qualifications (e.g.: Diploma or Bachelor “The ASTMA Certification Program is the human resources and leadership are all just degree in business management). commitment that turf managers need from part of what we require for our roles nowadays. ASTMA members can view and track our association,” says Mason. “For too long These are all skills that can be undertaken and their current CPD points through accessing the professionalism of our industry has been studied and it is well worth it.” their profile on the ASTMA website. They can questionable and this is another step closer to Manly Golf Club superintendent Luke also apply for points to be added through acknowledge those who strive to enhance their Partridge (CSTM) was also an early adopter notifying the ASTMA of completion of activities, skills, knowledge and professionalism. The of the certification programme and hopes that while state associations and ASTMA industry staff at the ASTMA need to be acknowledged his fellow turf managers will invest the time and partners can apply for CPD points to be for their commitment to their members by energy in the scheme to drive increased levels allocated to their educational events. instigating this programme. of professionalism. “The role of the turf manager has “Earning and retaining the CSTM STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION continued to evolve, with very few outside the designation proves to my employer and the Since launching in mid-May, the response by industry understanding the tasks and skill-set rest of the industry a high level of commitment ASTMA members to the programme has been required to be successful. That success is not to our profession. After going through strong with around 40 sports turf managers measured by getting to the best golf course, the process, I am honoured to share this completing the certification process and many racetrack or sports field. There are so many designation with my fellow colleagues and more currently in progress. Among the first who are at the peak of their career, working would encourage all ASTMA members to take to attain certification was Metropolitan Golf extremely hard with ever-changing conditions, part in the programme.” Club course superintendent Dave Mason regulations and requirements and in many For more information about the ASTMA (CSTM). A 20-plus year veteran of the industry cases they are not given the acknowledgment Certification Program and to apply to join, visit and superintendent of one of the Melbourne they deserve for doing all they do. the ‘Membership’ tab on the ASTMA website Sandbelt’s elite courses for the past five years, “This CSTM is a step in the right direction (www.agcsa.com.au) and click on ‘Sports Turf Mason says that such a programme is a real for all who choose to undertake it, as well Manager Certification Program’ or contact the positive step forward for the industry. as allowing those long-term professionals to ASTMA on (03) 9548 8600.^ CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CERTIFIED SPORTS TURF MANAGERS The ASTMA wishes to congratulate the following turf management professionals for becoming among the first to attain the Certified Sports Turf Manager designation through the ASTMA’s Certification Program. Shane Baker (Mosman Park GC) Mitch Hayes (Brisbane GC) Luke Partridge (Manly GC) Brett Balloch (Anglesea GC) Tim Hoskinson (Cairns GC) Ben Payne (Peninsula Kingswood CGC) Nathan Bradbury (Eastlake GC) Jay Infant! (Eastern GC) Wesley Saunders (Dunblane New GC, UK) Harry Brennan (Dubbo City Council) Nick Kinley (Hartfield CC) Robert Savedra (Wesley College) Fraser Brown (Lake Karrinyup CC) Joshua Leyland (Box Hill GC) Thomas Smith (Waterford Valley GC) Ben Bruzgulis (Cronulla GC) Peter Lonergan (Coolangatta Tweed Heads) Mathew Soles (The Australian GC) Chris Burgess (Yarrawonga Mulwala GC) Bruce Macphee (ASTMA) Clinton Southern (Abu Dhabi GC, UAE) Gregory Burgess (Northern GC) Dave Mason (Metropolitan GC) John Spraggs (Royal Wellington GC, NZ) Dan Cook (Elanora CC) Tony McFadyean (Nedlands GC) Aaron Taylor (The Lakes GC) Tim Fankhauser (ASTMA) Peter McNamara (Brisbane GC) Ben Tilley (Headland GC) Peter Fraser (Hervey Bay G&CC) Keith McPhee (Maitland City Council) David Thomson (Bermagui CC) Cameron Hall (Kew GC) Ben Mills (Hawks Nest GC) Steve Tuckett (ASTMA) Colin Morrison (Flinders GC) “I undertook the certification process as a Kelvin Nicholson (Palmer Coolum Resort) “I believe undertaking the certification way to further my personal development and process is essential to promote ourselves as improve my career prospects in the future, “The ASTMA Certification Program is a chance professionals. Certification is an effective way but most importantly to gain a recognised to substantiate our experience and provide a to recognise sports turf managers who are industry certification. I see this certification national brand for turf managers. The CSTM dedicated to the development and promotion as an important step in changing the local brand can be achieved by turf managers of our industry. By becoming a Certified Sports government attitude of “anyone can mow and in all areas of turf management, which will Turf Manager, it creates a path to inspire maintain turf” by way of elevating the sports help bring us together and raise the profile ongoing education and communication turf management profession as a whole. ” - of the industry as a whole. ” - Mitch Hayes amongst turf professionals.” - Keith McPhee Harry Brennan (Dubbo City Council) (Brisbane Golf Club) (Maitland City Council) 30 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22 3 JACOBSEN MACHINERY MAINTAINS the HIGH STANDARDS EXPECTED by our MEMBERSHIP MICHAEL DENNIS, Course Manager ROYAL PERTH GOLF CLUB Jacobsen. Built for your success ><*.■, - •» From breathtaking performance and a drive to innovate, to people and support you know you can trust, everything we do is built for your success. Experience what complete dedication feels like. Experience Jacobsen. -> BOOK A TEST DRIVE NOW AT: JACOBSEN jacobsenbuilt.com AWARDS Thomas Bath, pictured volunteering at last year’s Australian PGA Championship, will represent the GCSAQ in the final of the ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award Graduates „ on a roll n 2018, the Graduate of the Year Award created history when Bryce Walsh The annual conference may not ASTMA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR I (Tasmania) and Daniel Hendrie (NSW) were announced joint winners for the first time. Fast-forward a year and yet more history was made when Thomas Burridge became South Australia’s first ever graduate recipient. Now in its 25th year, the 2020 edition of the award will also enter the history books, be going ahead in 2020, but the ASTMA and STA Graduate of the Year Awards are still set to be hotly contested. ATM profiles this year’s L I k ' jsu THOMAS BATH mGCSAQ/Pa,m Meadows GC / 1 The youngest of this year’s A$™A Graduate of the Year Award finalists, 18-year-old Bath has been employed as a qualified greenkeeper at Sanctuary Cove G&CC since September but for very different reasons. last year. He started his apprenticeship in 2016 Normally presented during the Syngenta contenders. at Palm Meadows GC under the guidance President’s Dinner on the opening night of superintendent Darren Lee and assistant of the annual turf conference, this year’s superintendent Blaine Knox, who Bath credits award ceremony has unfortunately become a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic after the TORO with helping him progress dramatically. Completing his Certificate III in Sports conference was sadly cancelled. Despite that, Turf Management at Wollongbar TAFE, Bath the 2020 awards will still proceed, albeit via has since started a Diploma of Sports Turf slightly different means. Management through Ryde College of TAFE Judging for the awards usually occurs on A total of 12 graduates will line up for this in Sydney. Bath particularly enjoys the science the eve of the conference, however, in this day year’s finals, seven contesting the ASTMA behind turfgrass management and the inputs and age of social distancing the judging will Graduate of the Year Award and five vying that go into providing a quality sports turf now take place online via Zoom. Each finalist for the STA Sports Turf Graduate of the Year surface. Among the highlights of his career to will give a short presentation about themselves Award, both sponsored by long-term partner date include volunteering at the 2017 and 2019 and their careers to date, before being grilled Toro Australia. ATM congratulates the following Australian PGA Championships at RACV Royal by the judging panel. finalists and wishes them well for the judging. Pines. 32 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT A MITCHELL CLAY Beasley enjoys meeting people from Tucker secured a position on the crew at «ssl GCSAWA/Mandurah CC Australia and overseas who are also Metropolitan under superintendent Dave Clay becomes the third committed to the production of quality turf Mason. I apprentice in five years from surfaces and enjoys the multidisciplinary, Mandurah CC to represent the technical, practical and outdoors nature of the MATHEW STEPHENS GCSAWA. Clay started his apprenticeship in job. Among the highlights to date for Beasley > 1 STA ACT/Catalina CC January 2017 and attended South Metropolitan include volunteering at the 2020 SMBC ' The elder statesman °fthis TAFE in Perth. Golf has been a key part of Singapore Open at Sentosa Golf Club and the year’s graduate field, 32-year- Clay’s upbringing and he started swinging 2018 Emirates Australian Open at The Lakes ■k fll old Stephens will notch up 10 a club at the age of five. He has continued Golf Club. years at Catalina CC in 2021. Stephens was playing throughout his life and has represented Looking ahead, Beasley hopes to first employed at the Bateman’s Bay course Mandurah CC in men’s and junior pennant. continue in his current role and further as a groundsman and after a number of Appreciating the importance of having develop his management skills in both turf and years expressed the desire to undertake his great turf to play on as a golfer, it was a natural administration. He is also hoping to complete Certificate III, which he started in 2017 through progression for Clay to pursue a career in a Diploma or Bachelor degree. Outside of turf, the Canberra Institute of Technology. greenkeeping. Mandurah CC holds an annual Beasley is a bagpiper in the Plains Pipes and A perfectionist by nature, Stephens enjoys Pro-Am and amateur event, with Clay playing a Drums and Tamworth Highland Society pipe the emphasis placed on course and playing key role in preparing for these events over the bands. surface presentation. For the past five years, past three years. He has also been involved Catalina has hosted the Legends Tournament in a greens replacement project, irrigation jW CODY TUCKER each October, with Stephens relishing the upgrade and clubhouse refurbishment. g ' SAGCSA/Royal Adelaide GC challenge of getting the course in peak Outside of turf, Clay and his brother 1 * Tucker started his traineeship condition for this event. The event is an annual Lewis have an interest in greyhound racing in sports turf management at highlight and the surfaces that Stephens and as trainers and handlers. They purchased a Royal Adelaide in January 2016 the Catalina team present saw it adjudged the four-acre property in 2019 and along with their under course superintendent Nathan Bennett. National PGA Legends Tournament of the Year father recently built kennels to house up to 20 Demonstrating dedication and application to two years in a row. dogs, with Clay designing and installing the all tasks assigned to him, Tucker completed all Looking ahead, Stephens is aiming to irrigation for the yards. work to a high standard and continually sought secure an assistant or superintendent role new challenges and opportunities to increase on a golf course, but as a starting point is ANGUS BEASLEY his technical competence and leadership skills. looking to learn as much from the nearly 100 NSWGCSA/Gunnedah GC Tucker was involved in the preparation and years of combined experience between his A short-term labouring position at presentation of Royal Adelaide for the 2017 superintendent Dennis Grounds and assistants Gunnedah Golf Club in 2016 gave and 2020 Women’s Australian Opens, often to better prepare himself for when that Beasley his first taste of sports turf taking the lead with smaller crews to ensure opportunity arises. management. Enjoying the work and realising the course was presented to the required there was much more to greenkeeping standard. In addition to this, Tucker also JBK BRADLEY WHISH- than just cutting grass, Beasley took on an travelled extensively interstate and overseas Q WILSON apprenticeship that the club subsequently to work at tournaments, among them back- TSTMA/Barn bougie offered him. Beasley completed his studies to-back Open Championships at Carnoustie jmL Since December 2015, through Kurri Kurri TAFE in 2019 and from (2018) and Royal Portrush (2019), as well as W Whish-Wilson has been on March 2020 has been employed as head the 2018 World Cup of Golf at Metropolitan the staff at Barnbougie, one of Australia’s greenkeeper with Shape-On-lt which contract Golf Club. Furthering his desire to progress most recognised golfing establishments. manages Scone Golf Course. his career, at the completion of his traineeship Whish-Wilson joined superintendent Phil Hill’s team straight from college, starting his apprenticeship in 2016 which he has completed through TasTAFE. The 23-year-old enjoys the turf industry as it enables him to work outdoors and gain an understanding of what goes into the preparation and management of sports turf, in particular on golf courses. Whish-Wilson is currently part of the Barnbougie team constructing the new 14-hole short course Bougie Run set to open in December 2020/January 2021. That has given him the valuable opportunity to witness how surfaces are designed and constructed prior to being opened for play and every-day maintenance. Whish-Wilson also rates the I/GCS4 representative Scott Allot! is one of two graduate finalists to currently work at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf Club and will be going up against crewmate and SAGCSA finalist Cody Tucker MAY-JUNE 2020 33 AWARDS annual Barnbougie Polo event, where the team ANDREW HODGSON The outdoors and sport have always been prepare the facility’s polo field, as another . STA NSW/Green Options a huge part of McAteer’s life and as such he highlight of working there. J C Beginning his apprenticeship knew that greenkeeping was the career for Ml JM in 2016, Hodgson has worked him. A major highlight to date was being part SCOTT ALLOTT BHHHB for Green Options for the past of the Women’s Ashes Series as well as the B VGCSA/Metropolitan GC four years. He is now a full-time greenkeeper Sheffield Shield final at Allan Border Field. Allott is one of two graduate working across several sites on the NSW finalists to currently work at Central Coast, including Central Coast Stadium JAYDE ROBSON Melbourne’s Metropolitan Golf and Wyong Rugby League Club. Hodgson |STA VIC/Citywide Club and will be going up against crewmate attended Ryde College of TAFE. I Robson could potentially have and SA finalist Cody Tucker. Growing up in the Turf management is in Hodgson’s blood, H ^e edge over her fellow finalists rural farming community of Foster in South with his father also being a greenkeeper. 'mHm this year on account of the fact Gippsland, there weren’t many full-time job Combined with a passion for sports, it that she works alongside last year’s STA opportunities for Allott after college. However, was a logical step to progress into a turf Sports Turf Graduate of the Year winner Nathan an apprenticeship was being offered at the management career, one which has led him to Andrews. Originally from Ballarat, Robson local Foster Golf Club which he successfully preparing surfaces for some of the top sports started her apprenticeship in 2016 through obtained and as he began to learn more about professionals across multiple codes. Under the Brotherhood of St Laurence before being the industry quickly developed a passion for it. the belt are three years’ worth of A-League offered a full-time position with Citywide upon Undertaking this studies through and NRL matches, along with many one-off completion. Melbourne Polytechnic, Allott transferred his events such as concerts and local sports finals. Twenty-nine-year-old Robson currently apprenticeship across to Metropolitan Golf Being a part of all these events has instilled in works for Citywide’s Melton-based team which Club in June 2018. Later that year Allott was Hodgson’s mind his ambition to one day work oversees the maintenance of 32 sports fields part of the team that successfully prepared full-time as part of a stadium crew, whether it and high profile sites. Robson attended The the Sandbelt course for the 2018 World be as a groundsman or a manager. Gordon TAFE in Geelong and is currently back Cup of Golf. He has also volunteered at there studying a Certificate III in Horticulture other events, including the 2019 Australian JACK MCATEER at night school. She got into the turf industry Amateur Championship at Woodlands Golf STA QLD/QCA because she was looking for a change in Club. Allott loves the diversity of roles that the McAteer is currently employed career and wanted to work outdoors. The greenkeeping profession offers, as well as by the Queensland Cricket variety of work that the turf industry provides the many opportunities that can arise to work Association (QCA) as the curator and working with people that take pride or volunteer at different tournaments both of Toombul District Cricket Club. McAteer has in their work is the most appealing part of nationally and internationally. held that role for the past six months having being in the industry. More recently, Robson previously completed his apprenticeship under was nominated for the Women Working in STA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR QCA at Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Horticulture Scholarship and was also a finalist McAteer began his apprenticeship at the in The Gordon Awards for Excellence. LUC HILL end of 2016 and undertook his Certificate III MATT WOLFE t STA ACT/Stadium Turf in Sports Turf Management with Horticultural R Management Training. He was fortunate enough to have STA WA/City of Albany Hill can thank his older brother a family friend who had taken over as the Another of this year’s finalists to for convincing him to take on manager of Swifts Sports Club in Ipswich and have grown up in the turf industry, a career in turf management. Working at after getting in contact was offered two days’ Wolfe would tag along with his Moruya Golf Club, his brother gave him an work experience on their bowling greens. father from an early age and help him out. insight into what the job entailed, so when an Now a groundsman with the City of Albany, apprenticeship came up at Catalina CC he Wolfe has embarked on his own career, eagerly applied. Starting his apprenticeship having started his sports turf management in 2017, Hill progressed to take on a position apprenticeship in 2017 and completing his with Stadium Turf Management in 2018 and studies through South Metropolitan TAFE. is currently second-in-charge at the Australian As well as being able to work outdoors National University. and gaining satisfaction from seeing the During his career to date, Hill has been finished product, the greatest thing about the a part of two oval constructions - Canberra industry according to Wolfe is the people. Stadium and a training field at the Australian Whether it’s at his workplace, TAFE or at Institute of Sport - as well as a nursery green industry days, the range of people he gets construction at Catalina CC and a number of to meet makes it one of the most enjoyable tournaments. Last summer he also did a full industries to be a part of. season of cricket wicket preparation and game During his time at the City of Albany, Wolfe day set-ups for NRL and rugby union matches. has helped prepare Centennial Oval for two Hill has aspirations of heading overseas at WAFL games as well as preparing the pitches some stage, either to Europe or America, and and ovals for the Southern Smash cricket work on various sporting facilities to broaden competition.^ his experiences. Down the track he hopes to one day be a course superintendent or have STA Victoria representative Jayde Robson (right) could his own turf company so he can pass on his have an edge on her fellow finalists given she works knowledge of and love for the profession. alongside 2019 STA Sports Turf Graduate of the Year winner Nathan Andrews 34 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 Right Support Right Products Providing quality products and service to Turf Managers Australia-Wide RESEARCH PHOTOS: AGCSATECH ANTER gets green light 5 AGCSATech senior agronomist GCSATech, the technical division sward to provide an adequate surface with of the Australian Sports Turf Bruce Macphee outlines some growth and recovery potential during the winter A Managers Association, has recently established a number of valuable ryegrass trials on behalf important new ryegrass trials being of the Sports Turf Association of Victoriaundertaken Victoria) and the Australian Seed Federation (ASF). Both trials have been established at Evergreen Turf’s Pakenham farm in southeast (STA by the Australian Seed Federation and STA Victoria. sports season. The transition period at the end of the winter sports season and preparing the various sporting surfaces for summer competition, is often the most difficult period for a turf manager, with a quick turnaround (often a matter of days) between the end of winter Melbourne during autumn and will run sport and start of summer sport. concurrently to provide vital information for the Pressure placed on sports turf surfaces wider sports turf industry. Australian Seed Federation through increased participation and usage SOWING SEEDS The larger of the two trials comprises the often leads to the percentage of warm­ latest round of the Australian National Turfgrass season turf coverage being compromised, Evaluation Program (ANTEP 5) conducted by OAGCSATech particularly in high wear areas. Couchgrass the ASF. Over a two-year period this trial will does not compete favourably when oversown assess a number of ryegrass varieties, both with other grasses and any areas with thin in a permanent stand and oversown into an Ryegrass is commonly used on first grade or reduced couchgrass coverage toward the existing couchgrass surface. The STA Victoria council ovals and elite sports surfaces, where it end of summer can result in an unstable bare trial will focus on the transitioning of ryegrasses is either established as a permanent surface or area developing in spring when ryegrass is out of a couchgrass surface. oversown into an existing warm-season grass removed or allowed to transition out. 36 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT Both ANTEP and STA Victoria trials have been established at Evergreen Turf’s Pakenham farm in southeast Melbourne. The two ANTEP trial sites are pictured bottom, with the STA Victoria transitional trial the long narrow strip at the very top • A transitional trial where 33 ryegrass varieties, with three replicates, oversown into an existing Santa Ana couchgrass surface. The plots will receive wear with AGCSATech’s wear machine throughout the trial, along with half of each plot in the oversown trial being sprayed out with selective herbicide in spring and the other half allowed to transition naturally. Assessments for the trial will include; • Rate of establishment; There are various schools of thought as ANTEP 5 • Seedling vigour; to the best method to remove ryegrass - the The Australian National Turfgrass Evaluation • Turf colour; rapid removal with selective herbicide, often Program (ANTEP) has been developed over • Quality; leaving a stark contrast between bare areas the past 30 years by members of the ASF. • Density; and sections with acceptable couchgrass The aim is to provide Australian turf managers • Incidence of disease; coverage, versus the slow gradual transition with local independent varietal testing results • Seasonal growth to couchgrass coverage where the ryegrass is to evaluate the various seeded turf varieties • Wear tolerance; stressed out of the surface. grown under Australian conditions. Previously, • Recovery; and This can lead to slower recovery of warm­ Australian turf managers have had to evaluate • Spring transition. season grasses and a patchy appearance selections and make decisions based on data In addition to the above, the trial plots will throughout the summer season, whereas provided from the USA. also be assessed using AGCSATech’s latest the rapid removal of ryegrass can leave an It has been about eight years since the last technology with both hand-held and drone- unacceptable surface with poor turf density, ANTEP trial was conducted and 12 years since equipped NDVI to provide another layer of often not fully recovering until mid to late perennial ryegrasses were assessed. With assessment. Together, this trial will provide summer and in some cases not at all. many advancements and new varieties now detailed, up-to-date information on the latest available, the ASF felt it was time to undertake varieties available to the Australian market, with STA VICTORIA TRANSITIONAL ANTEP 5 which will look at a wide range of field days to be held in the future where turf RYEGRASS TRIAL perennial and transitional ryegrasses. The trial managers will be able to view both trials. The STA Victoria transitional trial will focus will run for a period of two years and consists For more information regarding both on the efficacy of various selective herbicides of two sections; the ANTEP and STA Victoria trials, contact available for removal of ryegrass from a • A permanent stand of 34 perennial AGCSATech senior agronomist Bruce couchgrass surface. The trial area consists of ryegrass varieties, with three replicates, Macphee on (03) 9548 8600 or email bruce@ a Santa Ana couchgrass base which has been sown on bare soil; and agcsa.com.au. oversown with a blend of perennial ryegrasses, using industry-standard equipment at a rate of 400 kilograms per hectare. There will be eight treatments including control plots which have not been oversown. Half of each plot has received wear with AGCSATech’s wear machine in the lead-up to oversowing and given a three week break to allow the seed to establish. Wear will continue to be applied to both trial areas throughout the duration of the trial to assess the effect wear has on overall establishment and recovery of various treatments. Each treatment will be assessed for; • Overall turf quality; • Efficacy of herbicide treatment; • Percentage of couchgrass recovery; and • The impact wear has on the persistence and recovery of couchgrass. The ryegrass trial plots will also be assessed using AGCSATech’s latest technology, with both hand-held and drone-eguipped NDVI providing an additional layer of assessment MAY-JUNE 2020 37 Pre-emergents 101 With cool and wet conditions prevailing so far in 2020 and with it the early and prolonged emergence of Poa annua, some turf managers have noticed a lack of efficacy with their pre-emergent herbicide applications. John Neylan takes a closer look at how these chemicals work and some of the factors that can impact their success. nce the COVID-19 lockdown that I have spent a lot of time working on has resistance management. While WeedSmart came into being, I found that I been weed control which continues to throw has been developed for Australian cropping O had some extra time on my hands to contemplate all things turf. It provided the perfect opportunity up numerous anomalies around the reasons why a herbicide strategy may or may not have worked. to take the time to catch up on some long During the enforced break I took the overdue education and reading. It was also a good time to think through some of the more perplexing questions as to why certain turf opportunity to work through a seminar series developed by WeedSmart (weedsmart.org. au/) which is an industry-led initiative to systems, the basics around herbicide resistance, how resistance develops and how herbicides work are all relevant topics to turf management. The two courses that I have found most useful are ‘Herbicide Resistance 101’ and ‘Pre- emergent Herbicides 101’. Having previously management strategies do or don’t work. One promote best practice as it relates to herbicide undertaken the former, I was particularly interested in the topic of pre-emergent herbicides as I have recently seen what appear to be ‘failures’. Pre-emergent herbicides have become the most important element in an effective weed control programme. If the weed can be controlled before it becomes established, the problem can be largely avoided. With the developing resistance to a wide range of post- emergent herbicides, a preventative strategy makes sense. However, we do see examples of where a pre-emergent herbicide may have failed in preventing a weed from developing. Is it due to herbicide resistance, leaching, breakdown, attachment to organic matter or other unknown factors? Turf presents a unique set of circumstances compared to agriculture in that it provides a permanent vegetation cover, there is thatch to deal with and turf is irrigated regularly, to name but a few differences. However, while there are differences, I was hopeful that by having a better understanding of how pre-emergent herbicides work, it may cast a light on my lack of knowledge. The ‘Pre-emergent Herbicides 101’ course is presented by weed scientist Dr Chris Preston (University of Adelaide) and there were several key concepts that I noted and have tried to relate to the turf situation for the purposes of this article. WHY USE PRE-EMERGENTS? In Australian agriculture, herbicide resistance has become a major problem with resistance to 12 modes of action across 17 weed species. According to weedscience.org, in turf worldwide herbicide resistance has been identified in Poa annua, Digitaria sanguinalis and Eleusine indica. MAY-JUNE 2020 39 JOHN NEYLAN In 2017, 31 populations of Poa annua TABLE 1: SEEDLING NUM BERS/m2 are dependent on the size and depth of the suspected to be resistant to herbicides Depth Heavy soil Sandy soil seedbank. This has implications for what commonly used to control this weed in turf Thatch 8755a 6055a herbicide is used, how much irrigation /rainfall were collected from golf courses across south­ 0 - 1cm 949b 2785ab is applied post-herbicide application and the eastern Australia, with all populations being 1 - 2cm 527b 1624ab interaction with the organic matter in the thatch found to be resistant to multiple turf herbicides 2 - 4cm 443b 549bc layer. The use of pre-emergent herbicides including groups B, C, D and glyphosate LSD (P<0.05) 3038 5316 provides the best opportunity to reduce the (Barua, et. al. 2020). (See page 44 for more Pre-em v Control seedbank. on this research - Ed) Pre-emergent 2316 1646 The use of pre-emergent herbicides Control 3038 3797 BEHAVIOUR OF PRE-EMERGENTS provides an alternative control for herbicide­ LSD (P<0.05) NS SIG How pre-emergent herbicides work is a resistant weeds, improves early control of Interaction NS NS science in itself, however, it is important weeds, extends weed control and potentially that we have a basic understanding of how requires fewer herbicide applications. In can produce 135,000 seeds/plant, Digitaria they prevent weed establishment. Hopefully agriculture it is harder to get the pre-emergent sanguinalis can produce 150,000 seeds/plant this also provides an insight into why a herbicide programme right due to the need to and Poa annua can produce 36,000 seeds/ pre-emergent herbicide may or may not be predict the weeds that are likely to be present. plant. While there is little data on the longevity effective. In turf, the weed species that will be present of weed seeds in turf, anecdotally it could be Pre-emergent herbicides are very different is generally well understood, though we need 3+ years given the presence of viable seeds in to post-emergent herbicides, with the vast to better understand the size of the seed bank turf plugs at a depth of 2-4cm. majority of the pre-emergent herbicides and the conditions that stimulate germination. In the research by Neylan and Nickson being root uptake or acting in the zone of (2016), it was demonstrated that there can be growth around the seed called the mesocotyl. TAKE HOME MESSAGE #7: With the a significant reduction in the seedbank of Poa The pre-emergent herbicides don’t prevent increasing incidence of herbicide resistance annua with the use of pre-emergent herbicides germination but prevent seedling development among the post-emergent herbicides, the use (Table 1). This same work demonstrated that and emergence. The most important aspect of pre-emergent herbicides is a key to effective the soil type and moisture conditions can of residual herbicides is that they move into weed control. potentially affect how quickly the seedbank the plant roots with water and therefore having can be reduced. adequate soil water is critical in their efficacy. WHERE DO THE SEEDS END UP? Knowing where the weed seeds end up is In reviewing the mode of action of several of The germination zone of target weeds is important in terms of pre-emergent herbicide the pre-emergent herbicides in turf, they can important to understand. With most turfgrass placement but also indicates where we should be characterised as follows; weeds we can assume that they are deposited concentrate other non-herbicide management Microtubule inhibitors: A large group on or near the turf surface, with seed burial techniques, such as fraise mowing and of the pre-emergent herbicides are being largely irrelevant. This is then the target topmaking, as a means of reducing the microtubule inhibitors including propyzamide, zone for our pre-emergent herbicides. seedbank. pendimethalin, oryzalin, prodiamine and In trials undertaken over the past four dithiopyr. This group of herbicides are years, it has been demonstrated that with one TAKE-HOME MESSAGE #2: The pre-emergent absorbed by both roots and shoots of of our major weed species (Poa annua), the herbicide programme and its effectiveness emerging seedlings but are not readily majority of the seeds are in the thatch layer (see Figure 1 below and photo opposite) and in very high numbers. It would be expected that the seeds of Digitaria sp. and Eleusine sp. will also be predominantly in the thatch layer. The example in Figure 1 demonstrates that there is over 90 per cent of the seedbank in the thatch layer and this is where the pre-emergent herbicide needs to be if it is to be effective. Having an understanding of the seedbank will also provide an insight as to how rigorous and persistent the pre-emergent programme needs to be. For example, Eleusine indica Figure 1: Poa annua seedlings at various depths in turf plugs Figure 1. Poa annua seedling emergence from different In trials undertaken over the past four years, it has been demonstrated that with one of the major weed species depths of profile core (Poa annua), the majority of seeds are contained in the thatch layer 40 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 translocated. The emerging shoot is the may have been greater herbicide movement primary absorption and action site in grass beyond the main seedbank on sandy sites. species. These herbicides are mitotic poisons Because most turf weed seeds will be close that inhibit cell division with the growing points to the surface, the pre-emergent herbicide will of stems and roots being most affected. ideally bind and stay relatively close to the Herbicide-induced damage may cause the surface in the zone where the weed seeds are observed swelling of root tips as cells in this germinating. Soil pH also affects the solubility region neither divide nor elongate. This is of some herbicides and if the pH is very acid ■■■■ % difference Oryzalin ■■■■ % difference Prodlamine commonly observed on Poa annua plants —— Oryzalin - sand ------ Oryzalin - loam ——..Prodiamine - sand - - - Prodlamine - loam or alkaline this may be affecting the efficacy of affected by a pre-emergent herbicide. the herbicide. Cellulose inhibitors (cell wall synthesis): Figure 2. The effects on the control of Poa annua with In research undertaken by Neylan and oryzalin and prodlamine between two different soil Herbicides in this group (indaziflam is the Nickson (2015), it was demonstrated that the types (sand and loam) notable representative in turf) prevent cell longevity of the pre-emergent herbicide was division primarily in developing root tips by the opportunity for the herbicide to move less on a wet, high clay content soil compared disrupting cell wall biosynthesis (cellulose) in past where the weed seeds occur. The pre- to a sandy soil. Figure 2 (above) shows the susceptible plants. emergent herbicides used in turf are usually of effects on the control of Poa annua with Long chain fatty acid inhibitors: The low solubility with the exception of metolachlor oryzalin and prodiamine between the two soil primary site of absorption and action of (see Table 2, page 42). types. The heavier textured soil had up to 60 these herbicides on grass species is the Soil moisture and rainfall: As a general per cent less control compared to the sandy emerging shoot (metolachlor being a turf- premise, when soils are dry and a pre- soil. registered example in this group). These emergent is applied and then irrigated (or Non-wetting soils: Soils that have localised compounds typically affect susceptible weeds rainfall), there is likely to be greater movement dry spot or areas that are hydrophobic make before emergence but do not inhibit seed of the herbicide. A moist soil tends to be it difficult to get the herbicide in the correct germination, resulting in the failure of the shoot preferred to minimise any excess herbicide position in the turf/soil system. After a long to emerge from the coleoptile. Susceptible movement. dry summer on sandy soils, the pre-emergent grass seedlings often fail to emerge from the Because many turf areas are regularly herbicide may provide an inconsistent result soil. irrigated after the application of pre-emergent for this reason. Use of wetting agents and As we can see, most of the pre-emergent herbicides, the question is whether it is irrigation prior to application could be a herbicides are active in and around the very possible that the herbicide could move past consideration. early stages of seed germination and inhibit the seedbank. Obviously after high rainfall Soil organic matter: Herbicides bind to soil the development of the roots and shoots. It is events this is most likely to occur. With the organic matter which slows the movement not uncommon to find Poa annua plants sitting recent high rainfall along the east coast of through the turf/soil profile. Depending on just in the thatch layer with few or no roots as Australia, it could in part explain why the pre- the conditions, the herbicide can go through the growing root hits the herbicide layer. There emergent herbicides are not as effective as phases of binding and unbinding from the is often a lack of roots (see photo on page would be expected. organic matter which affects its downward 39) or they can be ‘clubby’ and seen growing Soil type and pH: On sandy soils that have movement. laterally. larger pore spaces, there is greater opportunity Heavier soils and those soils with higher There are several factors affecting for herbicide movement compared to high clay amounts of organic matter (higher CEC soils) herbicide absorption from soil including; content soils where there is greater herbicide have more binding sites and will adsorb more Water solubility of the herbicide: The binding to the soil particles. Again, given the herbicide (GRDC, grdc.com.au). Increased more water soluble the herbicide the greater high rainfall on the east coast of Australia there binding is likely to result in higher application Control Your Energy Costs with Variable Speed Drives Create a variable speed booster station to your technical specifications which reduces energy usage and operational costs whilst enhancing performance. • Longer lifetime and reduced lifecycle costs • Optimized pumping efficiencies • Wide range ensuring maximum system flexibility Lowara’s extensive pump range together with our range of VSDs, offer a complete line of booster systems ideally suited for the diverse requirements of the turf and golf courses markets. Contact us to find your solution today. Brown Brothers Ph: 1300 4 BBENG £1 J Engineers www.brownbros.com.au DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS MAY-JUNE 2020 41 JOHN NEYLAN rates being required to achieve a given level of Microbial degradation: This is the main factor The rapid degradation of herbicide is also weed control. This is because more herbicide in the breakdown of herbicides and is higher demonstrated in research by Joy et. al. (2012) is bound to soil and organic matter and when; where it was demonstrated that simazine was therefore less is available in the soil water for • Soils are moist - this is likely to be the rapidly depleted in soils representing regular uptake by germinating weeds. situation in high maintenance golf course use compared to sites with no recent use. In The strength of binding is measured by fairways and sportsfields that are regularly the worst sites the percentage of simazine the Soil Organic Carbon-Water Absorption irrigated. applied was down to 10 per cent within 10 Coefficient (Koc) value (Table 2). Most of the turf • Temperature is higher - pre-emergent days of application. This further demonstrates herbicides are categorised as slightly mobile herbicide applications can occur year the importance of herbicide rotation. to non-mobile and are likely to have a ‘strong’ round in an effort to combat both summer affinity for organic matter. Given that most turf and winter weeds. There is also the TAKE HOME MESSAGE #4: There are so systems have a thatch layer, it may assist in trend to apply pre-emergent herbicides many factors that can have an effect on efficacy keeping the herbicide in the upper section of in the late summer to make sure there is and longevity of a pre-emergent herbicide. We the turf system and not moving beyond the adequate herbicide in the soil come the can learn a lot from ‘apparent failures’ and the seedbank. However, there is also the possibility ‘autumn break’. It could be argued that a message is that if you don’t get the expected that the availability is reduced. portion of the herbicide may be degraded result you need to undertake a detailed Temperature: The effects of temperature are and lost before peak germination occurs. assessment of the many factors that affect less of an issue. Temperature may have an • Soils are high in organic matter - because herbicide efficacy. The questions to ask are: effect on accelerating microbial breakdown turf systems are an intensive form of • How was the herbicide applied? and increasing herbicide uptake during hot horticulture and consequently produce a • What was the application rate? weather (increases water movement through lot of thatch and organic matter. Organic • When was the herbicide watered in and the plant). matter is the main food source of soil how much water was applied? microbes, however, they will use herbicides 9 What are the thatch/organic matter TAKE HOME MESSAGE #3: There are several as a food source and break them down conditions? important considerations when evaluating the into inactive components. With repeated • What is the soil type? effectiveness of a pre-emergent herbicide use of the same herbicide, the microbial • What were the weather conditions post­ programme in a turf system; population will change to favour those application? Was there post-application • The characteristics of the herbicide; microbes that utilise the herbicide as a rainfall? • Soil conditions, in terms of soil type, pH, food source. Again, it is possible that in • Was there a follow up application? organic matter/thatch and soil moisture; turf situations that the moist and potentially and warm soils high in organic matter as well CONCLUSION • Possible impact of regular irrigation and as good nutrition and soil aeration are From my experience, this year the cool and rainfall events on the herbicide. stimulating microbial degradation. wet conditions have favoured the early and If microbial degradation is too rapid, prolonged emergence of Poa annua and HERBICIDE DEGRADATION IN SOIL herbicide persistence will be low. In agriculture, anecdotally the pre-emergent herbicides don’t As noted above, the availability of a pre- where propyzamide was used twice in the appear to have been effective as in previous emergent herbicide is an interaction between same winter growing season, the second years. As can be seen above, there are many several chemical, soil and environmental application was roughly half as effective as the factors that impact on the effectiveness and factors. Once the herbicide reaches the turf/soil first (Hole and Powles, 1997). Professor Powles longevity of pre-emergent herbicides. system it can degrade or breakdown through also visited a golf course in Victoria where With the use of pre-emergent herbicides several mechanisms such as: propyzamide had failed and he managed to there has been a tendency to look for the Photodegradation: This is when a herbicide show that there was enhanced biodegradation maximum residual control. As can been seen, undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of propyzamide which was responsible for the the site-specific nature of different sites is likely of sunlight and breaks down into ineffective herbicide failure. to have a substantial effect on the ‘life’ of the compounds. This is generally considered to In research by Young et.al. (2014), they herbicide before another application is made. be of minor importance where herbicides are demonstrated microbial degradation of It is when there are these small windows in the irrigated in soon after application. S-metolachlor where the amount of herbicide programme, where there are sub-lethal doses Hydrolysis: This is when a herbicide breaks in the soil was only 58 per cent of the applied of herbicide in the soil, that new germinations down due to a chemical reaction involving in the unsterilised soil compared to 91 per can occur. As a consequence more split water that breaks down chemical bonds. As a cent in the sterilised soil. At 60 days after applications are made at more regular intervals consequence the individual components may application there was 20 per cent and 65 per so there is always an effective concentration of not be active or herbicidal. This is relatively cent of the herbicide applied in the unsterilised herbicide in the profile. minor except under certain soil pH conditions. and sterilised soil respectively. The final take home message is that for the effective use of pre-emergent herbicides it TABLE 2: PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE PROPERTIES is important to understand all of the interacting Herbicide Solubility1 Binding strength2 elements for your site and to develop a Prodiamine 0.013 Low 12710 Non-mobile programme accordingly. Oxadiazon 0.57 Low 3200 Slightly mobile Pendimethalin 0.33 Low 17491 Non-mobile TAKE HOME MESSAGE #5: Every site is Indaziflam 2.8 Low 1000 Slightly mobile different! Oryzalin 1.13 Low 949 Slightly mobile Metolachlor 530 High 120 Moderately mobile ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Propyzamide 9 Low 840 Slightly mobile John Neylan is a turfgrass agronomist with Key:1 Measured in water at 20°C (mg/L);2 Soil organic carbon-water absorption coefficient (Koc) measured in mL/g; Melbourne-based Sporteng. 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TOUR JohnDeere.com.au/Golf PHOTO: Alastair Harmsworth, Sweden RESEA Multiple resistance in Poa University of Adelaide researchers Rajesh Barua, Peter Boutsalis and Christopher Preston present the findings of their research investigating multiple resistance to herbicide in Poa annua across southeastern Australia. ne of the greatest challenges the Group C herbicide simazine, the Group for the turf industry and golf D herbicide propyzamide and the Group Z O course operators in weed control is wintergrass (Poa annua). Controlling wintergrass with herbicides has become increasingly difficult as herbicide resistance occurs. Internationally, resistance to nine mode of action herbicides has been confirmed in wintergrass, but little is herbicide endothal. The results suggested extensive resistance to several herbicides from multiple modes of action in all 31 wintergrass samples from golf courses (Table 2). Seed was collected from each sample and further herbicide dose-response studies conducted by University of Adelaide PhD known about resistance in Australia. student Rajesh Barua. The dose response In November 2016, a group of golf course Figure 1. Extent of multiple resistant status of studies involved testing the samples with wintergrass samples from golf courses superintendents from across Australia, along several rates of turf-selective herbicides with other industry experts in the field of action (MCA) were tested (Table 1). For a including an additional testing with herbicide resistance, met at Huntingdale classification of herbicide MCA visit https:// propyzamide applied pre-emergent. Golf Club in Melbourne to discuss various www. cro p I ife. o rg. au/resou rces/p rog rams/ The initial testing identified that all 31 methods of controlling wintergrass in warm­ resistance-management/herbicide-moa-table-4/ samples from golf courses were resistant season grasses and the successes and herbicide-moa-table-4-draft-2/. The response to two or more herbicides, with half being failures they had experienced. From this, of plants treated with the label rate and three resistant to herbicides from four modes of and with the support of the Australian Golf times the label rate was compared to untreated action (Figure 1). Resistance to multiple modes Course Superintendents Association (now plants in control pots (Table 2). of action greatly limits the future choice of Australian Sports Turf Managers Association) Post-emergence treatments were made effective herbicides. The findings showed; and the Victorian Golf Course Superintendents with various Group B herbicides (rimsulfuron, • All of the samples were resistant to Association, Adelaide-based Plant Science iodosulfuron, bispyribac and foramsulfuron), endothal; Consulting was contracted to investigate herbicide resistance in wintergrass in 2017. TABLE 1: HERBICIDES USED Collections were made by turf managers Chemical name MOA Trade name Label rate (g ai/ha) as soil plugs comprising 31 samples - 18 Rimsulfuron B Coliseum 25 from Victoria, six from NSW and seven from Foramsulfuron B Tribute 33.8 SA. The samples were collected from greens lodosulfuron-methyl-Na B Destiny 15 and fairways where control of wintergrass Bispyribac-Na B Nominee 50 with herbicides was poor. The turf managers Simazine C Gesatop 840 indicated that most of the sites had received Endothal Z Poachek 262.5 multiple applications of different herbicides Propyzamide D Kerb 500 each year for at least the past 10 years. A sample collected from a site with no prior TAB LE2: SCREENING RESULTS1 exposure to herbicides was used as the MOA Chemical name Application Samples surviving Samples surviving susceptible control. group timing the 1X rate (%) the 3X rate(%) The testing involved transplanting B Rimsulfuron POST 97 84 wintergrass seedlings from soil cores into Iodosulfuron 90 71 pots and then treating with herbicides in a Bispyribac 97 87 spray cabinet two weeks after transplanting. Foramsulfuron 52 38 Herbicides from different modes of C Simazine POST 94 68 Z Endothal POST 100 90 All 31 samples of wintergrass from golf courses in D Propyzamide POST 81 71 NSW, Victoria and SA exhibited resistance to several Propyzamide PRE 23 13 mode of action herbicides. This photo shows Poa that has recovered from a soil plug that had been subjected 1 Summary of screening result of 31 samples collected from golf courses with different mode of action herbicides at the to herbicide treatment recommended field rate and three times that rate. Recommended field rates listed in Table 1. MAY-JUNE 2020 45 RESEARCH • 97 per cent were resistant to the Group B herbicides; • 94 per cent were resistant to simazine; • 81 per cent were resistant to post- emergent propyzamide with only 23 per cent resistant to pre-emergence applied propyzamide (Table 2). The finding that greater activity with propyzamide was obtained with pre-emergent applications can be attributed to its mode of action via disrupting microtubule assembly during cell division. The herbicide is more effective if taken up during seed germination than after germination and plant establishment. (Read John NeyIan’s preceding column, page 36, for more on the various pre- emergent modes of action - Ed). Dose-response experiments confirmed resistance to propyzamide, simazine, Figure 2. Response of susceptible (S) and resistant (18, 27, 282-16 and 413-17) samples of wintergrass to Tribute rimsulfuron, foramsulfuron and endothal (foramsulfuron), Coliseum (rimsulfuron), Gesatop (simazine) and Poachek (endothal) applied post-emergent (Figures 2 and 3; Sample S originated from a lawn with no prior herbicide use and was used as the susceptible control. The resistant samples originated from golf courses. Samples 262-16 and #27 from Sydney, 413-17 from Melbourne and #18 from southern Victoria all exhibited multiple resistance). From the dose-response curves, an LD50 ratio was calculated. This is a measure of the dose required to kill 50 per cent of the individuals in a resistant sample divided by Figure 3. Response of susceptible (S) and resistant (18, 27, 282-16 and 413-17) samples of wintergrass to Kerb the dose required to kill 50 per cent of the (propyzamide) applied pre-emergent and post-emergent individuals in a susceptible sample. The LD50 value is an internationally used measure of Considerable variation in resistance to propyzamide before the wintergrass has herbicide resistance. endothal and simazine was also observed germinated should give better control. Levels of resistance measured as among the wintergrass samples (Figure 2). Multiple resistance in wintergrass has been LD50 ratios to rimsulfuron were >56-fold, The levels of resistance detected to simazine confirmed in 31 samples. Understanding how it foramsulfuron > 19-fold and endothal >7-fold. were only 2-fold greater than the susceptible has developed is imperative to prevent further Variation in resistance between herbicides sample (LD50 > 2-fold) highlighting differences increases in resistance. Laboratory studies with the same mode of action as identified in resistance between herbicide mode of involving biochemistry and molecular biology between the Group B herbicides rimsulfuron action groups. are now underway by Rajesh to investigate the and foramsulfuron, indicates that difference Propyzamide resistance was obvious mechanisms of resistance. in efficacy between herbicides within modes when used post-emergent (Figure 3), however, To date, he has confirmed that target of action occurs (Figure 2). In some cases, much less so when used pre-emergent. site resistance is responsible for conferring however, switching to a different Group B When used post-emergent, it required 1000g/ resistance to the Group B herbicides. He also herbicide that has not been used previously ha of propyzamide to control the susceptible investigated target site resistance to simazine in a golf course does not necessarily mean it sample and resistant samples were 2- to and propyzamide and identified this was not will be effective. Herbicide resistance testing, 5-fold resistant. When used pre-emergent, conferring resistance, suggesting the presence particularly for Group B resistance, is strongly the susceptible sample was controlled with of other mechanisms of resistance which he is recommended. 500g/ha and the resistance was lower. Using currently investigating. Trials found that the Group D herbicide propyzamide applied as a pre-emergent (left) was far more effective than when applied as a post-emergent (right) 46 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 Knowledge of non-target site resistance Most resistance was detected to Group B herbicides mechanisms has practical significance. In with variation observed between Group B herbicides. Foramsulfuron was the most effective other species, such as annual ryegrass, some non-target site resistance mechanisms have been shown to confer multiple resistance, that is plants with a single non-target site KEY POINTS resistant mechanism exhibiting resistance to • 31 samples of wintergrass (Poa annua) different mode of action herbicides. In such from golf courses in NSW, Victoria and cases, rotating to an alternative mode of action SA tested for herbicide resistance; herbicide may not be an effective strategy. • All wintergrass samples exhibited Understanding how resistance spreads resistance to several mode of action can help minimise contamination. Wintergrass herbicides (multiple resistance). is predominately a self-pollinated species, • Most resistance detected to Group although up to 15 per cent outcrossing has B herbicides with variation observed been detected. This indicates that although between Group B herbicides, with multiple resistance in wintergrass has most foramsulfuron most effective. likely arisen from sequential selection with • Propyzamide and simazine were the multiple herbicides over time, there is also most effective herbicides tested. the possibility of accumulation of herbicide • Pre-emergence applied propyzamide resistance traits through cross pollination. online at https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2020.35. was more effective than post-emergent. Rajesh is conducting genetic trials These will be appropriate reading for anyone • Target-site resistance was confirmed to crossing resistant with susceptible plants interested in delving deeper into some of the Group B herbicides but not to the other to identify the incidence of cross pollination topics presented on here (see http://www. mode of action herbicides tested. and understand the genetics of herbicide weedscience.com/Pages/Species.aspx). • Using mixtures of different mode of resistance in the Australian resistant samples. action is the best strategy to maximise This article may spur many questions ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS weed control. regarding the different subjects covered Rajesh Barua, Peter Boutsalis and Christopher • Conducting herbicide resistance testing without bibliography and graphs. The full Preston are from The University of Adelaide. Dr can help turf managers select effective paper of this research has been published in Boutsalis is also the founder of Plant Science herbicides. the Weed Science Journal and is available Consulting. & THE PERFECT CUT EVERY TIME. THE ULTIMATE SPORTS TURF MOWER THAT'S ADJUSTABLE TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE DAY. The Cub Cadet® Infinicut™ sets the standard for what playing surfaces can be. The all-electric lithium powered drive reduces noise and usage extends well beyond simply cutting turf with a wide-range of TMSystem™ cassettes available. The unique design and flexible set-up allows for precise operator tuning and .10mm increment height-of-cut adjustments. The Infinicut is now available with a floating or fixed head for unmatched value and uniform quality of cut and appearance, every time. BOOK A TEST DRIVE T. 1300 951 594 M. 0477 718 844 MTD Products Australia Pty Ltd 6 Zenith Road, Dandenong South, VIC 3175 Australia www.cubcadet.com.au I iKainfinicut CubCadiBt MAY-JUNE 2020 47 NUTRITION At a time when budgets are tight, it is important to evaluate the cost effectiveness of every input. Fertiliser comes in many different formulations, blends and prices, but does the grass know the cost? No... N • A good । K feed In the second instalment of looking at the basics of fertilising turf surfaces, AGCSATech agronomist Steve Tuckett looks at the different types of fertilisers available on the market. n the last edition of Australian Turfgrass SIMPLE, SOLUBLE FERTILISERS the other 79 per cent is made up of crystals of Management Journal, the article ‘A These are chemical fertilisers, produced by (NH4)2SO4. I good feed’ (ATM Volume 22.2, pages 56-61) looked at the fundamentals for developing a successful fertiliser programme. In this follow-up article we will examine the different types of fertilisers available to the sports turf manager, how they work and where they fit into a programme. We industrial processes, which contain the major nutrients that are readily available to the plant. The turf manager can apply them as they are or make their own blends, or buy commercial NPK blends which are more convenient. These products are all basically salts, defined as a solid compound that will dissolve Table 1 lists common N carriers, along with their molecular formula and percentage. Some of them also contain phosphorous and secondary nutrients including sulphur. The rate column shows how much of each fertiliser is required to deliver a standard application rate of 0.2kg/100m2 (the calculation will also look at the calculations required for in water into its two constituent charged is 0.2kg/100m2 x 100, divided by the N%). All cost comparisons which is important to know components - the positive ion (cation) and the of these fertilisers will produce a response for budgeting purposes when developing such negative ion (anion). Sulphate of ammonia has in terms of green-up and growth. However, programmes. a nitrogen (N) percentage of 21 per cent and there are important differences between these TABL E 1. NITROGEN CARRIERS Fertiliser Analysis Solubility g/L Salinity index pH effect Fert Rate Cost Unit Cost kg/100m2 c/kg c/100m2 Urea 46% N 1,000 75 0.75 0.43 kg 85 36 Sulphate of Ammonia 21% N, 24% S 706 69 1.1 0.95 kg 70 62 Potassium nitrate 13% N, 38% K 133 74 -0.13 1.54 kg $1.60 $2.46 Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) 18%N, 20%P 575 34 0.5 0.95 kg 90 85 Mono ammonium phosphate (MAP) 10%N, 22%P 227 30 0.5 1.67 kg 90 $1.50 ’ Adapted from Ford 2018 common nitrogen carriers 48 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 products including cost, effect on soil pH, the • The salt index relates only to soil-applied no real problem in getting any of those 14 ammonium and nitrate content and solubility. fertiliser, not foliar applied products, nutrients directly into the leaf (Ford 2018). Some points about the information and research has been done to assess Foliar fertilising can reduce inefficiencies that presented in Table 1; the particular burn potential from liquid occur with soil-applied granular fertilisers • The solubility figure is the grams of fertiliser fertiliser applied directly to foliage, which including soil interactions that affect nutrient that could be dissolved in one litre of water. is common in turf. Be aware that urea and availability such as pH, aerobic status, the You may need to dissolve the fertiliser in sulphate of ammonia can burn the turf, solubility of competing ions as well as losses hot water to achieve the solubility indicated so low rates are required if applying as a through leaching and volatilisation. by the figures. foliar. Application of liquid fertiliser through a • The pH effect indicates the amount of • The cost of the fertiliser is based on the boom spray is very efficient in terms of time, lime (CaCO3) in kilograms required to Incitec/Pivot price list. The prices included labour and cost. Foliar feeding fits well into counteract a kilogram of each product and just give an indication of the relative cost of a spoon-feeding programme as the very low maintain the same pH. In some cases the each product in cents per kilogram. rates would be impossible to spread through pH figure is negative, which indicates the • Multiplying the fertiliser rate (kg/100m2) by a fertiliser spreader. Many foliar fertilisers tend product is alkaline and moves pH in the the fertiliser cost (c/kg) gives the unit cost to be expensive, so prudent turf managers same direction as lime. Note that sulphate (c/100m2). It allows you to compare apples who want to save money can mix up their own of ammonia is the most acidifying and with apples, the cost to treat an area rather brews (see the liquid N and potassium nitrate requires 1.1 kg of lime to counteract 1 kg than just the cost of the product. blend in the previous article - ATM Volume of fertiliser. Note also that any product 22.2, page 60). containing ammonium is acidifying. LIQUID FERTILISERS (FOLIARS) Sulphate of ammonia is the fertiliser used Turfgrasses have the ability to take up all 14 SLOW-RELEASE OR CONTROLLED- in the ‘acid theory’ management of bent essential mineral nutrients directly through RELEASE FERTILISERS greens, especially browntop bent where the foliage. Current formulations of liquid In the natural environment, plants will take very low N rates are used. fertilisers are believed to penetrate mostly the up N immediately as they don’t want their • The salt index figure is a rating system transcuticular pores on foliage, which are open competitors to get to the available N first. If we used to indicate the potential salinity virtually all the time compared to the stomata apply too much N fertiliser in one application, damage from fertilisers. The index is (Fernandez and Eichert, 2009; Oosterhuis, it makes the plants unhealthy or even kill them. related to the product solubility and the 2009). For effective uptake into the stomata, We might calculate a fertiliser rate to last the ions that make up the product. Sodium you need to time your applications to coincide whole of January, but the plant doesn’t know nitrate is set at 100. Figures above 90 with periods of low environmental stress as this that. Once you’ve applied N, the plant will take indicate high salinity potential, while figures is when stomata are more likely to be open up all that N within a few hours so there will below 20 indicate low salinity potential. (Jenks and Ashworth, 1999). be a short-term spike in tissue N percentage, In general, the most soluble fertilisers, or A surfactant or synergist can help improve followed by a decline over two or three weeks. those containing sodium and chlorine, uptake, and some forms of nutrient are better Figure 1 (page 50) depicts what the response have the highest salt index figures. than others at being taken up, but there is to the fertiliser application will look like. PHOTO: ANTHONY MILLS (THE LAKES GC) It is recommended to trial several products before implementing a new fertiliser regime. Fertilisers can be trialled on a practice green or even at home, noting the response and longevity of the products MAY-JUNE 2020 49 NUTRITION The turf will be lush and unhealthy for the is too quick in the summer for the opposite first two weeks, more susceptible to diseases reason. Another benefit of organic fertilisers like pythium and drechslera and there will be is that they can contribute to the soil organic excess clipping production. If these clippings matter fraction and raise CEC. In most cases are removed in catchers, a lot of N will be one would expect about two months’ longevity removed from the system. An excess in N also with these fertilisers. One drawback is that the reduces root depth as the plant will senesce fungi that cause fairy ring seem particularly some roots to recycle carbohydrates and fond of animal manure products, so they are mobile nutrients like phosphorous, potassium probably best avoided if fairy rings are present. and magnesium to support all the new growth. Chemically reacted urea: Urea can be treated Figure 1: Once nitrogen is applied, the plant will take it Many ryegrass sportsgrounds are only with a chemical that locks up its release. There all up within a few hours causing a spike in tissue N°/o, fertilised three or four times per year, with a followed by a decline over two or three weeks are two main forms: massive hit of N in each application which • Formaldehyde or methylene are two creates an unhealthy plant. Although labour chemicals that lock up the release of plant- costs would be increased, it would be better to available N from urea, in the products apply smaller quantities of fertiliser more often. urea formaldehyde (UF) and methylene Slow-release or controlled-release ureas (MU). The chemical is degraded products avoid the issues outlined above. by microbial action in the soil over time, Controlled-release is the modern name and it eventually releasing the urea where means the nutrient is released into the soil at specific bacteria convert it to the plant a known release rate, which is usually affected available forms ammonium and nitrate. by soil temperature. The desired effect is The release rate of UF or MU products is shown on the blue line in Figure 2 where the Figure 2: The desired effect of a controlled-release is therefore controlled by the rate of microbial tissue N% can be maintained closer to the shown on the blue line where the tissue N% can be activity, which again depends mainly on optimum level of four per cent, whereas the maintained closer to the optimum level of four per cent temperature. The release may not be quick monthly applications shown on the green line enough in winter in southern Australia results in peaks and troughs which rarely stay niche organics made as by-products of other as microbial activity drops off with low at the optimum level. industries (e.g.: from abattoirs or fish cleaning temperatures. In most cases one would Slow-release fertilisers are the best option operations). Organics release their N and all expect about 2-3 months’ longevity with on new turf constructions where fast-draining the other nutrients as they decompose, so the these fertilisers, depending on the product. sands with a low CEC have been used. There activity of soil microbes determines the release Some of these products are actually liquid, are three main forms of slow- or controlled- rate. which allows for very accurate application release N fertiliser; Their release may not be quick enough using a boom spray. Despite being a Organic: The original slow-release product, as during winter in the southern states of liquid, they are still slow release and not Mother Nature intended. Manure type products Australia, as microbial activity drops off with necessarily immediately available to the predominate here, but there are a number of low temperatures. It is possible that release plant. PHOTO: ANTHONY MILLS (THE LAKES GC) Foliar fertilising can reduce inefficiencies that occur with soil-applied granular fertilisers including soil interactions that affect nutrient availability such as pH, aerobic status, the solubility of competing ions as well as losses through leaching and volatilisation 50 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 • The second type of chemically reacted The rate of release depends largely on of slow-release product with a majority of urea is called isobutylene di-urea (IBDU the number of coats applied to the prill, and quick release fertiliser, but are still costed or isodur). IBDU is a very slowly soluble you can have 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month release as if the entire product is slow-release. A granule and release is simply from the products (e.g.: Once and Osmocote products). good slow-release blend should contain a passing of water over the granule. The Cold temperatures can slow down the rate significant majority of slow-release product larger the granule the longer it will take of nutrient release, so again they might not and a small minority of quick-release to dissolve, so the release period can be release enough in a cold climate. product. several months. This chemical is different There are some other forms of slow- • Granular slow-release products are in to the other slow-release N products in that release technology apart from these. The danger of being picked up by mowers with temperature is not an issue. It will release fertiliser magnesium ammonium phosphate catchers and can be wasted. On greens or as well in winter as in summer. Examples (sold as Magamp) consists of large prills that anywhere catchers are used, apply a liquid are N-Durogreen and the Floranid range. take months to dissolve and is a very effective slow-release product, or a mini or micro Coated products: The third main type of slow- slow-release N form. Another technology slows prill sized slow-release fertiliser. release fertilisers are the coated products. A down the transformation of ammonium N in the • It is recommended to trial several products point of difference with coated products is that soil to nitrate N, which reduces nitrate leaching before implementing a new fertiliser any combination of the essential nutrients can losses. An example of this is the Nu-max range regime. Fertilisers can be trialled on a be coated, so you are not just limited to N. of products from Simplot. practice green or even at home, noting the A normal granule of fertiliser can be coated Slow-release fertilisers are, naturally, more response and longevity of the products. to prevent it dissolving and this provides the expensive than the readily soluble fertilisers. • When using slow-release products, cut slow-release action. In round figures, a readily soluble fertiliser your actual N rates to about half to two The cheapest form of coating is sulphur may cost 80 cents per kilogram, while a slow- thirds of what you were applying with the (e.g. sulphur-coated urea, SCU). More release product will cost $4kg. There are some quick-release programme. With quick­ expensive coated products have both points that need to be made here: release fertilisers, much of the N you apply a sulphur coating and a polymer coat • You may get some of this cost back in the may not be taken up by the plant as it has (e.g.: Poly-S) with a wax coating to aid in form of labour savings. been lost through volatilisation or leaching. waterproofing. As the wax, polymer and • You will not save on labour if only the N is With slow-release products, very little N sulphur coats are broken down by microbes slow release, because you will probably is lost and nearly all of it will end up in and by water uptake, they release their still need at least monthly applications the plant - so cut the actual N rates back. nutrients. The most technologically advanced of potassium, iron and other nutrients, This is also good for the environment, as type of coating uses several layers of a particularly on a sand-based green. leached N can pollute waterways. polymer coating where water is drawn into • Most slow N products are a blend of The real benefit of slow-release N products them by osmosis and then the prill swells true slow N fertilisers with cheaper, basic is healthier turf and it is strongly recommended up under water pressure which then forces soluble products. Some are reasonably that sports turf managers learn how to use nutrients out into the soil. expensive, but contain only a small amount them effectively.^ FERTILISER RATE AND COST CALCULATIONS With budgets tight, it is important to evaluate larger areas it makes sense to work in kg/ Note: When calculating ratios for liquid the cost effectiveness of all inputs. Some of ha so you multiply kg/100m2 by 100. It allows fertilisers, always use the weight per volume the following calculations may seem basic, you to compare apples with apples, the cost (w/v) analysis, not the w/w analysis. but it is important to show all the steps to get to treat an area rather than just the cost of the to the final cost. product. CASE STUDY 3 If the sulphate of ammonia costs $18 How do you work out the actual Nitrogen CASE STUDY 1 for a 25kg bag then the unit cost (cents/kg) content of a fertiliser? We have applied 6kg of Calculate the rate and cost to apply sulphate is 18/25 = 72.0 cents per kg so the cost for urea to a 1000m2 bentgrass bowling green. of ammonia (21% N) to a perennial ryegrass this application is: 0.72 x 95 = $68.40/per ha. What rate of actual nitrogen have we applied sportsfield. Based on the fertiliser programme, Then to calculate the cost of the application and is the rate excessive as a maintenance the rate of actual Nitrogen is 0.2kg/100m2 and for the 1.6ha oval is $68.40 x 1.6 = $109.54. rate? the total area of the oval is 1.6ha. Use the Actual Nitrogen rate kg N/100m2 = formulae: CASE STUDY 2 Fertiliser rate kg/100m2 x N%/100 Fertiliser rate kg/100m2 = Rate of actual Calculate the rate and cost to fertilise a Six kg of urea per 1000m2 is equivalent N/100m2x 100/N% 400m2 bentgrass green in January using a to 0.6kg/100m2. Actual N kg/100m2 = 0.6kg x So, on the perennial ryegrass field, where liquid nitrogen product (W/V 42.5%N) which 46/100 = 0.276kg actual N/100m2 we want 0.2kgN/100m2, the calculation is: costs $1.20/litre. The actual N rate we want is The application is a little excessive for a Fertiliser rate kg/100m2 = 0.2kgN/100m2 0.1 kgN/100m2. To calculate the fertiliser rate bentgrass bowling green, but not too high x 100/21 = 0.95kg/100m2of sulphate of is as follows: that it would be harmful to the green. ammonia Fertiliser rate = 0.1 kgN x 100/42.5 = 0.235 Because it’s a broadacre area, that’s litres of liquid N/100m2 Further reading: Some interesting articles, equivalent to 95kg/ha of sulphate of If the liquid N unit cost is $1.20/L then discussing the costs involved in fertiliser ammonia. If the oval was 1.6ha, you’d need the cost for this application is 1.2 x 0.235 programmes, can be found at www. 152kg of fertiliser for the whole field. = 28 cents/per 100m2. For the 400m2 golf asianturfgrass.com. Another excellent article Note: Multiplying the fertiliser rate green, the quantity of liquid nitrogen is by the USGA is ‘Does the grass know the (kg/100m2) by the fertiliser cost (cents/kg or approximately 1L and the cost per application cost?’ by Stan Zontek et al in the May-June $/kg) gives the unit cost ($ or c/100m2). For is approximately 4 x 28c = $1.12. 2010 edition of the Green Section Record. MAY-JUNE 2020 51 PETER McMAUGH AM Peter McMaugh AM looks at the secrets to successfully transitioning out ryegrass from a couchgrass sward. ne of the most troubling meantime, what the answer is to this question from the couch. This is rather disastrous for questions for any turf really comes down to what couchgrass will Australian-bred couchgrasses which are bred O practitioner who oversows couchgrass for better winter presentation and wear, be it a give the greatest recovery potential; in other words, ‘what’s left’ at transition time. golf course tee or a football ground,and and how to take out the ryegrass to affect a good transition back to healthy couch. There are four elements to this question Many of the couchgrasses used on tees football grounds are chosen for their is when density and their ability to carry high wear with high recovery rates. For this reason they are often difficult to oversow unless to stay green into winter and also for hybrids like Santa Ana that have late dormancy and early green-up. They are deprived for many months of the chance of storing more food for recovery in spring. Australian-bred couchgrasses are usually selected for very flat growth which means that that all need to slot together smoothly for the there is a dethatching programme carried when they are oversown they consume stored operation to be successful. These are; out beforehand. For the overall health of the energy that they would normally use in spring • Choosing the best couchgrass to be couchgrass, this is not the right time of the to produce upright growth to compete with the oversown; year to be dethatching. Damage done in late ryegrass for light. This is a survival response • Choosing the best ryegrass for its summer and autumn can leave plenty of open which makes for a negative in spring. transition performance; wounds for fungal invasion, to say nothing of These considerations lead to only one • Choosing the appropriate chemical to removing food reserves that normally would be conclusion - that only couchgrasses with the assist the transition; and used for recovery at green-up in spring. ability to store lots of goodies in reserve will • Choosing the right ‘time’ to carry out the The major problem that couchgrasses have the ability to transition successfully. How exercise have is with the density of the oversow, many of our currently popular varieties have Regarding the first point, in some ways it because it often really transforms the oversown this innate genetic ability? The answer to that would be best to talk about this subject last area into a pure ryegrass sward that excludes will come later, but for now we need to carry it and maybe we will have the last word. In the 90 per cent or more of the incidental light uppermost in our mind. 52 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT The secret to successful transition is a combination of best combination of sufficient openness for things - selecting the right couchgrass and ryegrass, ease of oversowing, but with adequate density choosing the best chemical to assist the process and for high wear tolerance and strong rhizome making sure your timings are spot on growth, is SR3. This is ‘the secret’ ingredient Choosing your ryegrass for oversowing for the transition mix and SR3 offers a new is something that requires careful research. standard in this area. Before you make your decision, talk with a very reputable seed company. If they don’t have a COVID-19 CHALLENGES suitable product they will normally say so. From the information I am getting from the seed trade, the sales in this current year for CHEMICAL TRANSITION oversowing are down about 40 per cent, so There are suitable chemicals which will hasten what does this mean for use post COVID-19? the exit of ryegrass and the sulfonylurea One thing we can predict I think with some herbicide Destiny (iodosulfuron) is probably certainty is that when the now vacant (as I going to be the herbicide of choice on most write) playing fields come back into use, it will occasions. Choosing the optimum rate of be a case of continuous overuse. chemical which will give the best rate of The additional gremlin is also likely to be a fadeout and the least damage to the couch wetter than usual winter (at least that is the gist will vary from place to place. Too much water of what the forecasters are saying). Overuse will normally work against the sulfonylureas combined with wet grounds will see a lot of achieving a good result, because they are as disasters appearing, whether the fields are a group very soluble in water and move easily oversown or not. with the surface flow when there is runoff. Recently there was a small flood in the Hawkesbury/Nepean River. It did not produce TIMING IS EVERYTHING a huge inundation of a large number of turf Choosing the ‘right time’ is always going farms. On the low lying farms the water stayed to be an exercise fraught with danger. The on some areas for more than 10 days, as experience of most practitioners is that the it also did on Lynwood Country Club. The biggest mistake is to leave it too late, because survival of bentgrass and buffalo was very by then the couch will be too weak or almost poor. Damage on kikuyu was extensive and non-existent to make a comeback. On the couchgrasses varied greatly in how they other hand, the penalty of going too early can survived. Again, the winner in the recovery unleash the possibility of a late frost or an stakes was SR3 by a big margin. It resumed unseasonably cool spring making it very slow growing as if it had never seen the inundation. for the couch to emerge from hibernation. Remember that good drainage both in If you have the unhappy combination of surface runoff and subsoil is the key to keeping a couch which has poor prospects of being any kind of playing field in good condition. As robust in spring and a too late take out of the I said previously, get ready for overuse. Make ryegrass, you will be left with a disaster that will sure if you can to spread the wear around. I probably need returfing. know it is like trying to herd cats, when you CHOOSE WISELY This really brings us back to the try to move players from that spot outside the The second point for discussion are the consideration of what couchgrass we should field entry point, but you have to be strong and ryegrasses themselves. Breeding ryegrasses be using in the first place. The best grasses to insist on putting up barriers if necessary. that transition well is not a high priority among choose for vigour at transition will be the same So what is the take-away message from the international breeders. Their emphasis as those that survive drought the best. These all this? It is there in the four points at the is on very late flowering types, not the early are those with the strongest rhizome growth. very beginning of the article. Oversowing is a flowering types needed for quick transition. Rhizomes are the ‘secret’ ingredient to remedial for overuse but it won’t work if there Internationally, the market for ryegrass of turf successful transition. When you look at a list is no drainage.^ type is dominated by permanent ryegrass of grasses with their rhizome rating alongside swards. I have been quite surprised by hearing of them, you can begin to see why many TABLE 1. RHIZOME RATINGS that some of the older early transition types like fail to varying degrees in transition. The list Grass Variety Rhizome Rhizome Caravelle are still in demand. in Table 1 (right) has been derived from my Presence Strength Another characteristic of most of the latest research trials conducted during spring/ Wintergreen * Very weak perennial ryegrasses bred for turf is that summer 2019/2020. Windsor Green **** Strong they have high endophyte content. This sets You can have a very extensive and very Grand Prix ** Weak up an allelopathy contest with the nurse strong root system, but without any rhizomes Legend * Very weak grass. These grasses not only compete you will not have the carbohydrate stored Santa ana * Very weak with the nurse grass but they also attack it food reserves to give the plant the get up and Oz Tuff **** Med/strong to weaken its competition. Only grasses with go in spring. This is especially so in a year Scientia ***** Very strong strong rhizomes can sustain this attack and when you experience the spring root dieback Tif Tuff *** Med/strong come back. While ryegrasses with a weaker phenomenon that I wrote about in ATM Volume SR3 ***** Very strong endophyte level are better for oversowing, you 21.3 (May-June 2019). SR6 ***** Strong need to balance that against the level of insect In Table 1 there are some grasses which SAV6 **** Medium attack that you might experience in your area. are much easier to overseed than others. The SAV6.1.5 **** Medium MAY-JUNE 2020 53 HI JOHN FORREST Hamersley Golf Course in Perth pumps through in excess of 70,000 rounds of golf. Combined with a heavily-treed layout and sting nematode populations, it is a challenging course to manage John Forrest looks at some of the measures taken by superintendent Craig Hamilton and his team to revitalise the playing surfaces at the public access Hamersley Golf Course in Perth’s northern suburbs. he City of Stirling in Perth, Western QUITE THE JOURNEY as a talented youngster, he had ambitions to Australia has a treasure in its Parks Turf management is an occupation that can follow his love of sport and become either a T Department - the heavily-treed 18-hole public access Hamersley Golf Course. Many of Hamersley’s were once considered to be one of the six forest giants of South West Australia, take a person all around the world and with that comes unbelievable experiences and the opportunity to meet some genuine people. Craig’s story starts in Northern Ireland where, large trees grow close to the edge of fairways, tees and greens, are native to the area and professional sportsman or sports physio. Carrickfergus Golf Club, just north of Belfast, offered him an apprenticeship which he eagerly took on, working there for about 1.5 years before work dried up in the winter months. He had to work as his pay helped to support his mum and family, so from there he commonplace in WA until their export value went to the University of Ulster (Jordanstown with urban development reduced their Campus) working on a variety of surfaces populations. including soccer, rugby and camogie (female Eucalyptus gomphocephala (Tuart tree) hurling). He then went back into golf at the define many of Hamersley’s holes that support one-man owner course Burnfield House. over 70,000 rounds of golf per year. On any An avid cricketer, Craig played senior par four on any given day, there will be a level at his local club and made friends with group of golfers on the tee and another waiting some New Zealanders who had come over on the fairway for the group in front on the for the season. Soon he found himself doing green to putt out. In addition to being heavily likewise, heading to the other side of the world shaded and heavily trafficked, Hamersley to play cricket with the hope of also gaining also has sting nematode populations in all its more experience in the career he loved. surfaces - greens, tees and fairways. Upon arriving in New Zealand he landed a It sounds like a challenge to present job on a reconstruction project of four holes reasonable surfaces, but course at the Maungakiekie Golf Club in Auckland. superintendent Craig Hamilton has it worked It was a chance to assist in building USGA out. Together with his four engaged and spec perched water table greens. There enthusiastic staff, he has shown that believing was a five month pause in construction and in the basics of developing an environment to superintendent Mike Leach and his assistant/ promote and nurture plant health can deliver brother Warren made Craig very welcome as Intensive renovation practices have significantly great results. part of the maintenance crew. improved soil profiles and overall turf health 54 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 Unfortunately, Craig’s visa expired and a trip back to Northern Ireland was needed with a job in the province of Ulster at Moyola Park Golf Club, a picturesque, heavily-treed golf course which would provide invaluable experience for his unseen future in Australia. It was then back to New Zealand and an apprenticeship at Waitemata Golf Club in Devonport, just across the harbour from the Auckland CBD. A two-year visa gave him just enough time to complete his apprenticeship, but feeling a little homesick it was back to Northern Ireland and a very special course in Royal Belfast. The travel bug returned after two years and this time he headed to Australia. After fruit-picking in South Australia and a short stint at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney, he then backpacked the length of the east coast for three months, including Fraser Island and Cairns. He ventured south to Mt Hotham Superintendent Craig Hamilton on the 10th green, one of many greens to be impacted by significant shade in Victoria and took on a part-time role as a Getting oxygen into the profile was the In more recent times, with the introduction snowboard instructor and concierge, before key. Multiple greens were affected by shade, of Ninja tines (mini hollows), the opportunity heading back to Northern Ireland and then to high traffic, tree roots and sting nematode to reduce major greens aerations has been Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan as a snowboard populations, while layering within the profiles possible, with autumn renovations now instructor. A casual job at Whitehead Golf was impacting water movement and retention. replaced by three Ninja-tine events. A mini-tine Course took him back to Northern Ireland with Action was required to address the soft, moist (solids) is ongoing as required. thoughts of returning to Japan in following greens surfaces that had developed black As well as more intensive renovations, winter. layer and a short root system. Craig has also started oversowing new Life then took a defining twist when he After solid turfing out the worst affected creeping bentgrass variety Pure Distinction met the love of his life, future wife to be Clare. patches, Craig embarked on an intensive into the existing surface at renovation time When she and her family (mum, dad, three coring programme, starting with 25mm tines (September) which is proving very successful. brothers and one brother’s girlfriend) decided and white silica sand rubbed into the core Staff initially scarify the greens surface in two to head to Perth, Craig joined them and upon holes. The programme was implemented directions, with the blades just touching the arrival he worked for a landscape company. over a four-year cycle with the greens cored soil surface but not disturbing it. Thinning He then secured a job at Hamersley Golf at varying depths each year so as not to the thatch and leaf matter allows the seed to Course and after a year moved into the role of core to the same depth twice in a row. No settle close to the soil surface. Coring is then superintendent. Twelve years on and Craig’s set programme was put in place as far as undertaken - the depth being dependent on family has grown to four children - an eight­ depths were concerned, with Craig making an what is required as far as layers or compaction year-old boy, six-year-old girl and three-year- assessment prior to each coring depending on - and the Pure Distinction seed then spread old twins. the condition of the surfaces. and the green topdressed. Ensuring all holes BACK ON TRACK Hamersley is the City of Stirling’s only public golf course and is routed across 50 hectares only a few minutes from one of the country’s most recognised courses, Lake Karrinyup Country Club. Despite operating with only a small crew, Hamilton and his dedicated team have fine-tuned the course and the management of the surfaces over a number a years, with the City providing the necessary support to ensure the facility is a thriving community asset. When Craig took over as Hamersley superintendent, there was already a greens replacement programme in place, with two greens being restored every year. Rather than waiting nine years to see them all replaced, Craig instead recommended to council an intensive renovation programme to breath some life back into the existing Penncross bentgrass surfaces. For a public access facility, Hamersley punches well above its weight in terms of conditioning and presentation MAY-JUNE 2020 55 JOHN FORREST 4 team effort... Craig Hamilton (second from left) and his crew with City of Stirling senior irrigation officer Kevin Zoccoli (far left) the surface when needed and seeding through the winter may be ongoing depending on the weather and wear. • Fairways are kikuyu and tend to get spongy and a little thatchy, so Craig tackles this by scarifying in two directions and sanding each year. Scarifying also improves the evenness of the surface. • Green surrounds are one of the highest wear areas at Hamersley. When areas are narrow and golfers are channelled close to the green, compaction becomes an issue and coring is very important. Titan split tines are used as they dry quickly and can are filled is important, but being too vigorous Being heavily treed, the greens are also be rubbed in more effectively. in trying to achieve this can damage the leaf impacted by shade which increases the blade at a time when recovery is key. longevity of dew, an environment that dollar TEAM EFFORT Plant health is Craig’s number one target. spot loves. It is a battle waged over much of One of the major improvements at Hamersley On a golf course where revenue is made the year and fusarium can also rear its head in recent times has been the installation of through the number of golfers playing, a from time to time. Greens can be mowed early, a new Toro Lynx irrigation system. Valve-in- speedy return to a good surface is critical. The but by the time golfers are on course playing head sprinklers have been used throughout competition from the newly-seeded bentgrass the dew has often reformed. the course, with Infinity 35s on fairways and appears to keep Poa annua at bay and the Elsewhere on the course... tees and Infinity 55s on greens. Craig worked aggressive growth habit of the Pure Distinction • Difficult-to-manage tees that have high closely with City of Stirling senior irrigation also plays a role in this. Primo is applied on a sting nematode counts and/or large trees officer Kevin Zoccoli to produce a system that monthly basis. close by are treated with Seamungus. This meets not only the course’s requirements It is essential to keep a turf cover on the can increase the moisture in the soil which, but also the City’s efficiency and regulatory greens at Hamersley as algae can quickly while ideal in summer, can cause a few requirements. appear on any bare surfaces, as will Poa. problems in winter. Coring is completed as Complementing each other’s abilities, Dusting is a practice that is ongoing and required to reduce saturated tees during Kevin and Craig worked together to look at undertaken weekly through summer and at the cooler months; different angles and come up with a system least four times during the winter. • Reconstruction of problem tees is ongoing that not only conserves water but meets Soil testing is undertaken annually and with surfaces of 300-400m2 providing a the turf’s requirements. Tree roots encroach nutrient applications are tailored on the results. more manageable size to spread wear. into the playing surfaces on many parts of Sting nematodes have been a problem in There is limited sideways movement for tee the course and Perth is a windy city. If a dry several of the greens over the years and Craig construction due to the trees, so often a spot appears on the course, then one or two has applied a product called Seamungus with long rectangular design is best. sprinklers can be turned on to target it, instead great results. While there are fluctuations from • Oversowing tees with ryegrass helps of a whole block as was the case in the past. year to year, with them being particularly active get them through winter. The surface is Craig knew the shapes he wanted the in spring, across the course of one year Craig scarified depending on grass coverage irrigation to cover on course and Kevin saw sting nematode populations in one of and how much dead material is on the designed the system to fit, with 16-metre his problematic greens reduce from 430 (per surface. Seed is then spread and the tee spacings ensuring even coverage. Moisture 200ml of soil) to just 17. topdressed. Core holes are punched into sensors installed in each green assist identifying whether notorious dry areas need watering. The fact that the golf course can be watered on demand is critical for the turf surfaces and Department of Water licensing requirements. A superintendent is only as good as his staff and with the demands at Hamersley it really is a team effort to get the course to the standard it is. Craig does not have many staff, but they are certainly all on the same channel. To look over the whole course at the end of summer and find no dry patches indicates a switched-on superintendent, engaged staff and an irrigation supervisor with the skills and knowledge required. The City of Stirling must also take some credit for supplying the budget and support needed to produce a golf course that is well patronised and enjoyed by many.^ During September renovations, the Penncross greens are oversown with Pure Distinction creeping bentgrass 56 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 SAFETY CCI FENCING WORLD LEADERS IN HIGH SAFETY SCREEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION -> Constructed more high safety screens in Australia than any other company -» Designed and constructed the highest safety screens in Australia - 36m - with current designs up to 52m high! 4 Fully engineered & certified designs setting new world standards Using only the world's highest grade and fully wind tunnel tested netting COUNTRY CLUB 66 Country Club International is a forward CCI INTERNATIONAL thinking company. WeTe excited to keep pushing the boundaries of product design IN FO@COUNTRYCLUB.COM. AU excellence & service. countryclub.com.au At CCI, we'll design your custom fencing 1300 138 804 solution no matter what the scale. id Mike Baker HR AND COMPLIANCE PHOTO: ADOBESTOCK.COM/ENJOYS25 HR expert Vicki Crowe looks at the concept of ‘growth mindsets’, a new buzzword for businesses and organisations. All in the There has been a lot of research conducted on understanding how a company’s mindset influenced workers’ mindset satisfaction, perceptions of the company’s culture, levels of collaboration, innovation, behaviour and how it affected a manager’s views of employees. The research found that in each company there was a real consensus about the mindset. Managers in growth­ mindset companies expressed significantly or many years, ‘growth mindsets’ their talents can be developed through hard more positive views about their employees were well known in the education work, good strategies and input from others than those in fixed-mindset companies, rating F and elite sports industries. In the last couple of years, businesses have also started to grasp the (collaboration). They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset who believe their talents are innate gifts. concept and are now using it to improve Employees with a fixed mindset felt that employee productivity and performance. In the early 1970s, American graduate psychology student Carol Dweck began their companies focused too much on the small handful of ‘star’ workers and didn’t feel the company had their back. These employees them as more innovative, collaborative and committed to learning and growing. Today, companies need to innovate to stay ahead. To do this, they need to have a growth mindset and think about the business in new ways. Companies need to shift their focus from output (fixed mindset) to a focus on effort studying how children coped with failure. were less committed than other employees (growth mindset). So instead of celebrating She found that some didn’t just cope, they and were worried about failing, so they held employee achievements, they are celebrating relished it. She also found for some people back on offering suggestions to help the the effort they put in. failure is the end of the world, but for others company grow. They also often kept secrets To implement a culture of growth mindset, it’s an exciting opportunity to improve. These and cut corners. When people with fixed mangers must drive the change. Growth findings led Dweck to research why there was mindsets face challenges, receive criticism or mindset businesses support developing their such a difference in individuals. She found that fare poorly compared with others, they tend to people internally and often hire from within, all individuals have either a ‘growth’ or ‘fixed’ fall into insecurity or become defensive, which while fixed mindset businesses hire externally mindset and now believes businesses and in turn inhibits growth. and focus on qualifications and achievements. organisations do too. Dweck says people often confuse a growth Growth mindset businesses value potential, Employees with a growth mindset enjoy mindset with being flexible or open-minded or capacity and a passion for learning. challenges, strive to learn and consistently see with having a positive outlook. However, she It is believed that focusing on qualifications potential to develop new skills. They believe calls this a false growth mindset. only is not nearly as effective as hiring people who love challenges, who want to grow and DIFFER ENCES IN MINDSET CHARACTERISTICS who are strong collaborators. For example, Fixed Mindset Growth Mindset Microsoft has shifted from hiring on education Skills and intelligence You have what you have Can be grown and and qualifications to hiring people who developed demonstrate they are capable, independent Main concern How they look, Learning, getting better, learners. Microsoft have found this shift to a performance focus process focus growth mindset has already had a big impact Effort Something you do when An important part of on the culture and employees’ productivity. you’re not good learning You don’t need to be a Microsoft to start Challenges Give up, check out Persevere, work through it - implementing a growth mindset. You just need show more grit to encourage employees to collaborate, share Feedback Take it personally, get defensive Like it, use it to learn information, offer innovative ideas, actively Mistakes Hates them, tries to Treats them as a learning seek feedback and see errors as learning avoid making them opportunity opportunities.^ 58 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 on it? Terry Muir asks whether the humble handshake is now a significant workplace hazard? n November 2019, e-par mapped out the top 12 environment and safety risks I as part of its EHS ‘Dirty Dozen’ initiative planned for early 2020. At no time was pandemic risk on our calendar and certainly at no time was the handshake listed on our risk registers as a workplace hazard! ): ADOBESTOCK.COM/AHA-SOFT Come March 2020, that changed overnight. The long-held habit of the handshake greeting has disappeared as social distancing has become the new normal. Since March, the practice of handshaking has rapidly vanished, replaced by fist bumps, head nods, foot taps and elbow taps, all to limit the spread of the virus. The handshake is now formally recognised as a significant hazard. Hopefully the handshake is just on Steven Pinker, Harvard’s Johnstone Family been perceived as a refusal into a shared extended leave, but for now everyone should professor of psychology says, “Because this acknowledgement of the current situation. be keeping their hands away from anyone is a pandemic, because there is virtually no Another suggestion is you might say else’s and speaking up when they see others population immunity, and because we know something like, “It’s such a pleasure to meet. not doing the right thing. In the same way that that people can transmit while being either pre- I’m so glad we’re here together face to face, we’ve come to ignore the awkwardness and symptomatic or showing minimal symptoms, even though I can’t shake your hand.” You speak up when we notice that someone is not every handshake runs the risk of exposing you might also consider saying hello at a slightly following a safety procedure, we now ought or the other person to the virus.” farther distance and giving a quick wave before to feel obliged to call out people for shaking Shaking someone’s hand is one of the returning your hand to your pocket. hands - even if it invites discomfort. ways that we are more likely to become Remember, given the current David Whitworth, a biologist at Aberystwyth infected, and so it must become very easy for circumstances, you probably don’t need to University in Wales, reported on a study he all of us to remember to do something else. apologise for your unwillingness to shake conducted on handshake bacteria transfer. In For now, all work areas should be handshake hands. Instead of worrying about how your his experiment, he had one person dip their and high five free. behaviour measures up against another, hand into a container filled with bacteria then So how do you avoid shaking hands? recognise that we’re all managing risk and you shake hands with another person (both wore Amy Gallo reported in The Harvard Business must do what you feel comfortable doing, and sterile gloves). After the recipient’s glove was Review on how to respond if you find yourself assume others will understand. dry, Whitworth measured the bacteria on it. meeting new people or even reuniting with Reserving judgment and not worrying what The experiment was repeated with high fives work colleagues or clients you haven’t seen for others think of you is good advice at all times, and fist bumps. He found that; a while. Her main message is to accept that it’s and especially important now when stress and • A handshake transfers almost twice as going to feel awkward. anxiety are heightened. You are not refusing to many bacteria as a high five; Here are a few things to keep in mind. shake hands; what you’re really saying is I’m • Significantly fewer bacteria are passed First, decide ahead of time what you feel listening to public health officials and trying to along in a fist bump compared to a high comfortable with. Before you go into a meeting prevent COVID-19 from spreading. five; or you greet someone new, think through When will it be safe to shake hands again? • In all three greetings, longer duration what you want to do. Having a plan will give Currently, the handshake is such a terrible of contact and stronger grips increased you confidence and potentially make it less idea, from an infectious disease standpoint. transmission. awkward. One option is to keep your hands It may return once the virus is under control, • If people feel the need to touch, then a in your pocket and say, with a smile, “I guess but for now a handshake is no more than an swift fist bump or similar would be much we’re not supposed to shake hands now.” ‘infection by affection’ risk. Perhaps we can all better than a handshake. That phrasing helps to reframe what might’ve shake on that.^ MAY-JUNE 2020 59 ENVIRONMENT PHOTOS: BEN BURKE (KEWGC) The past five years have seen a raft of course improvement works undertaken at Kew Golf Club. As superintendent Cameron Hall writes, attention has now turned to improving the course’s out of play areas with the implementation of a dedicated vegetation management plan. t was 2010 when Kew Golf Club in planted during the famous member ‘working removal with over 300 trees removed from Melbourne engaged the services bees’ of the 1960s and 1970s and the majestic the site during this time. The initial VMP was I of highly respected former course superintendent and course designer Graeme Grant to undertake a comprehensive grass study of the existing grasses present on the course and provide recommendations for more suitable grass types for the future. As part of that study, river red gums which inhabited the property long before golf was played. This tree audit was to form the backbone of the club’s first vegetation management plan (VMP) which was approved by council (City of Boroondara) in 2014 to cover a five-year turn. During this time an incident had occurred devised by landscape designer Philip Liston in conjunction with the Tree Logic tree audit and while it covered all bases regarding tree management it lacked detail in improving out of play areas and working with our natural environment. In 2018 we began the process of Grant also came back with a recommendation on the course where a member was left implementing our second VMP from years for the club to engage a qualified arborist to wheelchair-bound following a tree falling on 2019-2023 and with the majority of the major undertake a full tree audit of the site. top of him as he left the 2nd tee complex course works from the Course Master Plan At the time the course was heavily tree- one afternoon. The initial VMP was heavily completed, it was decided to focus on the lined with a wide variety of exotic species focussed on hazardous and exotic tree recommendations of improving out of play 60 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT A significant number of areas have been earmarked for revitalisation as part of the new vegetation management plan. Most are situated around tee surrounds and out of play areas at the rear of greens and establishment. After a thorough search a manicured, tree-lined course with several and review process, the club engaged Kate exotic trees throughout the property. Torgersen (Environmental Golf Solutions) to While the whole project excited me and I design our second VMP in collaboration with could see how it would improve the course, Graeme Grant which was to carry us through I quickly came to the realisation that for this until 2023. As part of this document we had project to be a success we needed to recruit another tree audit carried out which came back someone who had the necessary skill set and with a structured works schedule for the next enthusiasm to make this project a success and five years. take ownership of this area of our operations Part of the early process of implementing so that I could focus on the playing surfaces. the new VMP was to carry out a trial site in After numerous ads being placed and an ‘out of play’ area to give the board and trialling several different staff, we hired Ben members an actual visual understanding of Burke as our vegetation manager. Ben had a what the new works would entail. The site history with golf clubs having worked at Yarra chosen was on the right-hand side of the par Yarra and Metropolitan golf clubs and had the three 4th wrapping around the back of the energy and confidence in himself that he could green and up to the 5th tee. make this a success. rough areas and focus on reducing areas of This area had been previously maintained Ben is now well underway in taking hold rough to cut. as rough 30-40m away from the green and of the VMP with vegetation works being At this stage we felt that while the initial was well out of play. The initial feedback implemented in many locations around the VMP was suitable to start with, we needed was mixed, with positive views by some and course. Most of these new areas are situated our next VMP to be designed with a person negative by others. We were not surprised by around tee surrounds and the rear of greens who had experience in golf course vegetation this as traditionally Kew had been known as where far enough out of play. The 1st tee carry before and during works. The species selected for planting in these areas were based on Kew’s local ecological vegetation class (EVC) MAY-JUNE 2020 61 ENVIRONMENT The vegetation management plan is a win lor the environment. As well as transforming the look of the course and reducing inputs, it is having a positive impact on local fauna STRIKING A BALANCE communication as possible without being too vegetation for almost the entire length of the The species selected for planting in these technical on the details and where needed Yarra River system which allows animals to areas is based on the local ecological provide visual aids. Visual presentations such move freely in and around the golf course. vegetation class (EVC). The local EVC at Kew as the simulations have been a major factor in The recent sightings of echidnas, kangaroos Golf Club is known as a ‘Floodplain Riparian getting more members on side with our VMR and wallabies reinforces that we are doing the Complex’ which is dominated by river red While we continue to battle with some right thing for the environment and it is our gums along with a shrubby understorey and a members over the vegetation, we are also hope that we can make some of these native variety of grasses and groundcovers. Any golf getting a lot of good feedback from other animals more permanent residents. course in Victoria can work out their own local golfers and from the local fauna. For example, The local council has also noticed our EVC by using a free online programme called removing weedy shrubs between fairways environmental stewardship and they have Nature Kit (https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/ and replacing them with low native grasses offered to install habitat boxes for sugar biodiversity/natu rekit). has allowed us to open up vistas around the gliders and native birds. Melbourne Water is Once we had a list of local plant species, course. In return, we have seen an increased also assisting us with the funding of plants for the challenge lay in designing these vegetation amount of evidence that wombats, which live revegetation along the river banks. areas in such a way that they are not only in burrows in the bushland reserve next door, Overall, we believe implementing our aesthetically pleasing but also allow golfers to are visiting more frequently. VMP is a win for the environment and the club locate their ball and play a meaningful shot. If We are incredibly lucky to not be as a whole. In time, these vegetation areas you can strike this balance, then implementing landlocked by suburbia like many other golf will reduce costs associated with fertilising these areas in other locations on the golf courses are. There is a linkage of natural and mowing, while transforming what were course usually comes with little opposition. once bare areas into wonderful pockets of In saying that though, we are currently vegetation for many local animal species. We facing some issues with one of our vegetation believe in time most members will begin to areas located in front of the 1st tee. The appreciate these areas more and will be proud reasons for this appear more to be in relation to stand out as one of the more progressive to the early incomplete look of the area as clubs of Melbourne’s ‘clay belt’. the young plants are not yet fully developed. Superintendent Note: One final piece of These vegetation areas usually take around 2-3 advice for anyone looking to implement years to fill in, something that some members a project like this - ensure you have or are having a hard time envisaging. recruit a staff member who is able to take It is particularly challenging in these early full ownership of the task and let them do stages as there are no real reference points it. Having a good relationship will keep the on the course of fully mature native vegetation communication channels open at all time, but areas. Some other member complaints have this is specialised work and having a suitably been along the lines of ‘we are not a Sandbelt qualified staff member to complete it will make club’ and ‘this is not Kew’. We have managed your life so much easier. to get some members back on side by Being able to let Ben take ownership of providing more communication and through this project and allow myself to focus more the use of simulations which display how these on the playing surfaces has been the biggest areas will typically look in a few years’ time. positive of this project to date. We also This is one piece of advice we would found having Ben attend Course Committee recommend to other golf clubs looking to start meetings was very helpful as he could answer A waste area behind the 2nd green has been a vegetation programme. Provide as much transformed into a native area well out of play any questions directly that were raised.^ 62 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 223 * 1* r glfK i. J t 4 •Ma MEDALLION: formulated for explosive contact activity When disease hits, MEDALLION contact fungicide delivers effective control you can trust. Its naturally occurring active ingredient explodes spores on the leaf, in the thatch and beneath the soil’s surface, going beyond any other contact fungicide. MEDALLION: ' * • Rapidly"stops pathogens with fast, explosive knockdown ,- . ’ '' 6?^ ’■ 14 V. • Stops disease in multiple places to dramatically reduce disease pressure • Forms a long-lasting protective shield against disease • Easy tq use and mix with liquid suspension concentrate *41 • Offers broad spectrum control against diseases such as Anthracnose, Dollar Spot and Winter Fusarium # Medallion Turf fungicide f syngenta. / For more information ask your Syngenta Agent or go to www.greencast.com.au Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd, Level 1,*£-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. ©2018 Syngenta. AD18-070 REGIONAL PROFILE The stunning Peter Thomson-designed Hamilton Island Golf Club is located on Dent Island in the Whitsundays. Pictured is the 5th Hamilton Island GC, aid It’s hard not to be envious of Hamilton Island Golf Club course superintendent Brad Hole. His office is literally in paradise... Superintendent: Brad Hole (51). (superintendent, 10 years); Bayan Tree Bintan, Where in Australia is Hamilton Island Golf Family: Wife Simone and kids Marley (22) and Indonesia (consultant, four years - monthly Club (HIGC)? Jamie (20). trips while in Thailand); Laguna Quays Hamilton Island is a resort island in the Social media: Instagram @golfbrad. (superintendent, two years); and Hamilton Whitsundays, Queensland. It’s owned by the Period as a superintendent: 23 years. Island Golf Club (superintendent 11 years). Oatley family who are passionate about the Association involvement: ASTMA. Qualifications: Trade Certificate Diploma in island and have invested heavily in its future. Career: Sanctuary Cove (greenkeeper, six Leadership and Management, Certificate IV in The golf club is on its own island 1 km to years); Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Thailand Training and Assessment. the west - Dent Island -- which has nothing else on it except for a lighthouse. All guests come across on a ferry which is part of the experience. The reef and the Whitsunday islands are the area’s main draw card for visitors and we’re only a short boat ride from Whitehaven Beach. Hamilton Island’s main event each year is Race Week which attracts yachties from all over the world competing and having a week-long party. It’s not that busy on the course as it’s all about the sailing, but the views of the boats racing around us is fantastic. The Hamilton Island GC crew during last year’s PGA Professionals Championship. Superintendent Brad Hole is holding the trophy 64 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT the right candidate; we always like experienced staff, but finding people that can move away to an island can be a challenge too. The island lifestyle is more suited to younger staff as they have less ties normally, but having them stay longer than 4-5 years is rare. Access to the course for staff is via our ferry, but because we can’t work the skippers longer than 12 hours a day, we can’t start work as early as we would like. The boys leave Hamilton Island at 6.15am and by the time they arrive on Dent and drive up to the shed, they realistically don’t jump on a greens mower until The Dent Island terrain prior to construction of the golf course. The construction team, led by Doug Robinson, had 6.40am-6.45am. We only get a 30-45-minute to adhere to 26 different environmental management plans to protect flora, fauna and the surrounding reefs head start on golf, but not having a member Tell us a bit about your background and brutal southeasterly (it is not uncommon to be comp to keep in front of makes it a bit less how you got into sports turf management. I blowing 50kph). Adding to that, the course is stressful. never considered being a greenkeeper. It was surrounded by national park and goes from In my early days here I commuted from 1988 and I was working on boats when I could narrow rough to one foot high thick native Airlie Beach as my kids went to school on and a surf shop on the Gold Coast in-between. grass very quickly - it eats golf balls. We raised the mainland, meaning my assistant Nathan I was going around marinas putting up posters the rough height to reduce balls rolling off into would get the boys going and I would get to about the Patanela, a yacht that went missing the native areas which has made it easier. the office about 7.30am. The kids have since with some mates on it (still to this day never The toughest hole depends on the wind, moved away, so my wife Simone and I moved found) and saw an ad for an assistant harbour but the finishing four holes when it’s blowing into one of the lighthouse keeper’s cottages. In master at Sanctuary Cove. I applied for the job, can be character building to say the least. On 1887 they built a lighthouse to mark the main missed it, but they offered me a position on the the front nine, the par three 4th can be almost shipping channel that runs along the western Pines golf course construction. I loved it and impossible to hit. It’s therefore important not side of the island. The lighthouse has been never looked back. to set the course up too hard, especially when automated since the 1980’s and is maintained the wind is up. The movement in the greens by the Australian Maritime Services. We Who were some of your early mentors? is subtle, but we don’t want the golfers three- maintain the cottages and grounds. I’ve been lucky to work with some wonderful putting after they have lost two balls getting Logistics can be a challenge, especially mentors. Doug Robinson is a standout, while to them! We don’t need them too fast for the making sure we have enough parts, fertiliser Andy Johnson was on the Pines construction same reason. and fuel. We have a small barge (called team and created a great work environment. ‘Mini-Me’) which at high tide can come over Robin Evans was terrific to work with and, Being located on an island makes for its the reef. It’s our main source of supplies and although having never worked with him, Darryl own unique operating circumstances. Talk delivers twice a week. It brings a van over with Edwards has been a dear friend over the years us though some of the logistics required clubhouse restaurant supplies and as that (he was working in Phuket when I was there). to manage the course. It can be a great unpacks we take rubbish bins and a ute back Good positive attitudes have been the trait I’ve adventure for the staff living on an island as to Hamilton Island. Our ute then goes to the noticed with all of them. there are plenty of activities to do and lots of workshop and picks up machinery parts while friends to be made. It can also be hard finding the bins are being emptied, then the ute and Give us an overview of HIGC and some of its unique characteristics? Being a resort course, the majority of the guests are on holidays, playing the course for the first time and are normally in an upbeat holiday mood. Catching a boat across to Dent and being driven to the top of the island to the clubhouse, with great service from the clubhouse staff, adds to the adventure. Once on the course the views are the standout feature with every hole having a water and island view. HIGC is rated as one of the toughest courses in the state - how tough is it and PHOTO: ANDREW PEART what makes it so? Most of the course sits on top of the island so is very exposed to a An island paradise. The golf course resides on Dent Island, 1km to the west of Hamilton Island MAY-JUNE 2020 65 REGIONAL PROFILE Any special environmental considerations that you have to incorporate into the management of the course? We work with and are audited by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and follow an extensive environmental management plan. Now the course is built it’s not too hard to follow the requirements, but I can’t imagine what the design and construction team would have gone through. Doug Robinson and Ben Marshall did an amazing job keeping the construction within the site allocated and in such harsh and regulated conditions. I know there were 26 EMPs to follow, protecting flora, fauna and the surrounding reefs. The Barges provide a critical supply link to nearby Hamilton Island and the mainland main thing is making sure there’s no runoff or empty bins come back to Dent and the van and plan the golf around that. It doesn’t erosion from the island. Even the rain water goes back to Hamo. work at large resorts and as important as collected around the shed and workshop goes We can transport one pallet in front of the we feel golf is, we’re one of many activities through an oil separator and then gets sent van/ute which we unload using a telehandler. and departments in the company. We have back to Hamilton Island via sewage lines to be Sometimes we might have eight pallets of to schedule works in and around other treated and used over there for irrigation. fertiliser to bring across, so it might take a events that might be happening on Hamilton few trips or a few days to get it to island, Island, which is not always suited to the turf’s Outline any major course improvement tides permitting. There is also a large barge requirements. works recently completed or coming (pictured above) that can deliver tippers of We do weddings on the course and up? In 2018 we had our bunkers rebuilt by sand, fuels and large machinery. It only has sometimes the course is closed for half a day Kustombind which was a huge win for us. With access on very high tides and during winter because all the buggies are needed for the heavy downpours during the wet season, the they are mainly at night. guests to be transported to the 5th tee for bunkers would wash out and get contaminated We hold 5000 litres of diesel and 3000L of the ceremony. We also have a very popular and required a huge amount of work to ULP on the island, so it is important to keep restaurant at the clubhouse and part of the reinstate, sometimes knowing that another track of usage and plan the next barges well lunch package is a guided tour of the back downpour was on the way. It took us two years in advance. There is also a high cost with land nine holes. There will be a convoy of up to to source the sand as the only local supplier transport, not just barging costs. A $500 tipper 15 buggies drive around twice a day. They’re with suitable material went out of business. We worth of topdressing sand from Mackay costs madly taking photos so it’s important the back looked at a few options for the bunkers and $1500 in transport as the tipper has to come nine paths are neat and wooden rails trimmed, had trialled some matting over time, but found across to Dent and go back again. so we’ll often start those jobs out the back Kustombind’s method suited us best. Our head office is based in Sydney before the front nine gets done. Years ago We had just started bringing sand over and other departments are spread out, so when we had to push up bunkers in the wet to the island when we were hit by Cyclone most of my work is on the computer with season, the back nine would get done first. Debbie in late March 2017. A year later and communication via emails. Recruitment, Sometimes in the wet we would have more two months before Kustombind were on site, accounting and payroll departments are guests on the tour than golfers for the day, so we started barging the 2200 tonnes of sand based in Sydney, barging and logistics are on our priorities had to change to suit who our and 7mm rock on to the island. Barges were the mainland and human resources, stores, customers were at that particular time. coming in at night using light towers on the services, purchasing and my managers are all on Hamilton Island. Good communication is therefore very important. What are some of the unique features about HIGC from a turf management perspective? The golf club is a small department in a big organisation. Decisions aren’t made around the course’s requirements or even the golfers. Golf isn’t our core business and that took some getting use too. We have to fit in and work around different demands. We just can’t pick dates to do renos or major works There is over 100m in elevation change throughout the Hamilton Island GC layout. Pictured is the 1st which is at the foot of the highest peak on Dent Island 66 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 ramp to stockpile the material. Kustombind arrived on site and went flat out for six weeks. They dug out all the old material, flushed the existing drainage and made some small changes where needed. They installed the rock layer, applied their glues and spread the new sand. Transporting material from the stockpile around the course was a constant job; it’s several kilometres out to the 15th green on the southern part of the island and 11 kms around the whole course. We now have great bunkers that have stood up during the last two wet seasons perfectly. Our next project is to cut out the encroachment on the greens and get them back to their original sizes. Hopefully this will happen next year and the aim is to replace a In 2018 all Hamilton Island GC bunkers had Kustombind installed which has vastly improved their maintenance and strip of Greenlees Park with a strip of TifEagle playability, especially during the wet season around the edges. of the channel! The pipe was in about 60 had to use helicopters to get to and from work Water is obviously a critical issue for foot of water, so divers put a clamp on it. The one year which we loved! any golf course. How does HIGC fare in infrastructure under the 2km-wide passage the water stakes? We are lucky we have between the islands is incredible - pipes to The one product I couldn’t manage my fresh water on site. As a backup, there are transfer potable and effluent irrigation water course without is... Primo on the fairways underwater pipes connecting Dent Island to Dent, pipes to send our dam water and during the wet season is our saviour and to Hamilton Island so they can transfer their sewage back to Hamilton Island, plus power before a cyclone hits as it could be a couple of irrigation water over to us if needed. We came supply and fibre optics for communications. weeks before we can get a mower on them. close to running out one year after a light wet season didn’t fill our dam. We had dramatically The weather and climate is always a great What are some pros and cons of being a scaled back our usage and were receiving leveller. How has Mother Nature treated regional superintendent? The big pro up here 100,000Lfrom Hamilton Island each day. The the course in recent times? We have had is definitely the lifestyle and the weather for the one good thing about being in the tropics numerous cyclones over the years, with majority of the year. The holiday atmosphere is is you know the rains will definitely come, Cyclone Debbie (2017) the most recent and also nice - most of the guests are great to deal although sometimes more than you want. worst. You get plenty of warning when a with and talk to. The negatives would be that Our potable water for the clubhouse and cyclone approaches and we have developed you don’t have that network and support of shed is pumped across from Hamilton Island. good procedures for securing everything, other superintendents, reps and clubs nearby. I received a phone call one day saying the isolating services and protecting machinery. potable water wasn’t reaching the holding tank Getting prepared early is our key as the port Are expectations of course presentation on Dent. We searched for a leak everywhere authority closes the waterways, sometimes and conditioning any less than that placed but couldn’t find one. We closed off the two days before it hits, which means we can’t on your metropolitan counterparts? These pipe coming onto the island, connected a move between islands. The jetty is our weakest days I think everyone expects courses to be at compressor to the other island and discovered link and it has been damaged a couple of their best, not just in the metropolitan regions. a mass of bubbles coming up in the middle times and can take a week or two to repair. We Being a resort course the expectation is high. Most members understand the maintenance that’s required on their home course and see the benefits, but they don’t like turning up on a holiday to find out greens have just been cored or its carts on paths. Do you use volunteers to assist with the management of the course? No we don’t, but due to COVID-19 my manager Chris Bailey and activities manager Tim Horwood have been helping us three days a week cutting surrounds, rough, tees and helping with renos which has been great. I think they love it. Being a resort course, conditioning expectations at Hamilton Island GC are high MAY-JUNE 2020 67 REGIONAL PROFILE What are some of the more unusual regulations and the paperwork that comes with requests you’ve had as HIGC it. The younger guys that have come through superintendent? Race Week (held every are probably used to it, but it’s something that August) used to be sponsored by Audi, so took me by surprise and still does. As I write each year we had 10 cars positioned at this, I just received a note to write up relevant different locations - it’s not the easiest course COVID-19 SOPs for machinery, hand tools and to get cars around. Bentley also had a golf a risk register; with only a couple of staff I’d day once and it was a little scary getting two of much rather be out on the course. them, worth a million dollars, off the barge! What have you worked on personally in What have you got in your shed? Four Toro With the kids grown up, Hole and wife Simone now live recent years to improve your skills as a TriFlex 3040s (green and tees), two Reelmaster on Dent Island in a lighthouse keeper cottage superintendent? I hadn’t been playing much 5610s (fairways), two Reelmaster 3100s to replace the tractor/trailer and get a ProPass golf over the last 10 years, with growing kids (surrounds), Groundsmaster 3500 (rough), attachment. I think that would make dusting a and a long commute from Airlie Beach. Now Groundsmaster 3280 (step cut around paths), lot easier and quicker. that I’m living on the island and have more Multi Pro 1750 sprayer (greens applications), time to play, I’ve been experiencing the course Multi Pro 5800 sprayer (fairway applications), Favourite spot on your course? There’s a more from a golfer’s perspective. That helps six Workman MDX utilities, two Tru Turf rollers, lookout on the par three 14th tee that looks with some of the decisions we make trying to Pro Core, telehander, forklift, positrack, tractors over the southern tip of the island and the 15th keep the course as golfer-friendly as we can. It and trailers. hole. Stunning! hasn’t improved my swing though. Our favourite piece of equipment isn’t found in the shed. ‘Mini-Me’, our little barge, is Best advice you have received about being What gives you the most job satisfaction? invaluable and without it we wouldn’t be able a superintendent. I was only 26 when I got I love showing people the course that haven’t to operate. The skippers are brilliant and are my first superintendent role in Thailand. It was seen it before, especially new staff. Last year I so good to work with; nothing is ever an issue. quiet daunting arriving in a country where you was showing a new groundsman around the Our JCB telehandler is also pretty unique, didn’t speak the language and had 50 staff course. He had never seen a whale before and although it is getting old and rusty given that it to move around. David Abell, who employed as we got to the 14th tee we watched about has been here since the days of construction me, said don’t expect the locals to work like half a dozen of them playing down below us. and operates in a salty environment. It’s Aussies and don’t try and make them. I saw a needed to unload pallets off the barges and lot of ex-pats struggle in Asia by not adjusting Most pleasing/rewarding moment during we’d be buggered without it. Touch wood it’ll their management strategies to where they your time as HIGC superintendent? Any day stay together a bit longer as they aren’t cheap were. I lasted 10 years there on David’s advice. the weather’s good; it’s a treat to be out on the to replace. course. We are due to replace a tractor/trailer What do you think is the most challenging and a tow-behind topdresser. The paths here aspect of a superintendent’s role today? If you could change one thing about your are steep and I would like to reduce the tow- Coming back to Australia in 2005, I had missed job what would it be? Nothing, I live in behind equipment, so looking at a Toro HDX the whole introduction of OH&S rules and paradise...^ 68 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT AT A GLANCE - HAMILTON ISLAND GC, QLD Course specs: One hectare TifEagle greens, front nine. It is crucial that the dam fills by the fairways, carts on paths, but the hotel guests 30ha Greenlees Park couch fairways and end of the wet season (December-March) and were just happy to get out of their rooms rough. 6140m. Annual rounds 16,000. if we are careful that’s enough for the year. and have a hit. We also run a vertidrain over Major tournaments/events: PGA Irrigation system: Rain Bird decoder system them a month before the PGA event. We Professionals Championship which for the last with Nimbus controller. Wall-to-wall coverage can’t renovate the fairways because of the seven years has been played in conjunction with half circles around the fairway edges rock that’s in them, so we use a Terra Rake with the Vicars Shield and the Hamilton Island so no irrigation goes into native areas. Four regularly to scratch them up and flick out some Amateur Championship. different pump stations are need to transfer thatch. The tees we scarify twice a year and Staff: Our normal full crew is 12, but due to water and deal with distances and elevation Vertidrain any struggling ones. COVID-19 and the course being closed to changes (lowest point is 40m above sea level Major disease pressures: We have had some guests, many staff were temporarily stood and highest 145m). There are nine pumps in ERI and brown patch over the years. We try down. At the time of writing I have my assistant total and another two for potable water. and get some preventatives out before the Nathan Lindsay and greenkeepers John Cutting regimes: We cut greens six days a susceptible periods, but mostly only curative Myors, Will Neill and Josh Cuppies working week at 3.5mm, tees three times a week at to reduce applications. Couch mite has been four days a week. Greenkeepers Luke Thies, 10mm, fairways twice a week (or once if Primo the more recent headache. Combinations of Lachy Muncaster, Jeff Wilkinson, Elliot Davies is on them) at 12mm and roughs once a week. product seem to work okay, but getting the and our mechanic Anthony Cromarty have Renovations: With an almost constant follow up sprays out at the right time is hard been stood down until things improve. growing season, thatch control is an issue. In with the high winds we get. It’s not uncommon Climate/rainfall: 1.5m on average. the past we have renovated twice a year using to get several weeks of 40-50kph winds and Terrain: Steep rocky terrain, the course runs East Coast Renovations; Mick and his team you might only get one day below 20kph to along the top of the island and is therefore have been great to work with, it’s a long drive do some spraying. Even the shrouds on the very exposed and weathered. Lots of native and two barge trips to get their equipment on sprayers can’t compete. It’s almost impossible grasses, although the vegetation doesn’t get island. We usually scarify multiple directions, to follow a programme. very tall, mostly brush box, melaleucas, hoop core with 5/8” tines, add amendments and Nutrition: Same issues with the wind, greens pines and grass trees. topdress. We haven’t gone as hard as we can get hungry waiting on the right conditions. Soil types: The fairways and roughs are on would like as getting a surface back as soon We try and go often and light but if we can a local rocky loam material which was sieved as possible is always the goal having resort get a foliar out every 10-14 days we’re happy. and reused during construction. They also guests waiting to play. We have purchased We apply granulars every now and then also crushed a lot of excavated rock and used it a Pro Core to try and do some smaller, less and to adjust nutrient levels depending on soil throughout the course, backfilling trenches, fill severe renovations during the year. tests which we do every year. We don’t fertilise etc. Imported sand in the tees and greens. We got caught last April with horrendous the fairways during the wet season, but apply Water sources: Freshwater 240 megalitre dam weather, copping 300mm rain. We opened granulars either side and on tees. Gypsum is on the island which collects runoff from the the course with renovated greens, soggy long applied at least once a year wall-to-wall. A R 0 U N D T HET R A D E_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ JACOBSEN’S AR530 A NEW DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH STMA Gold Partner Jacobsen A has started a new era of end­ user focused products with the launch of the AR530 rough mower. The AR range has been redesigned from the ground up with the focus on re-establishing Jacobsen’s commitment to engineering best-in-class mowers. To achieve this, customers and dealers participated in one of the largest research programmes commissioned at Jacobsen to establish the everyday challenges operators face. The results focused on features, quality and durability which were crucial elements in the design process for Jacobsen product manager Lee Frie. “This was really a ground-up redesign of a good machine that we wanted to make The seat position and InCommand II “The results in the independent replicated better,” says Frie. “We wanted to improve control system have all been adjusted for trials (which started back in 2012/2013) and the experience of cutting with the AR and the maximum comfort and productivity, while the from the APVMA research permit trials (which results you get from it. new step design makes getting on and off the started in 2018 with Campbell Chemicals) “We’ve improved the cut quality as well as machine significantly easier. have been very encouraging, even on high- the after cut appearance with grass clipping For a demonstration of the new AR530, population Poa areas on greens. The other dispersal. We’ve also improved the traction contact your local Jacobsen dealer or visit encouraging aspect is its ability to control system, so it does a fantastic job of climbing https://www.jacobsenbuilt.com. Poa with known resistance, whether it be on and side hill performance. The ergonomics fairways, surrounds, sportsfields or greens.” are greatly improved and it’s much easier for POACURE REGISTERED IN AUS PoaCure was developed by Moghu operators to get on and off because you don’t Research in South Korea in 2007 and Australia have to climb over the units. I think they are The Cure For Your Poa joins the likes of South Korea, Japan and the going to see a vast improvement.” The new AR models are available with five PoaCure US to have it registered for use. PoaCure can be used on all types of cool-season (except or seven floating 58cm articulated contour Chewing fescue and browntop bentgrass) rotary decks, with the AR530 providing a n one of the more significant chemical and warm-season grass surfaces, including cutting width of 2.3m and the AR730 - which is due to launch in September 2020 - 3.15m. The new TrueDeck design uses smaller decks to follow tight undulations, eliminating clumping, I registrations for the Australian turf industry in years, Campbell Chemicals has confirmed the APVMA’s full turf registration of PoaCure for the control of Poa annua in golf and bowling greens, fairways, surrounds and approaches, tees, sportsfields, turf farms and racetracks. Available in a 500ml pack size, PoaCure is available through Campbell producing a better after cut appearance and recreational turf. Chemicals’ network of distributors. making HOC adjustments quick and easy. PoaCure contains the active ingredient For more information on PoaCure, visit To harness the cut quality, the traction methiozolin that has a mode of action unlike www.poacure.com.au or call Nadeem system has been enhanced to a best-in-class any other herbicide before it. PoaCure is Zreikat on 0403 110 608 or (02) 9725 2544. standard using SureTrac 4WD. This parallel­ slow-acting, long-lasting and is able to reduce cross diversion hydraulically-powered traction and eliminate Poa from turf without disrupting INFINICUT THE PERFECT CUT system, with momentary 4WD differential playing surfaces. PoaCure not only works on The new Cub Cadet Infinicut sets the lock, provides superior traction when Poa annua, but also on all biotypes of Poa standard when it comes to getting the climbing difficult contours and side slopes commonly found in Australia that have been best potential out of playing surfaces. by transferring power from the wheel that difficult to control. The all-electric, lithium-powered drive reduces slips to the one that grips. Using this system “We are proud to be able to offer PoaCure noise and features extend well beyond simply allows the AR to glide over hilly terrain with to Australian turf managers for the first time,” cutting turf with a wide range of available acute undulations, while giving an even cut by says Nadeem Zreikat, marketing development TM System cassettes. The Infinicut is now utilising the weight transfer system. manager for Campbell Chemicals which is available with a floating or fixed head and its The sound level of the machine has been celebrating its 80th year in 2020. “Poa is one unique design and flexible set-up delivers lowered to make it quieter for the operator and of the most difficult weeds to control due to precise operator tuning and .10mm increment to reduce passer-by noise. Vibration has also its adaptable nature in Australia and has been height-of-cut adjustments. been looked at in detail, with reduced vibration an issue in turf management for as long as The new Bluetooth-enabled Infinicut joins levels minimising operator fatigue. anyone can remember. an extensive range of Cub Cadet mowers, zero 70 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 The new Infinicut from Cub Cadet • Cutting widths - 22”, 26”, 30” and 34”. For the opportunity to have a demonstration at you turf facility, contact Mick Holohan on 0477 714 488 or visit www.cubcadet.com.au. IMPALA RE-ENTRY CHANGE STMA Bronze Partner Turf Culture A was recently granted a re-entry period change by the APVMA for its Impala fungicide product (APVMA No: 80146/120870). In summary, the restrictions for mowing and irrigation were removed, while the high exposure restrictions regarding transplantation and hand weeding (previously 16 days) were also removed. The new and now applicable re-entry periods are; • Public: Do not allow entry into treated turns and professional turf care equipment. • New controllers, battery system, motors areas until the spray has dried. This new model provides turf practitioners and wiring loom - automotive style CAN • Workers: Do not enter treated areas even more control over their mowing needs, BUS control - delivering battery to battery until the spray has dried. If prior entry is with features including; communication; necessary, wear cotton overalls buttoned • Bluetooth application control, ability to • Two sizes of battery - 30AH and 60AH; to the neck and wrist (or equivalent adjust and save settings to the course • Transport wheel kit as standard; clothing) and chemical resistant gloves. conditions, reel speed and walk speed are • Balanced weight distribution with split rear Clothing must be laundered after each all controllable through the app. roller; day’s use. • Battery life tracking and on board • Highly adaptable and adjustable cutting Turf managers with Impala in stock can backlapping; cassette with a full range of compatible TM download the latest Impala label/leaflet at • On board fault code reporting; System cassettes; and www.turfculture.com.au. INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS com. Cross can be reached on 0413 877 033 JOHNSTONE, BELL and glennc@greenwayturfsolutions.com. JOIN LIVING TURF GTS OPENS UP IN THE WEST In other company news, John Hume ASTMA Silver Partner Living has joined the GTS Queensland team Turf continues to expand as a technical field agent. Hume can be its operations with two key contacted on 0411 295 843 or email johnh@ appointments announced greenwayturfsolutions.com. in May and June. Chris Johnstone (pictured top) has CACHIA MAKES joined Living Turf’s Queensland New GTS appointments (from left) Glenn Cross, Steve MOVE TO BAYER team, while Adam Bell Jones and John Hume ASTMA Silver Partner Bayer (pictured bottom) takes the ASTMA Bronze Partner Greenway Turf announced in early June the company’s Victorian team to four, joining Solutions (GTS) has opened up a Western appointment of Aaron Cachia Mark Prosser, Tim Bilston and Mac Ross. Australian customer service centre in Perth. (pictured) to the role of territory business A bowling greenkeeper by trade, Stephen Jones and Glenn Cross have also development manager - turf (NSW/Qld/ Johnstone has spent the past decade been appointed as technical field agents ACT). Cachia, who started his new role in serving the northern Queensland turf market servicing the WA turf industry from the new late June, arrives at Bayer with an extensive as a sales representative where he has Belmont location. background in turf management, having most developed a strong business network from “There are 18 GTS technical field agents recently spent nearly three years as assistant Rockhampton to Port Douglas. Living Turf will servicing every state and territory across superintendent at Sydney’s Ryde-Parramatta support him from a warehouse in Townsville Australia,” says GTS director Chris Chapman. Golf Club. His career has also included serviced out of Brisbane. “We are looking forward to establishing GTS time as superintendent at Bexley Golf Club Similarly, Bell brings with him a strong in WA, and in Steve and Glenn we have two (Sydney) and Toronto Golf Club (Central network of professional contacts and an highly experienced turfgrass professionals Coast, NSW). intimate understanding of the Victorian turf who bring a wealth of knowledge to GTS.” Cachia will be responsible for providing market. Bell has been serving the Victorian The WA customer service centre is service and support to agents and end industry as a sales representative for the best located at 15 Belgravia Street, Belmont, WA users in NSW, Queensland and ACT and be part of a decade with a practical background 6104. Jones can be contacted on 0477 051 responsible for developing new business in including time at RACV Cape Schanck and 713 or email stevej@greenwayturfsolutions. both the turf and ornamentals markets. Peterborough Golf Club. MAY-JUNE 2020 71 ASSOCIATION REPORTS NZGCSA • s I write this, the calendar has just A rolled over to 1 June and I take the time to reflect on the past few months. The world has been turned upside down and shaken and the resultant pieces are still taking their time to settle and find a place in the new norm. On Saturday 21 March, the NZ Government launched an Alert Level system from 1 to 4 (from low to high) and placed us into Level 2 alert in response to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic. Then, at midday on Monday 23 March, the government suddenly announced we would be going into Level 4 lockdown from midnight on 25 March. It was After four years as president and eight on the NZGCSA Board, Westown Golf Club superintendent Steve Hodson will a total lockdown, other than for workers in be stepping down at this year’s AGM essential services, and the turf industry was not medical care and other essentials would be comment from me - was it fair we were shut deemed among that. able to leave the four walls of their home. out, what would happen to our golf courses, At Alert Level 2 golf courses had to remove Come 6.30am Thursday my mobile started why were we different from other industries all flagsticks, close off course toilets, drinking ringing and never stopped until later that and not staying home, why did we think we fountains and ball washers and remove all evening. The panic and realisation of what were essential, what job losses would there rakes from the bunkers. Clubhouses were we had just entered had dawned upon turf be? shut, course staff ideally had split start and managers, the realisation that they could not On day one I had a TV interview for finish times, social distancing of 2m was attend to their patches of passion for a month. one of the sports news stations which was required and hands were washed, washed, A lot of phone calls were simply why could a little daunting to say the least - our turf washed and then sanitised continually. they not go to work - surely they would be in training certainly does not extend to media! Once the realisation of courses being a safe environment with no one else around. Fortunately, having a face only my mother closed in just two days under Alert Level Some unscrupulous boards and committees could love, this was the only TV interview I did, 4, course staff around the country were in were demanding that their course staff get out but I did do numerous other radio interviews survival mode - cutting as much grass as they could, putting out fungicides, insecticides and herbicides, growth retardants and anything I am immensely proud of the way NZGCSA members dealt else they could think of that may assist them with a lockdown period of four weeks. with the COVID-19 challenge, taking a united front and by and There was the agonising dilemma of large sticking to the game plan until we received the green flag whether to keep irrigation systems on or not - what if you blew a main line on day one of to return to our courses. - sieve Hodson lockdown, what if valves stuck for four weeks versus the quandary of what if we don’t get and carry on as normal despite the ban on that day and in the following couple of weeks any rain over that period and the greens them doing so. Some were threatened with as we fought to get us back to work. perish. Each superintendent had to make their dismissal if they didn’t go to work. I found Fortunately, some 17 days later, sanity own mind up as to what they thought was the it unbelievable that in this day and age that prevailed and the government agreed to allow best scenario for them. some committees and boards still have these us dispensation to return to our courses for Yes, this was total lock down and we dinosaurs running clubs. urgent upkeep and maintenance of turf, albeit would not be able to set foot on our courses My advice in this situation was to get it in at a minimal level. This was achieved only for four weeks. Unprecedented. No history ever writing and signed from the board/committee through some constant negotiating with our before of such. What if our courses were dead that they were required to work during this voice at the government table, being both a month later? How would we deal with the lockdown period, and to confirm that these NZ Golf and Sport NZ who advocated on length and volume of grass that would freely instructions were against what the government our behalf. I will be forever grateful to Alex grow over the month without being attended had decreed, against health and safety Glasgow and the team from NZ Sports Turf to? And disease, even with having applied a principles and, finally, totally contrary to the Institute for their updates, advice and personal fungicide, could destroy a green if the right State of Emergency that had been declared. I support to me and the NZGCSA through conditions prevailed. am not aware of any of those dinosaur bullies this challenging period, and of course Dean Wednesday 11.59pm arrived and New committing to paper and signing their future Murphy and the team at NZ Golf. Zealand went into total lockdown. Airports away. Looking back now, I can say I am shut. Shops shut. Only essential workers Suddenly, the media had an interest in our immensely proud of the way our members who would provide access to food, medicine, golf course industry. All and sundry wanted a dealt with the challenge, taking a united front 72 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT and by and large sticking to the game plan a little more chilled. It was a time for many to privilege to have been able to assist the until we received the green flag to return. The reassess both their work and home life model industry over this time and I have enjoyed unknown of what lay ahead on return was and try to figure out a better balance. When my time with the NZGCSA immensely - great of concern, but we were lucky with the fine golfers returned to their courses, they too were team, great people and great ideas. We have weather over the 17 days of no maintenance more relaxed than before and thankful to be a lot of capable and well-meaning younger and members were relieved with the conditions out and about again. I don’t think I have had a members coming through the ranks and I of their courses. time of more compliments and thanks from our know they will take us successfully into the Growth had been steady but not out of golfers than upon their return and long may future. control and we all set about to slowly bring that continue. I’m grateful to have been involved with the our courses back to pre-COVID-19 conditions. COVID-19 continues to have an impact. inaugural Australasian Turfgrass Conference Golfers returned to our courses on 14 May We will not be having a turf conference here in New Zealand in 2018 and the and as I write we remain in Level 2 Alert in nor Fine Turf Seminar this year which is relationships that developed with our Australian the hope that Level 1 is only days away. Only most unusual and sad, as outside of their counterparts at the then AGCSA (now ASTMA). time will tell if the drastic steps of completely educational value they provide a welcome A lot of good times and memories that will locking down the country was the way to go opportunity of catching up with peers and remain forever. or whether the economic toll as a result will be discussing all and sundry, often over the I wish everyone all the best for the balance too much relative to the low number of deaths. comfort of a beer. Our NZGCSA AGM’s are of the year and with your turf profession going This event was unprecedented so either way always at these venues as well, so it is likely forward. Remember to believe in yourselves there was a ‘damned if you do, damned if you we will be following the trend and holding our and follow your dreams. Be the best you can don’t’ outcome. AGM by way of a Zoom meeting. Extraordinary and remember we only get one crack at this If we were to take positives out of this times. thing called life, so make the most of it. There lockdown, it is that families were able to spend I will be stepping down from my role as is no practice run. Take care and stay safe. some quality time together, young kids could NZGCSA president at the AGM after almost enjoy having their dads at home to interact four years in that role and eight years on the STEVE HODSON with and people generally just seemed to be NZGCSA Board. It has been an absolute PRESIDENT, NZGCSA IMPRESS YOUR MEMBER; SECURE YOUR FACILITY • Brush Panel Fencing • Chain Link Fencing Tubular Steel Fencing • Ball Screens Equipment Enclosures MELBOURNE CHAIN WIRE FENCING p. (03) 9457 1704 I e. sates@metchain.com.au www.melchain.com.au/golf MAY-JUNE 2020 73 ASSOCIATION REPORTS GCSAWA* irst off, I want to thank Mark Unwin F and the team at the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association for their communication over the last few months. It was an uncertain and at times confusing period. With JobSeeker, JobKeeper, other rebates, the legalities about laying off staff and cutting hours etc, the links and emails sent and also the courtesy phone calls were very welcome and clear for everyone. Friday 27 March was the day that most golf clubs here in WA closed and dozens of staff were let go or had their hours slashed. It was the darkest and saddest day that I’ve seen in the industry. We didn’t know how long Joondalup collected the Metropolitan Golf Course of the Year title at the l/M Golf Industry Awards, while its course superintendent Ashley Watson won the GCSAWA Superintendent of the Year Award the closures would be or if we would get to a situation like New Zealand superintendents it looks like staying like that for a while longer. Perth and the southwest were hit by three found themselves in. I didn’t know what the Golf was restricted to a maximum of two per fairly significant storms over a two week period future held and I wasn’t confident all golf clubs group with no practice facilities open and in mid-May. While the clean ups added to the would survive. separate carts if you had them, then after a workload of already busy crews, the one good The first few weeks saw clubs work month it went to groups of three. Competition thing that came out of it was it meant an early alternate shifts with limited staff numbers and golf was suspended until about mid-May when end to the watering season with a wetter than hours. Some courses even reduced their groups of four were allowed again. Clubhouses average May. staff hours by 80 per cent. But fast forward remained closed until early June when state On 4 June the WA golf industry held an two months and almost all maintenance restrictions were lifted on licensed premises. online awards ceremony to honour its leading departments are operating back at pre- Social groups and public golf are slowly being lights from the past year. The original awards COVID-19 levels with most staff returning brought back into clubs’ diaries. night was scheduled in late March, but had to to their jobs. Apprentices are being hired A couple of courses didn’t close at all be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. and there are current job ads looking for and the majority of private and privately- Instead, event organisers took the event online groundsmen, qualified guys and mechanics. owned courses only closed to golfers for with the GCSAWA handing out two awards as As I said, no one was sure what to expect. about a week. Cottesloe GC (superintendent part of the evening. But I didn’t expect most private clubs to have a Simon Bourne) took advantage and put the Congratulations to Ashley Watson massive forecasted budget surplus. With most finishing touches on their greens construction (Joondalup G&CC) who was bestowed the casual staff laid off, JobKeeper covering a high programme before opening back up fully to GCSAWA’s coveted McIntosh and Son- percentage of full-time staff, new members, the membership. As of the first week of June Jacobsen Superintendent of the Year Award. clubhouse utilities such as electricity, gas and they also have just two fairways left on their His award was one of two on the night for water heavily reduced, cancellation of cleaning irrigation install. It was also perfect timing for the club, with Joondalup also taking home contractors and no wasted stock, most clubs Rod Tatt at Mt Lawley GC who overseeded all the Metropolitan Golf Course of the Year title, are well in front of where they originally were. their greens with 007 bentgrass. edging the likes of Cottesloe and Meadow While no one would want to go through this During this time, WA was split into 12 Springs. again, it’s good to see clubs come out in front. regions and you couldn’t travel between the Mandurah CC’s Mitchell Clay was Talking to fellow superintendents around regions without paperwork and driving through named the GCSAWA Apprentice of the Year WA, one thing was common - they have roadblocks. One young superintendent, who and will now represent the association in the never been as busy as they were through has only been at his new club for less than national ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award, the COVID-19 period. With all the restrictions six months, worked in one region and lived sponsored by Toro (see Graduate of the Year across the state and a lot of other jobs shut in another. With his staff losing hours, the finalist profiles on page 32 - Ed). A special down, it seemed everyone wanted to play golf. course being busier than ever and the travel mention must go to Mandurah superintendent Most private clubs restricted play to members time and restrictions, he decided to live onsite Neil Graham who has mentored three only and with council courses shut down for for six weeks to keep the course maintained. apprentice award winners in the last five close to a month, all private clubs saw a nice Many supers sacrificed some of their salary years. It was also a big night for Bunbury GC welcomed increase in new members as that and worked extra hours, but living onsite for winning three awards including Regional Golf was the only way golf could be played. six weeks was a big effort. A few groundstaff Facility and Regional Golf Course of the Year. Here at Mosman Park GC, we tripled who had their hours and pay reduced Congratulations to all winners. our golf rounds from a normal April. Council volunteered their time and went into work and courses closed for up to a month, but all helped prepare the course. The dedication staff were retained. Bunker rakes have been of everyone in the industry definitely shined SHANE BAKER (CSTM) removed and pool noodles used in cups and through these last few months. SECRETARY, GCSAWA 74 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.3 TSTMA « t is the craziest of times at the moment on the Dunes and Lost Farm courses. With the I and something that we will hopefully never have to experience again. The COVID- 19 pandemic has tested us all on so many levels and it is now great to see government construction due to be completed on time on 30 June, we can then divert our attention back to where we were pre-COVID-19. I must also congratulate one of my crew restrictions easing here in Tasmania and the members Bradley Whish-Wilson for being state returning to some form of normality. awarded the TSTMA Graduate of the Year. No doubt, the pandemic has impacted Bradley will now have the opportunity to every sporting club or council-run facility present to the judging panel for the national at different levels. In some certain cases it ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award. (See provided an opportunity to bring some much- Graduate of the Year finalist profiles on page needed construction or renovation practices Barn bougie’s Bradley Whish-Wilson will represent the 32 - Ed). TSTMA in the final of the ASTMA Graduate of the Year forward without the impediment of competition Adam Spargo (UTAS Stadium) is still sporting events. I have spoken to numerous • Bryan Dunn (UTAS Stadium) reports it pinching himself having recently returned from turf managers of late and here is a snapshot being quite eerie with no AFL and state the ASTMA and Jacobsen-sponsored Future from a couple of them... football fixtures that would normally Turf Managers’ Initiative in Melbourne. Adam • Steve Lewis (Royal Hobart GC) has been dominate the calendar. On the upside, encourages any of our aspiring turfies to apply continuing on with Master Plan works. however, it has allowed the recently for next year’s programme. With restrictions in place, this has allowed reconstructed playing surface some extra With restrictions now lifting slowly we are the crew to focus on turf establishment of time to mature and strengthen without the still keen to hold a significant educational event the newly developed holes and practice pressure of wear and tear. in either October or November. More details facility. Steve planned for lower input Down here at Barnbougie the courses will be forthcoming once we have a date and turf management by applying a growth were closed which has allowed us to devote venue locked in. Until then, stay safe. retardant to greens, tees and fairways to nearly all of our labour and resources into the keep the course in acceptable condition construction of the ‘Bougie Run’ short course, PHIL HILL under the current circumstances. while doing bare minimum turf maintenance PRESIDENT, TSTMA PCC AA I “l I ■ /—X I I Golf Course Superintendents dM Association of Queensland THW t is been fantastic to hear many great Police and staff members representing those jobs that often get left behind in I news stories from members and their teams throughout Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has truly come together to support each other the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations visited several clubs to ensure that social distancing guidelines were being met. While the primary focus was the clubhouses, visits busy times, such as performing equipment competencies, reading SOP’s and undertaking online training. It has also provided an opportunity to ensure things like PPE and first in such uncertain times. The messaging in extended down to the maintenance area in aid kits are stocked and emergency eye wash Queensland, like everywhere in the world, was some cases. Luke Helm, superintendent at and shower units tested. changing by the hour and clubs were working Meadowbrook Golf Club, welcomed the police Several clubs reported that staff were hard to respond to the dynamic environment. and took on board their feedback to assist moved from food and beverage areas that As part of the major shutdown of with safety. Police suggested they paint lines were forced to close to the golf course Queensland, clubs with liquor licences were to direct people around the pro shop area and maintenance team in an effort to keep them ordered to close to reduce the spread of the putting green as it was difficult with so many employed. Mark Hauff at Palmer Golf was one virus. Under immediate heavy lobbying from people congregating in this area. such superintendent to benefit, with the extra industry groups, including Golf Management Stuart Campbell from Maroochy River hands used to complete major landscaping Australia and Clubs Queensland, the golf Golf Club was pleased to retain his entire team improvements to areas of the course that course component of liquor licencing was even though the club’s management decided would have been hard to maintain under separated from the clubhouse, allowing golfing to close the course for several weeks. During normal staffing conditions. activities to return under strict social distancing that time Stuart and his crew undertook some The GCSAQ continues to remind members and hygiene conditions. drainage projects and wetland rejuvenation. to be mindful of their team’s general well­ Clubs throughout Queensland each Not surprisingly, Matt Holmes from being, especially their mental health during responded to the new conditions with different e-par reports that in this ever-changing these challenging times. Remember to ask strategies. It was quickly apparent that the regulatory environment they have been busier your staff regularly ‘Are you OK?’ as mental digital world of knowledge sharing was than ever. They have had many calls from health may be more important now than ever providing strength during this time and social superintendents and also managers seeking before. Stay safe everyone. media channels became a great way for guidance on safety and compliance. strangers to work through and create solutions Many clubs have taken the opportunity to PAUL MCLEAN for the industry. have their staff on reduced duties undertake PRESIDENT, GCSAQ MAY-JUNE 2020 75 ASSOCIATION REPORTS STA VIC © TA Victoria, like all other associations S in our sector, has been impacted due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. While educational and networking seminars have been cancelled due to the restrictions, among them the July Sports Turf Seminar at the MCG, we are working hard to see if there PHOTO: COURTESY OF CITYWIDE are opportunities to reschedule certain industry days to later in the year when the situation may allow small gatherings. We are keeping our members updated with regular communications on social media and welcome any submission from members or sponsors alike to contribute and keep in Jayde Robson will represent STA Victoria in the national Sports Turf Graduate of the Year Award touch during these times. With the gradual nominations were worthy of going through to The trial site was established at return to community sport now occurring, we the finals. Representing Victoria in the national Evergreen Turf in Pakenham by the team from can expect the football season to be extended Sports Turf Graduate of the Year Award will be AGCSATech, with the surface oversown on 21 and a slightly delayed beginning to next Jayde Robson who studied at The Gordon April. Rabbits caused some issues initially, so summer’s cricket fixtures in most competitions. and who now works with Citywide, Melton. a rabbit-proof fence around the entire trial area Some STA Victoria sponsors have taken Jayde describes herself as a country girl has been installed. The area has been divided advantage of the Sponsor Showcase series, who loves working outdoors and in different into plots with eight treatments replicated appearing on our Facebook page and via locations. She works as part of a four-person three times, including the control which will Mailchimp mailout to members. It is still not too team maintaining over 50 hectares of irrigated be maintained as couchgrass. Wear has been late if you are a paid up sponsor to send Jan turf surfaces made up of a variety of sporting avoided for three weeks to allow the seed some information to post. facilities and high profile sites. As well as time to establish. We look forward to bringing As with all businesses, Endeavour Turf mowing, they undertake all renovations, you more updates on this work. (For more Professionals reports it has implemented chemical applications, turf upgrades and on this and the ANTEP 5 trials, read Bruce numerous protocols in relation to social irrigation repairs. Jayde just happens to work MacPhee’s article on page 36 - Ed) distancing as per government guidelines. The with 2019 award winner Nathan Andrews consulting team has been as busy as ever over and was nominated for the Women Working the last few months and have worked remotely in Horticulture Scholarship. She was also a COMMITTEE, STA VICTORIA where required. finalist in the Gordon Awards for Excellence Lilydale Instant Lawn has continued - Environmental Apprentice and is currently ON THE MOVE... to trade on through COVID-19 with strong studying a Certificate III in Horticulture at The KYLE BROCKLEY: Appointed assistant demand for its contactless delivery service. Gordon. superintendent Parkwood International, Qld. There has been some increase in demand ROD COOK: Departed as superintendent throughout the lock down and they have DIPLOMA SPONSORSHIP The Grand GC, Qld. moved quickly within the business to make STA Victoria is also happy to announce two GLENN CROSS: Resigned as sure it can still operate safely for all staff and applications were received for the Diploma superintendent Carramar GC to move into a customers. Sponsorship. This year, being certainly the sales role with GTS’s new operation in WA. Some of the changes implemented are most unusual and challenging we have PHIL MOYLAN: Departed as having Lilydale office staff set up and working faced, it was decided to accept and sponsor superintendent Gosnells GC, WA to take up from home, modified operations on farm - both students. Congratulations go to Dan a position at The Cut, WA. everything from lunchroom usage, to shared Nichols, who is studying at Holmesglen and SHAUN QUINSEE: Resigned as equipment and machinery cleaning - Zoom working at Latrobe City Council, and Tyler superintendent Hillview GC, WA. meetings between the three production sites Stanner-Farley, who is studying at Melbourne CHRIS REGAN: From assistant and daily temperature checks. Lilydale is busy Polytechnic and working at Hume City Council. superintendent to superintendent and adjusting but very happy to have been For more information on this sponsorship Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club following able to keep all staff employed and maintain contact Jan via email vic@sportsturf.asn.au. the retirement of Tony Webster. its end of the supply chain to the thousands of TOM TRISTAM: From assistant tradies working through. TRANSITION TRIAL superintendent Mt Lawley GC, WA to STA Victoria is supporting the ANTEP 5 trial superintendent Carramar GC, WA. GRADUATE OF THE YEAR undertaken by the Australian Seed Federation TONY WEBSTER: Retired as STA Victoria was very excited to receive (ASF) and is running a herbicide trial in superintendent Shoalhaven Ex three nominations for the 2019 Graduate of conjunction to compare the various chemical Servicemen’s Club, NSW after a total of 39 the Year Award. It was a difficult task for the options available to assist in transitioning out years in the turf industry, including more interview panel to choose a winner as all three ryegrass from a couch base. than 20 years at Shoalhaven. 76 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT NSWGCSA • o say NSW superintendents and the To date there have been no horror stories AGM are planned at The Lakes Golf Club golf industry have been through some reported to NSWGCSA of courses closing the (superintendent Anthony Mills). The Board extremely trying times over the past 12 doors for good, but no doubt many, if not all, has also decided to employ the services of a months would be an understatement. Severe have taken a dramatic financial hit. I know social media and website professional. drought through spring and summer led into my club at Eastlake was down $40K in April Work is continuing on the report to present significant floods at the end of summer and for social fees but up $27K in members comp to water authorities in relation to the use of then came the COVID-19 pandemic. fees as members came out of the woodwork to potable water against each level of water Here in NSW, golf was only shut down play, meaning seven days a week competition restriction. David Somerville (NSWGCSA vice- for one day, but on the return to play strict was booked out. president) and Simon Cooper (NSWBGA) rules applied and as we know the rules were On behalf of NSWGCSA members, I are working with a water consultant to write changing by the hour. On top of rumours and would like to thank the Australian Sports Turf up the proposal and we hope to have more predictions, it made for a very stressful period Managers Association and CEO Mark Unwin information on this in the next edition. The for many course superintendents and course for their tireless work through this pandemic. Board will be meeting again in July to discuss Staff. Some courses took action immediately The communication has been second to none any changes to the restrictions and at that time to reduce staff to a bare minimum, while others and it is much appreciated. make decisions regarding any planned events. made the decision to split crews into half with The NSWGCSA Board has now moved Finally, we wish NSWGCSA life member a 12-hour, day-on/day-off routine. I believe to Zoom online meetings which has allowed Peter McMaugh AM all the best after he there was no right or wrong plan, it was totally board members that are six hours away to suffered a heart attack in April. In Peter’s own an individual case by case scenario. attend without the troubles of travelling and words “it hasn’t left much residual damage” As I write this report golf has returned to being away from their courses. but we wish him a speedy recovery and look groups of four with still only one per cart. On The first meeting was held on 25 May forward to seeing him out and about once 1 June clubhouses were given the go ahead with great success. At this meeting the Board COVID-19 is under control. to open with a maximum of 50 people at one made the decision to postpone all NSWGCSA time, table service only and strict hygiene rules events until at least November which is NATHAN BRADBURY (CSTM) in place. when our Rube Walkerden Trophy event and PRESIDENT, NSWGCSA PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN, PROUDLY INDEPENDENT OAGCSATech ^^li^ 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) “The Australian turf industry’s leading provider of agronomic services.” CONTACT THE AGCSATECH TEAM (03) 9548 8600 Senior agronomist - Bruce Macphee Agronomist - Tim Fankhauser Agronomist - Steve Tuckett bruce@agcsa.com.au 0409183 710 tim@agcsa.com.au 0422 418 038 steve@agcsa.com.au 0419 328 809 www.agcsa.com.au/agcsatech MAY-JUNE 2020 77 The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the mettle of all, but for Leo Barber, the dual superintendent/general manager at New Zealand’s Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, it took on a somewhat different dimension after returning The Kiwi version of Tom Hanks’ famous friend. A rugby ball left behind in the park made the perfect company home following the FTMI in early March. for Barber during isolation. He was duly named ‘Jeff’ Wilson, in honour of a famous All Black rugby player 78 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT Home away from home. 4 tent pitched in the far corner of a park among the foothills of a local mountain range provided Leo Barber with the necessary shelter from the elements and a place to rest the head each night and some freedom from work and family sounded pretty appealing at this early stage. A plan was put in place with the family as I boarded the plane in Melbourne so as to manage the potential risks when I returned - I was to commandeer the main bedroom and ensuite in the family abode, the kitchen would be off limits and distance would be maintained at all times. I had wi-fi, space, prepared meals and it all sounded manageable, if not more than a little advantageous. By the time I landed in Wellington, however, the world had certainly changed and the reality of what I faced hauntingly echoed the sentiments of that earlier message from my friend. This was a country that was taking COVID-19 very seriously and acting early. While the Government advised that quarantining would be self-managed, society was quickly maintaining the enforcement and should I step foot back inside my own house, several emails received explained my kids would no longer be welcome at their school and my wife would be unable to work alongside her team. You got the immediate feeling that you were being held to a higher account than Government decree and, despite being symptom free, it was being assumed by all that you would be carrying the disease. As I collected my vehicle and drove from the airport, I started heading to... I didn’t know where. A ute that would normally be filled with music was a giant speaker for my phone as I hurriedly made calls searching for a Plan B. Each potential alternative to heading home impacted in some way on someone else. As I neared my home in Paraparaumu, I made one last phone call and out of options I instructed my wife to prepare some camping equipment - a tent, a small cooker, sleeping bag and some food - and leave them on the driveway for me to collect. As we say over this side of the Ditch, I was going to “go bush”. It was a surreal feeling driving into the small cul-de-sac where I reside and while neighbours peered from behind their windows and my own family stared at me through the safety of glass, I collected the possessions, mouthed that I loved them and headed, quite literally, for the hills. I had Googled and found a simple remote campsite just less than an was in Melbourne attending the ASTMA leper” was the simple but frank text message hour north. This wasn’t the kind that would and Jacobsen’s Future Turf Managers’ received from a friend as I digested the press have a kitchen, ablution block, swimming pool I Initiative in a mentor capacity when New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced border restrictions and a requirement for all inbound travellers to quarantine for 14 days as part of the country’s efforts to contain the rapidly spreading risk of COVID-19. “Be prepared to be treated like a conference and pondered the implications for my return travel back to New Zealand. The guidelines were pretty clear - stay at home and social distance - and the responsibility for compliance largely sat with the individual. If I was being honest, the thought of a few weeks’ of rest and relaxation or games room as you might be picturing, rather this was remote enough not to have mobile phone reception but salubrious enough to offer one simple long drop toilet where I could take care of ‘business’. I found the furthest patch of grass in the park and pitched my tent. Honey, I was home! MAY-JUNE 2020 79 UP THE LAST Although unmaintained for three weeks, the Paraparaumu Beach course enjoyed the rest and showed just how resilient turf can be opening as New Zealander’s were allowed back out of their houses after five weeks. During my time out in the hills and away from the modern distractions of life, I decided to keep a journal, sharing it each day on social media after a short drive to the top of a hill to find reception. It was largely about the lighter side of life and the modern hardships I encountered while camping that I am sure my grandparents, who lived through WWII, would find laughable. Each day I tried to conclude my musings with a thought and this is an excerpt from my ‘Day 14’ entry which I am sure will be just as relevant now as I hope it will be Despite the challenges of sleeping in a Surprisingly, unlike many other countries, by the time you read this and we find ourselves tent, living out of my ute and surviving on care the maintenance of sports turf was deemed hopefully well into the phase of trying to return packages from home (which were dropped non-essential by the NZ Government which to normal. at agreed locations), the real challenge was meant absolutely no maintenance could be “Pandemics are a hotbed of fear. Fear leading my team back at the golf club during carried out during the lockdown. Another day we might catch it, fear we might spread it, this period of crisis. The situation was literally and with another plan, we prepared for the fear for our families, fear for our clubs, fear changing by the day as the business of our worst during the 48 hours we were afforded to for our jobs... it can be overwhelming. I club went through various stages of shutdown prepare and having applied a growth regulator always enjoy finding inspiration from great alongside the rest of the country in a very short and fungicide to the greens and given the speakers and a recurring theme from some space of time. course a final mow, we closed the gates and of the best I have listened to is that whilst Planning sessions held remotely, board headed into our socially-isolated bubbles. It fear can be consuming, the very best in their meetings dialled into and emailing off the was only after three weeks that our status as individual disciplines, whether it be sport or phone all offered degrees of connectivity, but sports turf workers changed to ‘essential’ and business, learn to process that fear by firstly being in an isolated world the most difficult those gates were opened marginally with just acknowledging that it’s a perfectly normal aspect was having very little feel for how things two staff members heading back in and only emotion and then looking for ways to quickly were on the ground, sensing the vibe of the then allowed to undertake very minimal and overcome it. That’s my goal for coming out membership and how my staff were coping only urgent maintenance. the other side of this anyway and I’m sure in reality. It is one thing to delegate and direct We were fortunate that it was mid-autumn many will be thinking the same. Golf has from a command post, but my style is more and not the beginning of summer and despite a wonderful opportunity in a society that akin to that of an old-fashioned leader who no maintenance at all, the course held up very will be correcting post-COVID-19 and we enjoys being in the trenches and right now well. The treatments applied prior had worked should aim to be known as leaders that were was the time to be going over the top. and even with such a small crew and hours calm, measured and helped steer our clubs Five days into my own personal of work limited, we had the course ready for through.”^ quarantining, the Prime Minister made a further announcement with the unprecedented decision to effectively quarantine the whole LESSONS LEARNT FROM ISOLATION country. New Zealand was about to enter Have a plan, but then be prepared to • Take time for yourself. As leaders we are the world I had been living in, albeit from the adapt it quickly should the situation adept to thinking about others, but each relative comfort of their own homes, with a change - and expect it will. day we should be allowing a moment nationwide lockdown. Still symptom free, Acknowledge fear, but don’t let it to think about ourselves. Read a book, we made a family decision and after seven consume you. Aim to overcome it watch a show, take a walk - in simple days ‘living rough’, I packed up my tent and quickly and develop strategies to do so. terms, let your mind escape. headed home. Schools were now shut down As uncertain as you will be feeling right • While we have been encouraged to this and everyone was working from home unless now, your neighbour is feeling the same point to socially distance in a physical deemed essential. and so is the superintendent up the road. sense, try and remain socially connected, We are all in this together and don’t be There are so many apps available now afraid to be the one that reaches out first. where you can do both, so make sure Determine individually how you wish to you book that catch up with friends be remembered and then adopt a calm and family. The benefits from a familiar and measured approach. Try and be face or a friendly voice should not be remembered for being the leader that underestimated and as the situation steered the club successfully through this returns to normal and the appropriate period. advice from the Government determines Be kind.....full stop! What gestures can that it is safe to do so, we should look you perform right now as an individual to to become more present in the lives of make someone’s burden lighter or their those that are close to us just as we did Masterchef iso-style - two-minute noodles cooked on wellbeing brighter? pre-COVID. the roadside where there was phone reception 80 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT INTRODUCING ie ALL NEW AR53O ROUGH MOWER MASTERS IMPROVED BEST TRUEDECK SIDE SLOPES OPERATOR COMFORT QUALITY OF CUT Built for your success iOS A GROUND-UP REDESIGN of a GREAT MACHINE ire’re Just made EVEN BETTER f LEE FRIE, JACOBSEN PRODUCT MANAGER, AUGUSTA -> BOOK A TEST DRIVE NOW AT: JACOBSEN jacobsenbuilt.com I +44 (0)1473 276287 TORO WHAT The new Greensmaster® eTriFlex™ Series flagship electric riding greensmowers. pC Hk^Wnparalleled, outstanding cut quality, quiet operation, and no onboard hydraulic fluids. MOST Routine compliments from members and improvements to your bottom line! 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