CELEBRATING THE EFFORTS OF AUSTRALIA’S SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS ISSN 1442-2697 www.agcsa.com.au VOLUME 23.6 NOV-DEC 2021 O’Callaghan a cut above New Sandringham super set to stamp her mark Lest we forget Maintaining Australia’s war graves in perpetuity HOME OF PREMIUM SPORTS TURF SURFACES SIR GRANGE TIFTUF ZOYSIA HYBRID BERMUDA Sir Grange is a fine bladed premium zoysia TifTuf has superior drought tolerance requiring matrella turf variety, which has high shade on average 38% less water than other similar tolerance and very low nutrient and varieties and has been certified and issued with water requirements. the Smart Approved WaterMark. 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Photo: Sir Grange at Teven Valley Golf Course Exclusive to P | 1300 883 711 lawnsolutionsaustralia.com.au The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is indebted to the support of the following premium partner companies JOURNAL Published by the Australian Sports PLATINUM Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) Editorial Brett Robinson Office: (03) 9548 8600 Mobile: 0434 144 779 Email: brett@agcsa.com.au PREMIUM PREMIUM PREMIUM PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS PREM Advertising Pam Irvine The Australian Sports Office: (03) 9548 8600 Mobile: 0402 069 489 Email: pam@agcsa.com.au PREMIUM PARTNERS The Australian The Australian Sports The support support Sports Turf Australian Turf Managers Managers Sports of the following of the following support ofpremium Association Turf Association Managers premium partner the following is indebted is indebted Association partner companies premium to the companies partner tosupport the to the is indebted companies of the Art Direction & Design The Jo Corne PREMIUM PREMIUM Australian Sports Turf Managers Association is indebted to the support of the following premium partner companies PARTNERSGOLD PARTNERS Printed By Southern Impact Pty Ltd The Australian Sports TheTurf support of the following PLATINUM Australian Managers support PLATINUM Sports premium PLATINUM Association Turf Managers of the partner is indebted followingcompanies Association to the is indebted to the premium partner companies PLATINUM PLATINUMPLATINUM SILVER GOLD GOLD GOLD Suite 1, Monash Corporate Centre 752 Blackburn Road, Clayton, VIC 3168 P: (03) 9548 8600 F: (03) 9548 8622 E: admin@agcsa.com.au W: www.agcsa.com.au ABN 96 053 205 888 GOLD ASTMA Board Peter Lonergan (president), Chris Burgess (treasurer), GOLD GOLD David Thomson, Ben Tilley and Damian Hough Chief Executive Officer Mark Unwin Office: (03) 9548 8600 SILVER Mobile: 0438 320 919 E: mark@agcsa.com.au Membership SILVER SILVER BRONZE SILVER Allison Jenkins E: admin@agcsa.com.au Accounts SILVER SILVER Philip Horsburgh E: philip@agcsa.com.au Events and Education Simone Staples E: simone@agcsa.com.au Pam Irvine E: pam@agcsa.com.au AGCSATech Bruce Macphee (Senior Agronomist) E: bruce@agcsa.com.au BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE BRONZE Tim Fankhauser (Agronomist) E: tim@agcsa.com.au BRONZE BRONZE The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association encourages all members to support Social Media these companies who support your association Keally Nankervis E: keally@agcsa.com.au www.facebook.com/TheASTMA www.linkedin.com www.instagram.com/the_astma @TheASTMA The Australian Sports Turf M these co Copyright © 2021 The Australian Sports The ASTMA believes that material sourced and produced for Australian Turf The Managers Australian Association Sports Turf encourages TheManagers Australian SportsallTurf Association members to support encourages Managers Association all membersencourages to support all members to support Turfgrass Management is accurate, but gives no warranty in relation these thereto, and disclaims liability for all claims against the ASTMA, its The Australian The Australian companies Sports whoThe Sports Turf support your Turf Managers Australian Managers Association Sports Turf association these companies who support Association encourages Managers these companies encourages all members Association your association who support all members to support yourencourages association to support 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 these companies who thesesupport whoyour companiessupport your association who association support your association written permission of the ASTMA NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 1 CONTENTS 8 COVER STORY AN HONOUR AND A PRIVILEGE The Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) 8 22 plays a unique role in maintaining the many war cemeteries, plots and gardens of remembrance across the country, honouring those who served their country and commemorating those who sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice. ATM editor Brett Robinson catches up with Rowan Foster (pictured above left) who after starting his turf management career in golf is now the OAWG’s Victorian Operations Manager based out of Springvale War Cemetery in Melbourne. Cover: Springvale War Cemetery, Melbourne Photo: Bruce Macphee, ASTMA 44 ALSO IN THIS EDITION… FEATURES Foreword Thinking 4 O’Callaghan a cut above 16 Best on ground 6 Regional Profile – Ballarat GC, Vic 58 Parliament House pests in check 22 Around the Trade 64 In the trenches - Drainage 26 Association Reports Obituaries 66 70 The dirt on biochar 30 58 2 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Their names liveth for evermore I nscribed on the cenotaph in the main street of the NZ coastal township of Raglan, is the name ‘L.H Hume’. It’s one of 14 names, locals who paid the ultimate sacrifice serving their country during the Second World War. 2nd Lieutenant Lloyd Hamilton Hume, known as ‘Jock’, was my Great Uncle who at the age of just 23 was killed in action on 21 May 1941 during the Battle of Crete. Jock (pictured) was the youngest of five brothers, born in early 1918. An accountant by trade, Jock loved his rugby, cars, fishing and horses – a typical young Kiwi bloke. When the Second World War broke out he did what most others of his age did and dutifully enlisted. Stationed in 16 Greece, Jock was serving with the Allies when it was overrun by the Germans in April 1941. He was among the thousands of British and ANZAC troops hastily evacuated to Crete, but with the Mediterranean island being of strategic importance it wasn’t long until war arrived there. On 20 May 1941, the Germans unleashed Operation Mercury, a major airborne and seaborne assault of the Cretan north coast. Over 7000 Kiwi troops had been deployed to defend the coastal COLUMNS townships of Maleme and Chania, with Jock part of the 27th Field Battery unit stationed on the hillside above the Maleme Aerodrome. In charge of gun No.2, a 75mm French howitzer, Jock and JOHN NEYLAN 34 his men were instructed to “give Jerry hell”, shelling enemy concentrations attempting to land on PETER MCMAUGH AM 40 the aerodrome and on the beach. JOHN FORREST 44 BEN GIBSON 48 The Luftwaffe onslaught began with 280 bombers, 150 dive bombers, 180 fighters, 500 KATE TORGERSEN 52 transport aircraft, 70-80 transport gliders towed by Junkers and 6000 paratroopers all descending TERRY MUIR 56 on Maleme. Jock survived the first day, firing 350 shells with great effect despite coming under constant fire. According to letters, such accurate shooting was largely owed to a device which Jock had cobbled together – ‘V’ sights on the guns made out of sticks and chewing gum! 26 At 5pm the next day, however, Jock’s war came to an end. The gun placements on the hillside came under ferocious machine gun fire and as the planes attacked Jock and his men would run to take cover in a number of small caves at the rear of their gun position. Following one of these attacks the men ran back to their gun only to find Jock dead next to it. Jock had waited until all his men were clear before seeking cover himself, only to be cut down and killed instantly. Sixty-one years after Jock’s death, in 2002 my uncles – Roly and Terry Hume, and their wives – embarked on a pilgrimage to Crete to find where their uncle had died and to locate his grave. It was initially believed that Jock had been buried by his fellow soldiers in an olive grove not far from where he had died. However, it became apparent in the years following that wasn’t the case. After Jock was killed at his artillery post and the Allies retreated, the Germans buried the Allied dead. After the war, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission exhumed them and reinterred them at the Suda Bay War Cemetery, east of Maleme. Some 1500 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War are buried or commemorated in the cemetery, 776 of the burials unidentified. Jock lays at rest in one of those ‘unknown soldier’ graves. Many families have been touched by war over the years and commemorating those, like Jock, who paid the ultimate price is an important part of our nation’s psyche. More than 13,000 Australians who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars are commemorated at 72 war cemeteries, memorials and gardens of remembrance around the country and it is the role of the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) to oversee their care and maintenance in perpetuity. Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Journal Volume 23.6 (November-December 2021): Adobe Stock In this edition’s lead story we meet Rowan Foster who is one of a number of OAWG staff Images; Nathan Bennett (SAGCSA); Nathan Bradbury (CSTM, around the country charged with ensuring the final resting places of our war dead and post-war NSWGCSA); Leanne Clarke (Department of Parliamentary Services); Rohan Clarke (Australian Golf Digest); Idris Evans dead are maintained with dignity and honour. From a turf management background, it’s not the (WAGC); John Forrest (Forrest and Forrest Horticultural sort of role the former Woodlands GC assistant superintendent would have thought he’d end up Consultancy Services); Rowan Foster (Office of Australian War Graves); Ben Gibson (The Toolbox Team); Monina Gilbey in, but it is one that has ultimately proved very rewarding. Enjoy the read… (Glenelg GC); Shane Greenhill (VGCSA); Paul Janssens (Department of Parliamentary Services); Bruce Macphee (ASTMA); Peter McMaugh AM (Turfgrass Scientific Services); Terry Muir (epar); John Neylan (SportEng); Gerri O’Callaghan (Sandringham Golf Links); Jason Perkins (NZGCSA); Jeff Powell (Ballarat GC); Adam Spargo (TSTMA); Steve Tuckett (Melbourne Polytechnic); Mark Unwin (ASTMA); Tim Warren Brett Robinson, Editor (Glenelg GC). NOVEMBER-DECEMBER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 3 FOREWORD THINKING WITH MARK UNWIN, CEO Industry approaching 2022 with renewed sense of optimism C lose on 12 months ago, as the multiple ASTMA staff members to spend chaotic and unprecedented weeks in quarantine away from family to year that was 2020 drew to a ensure attendance, the conference was able close, I recall making a special to proceed, albeit with a number of last-minute note of thanks to members, changes and updates to the schedule and partners and association staff for their efforts presenters. There were plenty of long days in supporting the industry through the most leading into the event, as well as a few long challenging 12 months many of us had ever nights on the Gold Coast itself, to ensure the experienced. Perhaps it was wishing thinking programme ran as smoothly as possible. at the time, but as we said goodbye to 2020 Less than 24 hours after the conclusion of there was a definite sense of positivity towards the conference, we saw a range of border and a better 2021 in the air. travel restrictions reimposed across various Well, that effectively lasted less than a states, resulting in some attendees needing month. Several states were plunged back into and the broader industry to support them to go into quarantine upon their return. It extended lockdowns early in the year, travel and make an effort to attend as many of the would be remiss of me not to note a special restrictions were imposed once again and education days and networking opportunities thank you to those turf managers and trade there was a renewed sense that the worst as possible. exhibition partners who made the effort to wasn’t in fact behind us and that we were The last year also saw some developments attend this year’s event in uncertain times. looking at another difficult year ahead dealing within the state associations. Earlier in year we Judging by the attendee numbers across the with the difficulties of COVID. saw the formation of the Tasmanian Sports Turf four days, it remains the pinnacle sports turf While some states were able to remain Managers Association (TSTMA), representing management event for our industry. open, with others experiencing intermittent all turf managers throughout Tasmania. More The 2022 conference in Melbourne next restrictions, the impacts were felt for recently we saw the formation of the ACT June promises to be even bigger! The ASTMA community sport and a decreased need for Sports Turf Managers Association (ACTSTMA), and Golf Management Australia (GMA) are facility availability for tournaments, national aligning to the Australian Sports Turf Managers joining forces, providing both expanded competitions and of course, international Association (ASTMA). Both new entities have networking opportunities and variety to the visitors. All of this made the past 12 months strengthened their offering and support of education offering. It is anticipated that the yet another difficult one for turf management turf managers within their respective regions. combined event will likely see more than teams to navigate. Further discussions continue at a national level 1000 delegates attending, with the expanded The last quarter of 2021, however, in supporting several states undertaking a trade exhibition space set to be a highlight has had somewhat of a silver lining with review of their operations moving into the New of the week. As this edition was going to vaccination rates increasing and border Year, with updates to come. print, following the release of the floorplan restrictions dropping, resulting in increased I would like to thank each of the state to association partners, trade members and freedom to travel, summer sport returning association presidents and committees for previous exhibitors, the trade exhibition was and memberships at golf clubs continuing its their assistance and support over the last 90 per cent sold out, which again highlights strong 18-month growth. 12 months. Together we have continued the esteem in which the event is held. From many discussions over the past discussions to work towards developing a Registrations are set to open for delegates few weeks with members, it is apparent strong and supported sports turf management early in the New Year. that the industry is approaching 2022 with a industry. I also commend them for their As always, the association remains renewed sense of optimism, a part of which continued investment in volunteering their constantly thankful for the support it has is the return of some seasonal staff to assist time to support their members and running received throughout the year and I would like turf management teams at venues currently the various state events which are vital for the to pass on our gratitude to each of our trade experiencing a shortfall in staffing. This sense industry to remain connected. partners who continue to support us, enabling of optimism of a more normal year ahead us the opportunity to support the industry in is also supported by members looking to CONFERENCE PINNACLE turn. Their assistance and collaboration is truly get back to industry days and events in the Through a difficult year, the ASTMA has valued and the programmes we are able to months ahead. continued to undertake and deliver some great develop and deliver to thousands of sports turf Pleasingly, all state associations continue work, and I would like to thank the association managers wouldn’t be possible without their to grow in terms of memberships over the team for their tireless approach to continuing support. past year due to the support and assistance to support members and the turf industry Last, but by no means least, I would also they continue to provide members. The past through a difficult 12 months. like to thank the diligent and continually- 18 months have had an impact to various As the saying goes ‘Timing is everything’ hardworking team at the ASTMA. They education and trade days that were unable to and the delivery of the Australian Sports continue to push forward despite challenges, be held in many states, with numerous events Turf Management Conference and Trade collectively strive to deliver the best support delayed until early 2022. Such an impact has Exhibition on the Gold Coast in June was an possible and remain committed to taking the been felt by almost all state associations, so extraordinary feat – a combination of extensive industry forward. Dare I say it… here’s to a I would strongly encourage all turf managers planning and a bit of good luck. Requiring more positive year ahead in 2022. 4 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 PRIMO MAXX. ® Making good turf, great. The benefits of using PRIMO® MAXX are well known such as greener, denser, more resilient turf with less leaf elongation and more root growth, fewer clippings and greater water efficiency. PRIMO® MAXX is the trusted turf growth regulator that’s been making good turf, great on fairways, sports fields and greens, for years. PRIMO® MAXX is a valuable tool that will assist in reducing mowing, making turf more durable and delivering truer surfaces. Using Growing Degree Days (GDD) can assist turf management professionals to monitor heat accumulation, which translates to how long a PRIMO® MAXX application will last. By using the PRIMO® MAXX GDD calculator you can optimise your programming and budget to maximise the positive effects of PRIMO® MAXX. To find out more about Growing Degree Days and the PRIMO® MAXX calculator tool go to syngentaturf.com.au or scan the QR code Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd, Level 1, 2 Lyonpark Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ABN 33 002 933 717. ®Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. ™Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. All products written in uppercase are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. ® ©Syngenta 2021. AD 21-383. FLAME_6453 10/21 SOCIALS Best on ground TIM HOSKINSON “We get a lot of rain at Cairns Golf Club, but the reward is some of the beautiful skylines that appear once the skies clear.” (A picture perfect moment of the 13th snapped by super- intendent Tim Hoskinson.) PETER CAWSEY “Office views.” (A cracking early morning sky over Eastwood Golf Club in Melbourne) ATM showcases some of the best social media images from around the industry in recent months. 6 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 TONY HEMMING “Before I congratulate Aaron Finch and Justin Langer on Australia’s success, I want to congratulate ICC head curator Toby Lums- den and the DSC Turf Management Dept on their achievements. Working without a day of rest from the start of the IPL (19 September) to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup on 14 November 2021. 56 days straight including 16 hours per day on event days.” (Optus Sta- dium head curator Tony Hemming pays tribute to Toby Lumsden, CSTM, and his team.) TIM BILSTON “I love calling in on clients and coming across things you’re not expecting to see.” (Living Turf rep Tim Bilston gives kudos to Woorayl GC, Vic for doing its bit to promote mental health awareness.) BRENT HULL “Greens were coming back nicely after reno- vations… just what we needed.” (Moruya Golf Club superintendent Brent Hull laments a major hydraulic leak on one of his pristine putting surfaces… it can happen to the best of them.) MARK HOOKER “After four long years we are approaching the end of our Nicklaus Design rebuild here at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. Two clubs amalgamated and embarked on an ambitious 27-hole project all whilst main- taining 18 holes in play for our members. I am so proud of our agronomy team for what we have collectively achieved.” (Royal Auck- land’s director of agronomy Mark Hooker can see the light at the end of the tunnel.) MATT OLIVER “Ominous.” (QSAC head curator @_mattyoliver had the best seat in the house as the weather closed in on The Gabba, pictured left, during the opening day of the first Ashes Test.) NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 7 WAR GRAVES An honour and a The Office of Australian War Graves is committed to the maintenance of official war and post-war memorials in perpetuity. In this role, OAWG staff maintain war cemeteries and individual graves throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal). Pictured is Springvale War Cemetery in Melbourne 8 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 privilege The Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) plays a unique role in maintaining the many war cemeteries, plots and gardens of remembrance across the country, honouring those who served their nation and commemorating those who sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice. ATM editor Brett Robinson catches up with Rowan Foster who after starting his turf management career in golf is now the OAWG’s Victorian Operations Manager based out of Springvale War Cemetery in Melbourne. PHOTOS: BRUCE MACPHEE/OAWG/ROWAN FOSTER/BRETT ROBINSON result is something Foster has come to truly appreciate and be grateful for. FROM GOLF TO GRAVES Like many budding turf apprentices Foster got his start in golf. Growing up in Melbourne’s south east suburbs, a short drive from the famed golf courses of the Sandbelt, Foster snagged a work experience placement at the nine-hole public access Cheltenham Golf Club. That quickly turned into an apprenticeship and Foster found himself following in the footsteps of older brother Ross who was already on the W crew at Metropolitan Golf Club and has since hen Rowan Foster highly rewarding, but one that brings with it an gone on to be a long-standing member of the embarked on a turf immense sense of pride. grounds crew at Scotch College in Melbourne. management career at the Foster is the Victorian Operations Manager In the final year of his apprenticeship, ripe old age of 17, little for the Office of Australian War Graves Foster transferred across to Woodlands Golf did he think nearly two (OAWG). One of a number of state managers Club. After gaining his ticket, he secured a decades on he would find himself in the role across the country, Foster is charged with placement at the All England Lawn Tennis he currently has today. The turf industry can overseeing the care and maintenance of and Croquet Club (Wimbledon) in 2006, afford numerous opportunities across a variety Australia’s official war commemorations in again following his brother who had done of sectors, but in Foster’s case it has led him Victoria. It’s a mammoth job, overseeing likewise two years earlier. Foster worked down a path to perhaps one of its more unique war cemeteries, memorials and gardens of for six months in the lead-up to and during roles. remembrance, and takes him not only state The Championships and got to see turf Ask any first year turf apprentice where wide but all over the country and around the management operations at one of the world’s they would ultimately like to end up working, world as well. Whether it is meeting a local elite sporting establishments. few, if any, would entertain the thought of contractor to discuss the upkeep of war graves Returning home, Foster completed a maintaining war cemeteries as a possible in a small regional cemetery, or spending two Diploma of Sports Turf Management, all career avenue. But as 36-year-old Foster will weeks at Gallipoli in Turkey, the diversity of while gradually working his way up the attest, the role that he now fills is not only the role and the skills he has developed as a Woodland ranks under the guidance of Glenn NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 9 WAR GRAVES Rowan Foster (left, Victoria Operations Manager) and Dane Price (Deputy Operations Manager) oversee the care and maintenance of Victoria’s official war commemorations for the Office of Australian War Graves. They are based out of the Springvale War Cemetery, Australia’s second largest war cemetery Stuart, before being appointed assistant but also to give something back to your The OAWG is committed to the superintendent under Rod Tatt in September country is very unique. Because I had all the maintenance of official war and post-war 2011. During his time at Woodlands, Foster skills and experience from my turf and golf memorials in perpetuity. In this role, the helped prepare the course for a number of background – asset management, undertaking OAWG maintains war cemeteries and Victorian Opens, Australian Amateurs and also projects, managing machinery, stakeholder individual graves throughout Australia, volunteered at the likes of the 2005 Jacob’s engagement – the transition across was a Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands Creek Open at Royal Adelaide and the 2009 relatively easy one. (Guadalcanal) and liaises with corresponding Australian Masters at Kingston Heath. “I never thought I would end up doing entities overseas to ensure that war graves After a decade at Woodlands, in late 2013 something like this when I first started in turf, or memorials of Australian personnel in other Foster found himself assessing his career but looking back now I guess I was a little countries are provided and maintained to options. Superintendent roles in Melbourne, bit short-sighted. I had worked hard to get to appropriate standards. especially on the Sandbelt, rarely present, so it the assistant superintendent level and never Following the establishment of eligibility was with interest he spied an advertisement on thought about anything else. I had always lived of a veteran for the provision of a memorial, the then AGCSA (now ASTMA) website. It was in that golf environment and was passionate the OAWG undertakes the provision and for a Victorian Senior Field Officer within the about it, but then this came out of left field. I maintenance in perpetuity of an official Operations Section of the OAWG, based out of put a lot on the line in making the decision to commemoration. These are in the form of the Springvale War Cemetery in Melbourne’s leave golf and take it on, but I don’t regret it grave markers and niche plaques and may be south east. He applied, was successful and, as for one moment. It complements my skills as a in a civil cemetery, lawn cemetery, crematorium the saying goes, hasn’t looked back. turf manager, but has also helped broaden my or a GRM. The OAWG provides and maintains Foster held the Senior Field Officer role for skills in so many other areas.” these memorials and employs both contractors four years before stepping up as Acting State and staff, like Foster, to achieve these Operations Manager following a staff reshuffle IN PERPETUITY objectives. in late 2017. That acting role remained up The OAWG is part of the Federal Government’s The OAWG cares for some 330,000 until the start of 2021 when he was officially Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). One Australians who have died after a war appointed to the role. Now coming up to his of the DVA’s key roles is acknowledging and or conflict and whose deaths have been ninth year with the OAWG, including four in commemorating the service and sacrifice of determined to be related to their war service. charge, Foster can reflect on a gamble that all those who served Australia and its allies They are at rest in more than 2400 cemeteries has more than paid off. in wars, conflicts and peace operations. The and crematoriums around Australia. The “I remember seeing the ad on the website DVA commemorates Australia’s war dead and OAWG also serves as an agent for the and thought what a great experience and post-war dead through war memorials and Commonwealth War Graves Commission honour it would be,” reflects Foster. “To not cemeteries in Australia and overseas, as well (CWGC) and cares for 13,000 of Australia’s war only be able to do what you love as a turfie, as gardens of remembrance (GRMs). dead from the First and Second World Wars 10 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 who are at rest in 72 war cemeteries and plots within Australia, three in Papua New Guinea and 10 GRMs. The CWGC is regarded as one of the world’s largest and most recognised horticultural organisations. It employs more than 900 horticulturalists worldwide who, collectively, care for over 2500 war cemeteries and memorials. CWGC cemeteries and memorials are renowned for setting the highest possible standard in horticulture, which is an essential part of commemorating the war dead. As an agent of the CWGC, OAWG staff ensure these exacting standards are delivered There are 10 Gardens of Remembrance located around Australia. The Victorian Garden of Remembrance at at the many sites which they look after Springvale houses 62,035 bronze plaques displayed across 159 brick walls commemorating those who served throughout Australia and the Pacific. OAWG staff fulfil the delivery of a promise of perpetual war dead, not just yesterday or today, but As Foster’s background demonstrates, commemoration made by Royal Charter tomorrow and always. OAWG employees come from a range of in 1917 through the Imperial War Graves OAWG staff are headquartered in depots horticultural backgrounds, including turf Commission (now CWGC), and the Australian located at the major war cemeteries in the management, landscaping and arboriculture. War Cabinet in 1922, of those who paid the state capitals, with depots also in Townsville They are highly experienced and trained to ultimate sacrifice. and Adelaide River (near Darwin). Sydney meet the horticultural standards demanded. The scale of horticultural commitment is home to the largest of the CWGC sites – Working closely with the architectural teams, is impressive, with borders measured in Rookwood – which contains 744 war graves. the horticultural staff play a major role in kilometres and the equivalent of almost 1000 Springvale in Melbourne, which Foster the look and feel of the OAWG sites, using soccer pitches cared for every week. No matter oversees, is the next biggest with 612 graves, guidelines set out by the CWGC to ensure the size of the cemetery or memorial, each followed by Perth (515), Adelaide River (435), uniformity of appearance. flower, each tree and each blade of grass is Brisbane – Lutwyche (347), Townsville (222), For the war cemeteries that fall under their cared for with a passion that typifies the staff Adelaide – Centennial Park (200) and Hobart remit, the CWGC has dedicated horticulture and their approach to commemorating the (51). manuals and structure manuals which provide U S E R I N T E R FA C E SPECIAL OFFER Order your new TDR350 and start measuring your VMC, EC & Temperature today. Take up the introductory offer of $2195+gst and receive a set ORDER of 1.5 Or 3” tines FREE. NOW! M enti o n thi s a d to o bt ain of fer p r i ce. M us t en d D e cemb er 20 th 2021. NEED TO LOG YOUR DATA? Ask us about Spec Connect. The newest platform in collating your facilities data! i nf o@c o u n tr yc l u b.c o m . au | 1300 138 804 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 11 WAR GRAVES to walk through the gates and go ‘Wow, what a beautiful place’. We want her to see and be reassured that her loved one is in a place that is being well cared for. “And that starts with the basics – making sure the turf is manicured and weed free, the gardens are pruned and neat and the structures are well maintained. The turf marries everything together and helps to break up the hard structures like the walls, which we have a lot of. The turf, the plants, gardens, trees and structures all complement one another and make for a place of dignity and honour.” A DIVERSE ROLE Opened on 13 July 1948, the Springvale War Cemetery resides across 2.5 hectares within the Springvale Botanical Cemetery. In addition to the 612 white marble headstones in the lawn Foster oversees a blended team of OAWG staff and around 30 contractors, among them Super Gardens, to maintain cemetery, the site is also home of the Victorian all aspects of the Springvale War Cemetery Garden of Remembrance (GRM). standards and recommendations for OAWG by OAWG have automated irrigation systems The GRM was established in the early staff to follow. These range from how the installed to prevent the horticultural features 1960s and expanded to its current footprint turf, plants and borders should look and being compromised. in 1989. It houses 62,035 bronze plaques be maintained, through to the construction, Trees, along with architectural features, mounted on 159 brick walls honouring appearance and maintenance of headstones, complete the design and give each site a large those who died post-war as a result of their grave sites, plaques and other structures. part of its individuality. Trees are considered service. Within the GRM, which is linked Variety in texture, height and timing of highly valuable assets, they are symmetrically by an impressive wisteria arbour running floral displays are important considerations. placed to complement the architecture and its entire length, are three formal garden Headstone beds are planted with a mixture provide shade in warm climates. areas – the Asian Garden, European Garden of floribunda roses, herbaceous perennials “Managing the turf is a fundamental part of and Australian Garden, the latter of which is and groundcovers best suited to the climatic what we do,” states Foster. “The turf conditions currently undergoing refurbishment. conditions of each site. Perimeter borders that you will find at war cemeteries across the The site also houses the state OAWG office and other garden areas may consist of group country are like those you would find standing where Foster, Deputy Operations Manager plantings, individual specimens, shrubberies on the 1st tee of a Royal Melbourne or a Royal Dane Price (a qualified arborist) and Trade and hedges. Canberra. All our maintenance programmes Services Manager Simon Herdina (a qualified Turf areas unify the architectural and relate back to the health of the turf and turf manager) are based, as well as a small horticultural features and are fundamental ensuring that it is in the best possible condition maintenance compound. As the official OAWG to the overall appearance. While these turf throughout the year. staff stationed at Springvale, together they areas are considered ‘amenity turf’, they are “Every day is ANZAC Day for us. First procure and coordinate a team of around 30 maintained by turf professionals at a ‘sports impressions count and when you first drive contractors to help maintain all aspects of the turf’ standard in order to provide the highest in and see nicely manicured turf you know site, ranging from turf management companies possible aesthetic appeal. As an example, the that the place is being well looked after, which and pest controllers, through to builders, Santa Ana couchgrass at the Springvale War shows a mark of dignity and respect for those engineers and stonemasons. Cemetery is cut at 10mm during summer and who are laid to rest there. We want Mrs Jones, As well as maintaining the Springvale site, is striped up. All horticultural sites cared for who may come here just once in her lifetime, as Operations Manager Foster also oversees the care and maintenance of official OAWG commemorations (which number close to 100,000) at 500 sites across Victoria and southern NSW, as well as providing support for the Tasmanian operations. Every quarter Foster will endeavour to visit the sites under his jurisdiction, meeting with local contractors and cemetery trusts to discuss issues, facilitate any works needed and educate them on the standards that the OAWG adhere to. As an example of some of the more recent works, Foster has overseen structural refurbishments While the turf areas at war cemeteries are considered ‘amenity turf’, they are maintained at a ‘sports turf’ standard in order to provide the highest possible aesthetic appeal. Pictured is the Brisbane (Lutwyche) War Cemetery 12 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 of the Sale and Bairnsdale war cemeteries and horticultural improvements at the Albury, Wangaratta and Benalla war cemeteries. Foster’s role is a broad one, and not just geographically speaking. Day-to-day tasks range from programming of work for staff and contractors to carry out horticultural and structural maintenance and the management of minor projects. Horticultural maintenance activities include professional turf care, maintenance of garden beds and shrub borders, pruning and diagnosis and treatment of plant diseases and pests. From a turf perspective, the lawn cemetery at Springvale comprises a hectare of Santa Ana couchgrass and a further hectare of buffalo grass throughout the GRM. Under OAWG staff continually strive to make sure that what they present every day honours the legacy of those who have served for their country. Pictured is the Sydney War Cemetery (Rookwood) which is Australia’s largest the large oak trees at either end of the lawn cemetery, fine fescues are oversown to provide applications made quarterly. Preventatives are superintendent interacts and reports to coverage due to those areas being in constant sprayed for pests and diseases. committees and management, as the state shade. With taxpayer money used to fund OAWG representative Foster liaises with the Foster formulates all turf management OAWG maintenance and works programmes, DVA National Office in Canberra, ex-Service programmes – renovations, topdressing, Foster is also responsible and accountable organisations (RSL) and is often the first aeration, pest and disease management and for procurement administration and financial point of contact for veterans and their families day-to-day maintenance – before sending management of all related service provision. seeking information about the provision of them out to tender. The turf surfaces are It requires the preparation and management an official commemoration. With many of scarified, cored and topdressed annually of budgets and meticulous data and record- these commemorations located in general and Vertidrained three times a year. Soil tests keeping. Every dollar spent has to be justified. cemeteries around the state, Foster is in are conducted at renovation time and help Communication plays a huge part in regular contact with cemetery authorities, to set fertiliser programmes for the year, with Foster’s role also. Just as a golf course funeral providers and local authorities, and NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 13 WAR GRAVES Turf areas unify the architectural and horticultural features and are fundamental to the overall appearance of each war cemetery. Pictured is the Townsville War Cemetery of Project Management. “I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. It’s the sort of job that can take you far and wide. “A lot of the job as a Public Servant is about project management, communication and administration. I may not be on the tools anymore and I do miss that aspect sometimes, but I know that what I can do from in my office will be seen out there in the weeks and months to come. I get more satisfaction now from facilitating and being the planner, an instigator and seeing it being executed on the ground. “It’s a big responsibility that we have, but we have the right tools, the right resources and, importantly, the right dedicated people. We set a very high standard with the also deals with peak industry bodies such as each with the structure and horticulture teams presentation of our war cemeteries in Australia, the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria analysing work schedules, procedures and Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Association. techniques and identifying opportunities to Norfolk Island and as OAWG staff we pride At various times during his tenure Foster improve OAWG procedures. The job has also ourselves on that. We continually strive to do has represented the DVA at formal and taken him to Israel for the centenary of the better and make sure that what we present informal military commemorative events both in Battle of Beersheba, as well as ANZAC Day every day honours the legacy of those who Australia and overseas. He has been deployed services at Hellfire Pass in Thailand. have served for their country. It’s an all- to Gallipoli in Turkey three times and in 2016 “It’s such a diverse role and one that has encompassing role, but when everything lines spent two weeks there post-ANZAC Day on given me some wonderful experiences,” says up it is a very rewarding feeling knowing that a CWGC work placement. He spent a week Foster, who is currently completing a Diploma you are doing a small bit for your country.” DID YOU KNOW… OFFICIAL COMMEMORATION inscriptions are uniform and there is no both those who died during war or from a Official commemoration is the last entitlement distinction in style of commemoration made condition that was as a result of war service. provided to eligible military veterans upon on the basis of military rank, civil rank or their death. The Australian Government wealth of the veteran or their family. GOT IT COVERED recognises and acknowledges that the The distinctive, orderly rows of matching service undertaken by the veteran has NO DATE OF BIRTH headstones and plaques, which characterise caused or contributed to their death If you have a visited a war cemetery or CWGC cemeteries, are bound by a set of through the provision of a final and lasting GRM, you will notice that the headstones guidelines relating to their appearance. In commemoration. The commemoration can or memorial plaques do not list the date addition to shrubs and roses being used take the form of a memorial in a crematorium, of birth. Since 1922, a standard official next to the graves, at the base of each or a general or lawn cemetery. Some eligible commemoration has been inscribed with headstone is a small groundcover plant. This veterans and their families also choose to the relevant Service emblem (Army, Navy, is to prevent soil and dirt splashing onto the have a private memorial, but take up their Air Force etc), Service number, rank, initials headstone during rain or while irrigation is entitlement of official commemoration by and surname, unit, date of death and running. having the OAWG place a commemorative age at death. As the date of birth was not plaque in one of the 10 Gardens of recorded on First World War enlistment GRAND FINAL DAY Remembrance (GRM) around Australia. documents, it did not appear on the official Remembrance Day, 11 November every commemorations of casualties of the war. year, is the equivalent of Grand Final Day for EQUALITY AND UNIFORMITY This practice has been extended to all OAWG staff. In the case of Springvale War The official commemoration of Australia’s subsequent official commemorations of Cemetery, Rowan Foster and his team pull war and post-war dead are governed under out all stops to make sure that the site is at principles of equality and uniformity. These its peak, with additional cutting and general principles, together with the principle of maintenance scheduled to have everything in commemoration in perpetuity, underpin the order for the RSL Victoria service. purpose and functions of the CWGC and OAWG. Those who die in war or post-war Editor’s note: For further information about are commemorated individually and once the operations of the Office of Australian War only, by name, on either a grave headstone, Graves and Commonwealth War Graves or a plaque, or an inscription on a memorial. Commission, visit www.dva.gov.au/wargraves The headstones, plaques and memorial and www.cwgc.org. 14 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 PROFILE O’Callaghan a cut above Having landed the plum role of superintendent at the refurbished Sandringham Golf Links, Gerri O’Callaghan is determined to leave her mark at the new home of high-performance golf in Australia writes Rohan Clarke. PHOTOS: BRETT ROBINSON In early November, Royal Melbourne Golf Club confirmed that Gerri O’Callaghan was taking over as superintendent of the recently redeveloped Sandringham Golf Links, which is headquarters of the new high-performance Australian Golf Centre 16 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 A s a schoolgirl, Gerri O’Callaghan club championships, the first of which came dreamt of being a commercial at Cohuna at 17 years of age. Three more pilot. She grew up in Cohuna followed at Rich River after the family moved to on the Murray River under the Echuca in her late-teens. Then following a six- Sydney-Melbourne flight path. year hiatus travelling the world, O’Callaghan Upon leaving school she began studying for rekindled her love for the game and has won a private pilot’s licence and was preparing for six more club championships at Southern her first solo flight. Golf Club in Melbourne, the most recent this Then tragedy struck. At age 19 November. O’Callaghan’s world was turned upside O’Callaghan barely touched a golf club down when her mother Nancy suffered a while overseas, playing just two social rounds fatal heart attack in 1997. Three months later in six years (2001-2007). During her time her father Gerry suffered a massive stroke abroad she worked as a water-skiing instructor to the right side of his body. The next two at a Jewish summer camp (Camp Towanda) years were spent caring for her Dad with in Pennsylvania. She also did a little bit of three older siblings at their new home of landscaping and bar work while on a two-year Echuca. Meanwhile she did a bit of landscape work visa in the United Kingdom. gardening and lawn mowing around town She kind of got into greenkeeping during a before her Dad passed away in 2000. hospitality stint at the Henley Rowing Regatta To lose both parents before the age of on the Thames River. An opportunity arose for 23 was a devastating blow. Without any ties, someone to mow the car park. O’Callaghan O’Callaghan spent six years backpacking offered her services and ended up maintaining around the world in what she describes as “a the grounds for five months. bit of a soul-searching journey”. She returned But turfgrass wasn’t on O’Callaghan’s O’Callaghan first came under the Royal Melbourne home without a clue as to what she might do umbrella as assistant superintendent at Sandringham mind when she returned to Australia in 2007. next. in 2011. Two years later she was on the RM crew It was a fortuitous meeting at Sandhurst Club Remarkably, 14 years later she has been that changed her career path. She chatted with appointed course superintendent at the course that we’re going to open. There’s the her cousin’s husband’s friend, Mark Brayshaw refurbished Sandringham Golf Links across driving range and just generally the rapport from the PGA. His wife had also been an the road from Royal Melbourne. As home to with the golf bodies that are there. instructor at a summer camp in the US. the Australian Golf Centre, the national high- “She’s a very good communicator. She’s a Two days later O’Callaghan got a taste performance training and administration facility, good easy-to-talk-to personality so she’s good of greenkeeping at Sandhurst. Edging and the Sandringham posting was one of the most in that role dealing with all those other aspects raking bunkers while enjoying the camaraderie coveted positions in turfgrass. other than just the maintenance of the public of three other ‘girls’ on staff left a good “She’s certainly deserving of the role,” golf course. We’re proud of her and we’re sure impression: “I was working in a small team and says Richard Forsyth, Royal Melbourne’s she’s going to do the place justice.” got along really well with them. They were all director of courses. “We’re very happy with very like-minded and I thought, ‘Oh, I think this how she’s going about it. I think she’ll be great THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED is the caper for me’. for the facility because it’s not just the public O’Callaghan, 44, is not your typical “It’s a satisfying thing when you walk away golf course. It’s got the high-performance superintendent. She boasts a 1-handicap with from a job that you do. Even if it is just whipper aspect to it. We’ve got a big 18-hole putting a lowest-ever mark of +0.5. She has won 10 snipping a bunker or pruning around a One year on and going strong! ENCLAVE FUNGICIDE First four-way fungicide in the market (chlorothalonil, iprodione, tebuconazole, and the only turf registered thiophanate methyl in Australia). Proven best control for Spring Dead Spot treatment. New kid on the block, and taking off! TWISTER INSECTICIDE Contains novaluron, the first turf insect growth regulator in the market, PLUS a lethal dose of indoxacarb. Great curative and preventative control of major turf pests such as Argentine stem weevil. Follow us ®Registered trademarks of an ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Company. Visit ADAMA.COM to learn more NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 17 PROFILE As well as maintenance of Sandringham’s public course, O’Callaghan also oversees facilities for the new centre of excellence, including a state-of-the- art driving range, a Himalayas-style 18-hole putting green and elite short-game practice facilities sprinkler head. The golfer will come along and During 2021 O’Callaghan received a HANDLING THE SPOTLIGHT they’ll notice all those little things that you do.” general manager’s scholarship, which included AS A FEMALE SUPER O’Callaghan was offered an adult a week’s Business Management Institute O’Callaghan is in rarefied air and is just one apprenticeship at Sandhurst Club. At night training. She hopes to improve her skill set of only a few females to be appointed as a she studied for a Certificate III in Horticulture with the desire to give back to golf more than superintendent in Victoria and Australia. Denise (Recreational Turf) at the Northern Melbourne purely as a greenkeeper in a field such as golf Hill-Symonds was in charge at The Dunes on Institute of TAFE (now Melbourne Polytechnic). operations or as an assistant manager. the Mornington Peninsula in the early 2000s She later completed a Diploma of Horticulture before stepping down from the role in order to (Recreational Turf) there. start a family. She has since returned to The O’Callaghan first came under the Royal Dunes and currently works there part-time. Melbourne umbrella when she was appointed While there are a number of female assistant superintendent at Sandringham Golf assistants, foremen (or should that be Links in 2011. Two years later she was offered foreperson) and senior greenkeepers around and accepted a role as a qualified grounds the country, Michelle Huzzey at the 9-hole person at Royal Melbourne. There was no title Wynyard Golf Club on Tasmania’s north attached, which surprised quite a few people coast is believed to be the only other current who saw it as a step backwards. female superintendent in Australia. Previously, But it proved to be a wise move as two Kirsty Herring (CSTM) was superintendent at years later O’Callaghan was appointed Cooroy Golf Club on Queensland’s Sunshine foreman on RM’s East Course under the Coast and then Katherine Country Club in the tutelage of Craig Anthony. Among other Northern Territory. She is about to leave golf achievements, she was in charge of bunkering to be coordinator of parks and maintenance for the 2019 Presidents Cup. at Mackay Regional Council where she will O’Callaghan returned to Sandringham manage 1600 hectares of parklands, six to be a part of the team reconstructing the cemeteries, botanical gardens and 200km second nine holes. While it’s a privilege to of beachfront land. American ex-pat Brittney work at Royal Melbourne, the ground staff Goldsworthy was also the super at the 9-hole don’t get to build something from the ground Sea View Golf Club in Perth for a period but up. She says it was an amazing experience to has since returned to her homeland. shape tees, bunkers and greens. Now she can As well as her skills as a turf manager, O’Callaghan is Gender hasn’t been a hindrance to a drive around the course and remember her an accomplished amateur golfer and recently won her turfgrass career says O’Callaghan. Her father little touches. sixth club championship at Southern Golf Club Gerry, a local council street sweeper, had 18 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 a great work ethic. He impressed upon his daughter that she’d earn respect by performing the job one-and-a-half times as well as a man. O’Callaghan does concede being a female superintendent places her in the spotlight. While out ‘on the tools’ it’s not uncommon for a club member to single out ‘Gerri’ by name for a chat while ignoring her male colleagues. She feels a little embarrassed by the attention but realises it’s just the reality of being in a male-dominated industry. “I’m on show with Sandringham now,” O’Callaghan says. “I know a lot of people that play there and I think, too, because I am the woman. So when you look at the groundkeeping crew, they always pick you out. I always like to do a good job because it’s me representing myself. It’s all the little two percenters that you do that make the golf While East Course foreman, O’Callaghan was in charge of bunker preparation for the 2019 Presidents Cup course better. And that’s what I’m going to do. Just go above and beyond.” provided a well-rounded resilience that’s held MAINTAINING A PUBLIC She’s an even more visible presence her in good stead for a career in turf. SANDBELT COURSE driving around Sandy Golf Links with a golden “It’s hard enough to make your way as a Much anticipation accompanied the creation retriever riding in the back of her Workman. male. But to do it as a female, she would have of Sandringham’s par-65 layout, designed ‘Ronald’ O’Callaghan even has his own copped a few knocks along the way. So she and constructed by OCM (Mike Cocking) and Instagram account! has been very resilient,” Forsyth says. “Not finished off and grassed by RM links staff. O’Callaghan thinks the personal tragedy all males go well with someone as a woman As a multi-purpose practice facility, it attracts of losing her parents at a relatively young organising them in a male-dominated industry. elite amateurs and professionals every day age made her stronger. Along with various So she’s had to deal with all that as she has of the week. Demand is such that it has been life experiences from travelling the world, it’s come through.” averaging about 250 rounds a day from golfers NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 19 PROFILE She treats it like a little baby. She gives it a lot of TLC out there. I can just tell how proud of the fact that this is hers now. And that she’s really embraced it. She’s really nurturing it.” CREATING A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE O’Callaghan is determined to leave her mark at the new home of high-performance golf. Her first big test arrives early in the New Year when Sandringham hosts The Athena (26-27 February). The non-strokeplay event sanctioned by the WPGA Tour of Australasia will feature 12 female golfers with the winner to receive $30,000. The Athena is designed to test a player’s skills in challenging situations – so-called ‘clutch shots’ they would encounter when competing against the world’s best. Given Athena is an ancient Greek O’Callaghan oversees a crew of eight on the Sandringham course, among them recently appointed Sandringham goddess of war strategy and wisdom, it will foreman Jack Lavery who has also come across from RM’s East Course be interesting to see how Sandy Golf Links seeking a Sandbelt experience at a fraction “For a public-golf course, you don’t want comes up on the big screen. The Athena will of the price. The 18-hole green fee is $48 on the punters to be five-putting everything. You be broadcast on Fox Sports and Kayo for four weekends to tackle a course with the same want to be able to hold the greens. On any hours each afternoon. More than 265,000 Suttons Mix bentgrass putting surfaces and given day, between 9 and 11 is around about viewers tuned in to watch the inaugural event fine fescue surrounds as Royal Melbourne. what they would Stimp.” last year. Thankfully, O’Callaghan now has a crew of eight to maintain the property while the old Sandringham layout had just three ground }I always like to do a good job because it’s me representing staff prior to redevelopment. By comparison, Royal Melbourne has 32 staff to maintain two myself. It’s all the little two percenters that you do that make the courses, which is essentially 16 per course. Both the East and West courses average about golf course better.~- Gerri O’Callaghan 150 rounds a day – approximately 60 per cent of Sandringham’s traffic. Golf Australia’s high-performance director The next five years should be a fascinating So the challenge is to present Brad James is a massive fan of the new period as Sandringham generates more Sandringham in the best condition with the layout, measuring 5646 metres from the tips. attention. “It’s in great nick now but there’s still resources available to deal with the play it’s “It’s bloody awesome,” says James who has so much to do,” O’Callaghan says. “You’ve getting. Consideration must be given to staff played the course at least a dozen times. “It’s got all the resources from Royal Melbourne. allocation and what’s going to be the best short and hard. Like it’s rock hard and caters But because of the amount of golfers you get, use of their time. For instance, recent storm for the good player but also caters for the some days you can’t achieve a lot.” damage left them without access to the average player.” In the grand scheme, O’Callaghan wants chipper because it was needed across the Through the first few months since to clear out a bit more ti tree, finish off the road. opening, the best score posted by any one of bunkers and establish mowing patterns from As part of Royal Melbourne’s management Golf Australia’s amateur squad was 4-under existing rough to make it more of a Sandbelt team, O’Callaghan lives on-site in a house par. So it’s not as if elite amateurs can shoot experience. “There’s some great native overlooking the 14th hole on the East Course. the lights out. heathland, which we’ve been doing a bit of Which can be a double-edged sword. It James makes special mention of clearing out,” she adds. “There’s bits and enables her to get little things done in the O’Callaghan’s work ethic and golf IQ when pieces where you’ll be able to see through to twilight hours when Sandringham is empty. But considering the amount of play Sandringham the next fairway. Or be able to have a little vista it also means she’s ‘on call’ for an emergency, gets on a daily basis. “She’s doing a great job. across the dunes. That’s great because a lot of such as monitoring greens on hot summer people will never get to experience that if they days or when there’s an irrigation problem. don’t play the private golf courses. “You can’t be married to the job every “But they come to Sandy and it’s Royal single day. You’ve got to have some time out,” Melbourne type greens. You can stand on she says. “But in some capacity you never some of the tees and think you’re at Yarra or really turn off and you’re always thinking about Commonwealth. That’s a unique experience. what’s coming next. So you’ve got to stay And I get to play these courses so hopefully I ahead of the game.” can impart a little bit of my golfing experience Course preparation at Sandringham takes onto a few of the holes.” on a new meaning when it comes to providing premium playing surfaces. The aim is for it to Editor’s Note: You can follow Gerri O’Callaghan (middle) with tournament volunteers play firm and fast while being mindful of less- O’Callaghan on Twitter @gocallaghan14 and Susana Oliveira (The Grange GC, SA) and Kim Kennedy accomplished golfers. (Kingston Heath GC, Vic) at the 2019 Presidents Cup Instagram @gezza_ocallaghan 20 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Get Ahead, Stay Ahead Specticle is proven to provide excellent long-term control of Poa annua. 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Here, IPM officer Leanne Clarke discusses the wide-ranging integrated pest management program in operation which plays a key role in managing this unique landscape. P arliament House in Canberra is includes 15 gardeners, two apprentices and system that manages pests and diseases to an famous for its well-manicured two support staff, to maintain the parliamentary acceptable level. lawns and sweeping green ramps landscape to a very high standard with minimal Landscape Services has been developing on top of ‘the hill’. There are 23 use of toxic pesticides. its IPM program over the last 25 years with a hectares of turf and gardens to To enable pests and diseases to be strong emphasis on biological control. Several manage, however, many of the gardens are out managed with minimal chemical use, factors have been the catalyst for this type of of sight from the general public, hidden within Landscape Services has adopted an integrated approach including logistics, safety, chemical the 17 internal courtyards of the building. pest management (IPM) program. IPM is the resistance and environmental protection. Maintenance of the famous landscape practice of implementing all available methods Parliament House has a unique design falls under the responsibility of the Department to manage pests and diseases and to minimise where a large number of the gardens are of Parliamentary Services. The department’s the amount of pesticides used within the literally within the walls of the building. It’s Landscape Services Manager is Paul landscape. IPM does not completely eradicate a building that gets very busy, potentially Janssens, who leads a team of 19 which all pests and diseases, but is a sustainable swelling to around 5000 occupants in a sitting 22 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 The Landscape Services team, responsible for the maintenance of Parliament House in Canberra, has Harmonia conformis (spotted ladybeetle) are been developing its IPM program over the last 25 used for aphid control, particularly in trees years, with a strong emphasis on biological control period and it is not viable to be reliant on spraying toxic chemicals in this environment for both human and environmental safety. Most internal courtyards contain large air-conditioning intake vents and if a chemical application is required, the vents must be covered and the air-conditioning shut down. Therefore, any toxic chemical applications must be done out of hours with at least a week’s notice to relevant stakeholders. IPM has eliminated the need for the air-conditioning to be shut down and significantly reduced the amount of chemical usage that may be harmful to the public, the operator and the environment. l Annuals for flower displays – species less Biological control: Use of biological control, IPM STRATEGIES prone to pests and diseases are selected; both introduced and naturally occurring, is The foundation of an IPM program is and a fundamental part of the Parliament House monitoring and identification. Knowing what l Psyllid-resistant syzygiums. IPM program. Biological control has three pests, diseases and beneficial insects are parts – introduced, naturally occurring and present and at what levels, is critical and allows Quarantine: All new plants are quarantined in augmentation. for softer methods of control. Landscape the glasshouse/bush house area and closely Services has a designated IPM Officer who monitored for pests and diseases before being INTRODUCED BENEFICIAL performs weekly monitoring of the entire site planted out. INSECTS AND ORGANISMS and identifies and records levels of disease, When biological control is mentioned, people pests and beneficial insects present. Action to Physical and mechanical: Mulching is used immediately think of the cane toad that was be taken is based on this weekly observation. to suppress weed growth in areas of the introduced to control the cane beetle in the IPM strategies used at Parliament House landscape. Blue and yellow sticky traps are sugar plantations of north east Australia. for pest and disease prevention, suppression used to attract adult leaf miners, whitefly, thrips Thankfully, the beneficial insects released in and management include: and aphids which also aids in monitoring. the IPM program at Parliament House have Badly infested branches/twigs are pruned off had a more positive outcome. Cultural: Correct watering, fertilising and and removed and low insect numbers are Introduced predators are purchased from pruning techniques to ensure optimal health ‘squished’ with fingers. Tree-banding copper insectaries in Queensland, South Australia and of a plant. The healthier a plant is, the more tape is used on Laburnum vossii to stop snails. Western Australia. The introduced predatory resistant it is to pests and diseases. Banding may also be used to monitor and trap insects have been developed in Australia and pest larvae of elm leaf beetle and pear and are very specific in what they eat, therefore, Sanitation: Pruning equipment is cleaned cherry slug. Gnat sand for fungus gnat control once pest populations have been eliminated after each plant or cut, particularly if die back on indoor plants. the predators will disappear. For this reason, or cankers are present. Tools and machinery that may have contacted soil pathogens are thoroughly washed down. Leaf litter is cleaned up to remove any overwintering pests and diseases. Resistant varieties: Where available, plant varieties resistant to pests and diseases are chosen such as: l Turf species with high fungal endophyte to resist scarab grubs; l Warm-season turf species have been chosen for their resistance to heat stress; l Lagerstroemia indica ‘Indian Summer’ (crepe myrtle) varieties are resistant to the fungal disease powdery mildew; Hippodamia variegata (variegated ladybeetle) are used for aphid control, particularly on perennials and groundcovers. Pictured far right are ladybeetle eggs NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 23 IPM predators are re-introduced on a regular basis, Insecticides targeting specific pests such as as both the beneficial and pest populations aphicides and miticides can upset the balance seesaw, maintaining an acceptable balance of of food available for beneficial predators. the two. Moving existing beneficial insects to a food As the weather cools, pests become source they haven’t yet found is another way of inactive, however, introduced beneficial manipulating beneficial insects to work in your insects will not overwinter during Canberra’s favour. Many beneficial insects will only be cold winter. It is crucial to monitor pest predacious while at a particular life-stage. For levels, especially coming into spring, as pest example, only the larval stage of lacewings, populations can occur in large numbers before hoverflies and wasps will consume pests. The the natural predators become established. If adults will feed on pollen and shelter in plants, pest numbers are too high, they will need to be therefore having a diverse landscape with reduced by treating with a soft spray such as plenty of flowers year round will encourage soap or oil before the beneficials are released. beneficial insect populations. The soap or oil will kill a majority of pests on contact, however, pests that have avoided CHEMICAL CONTROL contact will remain, leaving a food source for Chemical control is a last resort and only used the beneficial insects. Again, monitoring is key if deemed necessary. Chemicals toxic to our to maintaining this balance. beneficial insects are kept to a bare minimum. Introduced predators used in the Softer options are used to reduce pest Parliament House IPM program include: Green lacewing eggs. Green lacewings are a general numbers, which include: l Parasitic nematodes – for scarabs in turf predator for a variety of pests including aphids, mealy l Horticultural oils for scale; and tree borers; bugs, scale insects and azalea lacebug l Bio oil for weed spraying; l Green lacewing – a general predator for l Soap sprays for aphids; a variety of pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale insects and azalea lacebug; }The foundation of an IPM program is monitoring and l Cryptolaemus lady bird larvae – for mealy bugs and a variety of scale insects; l Harmonia conformis for aphids – identification. Knowing what pests, diseases and beneficial particularly in trees; insects are present and at what levels is critical and allows for softer methods of control.~- Leanne Clarke, IPM Officer l Hippodamia variegata for aphids – particularly on perennials and groundcovers; l Several wasp species that parasitise pests l Stethorus sp – a tiny black beetle that l Pest-specific chemicals (e.g. aphicides, by laying eggs in them including: feeds on two-spotted mites (often seen on miticides) if major outbreaks occur and l Metaphycus (a parasitic wasp for cherry trees and acers). beneficial insects are not in sufficient brown scale control); l Brown lacewings – a general predator. numbers; l Encarsia for white fly control; l Birds – particularly small wrens and l Pre-emergent herbicides for large area l Aphidius colemani, Aphidius ervi and spinebill honeyeaters. weed control; Aphelinus abdominalis, to parasatise a l Roses are on a preventative non-toxic range of aphid species; AUGMENTATION spray program (potassium carbonate and l Thripobius to control thrips. Augmentation is the practice of modifying the Hort oil) for fungal diseases; l Predatory mites (persimilis and environment to encourage beneficial insects l Dipel (Bacillus thurengiensis) for typhlodromus species) for two-spotted and organisms. Beneficial insects are very lepidoptera larvae including azalea leaf mites. sensitive to chemicals. The elimination of toxic miner; l Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium which chemicals is crucial as many pesticides are l Agri-fos (phosphonic acid) to increase kills lepidoptera caterpillars. broad-spectrum and will kill not only the target root health and immunity and suppress l Rhizo-versity, to increase beneficial pest but will wipe out any beneficial insects as phytophthora diseases. soil microbe populations which aid in well. Where necessary, chemicals are used as suppression of soil pathogens. Even ‘natural’ insecticides such as ‘spot sprays’, thus minimising total coverage pyrethrum will kill beneficial insects. and volume used. Chemical groups are rotated NATURALLY OCCURRING to reduce resistance. BENEFICIAL INSECTS AND IPM is a dynamic program that continually ORGANISMS evolves as new methods, technology and A reduction in chemical use over the years beneficial organisms are developed. Every has seen an increase in naturally occurring year is different as pests and diseases can beneficial insects which include: vary in abundance, timing and damage l Several species of ladybeetles – general caused, which is why continued monitoring is predators that consume a variety of insect so important. pests. The Parliament House Landscape Services l Hover flies – adults resemble small team continues to develop its IPM program bees and the larvae resemble small into the future and we look forward to trialling green caterpillars which feed on aphids, It is crucial to monitor pest levels, especially coming and adopting new methods and technology as into spring, as pest populations can occur in large particularly on rose bushes. they come to hand. numbers before natural predators establish 24 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 F407 HIGH CAPACITY WIDE AREA REEL MOWER PRODUCTIVITY PERSONIFIED The powerful but precise F407 comes with 26” (66cm) front and CUT CUTTING CUT WIDTH CAPACITY HEIGHT rear clipping discharge units and benefits from an improved radiator pack and hood, optimised for increased airflow. For ease of transport, the Jake wing cutting units can be raised 158”(4M) 10.67 (4.32HA) / HR AC AT 7.5MPH (12KM/H) 0.47”- 1.85” (12MM - 47MM) individually to lift and lower over obstacles. FUEL DRIVE MOWER With 158” (4m) width of cut, the F407 delivers class-leading CAPACITY SYSTEM ENGINE productivity, whilst adjustable weight transfer and Suretrac™ 9.98 (45.4L) GAL SURETRAC™ HYDROSTATIC TRACTION KUBOTA® 44.3HP (33KW) DIESEL 4WD offers superior traction. Find out more: For information and support: www.jacobsen.com DRAINAGE In the trenches Good drainage is fundamental when it comes to producing high quality turf surfaces. AGCSATech senior agronomist Bruce Macphee gets to the bottom of what good drainage is and what isn’t. W hen we look at first class With the recent weather the east coast of fact is many of our municipal sporting grounds turf facilities throughout Australia has experienced courtesy of a La are under far greater pressure than the MCG the world, whether a golf Niña weather cycle and a changing climate, in terms of usage and without the staffing or course, elite sports field or short sharp rain events appear to becoming budget that goes along it. race track, good drainage more commonplace and the ability to efficiently For this reason alone, we should ensure is one of the key characteristics they have in remove excess water from a surface and that we get the basics right when redesigning common. While we often focus on keeping profile is what will set many of these great turf a turf profile or drainage system. Good moisture within the profile during periods of facilities apart. drainage will allow the turf manager to maintain warm weather, the removal of excess water When discussing profile design and turf quality throughout the winter period when during the cooler months or when there drainage requirements with clients, we often recovery is often slow and grounds with are significant rainfall events is becoming hear “Oh it’s not the MCG”. Fair enough. But inadequate drainage deteriorate quickly. The increasingly important. if we look into that statement a little more, the result being poor quality unsafe surfaces that 26 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 The installation of sand slits with collector drains and Keith McIntyre and Bent Jakobsen) as well as the surrounding poor-draining soils. Subsoil a sand carpet layer is becoming more commonplace Natural Turf for Sport and Amenity, Science and drains are essentially a cross section of a and a cost effective alternative to a full perched Practice by W.A. Adams and R.J. Gibbs. Both perched water table and as such need to be water table construction are excellent resources. tested in the lab to ensure compatibility of While there are variations on subsoil both sand and gravel. The results will assist in drains, they are primarily installed to remove determining the ideal depth of the sand within excess water. One key point that should be the trench to ensure an adequate volumetric understood is how water enters a subsoil water content to maintain healthy turf coverage drain. In a poor draining soil profile, we are throughout the summer months. trying to intercept surface water flow through a series of fast draining trenches back filled with DRAINAGE DESIGN a specified sand, gravel and pipe, rather than Now that we understand water movement remove excess water from the soil profile. between soils of different textures, it is clear In soils with a high clay content or fine the expectation that subsoil drains placed at texture, the lateral movement of water is 3m or 5m spacings can effectively dry out extremely slow, even when the soils are a poorly draining soil profile or sports oval saturated. Therefore, the movement of water is unrealistic. Unfortunately, we often see through the soil and into the sand drain sports fields which have been constructed is going to be insignificant. Consequently, using this exact method. This wider spacing installing subsoil drains into a poor draining is often undertaken in an attempt to save soil profile ‘to drain the soil’ is going to be money, where in fact it is more often than not a ineffective. complete waste of money. This can be explained through The effectiveness of a proposed design understanding the forces placed on water can be calculated with a high degree of molecules within soils. Water molecules are confidence using variations of Hooghoudt’s held within soils by adhering to the surface of equation. Originally Hooghoudt’s equation was the soil particles (adhesion) and the natural used to design drainage systems in agricultural attraction of water molecules to each other land where a permeable rootzone sits over an (cohesion). These combined forces are often impermeable subsoil and where a water table referred to as tension. Fine-textured soils forms. The equation is just as applicable in turf consist mainly of small particles which have situations where it can be used to calculate the a large surface area and many small pore drainage rate of the in situ soil as well as drain spaces, these soils will exhibit a high tension spacing and the time taken to effectively drain on soil moisture. Sands with larger particles a profile. have less surface area and fewer small pore The equation can be used to calculate spaces, therefore having less ability to place the design drainage rate from variables such tension on water within the soil matrix. It is as the hydraulic conductivity and depth of the this tension in fine-textured soils that prevents proposed sand to be utilised, the lateral pipe water moving into subsoil drains unless the soil spacing, sand slit width and spacing, all of is completely saturated. which can be adjusted to ensure a suitable Only excess or free water will move into outcome is achieved, also taking into account the drainage trench from the finer textured soil the local soils and climatic conditions. (this is typically a very small volume), hence Table 1 below shows the drainage rate the statement referring to subsurface drainage of a soil with hydraulic conductivity of 20mm PHOTO: AQUATEK being ineffective at ‘draining the soil’. This is per hour. This simplified example highlights not to say subsurface subsoil drains are not the use of Hooghoudt’s equation to calculate effective. Situations where there are slopes, the drainage rate and time taken to effectively natural springs, water courses and rising water drain the top 50mm of a 300mm deep soil remain that way for the rest of the season or tables are where subsurface drainage is the profile using various drain spacings. until the weather improves. A municipal ground most effective. with excellent drainage will provide a solid Understanding the soils we are dealing INTERCEPTOR DRAINS playing surface through winter and allow for with is equally important and an integral part In sports turf situations where the profile is increased hours of use with a greatly reduced of designing an effective drainage system. constructed with poorly draining topsoil, chance of the surface rapidly deteriorating. Sands ideal for drainage typically meet the we are trying to intercept water as it flows USGA specification for particle size distribution. across the surface during rainfall events and WATER MOVEMENT AND SOILS These sands have good drainage and before it has a chance to enter the soil profile Before we look at the various drainage options aeration properties, often in direct contrast to between the subsoil drains. This relies on the available, we need to understand water movement in soils and how subsoil drains TABLE 1. DRAINAGE RATE – SOIL HC 20MM/H work. Being somewhat limited as to the level Drain Spacing (m) Drainage Rate (mm/h) Time to drain top 50mm of profile of detail that can be provided in a short article, 10 metres 0.025 mm/hr 400 hours (17 days) there are several excellent books available 2 metres 0.63 mm/hr 16 hours through the ASTMA bookshop including 1 metre 2.5 mm/hr 4 hours Drainage for Sportsturf and Horticulture (by Adapted from Drainage for Sportsturf and Horticulture NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 27 DRAINAGE surface of the field having an adequate slope conductivity, total porosity, particle size to effectively move water across the surface distribution and bulk density. towards drainage trenches which are placed at an angle to the surface slope to cut off water SAND SLITS flow. The process of installing sand slits in Interceptor drains consist of a free- conjunction with collector drains is becoming draining sand layer above a layer of drainage more commonplace and a cost-effective aggregate which surrounds a pipe installed alternative to complete reconstruction. Sand on a blinding layer of aggregate within the slits are installed at narrow spacings (1-2 base of the trench. For interceptor drains metres) and intersect with collector drains, alone to be effective, surface falls of 1:70 to allowing water collected through the sand slits 1:80 are preferred. If the surface is relatively to be efficiently removed and piped from the flat, the network of interceptor drains will be playing surface. less effective and the inclusion of sand slits, Sand slits also require good surface fall which contain sand and aggregate only, will and can be effective with a minimum of 1:100 reduce the time and distance water has to fall. The width and spacings can be modified travel before being intercepted by a drainage to suit a particular situation and required trench. As water moves across the slow drainage rate. draining surface, we rely on drains or sand slits Sand slits are a viable alternative to to provide a highly permeable channel of free- complete reconstruction of a poorly draining draining sand which extends to the surface, sports field or to improve sections of a fairway allowing water to enter freely. where the cost of installing a sand-based The surface slope will generally determine profile may be prohibitively expensive. the most effective drainage design to maximise As mentioned previously, a wider trench interception of water. Engaging a qualified A municipal ground with excellent drainage will of 100mm provides a better value long-term provide a solid playing surface through winter and agronomist to complete some calculations allow for increased hours of use with a greatly option. The exception to this rule is horse based on your soil type, rainfall data and reduced chance of the surface rapidly deteriorating racing tracks where a narrower trench is climatic region will provide you with the preferred for safety reasons as the horse’s information required to develop an effective and causing them to become sealed against hooves are able to bridge the trench and drainage design and appropriate spacing. water flow. Narrow trenches or sand slits can avoid an unstable sand footing, which could As long as the water can enter the sand- close over or become contaminated quickly if otherwise potentially lead to a fall. Sand filled drainage trenches unimpeded by thatch topsoils become overly wet and the surface is grooving is popular with racing surfaces and or topsoil contamination, the drain will continue utilised for high traffic sports such as football or provides a cost-effective option which can be to operate effectively. If there is insufficient rugby. Ideally, sand slits of 100mm will provide updated periodically. surface slope or the subsoil drains are the best value for money long-term in regards Ideally, heavy sand topdressing of 25mm spaced too far apart, water will enter the poor- to remaining effective, resisting sealing over should be applied to the surface after the draining topsoil creating wet spots between or contamination and the ability to intercept installation of sand slits and an ongoing the drainage trenches. The result is often and transmit a greater volume of water during programme of regular topdressing should be having saturated and wet soils between the significant rainfall events. implemented. This will assist in protecting the drainage trenches and the only dry areas are With any construction project, planning integrity of the sand slits from contamination immediately above the drains. and testing of materials is crucial to the and prolong their usable life. Wet soils between the drainage trenches success or otherwise of the project. Materials only increases the likelihood of fine soil should be tested for compatibility and SAND CARPET PROFILES particles being moved across the sand slits sand should also be tested for hydraulic It is not uncommon to see the inclusion of a sand carpet profile (100-200mm) in conjunction with sand slits and drainage in new constructions. This has the benefit of providing an adequate rootzone with very good drainage as a viable option to a full-scale reconstruction. The sand carpet works on the theory that the shallow sand rootzone will provide rapid infiltration of water and an adequate depth for healthy plant growth, whilst also providing protection to the extensive network of sand slits and drainage which allows efficient removal of excess water, ensuring the profile does not become saturated. Sports fields constructed with wider drain spacings, often in order to save money, will ultimately provide an inadequate playing surface due to the drainage system’s inability to remove water quickly and effectively 28 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Sand slits are a series of closely spaced trenches back filled with sand and gravel which intercept water as it flows across the surface. Water is then directed into wider spaced collector drains where it is quickly piped off the surface PHOTO: AQUATEK There is significant testing and calculations drainage maintenance. Failure to maintain a to remove surface water as it is prevented from required to ensure a system such as this clean sand profile to the surface of the trench entering the trench. is suitable and will drain effectively, so an can see a build-up of contamination or thatch. For drainage to remain effective, washed agronomist should be engaged if this option is Even a few millimetres of heavy soil can stop turf should be used above trenches and to be considered. the drain from functioning effectively. Once the regular sand topdressing should be applied surface is sealed, the drain will no longer work to prevent dense layers of thatch developing SAND GROOVING above trenches. Ideally from installation, a Sand grooving or sand banding is installed 25mm layer of sand topdressing should be using equipment which creates a number applied to the surface to protect the integrity of of grooves about 200mm apart with blades the newly installed drains or sand slits. or coulters which are then backfilled with The effective life of a well installed sand in one pass. The groves are narrow drainage system is about 10-15 years before (20-30mm) with a depth up to 200mm. While contamination, thatch and organic matter build there is minimal disruption to the surface, sand up reduces the ability of water to effectively grooving will only be effective for a relatively enter the drains. Drains which have reduced short period in comparison to sand slits or in performance can be renovated by hollow drainage. This is useful for refreshing areas coring with large diameter hollow tines and which already have subsurface drainage and then backfilling with sand, or by stripping the grooves can be linked in with existing the turf from the surface, removing any drainage network. contaminated material back to clean sand, Similar pedestrian equipment exists for use topping up with fresh sand and finishing with on golf greens and fine turf which can inject washed turf. sand channels into the profile, which can be Before deciding on the installation of very effective on greens provided the channel interceptor drains, a sand slit drainage system extends beyond any thatch layer present or sand grooving, a number of factors need to to link with the sand below. Greens with a be taken into consideration. Possibly the most significant thatch layer which holds moisture important to consider is that the efficiency of can prevent the free movement of water into the drainage system will deteriorate over time. the sand profile below. Regular sand grooving Choosing an option which will be short-lived or can improve these surfaces without the need completely inadequate may be a waste of time for costly reconstruction. and money. Given the number of variables which MAINTAINING DRAINAGE need to be taken into account, it is highly Drainage or sand slits will only work while there recommended to engage an agronomist continues to be a direct link to the surface. to complete a site assessment and the Contamination of a sand drain with poor draining Maintaining the effectiveness of drainage and soil and thatch over the surface will reduce the associated testing required to ensure your next sand slits is an often-overlooked part of regular effectiveness of a drain completely drainage project is a success. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 29 AGRONOMY The dirt on biochar P ublic awareness has increased Melbourne Polytechnic turf A common theme for a sales pitch for regarding environmental issues biochar is… “Biochar is a stable form of soil which has led to more scrutiny management teacher and former carbon with a naturally porous structure which by regulatory authorities. These improves aeration, water-holding capacity and issues include pesticide use, AGCSATech agronomist Steve nutrient retention of soils and acts as a refuge leaching of fertilisers and pesticides into water for beneficial soil microbiology.” bodies and ground water and the factors that Tuckett looks at the use of biochar To improve the nutrient and water retention contribute to global warming. in sandy rootzones, peat moss is commonly In response to this, sports turf managers as a sports turf profile amendment. incorporated (Waddington, 1992). However, are always looking at ways to reduce inputs, over time the decomposition of peat moss including pesticide and fertiliser use, on their adversely affects its positive impacts on the surfaces. Improving soil health that leads to Biochar does have benefits for the soil’s rootzone as it breaks down into fine particles improved plant health is one way to do that food web, such as increasing the soils cation and reduces water infiltration rates and thus as a healthy plant requires less inputs of exchange capacity (CEC) and therefore losing some of its nutrient retention capacity in fertiliser and pesticides to produce a quality increasing nutrient retention (Glaser et al., a sand-based system. (Bigelow et al., 2004). turf surface. 2002; Lehmann et al., 2003). According to According to Brockhoff (2010), biochar would There are many success stories from using various researchers (Karhu et al., 2011; Peng seem to be a viable alternative as it may have organic and high-carbon products to reduce et al. 2011; Ding et al., 2010; and Basso et al. similar benefits to peat moss while being less reliance on chemicals. Recently, biochar has 2013), biochar can increase moisture retention prone to decomposition. started to become popular and a lot has been (although the results vary widely), so it could That all sounds positive, but the question made of the benefits of it by those companies be an effective amendment to be used in is if we amend sports turf profiles with biochar selling the product, but little of the potential rootzones with high infiltration rate. Biochar where drainage is key, what will be the long- issues of using it as an amendment in sports is similar to zeolite as it has a honeycomb term effects of this practice? Biochar is not turf rootzones. structure giving it a very high surface area. biodegradable so once it is in the rootzone 30 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Biochar is a product produced by heating organic materials, such as wood, crop waste and manures, in a low oxygen environment. The result is a porous, charcoal-like biochar rich in carbon content that can effectively capture carbon and lock the carbon into the soil PHOTO: SANGSIRIPECH/STOCK.ADOBE.COM it is there permanently and any reduction in pyrolysis occurs at high temperatures with a Because the half-life of the carbon found in drainage rate will need a lot of remedial work short burn period and produces a fine-textured biochar is greater than 1000 years, biochar, to rectify. As well, there are many different biochar (< .002mm diameter particle size). when applied to soil, is a carbon sequestration types of biochar, so you need to do your Conversely, slow pyrolysis produces a coarse- tool (Laird, 2008). Other by-products of the research to determine which one is the most textured biochar with longer burn times. pyrolysis process include oils and methane suitable for your situation. that can be captured and used as an HISTORY OF BIOCHAR environmentally friendly fuel. WHAT IS BIOCHAR? The name ‘biochar’ was coined in 2005, Biochar is a product produced by heating although ‘charcoal’ has been used for BIOCHAR RESEARCH REVIEW organic materials, such as wood, crop waste agricultural purposes as a soil amendment for Although there has been little research done and manures, in a low oxygen environment. thousands of years. Improved nutrient retention on the long-term effects of biochar used to The heating process is called ‘pyrolysis’, where and nutrient availability for plants in Amazonian amend sports turf profiles, there has been the organic materials are placed into a special soils have been linked to the presence of char extensive research into biochar’s benefits oven where heating occurs in the presence in the soil profile (Glaser et al., 2002). on agricultural soils around the world. The of little or no oxygen. The result is a porous, These soils, within the Amazon River following is a review of some of the research charcoal-like biochar rich in carbon content basin, are carbon rich and it is believed that a that has been conducted. that can effectively capture carbon and lock form of biochar or charcoal had been used in the carbon into the soil. agriculture. These dark soils, known as ‘terra SOIL REMEDIATION Many turf managers would be familiar preta’, were likely to originate from charred According to Beesley (2011), who reviewed with activated carbon which has been used organic materials like manure, crop residue the role of biochar in the remediation of for remediation of areas where chemical spills and bones that were set alight and covered contaminated soils in a number of studies, it have occurred. Activated carbon and charcoal with dirt to eliminate oxygen but hold in the was concluded that biochar can effectively are also produced through the heating of heat from the fire which, in turn, baked the remove persistent organic pollutants and some organic materials via pyrolysis, so what is the organic matter. pesticides from soils. difference, if any? Put simply, it’s about the end Carbon-containing materials such as Hilber et al. (2017) reviewed many papers use as biochar is used as a soil amendment, plants are made from carbon that is sourced on biochar and its effects on persistent organic charcoal is used as a fuel and activated carbon from the air. While alive and whole, that organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals in soils for filtration, remediation and purification. matter holds the carbon in place, but when it and concluded that due to their high surface The temperature and duration of the burns or decomposes the carbon is released area, high CEC and persistence in the soil, pyrolysis process and the original ingredients back into the atmosphere in gases like carbon heavy metals precipitate as phosphates on the will ultimately determine the biochar’s dioxide. These gases then contribute to climate surface of biochar due to the rise in pH (e.g. properties. Biochar materials possess different change and global warming. copper, zinc, lead and cadmium). However, particle size characteristics depending on the If the organic material undergoes pyrolysis, metalloids and non-cationic negatively charged temperature and burn times of the pyrolysis then the carbon largely remains locked as a metals such as arsenic aren’t precipitated out process. Dall’Ora et al. (2008) note that fast solid in the biochar and can remain stable. on biochar surfaces. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 31 AGRONOMY According to Brockhoff, the optimum amount of biochar in the sand profile is 10 per cent based on the rooting depth of the T1 bentgrass and the water holding capacity of the media. Increasing the amount of biochar beyond 10 per cent in the profile has a detrimental effect on rooting depth and may decrease overall turfgrass quality. This research shows that biochar is able to provide nutrients and increase nutrient retention as well PHOTO: SMALLSCALEFARMING/STOCK.ADOBE.COM as increase water retention. Previous research suggests biochar provides fixed carbon in the soil (Laird, 2008). Therefore, biochar meets all of the objectives of an ideal sand-based rootzone amendment (Bigelow et al., 2004) at this time. However the chemical and physical parameters of sand and biochar rootzones should be evaluated over time in a field setting to monitor the effects biochar has on a sand rootzone. Brockhoff’s research can be downloaded through the Iowa While there has been extensive research into biochar’s benefits on agricultural soils around the world, little State University library – search for ‘Sand- research has been done on the long-term effects of biochar on sports turf based turfgrass rootzone modification with biochar’ through an Internet search engine. SOIL PH leaching. After a one-off application of biochar According to Laird (2008), biochars are applied at 1kg/m2 which was then brushed RATES alkaline in nature and are effective liming into core holes, there was a reduction in the Rates of application vary greatly depending agents. Qambrani et al. (2017) completed number of applications of fertiliser which on the carbon content and the source of the a literature survey and found that biochar is most likely due to the increase in CEC. biochar. One product showed rates ranging pH ranges considerably depending on the He mentioned that there was also a large from 4.5kg/100m2 to 36kg/100m2. The product organic materials from which the biochar was reduction in fungicide use on a green where used at Okehampton Golf Club in the UK produced. The temperature during pyrolysis biochar had also been incorporated. This mentioned earlier used rates as high as affects the pH of the biochar with higher green was known as a ‘disease indicator’ 100kg/100m2. Brockhoff (2010) recommends pyrolysis temperatures resulting in increased green due to it being surrounded by trees rates on v/v basis 10 per cent. biochar alkalinity (Hossain et al., 2011; Yuan et and received very little winter sunlight, with al., 2011; Cantrell et al., 2012). fusarium always an issue. CONCLUSION The widespread adoption of biochar as a WATER-HOLDING CAPACITY AND DISEASE SUPPRESSION soil additive should not be done until more CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY Trials done in Israel showed that biochar research is done on the pyrolysis conditions, While there are many studies that analysed could deactivate cell wall degrading enzymes organic ingredients, initial soil qualities and the effect of biochar addition on soil and crop produced by soil pathogens. The enzymes the amount of biochar that should be added productivity, the results vary widely. In terms of produced by these soil fungi dissolve and to maximise its positive effect. Until long-term crop productivity, a meta-analysis conducted destroy plant cells and allow entry of the studies have been conducted, it is difficult to by Jeffery et al. (2011) found that across pathogen into the plant (Jaiswal et al., 2018). access biochar’s value as a soil additive for the 14 studies analysed there was a slight, sand rootzones. statistically significant, positive impact on crop BIOCHAR USE ON SPORTS TURF Brockhoff (2010) recommends to not use productivity across the studies, improving crop The most relevant sports turf trial work was greater than 10 per cent v/v biochar otherwise productivity/yield by 10 per cent. Although the completed by Shane R. Brockhoff at the drainage will be adversely affected. Anecdotal change in crop yield varied widely, the greatest Iowa State University in 2010. Fast pyrolysis evidence suggests that some turf managers improvements were often seen when biochar switchgrass biochar and USGA spec sand are applying biochar to their surfaces after was added to acidic or pH-neutral soils and to mixtures ranging from 0 per cent biochar up renovation procedures on a regular basis. The those with medium/coarse textures. to 25 per cent biochar (increasing by five per negative effects of this practice over time may In regards to moisture retention, according cent increments) were tested for moisture reduce the infiltration rate of the profile leading to Karhu et al. (2011), Peng et al. (2011), Ding retention, hydraulic conductivity and leachate to inferior surfaces. et al. (2010) and Basso et al. (2013) the results constituents. vary widely, but studies have also shown that The six mixtures were placed in PVC tubes REFERENCES, FURTHER READING biochar addition to soil can improve the soil’s to a depth of 300mm over a 300mm depth Brockhoff, S. (2010). Sand-based turfgrass water retention ability. of 10mm diameter pea gravel to replicate a rootzone modification with biochar. Graduate Anecdotal evidence from David perched water table. This was repeated three Theses and Dissertations. 11520. Iowa SU. Chammings, chairman of greens at times and four replications of each treatment Fenn, G. (2018). Understanding biochar for Okehampton Golf Club in the UK, noted were evaluated in a randomised design in sports turf. https://advancegrass.com improvements in turf health on a newly- a controlled-environment greenhouse. T1 https://www.carbongold.com/trade/sports-turf extended area of a green, which was bentgrass growing on the sand/biochar mixes https://char-grow.com/biochar-vs-charcoal-vs- constructed of sand and had been prone to were evaluated for rooting depth. activated-carbon. 32 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 From the same stable as Lexicon® comes an innovative solution that will set a new benchmark for consistency and efficiency Maxtima ® Fungicide THE DAWN OF A NEW DMI The new turf-safe DMI that can be sprayed anywhere, at any temperature and on any turf variety for unrivalled broad-spectrum disease control. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. © Copyright BASF 2021 ® Registered trademark of BASF. Speak to your local Nuturf Territory Manager to find out more. JOHN NEYL AN Field vs lab ATM expert columnist John Neylan discusses moisture retention within sports turf profiles and some of his recent research and monitoring that looks at how sands perform in the field compared with how they measure up in laboratory testing. T he supply of sands and gravel for (June 2018) there is a strategy for increasing Providing sands for the turf industry is a sports turf construction has been the availability of natural resources to meet the specialist process with specific requirements under stress for some time with the current and future demands. At the current rate for particle size distribution, capillary porosity increasing demand from numerous the demand would increase to over 100 million and drainage rate. With the larger suppliers infrastructure projects being tonnes/year by 2050, more than doubling the of sands, the turf industry can be seen as too undertaken around Australia. This demand 2015 annual production. demanding and there is somewhat of a ‘take has siphoned much of the available sands for In Sydney, sands are equally in high it or leave it’ attitude. The result is that more concrete and other construction materials. demand, with sand typically imported from than ever the turf industry is being faced with In reviewing the resource availability outside the Sydney region. Due to the current having to use less conventional sand sources across Victoria and New South Wales, there and future demands, NSW has even explored which makes the selection process even more is a common theme around the high demand the use of marine sand deposits (2016). important. This highlights the importance of for natural sand and gravel deposits. These The implications for the turf industry are that testing and understanding any significant resources are in high demand due to resource a consistent source of sand is not always changes in the physical properties and how depletion and land use constraints. In Victoria available and compromises are often required. this will affect the profile design. 34 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Providing sands for the turf industry is a specialist process with specific requirements for particle size distribution, capillary porosity and drainage rate Sand is potentially the single greatest cost in a construction project and accounts for about 20-25 per cent of the total cost. Over the past five years the cost of sports field construction has increased by about 20 per cent across the entirety of the project (SPORTENG, 2021) with sand being a significant component. Consequently, on some lower level fields, the decision is often made to reduce the depth of the rootzone sand layer as a cost-saving measure. If the rootzone depth is reduced by about 50mm the cost of the sand can be reduced by about 20 per cent. However, while costs can be reduced, the depth of the rootzone must not compromise the overall performance of the playing surface and the value of the asset. Soil science and soil physics in particular is an area of science that has intrigued me throughout my years at university and To further explore the relationship between sand type and depth and moisture retention characteristics, a project subsequently throughout my working life. My was established using large containers constructed as a turf profile. Pictured are the samples being saturated by capillary rise research into the characteristics of various sands for greens construction (ATM Volume observations of golf greens and sports retention characteristics, a research project 16.5 – ‘Hard and fast’, pages 40-44) provided a fields, there often seems to be a disparity was established using large containers number of observations on how sands perform between the laboratory results and the constructed as a turf profile. Across the in the field and the relationship with how we field observations. Throw into the mix the trials there were several profile combinations measure these characteristics in the laboratory. differences in MRC results from different constructed, including sand over gravel, sand The results of laboratory analysis have laboratories and the story becomes even more over an impermeable base and sand over always been a constant source of debate and confusing. a modified clay subgrade. All profiles had in particular how does the laboratory data In 2014 (ATM Volume 16.5) and 2015 (ATM drainage outlets to allow for the removal of relate to the field experience. While the merits Volumes 17.3 and 17.4) trials were undertaken excess water after they were saturated. of testing can be debated and understanding on different sand types and their relationship There were two sand types tested – a that soil tests are not absolute, they are a with surface firmness. As part of this work medium-fine sand and a very fine sand (Table repeatable approximation of what can happen the soil moisture profile was measured and 1). The sands were tested at 300, 250, 200, in the field. With the potential for having to compared against the standard MRC. The 150 and 100mm depths with three replicates of use different sands and designing profiles results indicated a disparity between a ‘field’ each treatment. Each container was saturated at a reduced profile depth, sand testing is type situation and the laboratory. by capillary rise to exclude all air bubbles and becoming even more important. To further explore the relationship between to ensure complete saturation. Once saturated, In contemplating these issues around sand type and depth and the moisture the containers were removed from the water sand selection, sand depth, laboratory testing and allowed to drain for 24 hours. and field performance, I have undertaken both TABLE 1: It had been previously determined large container research trials and monitored SAND CHARACTERISTICS that after 24 hours the sand would be at two sports fields in terms of the moisture profile Sieve Size (mm) % Particles Retained equilibrium/field capacity where all of the free and changes as it relates to rainfall events. The Medium Fine water had drained and there was a balance field and trial data has been compared against Sand Sand between air-filled and water-filled pore spaces. the laboratory measurements. 2 0.9 0 At this time the soil moisture was measured at 1 4.9 0.5 50mm depths using a soil moisture probe. RESEARCH TRIALS 0.5 16.3 6.4 To assist in determining whether a particular 0.25 53.7 20.5 RESULTS sand will drain adequately at a particular 0.15 21.2 32.3 Sand depth: The influence of sand depth on depth, the moisture release curve (MRC) is 0.053 2.8 39.9 the moisture profile was as would be expected often used. McIntyre and Jakobsen (1998) <0.053 0.2 0.4 in that as the sand depth was reduced the introduced the MRC as a method for designing Total fines 24.2 72.6 soil moisture content in the top 50mm of the the profile depths of golf greens and sand- Fineness modulus 0.97 0.6 profile increased (Figures 1 and 2, see next based sports fields. The principle was to Hydraulic page). Conversely, as the moisture content establish the best balance between water conductivity increased there was a corresponding reduction storage, aeration porosity and drainage. (mm/hr) 300 - 400 >150 in the aeration porosity. If we use the USGA In making decisions on sand selections Capillary fringe - Guidelines (2018) for the porosity of rootzone based on MRC results, as well as field Lab test (mm) 225 475 sands, the medium sand was not suitable at NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 35 JOHN NEYL AN TABLE 2: SAND CHARACTERISTICS - SPORTS FIELDS 1 AND 2 Sieve Size (mm) % Particles Retained Sports Sports Field 1 Field 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0.5 9 7 0.25 58 55 0.15 29 34 0.053 3 2 <0.053 1 1 Figures 1 and 2. The influence of sand depth on volumetric water content and aeration porosity. As sand depth was reduced, soil moisture content in the top 60mm of the profile increased Hydraulic conductivity 150mm depth, with an aeration porosity of 7.8 SPORTS FIELD MONITORING (mm/hr) 600 250 per cent and moisture retention of 30.3 per Over the past eight months the moisture Sand profile cent. profile of two sports fields in Melbourne has depth (mm) 300 150 - 200 With the very fine sand, a depth of 300mm been monitored following high rainfall events Thatch/organic 30 30 – 35 was very marginal with the aeration porosity (Table 3). The purpose of the monitoring was matter depth (mm) (soil layer being marginal and the moisture retention to determine the moisture characteristics in the on turf) elevated. As the depth was reduced the field versus the laboratory and large container aeration porosity was extremely low and would testing. Both sports fields are sand-based with The other noticeable aspect was that adversely affect root growth and health. subsoil drainage and no gravel drainage layer. the moisture retention characteristics varied The characteristics of the sand is detailed in considerably across the five measurement Moisture retention characteristics: The Table 2. It was noted that at sports field No.2 periods. This inconsistency in the moisture moisture retention characteristics are detailed the turf had a thin layer of soil. At each location profile is a function of: in Figure 3 (below) and demonstrate the sharp there were three sampling points to assess the l Spatial variation in soils, thatch and turf contrast between the two sands being tested. site variability and the results detailed are an cover; The medium sand shows a relatively sharp average of the three readings. l Intensity of the rainfall event. During very change in the curve as the large pores begin The moisture retention profiles are detailed high intensity rainfall events there was to drain and air replaces the water. In the very in Figures 6 and 7 (opposite page). At both runoff generated and not all of the water fine sand there is a gradual change in the sites there was a 30-35mm thatch/organic entered the profile; moisture content as the tension (sand depth) matter layer and on all occasions there was l Soil compaction reducing infiltration; increases. This reflects the fineness of the sand a very high moisture content. On sports field l The profile probably never reached and the larger number of small, water-retaining No.1, immediately below the thatch layer, there saturation despite the highest rainfall pores. was a dramatic reduction in the volumetric events. Both curves demonstrated a similar water content below the thatch layer. From On sports field No.2, the shape of the relationship (shape) to the laboratory (Figure immediately below the thatch layer to the moisture profile never matched that of the 4, below) derived curves though over a gravel layer, the moisture retention profile laboratory generated moisture release curve. considerably shorter range of tension (i.e. generally followed the profile of the laboratory It was more linear with no clear air entry point 300mm compared to 700mm). What is most generated curve, however, the likely air entry and indicated that the profile may have been noticeable is that the theoretical air entry point point was at a lower tension compared to the marginally too shallow. As with sports field occurred at a lower tension compared to the laboratory. This result was similar to what was No.1, the surface had a very high moisture laboratory test (Figure 5, below). This may in observed in the large container trials. retention due to the thatch and thin soil layer. part be due to some ‘suction’ from the gravel layer in the container tests. What it highlights is TABLE 3: RAINFALL (MM) AT SPORTS FIELD SITES that a shallower sand layer can potentially be Date 5/5/21 19/5/21 26/5/21 11/6/21 18/10/21 17/11/21 used with a reduced risk of a saturated profile. Rainfall (mm) 19.6 23.0 6.8 34.8 42.0 50.0 Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figure 3 (left) shows the sharp contrast in moisture retention characteristics between the two sands. Both curves demonstrated a similar relationship (shape) to the laboratory (Figure 4, middle). The theoretical air entry point occurred at a lower tension compared to the laboratory test (Figure 5, right). 36 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 The moisture profiles of two sports fields in Melbourne were monitored following high rainfall events to determine the moisture characteristics in the field versus the laboratory and large container testing profile, the expectation was for the profile to This example does raise another question be considerably wetter. The performance of as to the implications of creating a shallow the profile was contradicting the theory of what sand layer and the effect this has on the field would be expected. design drainage rate. In Table 4 (below), the Figures 6 and 7. Moisture retention profiles of Sports Fields 1 and 2 The field had subsoil drains at 3m field design drainage rate has been calculated spacings and were effective in removing the for various rootzone sand depths and subsoil excess water. In theory this should not be drain spacings. As can be seen, as the sand SUBSOIL DRAINAGE necessarily affecting the moisture profile given depth is reduced there is a reduction in the AND SAND DEPTH the drains are only removing water that is in field design drainage rate. Field observations are always useful in excess of field capacity. This calculation provides a useful means considering the practical versus the theoretical. of determining whether the profile design can During a recent sports field assessment, soil TABLE 4: EFFECT ON FIELD cope with local rainfall conditions and how moisture content was measured following a DESIGN DRAINAGE RATE long a field may be out of play following a 46mm rainfall event. This particular sports Field design particular rainfall event. field had a subsoil drainage system and a drainage rate (mm/day) 150mm layer of a fine-medium sand rootzone. Sand 3m drain 4m drain CONCLUSIONS The soil moisture content of the top 120mm depth (mm) spacing spacing From my field observations and having taken was measured at 20 locations using a TDR 100 5.3 3 many core samples from sand profiles, very moisture probe with a variation in the soil 150 12 6.8 few of them have the moisture profile as moisture of 11-18 per cent v/v with an average 200 21.3 12 determined in the laboratory. There are several of 14 per cent v/v. Given the relatively shallow 250 33.3 18.7 reasons for this: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 37 JOHN NEYL AN At each location there were three sampling points to In the field there are numerous factors that can affect moisture movement and retention, including organic matter assess site variability accumulation. l Thatch and OM accumulation modifies l In the laboratory the sample is smaller and sand profiles could potentially be shallower the hydraulics of the profile, keeping more far more homogeneous and there is less depending on the sand type. There are several moisture trapped at the surface. spatial variability compared to the large factors to consider: l Rarely does irrigation or rainfall on a well container trials and field observations. l The theoretical air entry point in the field grassed sports field saturate the entire l In the theory of perched water table appears to occur at a lower tension. profile allowing the perching effect to be profiles, the effects of suction by the gravel l The hydraulics of the profile change once recharged or maintained. layer is often discussed and this may in a turf/thatch layer develops. l Turf management is very much about part be influencing the moisture profile of l The subsoil conditions and the gravel surface management and root systems are the large containers. drainage layer are creating some additional not deep enough to draw moisture from l The laboratory technique is a very suction on the soil moisture. the lower layers. controlled process. The sample is relatively The MRC is a useful tool when making a l Based on the field observations it appears small, it is wetted up through capillary decision about finer sands or sands that do that during high intensity rainfall events rise and then suction applied at different not comply with what we may describe as the there is runoff generated and there is less tensions. There is minimal opportunity for industry standard. However, it is important to water entering the profile to recharge the particle movement. note that all laboratory tests are designed to perched water table. l The laboratory test also measures the be a repeatable method that gives us a good In other research it has been noted that changes in soil moisture content at smaller indication of what may occur in the field. There there is a substantial difference in the moisture increments and provides a high degree of will always be a need to interpret the data profile generated when comparing a sand that precision. and to put it in the context of the situation. is wetted up by capillary rise with a sand that l In the field there are numerous factors This comes with knowledge and experience is wetted from above. Wetting up by capillary that can affect moisture movement of working with different sands over many rise fills all of the pore spaces and excludes all and retention including organic matter years. The other option is to test the sand at of the air. When a sand or a sports field profile accumulation, compaction, spatial the tension/suction that equates to the design is wetted by rainfall or irrigation, there will be variability in the infiltration rates across the profile depth (e.g. 25cm tension for a 250mm air trapped in the profile that reduces or makes field and differences in the characteristics profile). This will at least provide an objective it more difficult for water to move into and of the sand imported. These may be method of determining the balance between through the profile. relatively small but sufficient to create moisture retention and, more importantly, the So what do we get out of this? The most some variation in the results. aeration porosity. obvious result is the difference between field I use the MRC somewhat reluctantly While the sand resources change and observations and controlled laboratory tests. In because there is a theory that it provides a there is a desire to reduce the costs of this trial the moisture profile does not always high degree of precision in designing sand- construction, sand testing remains as the provide the sharp point of critical tension based profiles. What has always bothered cornerstone to good design and measurable where the large pores quickly drain. I suspect me is that if the critical point of where outcomes. Making arbitrary decisions that this is due to the laboratory technique the macropores drain is not interpreted should be avoided with understanding of the using suction to draw the water from the pore correctly then the profile may be too shallow. implications, particularly around the design spaces and maintained at that tension until Consequently I have always erred on the side drainage rate of the field and the ability to equilibrium is reached (i.e. no further moisture of having a slightly deeper profile, ensuring maintain healthy turf. The key is to continue can be drawn from the pore spaces at that that it is likely to be drier rather than wetter. with testing and assessing, undertake the particular tension). There are several possible The results from the large container and appropriate soil tests and understand the local reasons as to why these discrepancies are field trials indicate that the MRC is probably rainfall conditions and the influence this has on occurring: overstating the moisture conditions and the design drainage rate. 38 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 PETER McMAUGH AM The amount of water that a given soil profile can store is a definitive amount and, unless replenished, it can be exhausted by the plant Sensing change Australia’s leading turfgrass mind Peter McMaugh AM discusses turfgrass water usage rates and the importance of soil moisture sensor technology. 40 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 I n recent times there has been a lot of last century there have been a huge number One of the leading lights in this area was fuss within the turf production industry of studies looking at these basic problems and Ed Hunter, initially in his days at Toro and then regarding the awarding of grasses a how to understand them. The concepts of LAI later with his own company, Hunter Industries. tick of approval regarding their water (leaf area index) and ET (evapotranspiration) Along with these developments were the rising usage rate. One particular grass was measurements and all the derived data from tides of design reform in delivery pumps as granted such an approval for the east coast of these using Penman-Monteith equations, the electronics made submersible pumps a reality. Australia, but not the whole of Australia. Why relationships of these to a standard Class A In 1985 a seriously good publication not? Because the turf community in Western Pan evaporation surface, detailed weather Turfgrass Water Conservation was put out by Australia, headed by the researchers at the stations etc… have all featured along the way. the University of California Riverside (UCR) University of WA, were not happy with the data Soil/moisture tension meters to tell you edited by Dr Vic Gibeault and the late Steve presented for the request of such approval and what the soil was holding were early attempts Cockerham. This eminently practical book was rejected it being given for the state. to measure available soil moisture in situ. later issued in 2011 in a revised edition with So how do you sensibly test grasses These used ceramic cups, while Australian Cockerham and Bernd Leinauer as editors. so that you can quickly tell if they are high inventor Ken Cumming used gypsum blocks Another excellent reference, Evapotranspiration water users or low water users? This is not more successfully. and Irrigation Scheduling, was published in easy because the quickest way is to use pot Are we any nearer to getting solutions? In 1996 in the Proceedings of the International tests of restricted root volume under rain out the 1960s to 1970s there were many sprinkler Conference of the American Society of protection, using weighing replacement of set ups created to provide moisture gradients Agricultural Engineers. water lost. for investigating water use by various turf In Australia, CSIRO and various universities The key here is restricted root volume, grass species and varieties. The man whose have looked at any number of the limiting because the expression of their genetic root name stands out in almost every meaningful factors for crop production and soil water volume by grasses in the field is the only real study of this kind is Dr Garald Horst. Never capture. Among the leading lights in the area meaningful way of characterising one grass mind how many other names were on the was Dr E. Linacre who was at both Sydney against another. Restricted root volume means papers produced, he was the brains behind and Macquarie University and whom I was restricted data on water use. In this context the design work. It was also at this time that privileged to have on my scientific advisory let us look further into the crystal ball and see we saw an explosion in the sophistication of committee at the Australian Turf Research where we get to. irrigation design both in the area of sprinkler Institute. The most recent research in Australia How much water does your turf need to heads and the control valves, but also in the for turf has been done at the University of WA perform and what makes for efficient use of computer hardware and programmes for funded by HIA industry funds and the Federal water by various turf grass varieties? Over the managing delivery. Government. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 41 PETER McMAUGH AM basic limitations to the model that sports turf irrigation designers use. l They assume limited depth profiles of 300mm as their standard. This is quite true of most golf greens and stadium type sports field constructions, but is an immense fallacy in most local community turf facilities, including parks and sports fields. l There are assumptions made of the infiltration rates of the soils that are being watered without investigating their actual profiles and their performance. These then feed back into the piping design and the control of delivery design. l There are too often assumptions made Once you start using a routine soil moisture assessment system you will have at your fingertips what you have about the adequacy of the water supply used and what you need to replace available both in terms of quantity and quality which can easily be solved with a THE BASICS l The rate of water loss from the plant is 24-hour pumping test. No matter what equations and leaf directly related to the moisture deficit If you make initial limiting assumptions measurements, counting stomates and seeing gradient of the air surrounding it. In a hot you will wind up with defective designs and what side of the leaf on which they concentrate dry environment this will be higher than in consequently defective turf that isn’t fit for numbers, there are some basic principles. a hot wet environment. It will be naturally purpose. l Plants have leaves and the more leaves related to temperature gradients but other When you move your thinking out of the and leaf area they have the more water will factors such as air movement (wind) will sports turf sector onto the production sector proportionally leave the plant. also play an important part. of the industry the story becomes much l Plants have roots. The depth and volume more complicated. This is because you have of those roots is partly controlled by the SOIL MOISTURE SENSORS many more variables to contend with. These genetics of the plant and partly by the soil In many field studies in turf the favourite way of include variable soil types, variable soil depths, type and the environmental condition of measuring water use has been field lysimeters. variable grass types, very variable soil quality that soil. The bigger the root volume, the In discussing this with one of my irrigation (in terms of soil health) and more varied greater percentage of the available soil engineering friends recently, he described modes of delivery of water. It is here that we water supply the plant can access. This is lysimeters as being a one dimensional have these various situations for which we especially important at the depth to which approach to a four dimensional problem. need a simple way of making our appraisals of the roots penetrate and what volume This is an acutely accurate summation of water use rates of grasses. percentages of roots and water are where. the situation. Is there any simple answer to Fortunately there is a simple answer l The amount of water that a given soil this? There is, and the answer is soil moisture available – soil moisture sensing – which has profile can store is a definitive amount and, sensing. been developed to its peak by Australian unless replenished, it can be exhausted by Turf irrigation providers are already company Sentek, which leads the world in the plant. The rate at which that happens using this technology in many of their more such technology. Their equipment has a solid has several simple factors controlling it, recent installations. The knowledge around scientific base and is a permanent system including the pore space relations for water this has been in existence for more than 50 which can give you digital readouts of the storage and the volume and depth of both years. However, in turf, the main areas of changes in soil moisture at whatever depths the soil and the plant roots. use have been in sports turf. There are some you choose to use it. This means that over any period of time that you choose you can simply take the soil moisture percentage reading on day one, minus the reading on day seven and get the water usage rate for the crop you are measuring for that period. In a field situation you will need a less intensive pattern of sensors than you might need on a stadium with its differing microclimate zones. The readings are going to be obviously variable over time, but at least you will have the data to plot. What you will find will be obvious: l Grasses with a high growth rate will use more water than those with a slower growth rate. l The more verdure the grass has the more The rate of water loss from the plant is water it will use. directly related to the moisture deficit l The deeper its root system the longer it will gradient of the air surrounding it take to show stress. 42 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 l After stress, the deeper its root system is the quicker it will show recovery. l You will still see that within a group of varietal types that there will be a similar pattern of water use. l If a variety has rhizomes it will show greater stress resistance and recovery. How can I be so certain about all this? Because the data says so. Here I am talking about data without spin attached. It is very easy to put spin onto turf data. If you do your testing on a high nutrition site and then compare it with data from a low nutrition site, it is apples versus oranges and not a valid comparison. If you collect data from an unrestricted water supply test and compare it with a limited water supply test, again you are comparing apples with oranges. Water use in the turf production sector has many more variables at play - varying soil types, depths and quality, Grasses with a luxury water supply will use variable grass types and more varied modes of water delivery more water. It is very simple. If you see claims that a couchgrass uses ‘x’ per cent less water to worry about the derivation of equations from a measurable entity, then you have another than other varieties, then it is a case of too Class A pans. You won’t have to worry about problem to solve (and that is an entirely good to be true. Why? Because the variability crop factors or ET losses and percentages of different article in itself). between couchgrasses is not genetically ET that you need to keep your crop growing The fact that properly used soil moisture that great, especially when the phenotypical and performing well. You will have at your sensing covers all the dimensions of water expression of those genes produces a much fingertips what you have used and what use rate means that scientifically it is the only higher LAI in the supposedly more frugal you need to replace. And you will have the really reliable way to measure and report grass. added benefit of knowing objectively how your findings. Historical systems may have Once you start using a routine soil efficiently you are watering because if the been useful in the past, but that is where they moisture assessment system you won’t need theoretical amount doesn’t arrive in the soil as belong. U S E R I N T E R FA C E FREE CONSULTATION CALL NOW! WORLD LE ADERS IN HIGH SAFE T Y SCREEN DESIGN & INSTALL ATION → 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! → Fully engineered & certified designs setting new world standards → Using only the world’s highest grade and fully wind tunnel tested netting. → Latest independent “Launch Trajectory” analytical reports available. → 30 - year’s experience. i nf o@c o u n tr yc l u b.c o m . au | 1300 138 804 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 43 JOHN FORREST The new look 18th at the Western Australian Golf Club from the tee A fairbetterway PHOTOS: JOHN FORREST AND IDRIS EVANS ATM columnist John Forrest looks at the recent works undertaken on the 17th and 18th fairways at The Western Australian Golf Club in Perth to improve safety and playability issues. T he Western Australian Golf Club Having earthmoving equipment on site, Around 100 photographs were supplied, (WAGC) in the Perth has a stunning it made sense to reduce the hill on the 17th including heights of trees, CAD drawings and Tudor-style clubhouse positioned at the same time. The 17th is Index 2 on the drone fly-bys to show what the changes would with sweeping views across the men’s card and 438m long. If the golfer is look like. course’s irrigation lake (between capable of driving about 245m-250m from the Idris Evans is the long-standing course the 1st and 9th holes) towards the Perth CBD back of the tee, they can get over the apex superintendent at WAGC and both he and to the south and the Darling Range to the of a hill from where the ground slopes down his staff are very experienced at major works east. Part of the appeal of the course is its towards the green. Once again, the shot is on the golf course. Evans has been on the topography. The maintenance shed is located blind and to safely hit from the tee someone WAGC staff for 35 years, 22 of those as on the lowest part of the course and from would have to go forward as a spotter, superintendent. As an aside, while this project there the ground rises to the 12th tee with an significantly slowing play. was being completed, Evans was recognised increase in elevation of 52 metres. To remedy the issues they were having, for his years of service at WAGC at the Clubs While the views are a feature of the course, the club engaged Graham Marsh Golf Design WA Awards night. even sitting from a wonderful vantage point to create a new design for both holes that Mark Bunce is WAGC assistant and has 28 like the clubhouse, golfers playing up the would meet the following criteria: years’ experience, while fellow crew members 18th hole could not be clearly seen until they l Improve safety; Mark Fay (25 years), Wade Lincoln (23 years) came up over the final rise about 100m-120m l Remove the issue of play slowing due to and Tim Holdunk (12 years) make up a skilful short of the green. The second shot in was spotters being required to view if it was senior staff roster. As Evans states, they did a blind and for the bigger-hitting golfers it would safe to play; and fantastic job working some long days to get often take some time to determine whether l Improve the aesthetics and playability of the project completed in the fastest possible it was safe to make their approach shot. Any the two finishing holes by removing the time. perception of depth and distance was difficult blind shots and enhancing the natural While the weather was cool during to gauge, especially with a small dip in front of topography of the landscape. construction, it is known in Perth that once the green. The hole is 468m in length from the Marsh introduced the club to Andrew December hits, hot weather is not far off. championship tee and an increase in elevation Harris of Harris-Kalinka who created a digitally One of the bonuses was that kikuyu was the of 5-6m further increases how long the hole rendered animation for the members to view grass to be planted which loves the hot Perth plays. what was to be developed and constructed. climate. 44 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 In places the mat layer was 200mm thick, not unusual The ridges from both the 17th and 18th fairways at WAGC were removed in order to improve safety, playability and with kikuyu growing on a sand profile in WA aesthetics. All up the project took five-and-a-half weeks to complete Other people that assisted and made it layer was 200mm thick, not uncommon with have a clear view of their target and to ensure possible to get the kikuyu turf down quickly kikuyu growing on a sand profile in WA. spotting would no longer be required. In were volunteers from the club, including three The 950 loaders were then used to pick up addition, the view from the clubhouse was casuals from the pro shop. Lecturer Simon the rotary hoed material before the excavator opened up and now affords a spectacular Wood from South Metropolitan TAFE also took with a batter bucket cleaned up the surface. panorama of the golfers coming up the final about 15 1st year apprentices to experience a A total of 15,000m3 of grubbing material was hole. large planting project which was a win-win for stockpiled on site. WAGC is located on the Former Lake Karrinyup Country Club both the club and the students. Evans was full interface of two well-known dune systems in superintendent Trevor Strachan was the site of praise of their attitude and enthusiasm. WA – the Spearwood and the Bassendean – project manager and after two weeks WAGC and these two systems meet on the 17th and staff started contouring as well as constructing DIGGING DEEP provide an excellent growing media. 500m2 of new bunkers. To achieve finished Prior to the earthworks the irrigation mainline On the 18th fairway, the highest point was levels, CAD drawings were used to guide the was capped and sprinklers and risers dropped by 1.8m which equated to moving operator of the laser to highlight high or low removed. DM Civil completed the earthworks 2500m3 of sand, while on the 17th the height areas with paint to assist operators to reach with three 950 G Cat loaders and a Cat 330 CL was dropped 1.2m, moving 1700m3 of sand. tolerances of +/-50mm. One comment Evans (32 tonne) excavator. Ground was broken on Sand makes for a profile that is reasonably made after the project was completed was 25 October 2021 to grub out the top 10cm. A easy to move around and a timeline of two that if he was to do it again he would not worry rotary hoe was used to turn over the turf and weeks was set for earthworks. Both fairways about the rotary hoe and just let the excavator the underlying mat layer. In places the mat were scalloped out to enable the golfer to with the batter bucket remove the top 100mm. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 45 JOHN FORREST Removing sand from the ridge on the 17th Grubbing the ridge in front of the 18th green. The ridge, about 100m-120m from the green, meant a second shot The finished product has a bunker on the left side of into the green was blind. Removing it has helped to improve playability and aesthetics the 17th fairway requiring a drive of 260m to carry it In the third week of works, irrigation whose natural environment is along water MISSION ACCOMPLISHED company NewGround installed a new 225mm courses. They are not ideal in a drying climate The finished product sees a new bunker on the poly mainline on the 17th fairway. Eighteen like Perth’s, especially when growing in among left side of the 17th fairway at the 253m mark laterals were installed including 54 sprinklers endemic species such as jarrah and banksia. requiring a drive of 260m to carry. On the right- on 17 and 76 sprinklers on 18. All sprinklers WAGC has an ongoing programme to plant hand side of the fairway the land falls sharply were Toro Infinity Series valve-in-heads. The native trees and other plants to improve the down to the trees if the fairway is missed, with aim was to have a hard edge from the irrigated environment around the course. an errant shot coming to rest among the trees grass to the treeline. with a very difficult second shot to green. After irrigation installation, a team of WAGC TURF DOWN Three new bunkers are in place to protect green staff came in behind to shape and The kikuyu turf was supplied by West Coast the 18th, two on the left and one on the develop the final levels. Assistant Mark Bunce Turf and arrived in excellent condition. After right. The closest to the tee is on the left and showed his skill and experience on the Bobcat the irrigation was installed, planting of the requires a 240m drive to clear it. The bunker and the rest of the staff worked many 12-hour first 7500m2 of kikuyu began. The first day of on the right requires a 260m drive to fly it, days to keep the project on time. Most of the planting (a Tuesday) saw 2000m2 planted on while the second bunker on the left needs bunkers were finished by hand with Graham the 18th in three hours. Members came out a 280m drive to carry it. Again, the fact that Marsh even spotted on the end of a shovel at on the Thursday to assist and 4000m2 was the hole plays uphill further compounds the one point! planted in four hours, with the final 1500m2 distance required and increases the challenge Six Eucalyptus camaldulensis were completing the planting on the 18th on the for golfers. removed during earthmoving. While not ideal Friday. Week 4 saw 6000m2 planted on the Overall, the project came in just below to remove trees, these were red river gums 17th. All up the job took five-and-a-half weeks. budget (cost was about $290,000) and on time. Meeting some of the timelines was Evans’ biggest concern, such as having the irrigation working prior to planting and getting the turf down quickly without impacting the quality of the outcome. Looking at the end result, it has to be said that WAGC has definitely accomplished what it set out to achieve and has delivered two holes where aesthetics, playability and safety have been greatly enhanced. WAGC crew and members, who assisted in turf laying, celebrate a job well done. Some 13,500m2 of kikuyu turf, Students from South Metropolitan TAFE spent a day supplied by West Coast Turf, was re-installed helping lay kikuyu turf on the 18th 46 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Our Long Game Is YOUR SUCCESS TTS-800 Rotors Pilot® Integrated Hub Pilot Command Center Software From best-in-class TTS-800 rotor technology developed over decades of research to highly agile and intuitive Pilot Command Center software, we’re proud to offer the most reliable and water-efficient golf irrigation solutions in the industry. Backed by the highest-quality products and unwavering partnership, you can keep irrigation in check to focus on what matters most: healthy, playable courses. That’s the power of innovation. Life is better with Hunter golf irrigation solutions. Contact us at hunterindustries.com/golf to learn why. GOLF IRRIGATION | Built on Innovation ® National Free Call: 1 800 HUNTER Tel: 1 300 856 368 Suite 7, 202 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Toll Free Fax: 1 800 651 680 Fax: 1 300 856 369 Melbourne, Victoria, 3168, Australia www.hrproducts.com.au www.nelsonirrigation.com.au Tel: 61 3 9562 9918 hrsales@hrproducts.com.au info@nelsonirrigation.com.au Fax: 61 3 9558 6983 MANAGEMENT The power of culture T he New Zealand All Blacks are their mates? No. It is their culture. People describes how the organisation has created renowned as one of the most want to contribute to something bigger than a self-sustaining (and self-policing) culture successful sporting teams of all themselves. As you will see watching any so powerful it supersedes money, fame and time and have an impressive form of the ceremonial dance or challenge personal gratification. As is the case in all 84 per cent win ratio across all of the traditional Maori haka prior to an All great cultures, team vision and success are games played and a 74 per cent win ratio in Blacks match, the passion, commitment paramount. Teammates are brothers and any international Test rugby union. How does a and willingness to die for the guernsey is member would sacrifice his own success to team create and maintain such success? Why unheralded. (I don’t know about you, but I see his colleagues succeed. do people move heaven and earth to play for wouldn’t want to run in against the All Blacks Kerr emphasises this when he describes the All Blacks? straight after the haka and first whistle!) the Maori concept of ‘whanau’, ‘being of team’ Is it how much they pay their players? In James Kerr’s 2013 bestselling analysis and ‘flying in one formation… following the Personal prestige? So they can brag to of the All Blacks’ success, Legacy, he spearhead’. The All Blacks maintain a simple 48 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 A leader’s responsibility is to develop an engaged culture that not only motivates and encourages those within the team, but also represents the organisation’s brand in the wider industry It is a great leader’s culture that advertises for them and creates environments people want to work in group quickly stand out and are sorted out by As the leader of our team, it is our the team, not an authoritarian manager. As the responsibility to develop an engaged culture ancient Arabian proverb tells us, “It is better to that not only motivates and encourages those have 1000 enemies outside the tent than one within the team, but also represents our brand inside it.” in the wider industry. To attract new talent to our team, we need people to understand AN AMBASSADOR OF CULTURE that we do things properly, support our team The turf industry is faced with a big challenge and that the opportunity to work with us is a in terms of attracting new talent and tradesmen valuable learning and career experience. Think to the industry. It is tough for all turf managers about the following; Want your team to play with the with the lure of higher wages in other industries l Is someone going to be better off having and potentially less ‘hard work’ in careers had the opportunity to work with your passion of the All Blacks? As elsewhere. team? “In Perth, retention is very difficult with l Do you provide training and development management expert Ben Gibson the higher-paid mines jobs taking many staff,” opportunities that could help to organise reflects Idris Evans, long-serving golf course volunteer opportunities, reaching out writes it’s all about developing superintendent of the Western Australian Golf to your network to help their career Club. “In order to increase retention, I have development? a strong and enduring culture introduced service payments after two years l Would you come and work for you? and payments for sick days not used during Running a safe and systems-driven through effective leadership. the year. work environment is a big indicator of “I try to have staff trained on multiple professionalism, planning, commitment tasks quite early on in order to keep them and the value you place on your team. ethos (borrowed from the Sydney Swans) of engaged. Rotation of duties is also important Have a good look around the industry and ‘No dickheads’. so new employees are not left to do the more see who places an emphasis on safety When a leader conveys a vision effectively mundane tasks for extended periods. and environmental management and team and a strong culture is developed in a team, “Teamwork is vital in this industry and structure. It is a safe bet that if you looked the beauty and reward for this success is we regularly interact socially with cooked across other aspects of their operation the momentum a positive culture maintains. breakfasts or BBQ lunches. I always endeavour you would see systems, planning, good The leader becomes less of an enforcer and to provide the best working conditions and consultation and consistent levels of high- rarely needs to intervene to ‘police’ team remuneration possible for my staff. I am a very quality performance. members as the team does it as a group on hands-on superintendent and try to be out with New Living Turf team member and former their own behalf. Not wearing PPE or following the staff on course the majority of the time and golf course superintendent at The Brisbane procedures? The team pulls you into line. only in the office when I absolutely have to be. Golf Club, Mitch Hayes, was always working If an individual selfishly acts against the I put the highest possible value on my staff.” on developing his team and culture. Mitch has agreed morals and ethics or code of the team, seen the power of giving staff ownership and nine times out of 10, it will not need to get to support and providing staff with more than just leadership as others in the team will have the a regular pay cheque. confidence and conviction to intervene and “I am always looking for opportunities ensure the wayward team member is clear on to develop our team culture and provide the right pathway forward. opportunities for staff beyond their wages,” The team knows how hard they have says Hayes. “We are in a tight spot in the turf worked for their culture and are driven to industry with limited resources and we have to defend it. Toxic team members or those look for ways to engage staff beyond money. I without the commitment to the vision of the Mitch Hayes (left) and Idris Evans worked with the club to provide regular meals, NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 49 MANAGEMENT Trust them before you have to: Show the team that you have faith in them before they have necessarily ‘earned it’. Possibly not spraying greens on day one, but find tasks that give them the opportunity to extend themselves. When someone shows they trust you before you have spent months or years earning it, in the majority of cases it accelerates the connection to the leader and team. It pulls the team members into the culture and the way we do things around here (again, not with high-risk plant and equipment!). Give people clarity, responsibility PHOTO: IDRIS EVANS and support and watch them thrive. Teach them to fish: I am sure you have heard the old adage, ‘Rather than give them a fish, teach them to fish’. Sounds obvious, but it’s Something as simple as a celebratory lunch for a job well done or to say thanks can help engage a crew a huge win for them, the team and you as a training opportunities and team-building events Let them choose the ‘how’: The clincher leader. The more you can let go, the more to raise the profile and professionalism of the in consulting with the team and explaining freedom you will enjoy as a leader. team. I have really found this engaging and the ‘why’ is then giving them the opportunity enjoyed watching the team flourish and work to brainstorm and decide on the ‘how’. The Hold them to account: It is important to create well together as a result.” ability to choose the ‘how’ is the backbone of an environment in which the team is fairly held It is a great leader’s culture that advertises culture and ownership for the team and is a to account. A sure way to dismantle a safety for them, creates environments people want to statement to the team that you are confident in culture and damage high-performing staff is work in and which they may even sacrifice to their abilities, you are not a micromanager, you to show little or no accountability in the team. do so by driving further, or taking a pay cut or trust them and you support their professional If we do not promote and maintain standards a less senior role. This is the power of culture opinions and decisions. and expectations, how can we expect anyone and being an ambassador for your team and to meet or exceed them? Be fair, communicate their brand. Delegate authority, not just work: Want to the team what to expect and then hold them So how can we develop a stronger and a team of decision makers and problems to account. safer culture? Here are a few key pointers… taken off your plate? Empower your teams and give them the confidence and authority Ask for and give feedback: A good leader Share your vision and safety goals: Being to make decisions and take action. Let them with a strong culture of ownership and trust an effective communicator is a must! Share try and make mistakes (not with training or gives and asks for regular feedback. A leader your vision and ideas with the team. Building high-risk scenarios obviously). Don’t be the showing their team that they are open to an engaged safety culture starts with the micromanager. If you just order your team to and value their feedback shows confidence, consultation and effective communication of work and complete tasks, you limit their ability humility, character and desire to ‘get the best why safety is important to you as a leader. to grow and build independence, and you stop result for the team’ while leaving ego or self- Tell the team you care about them! If you can them from completing more tasks with less importance aside. Have the courage to ask for communicate your motivations beyond ‘the and less instruction. and provide regular feedback. club makes us tick these boxes’, you are miles in front in terms of getting team buy-in. Consult and involve in planning: Involve the team in decisions that affect their work and safety. When you show staff that you genuinely value their input and feedback, they are more willing to innovate, contribute and generally get involved. If a team member has significant input to the planning and decisions surrounding a particular project, they are going to be hugely more motivated and enthusiastic to participate and get the job done. Explain the ‘why’: In our consultation, it is important when possible to give the team context to decisions and actions for the team. Explaining the ‘why’ behind the work you do as a group is a powerful way of increasing the team’s engagement and willingness to get stuck in. Delegate authority, not just work. Empower your teams and give them authority to make decisions 50 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Your knowledge. Our science. Less disease. Fast recovery. Our research and development teams have created innovative products that not only control existing fungal outbreaks but can also provide long-lasting preventative control. The Syngenta fungicide range contains products from different fungicide groups and with different modes of action, to target diseases in various situations. Whatever Syngenta product you choose, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your turf is protected from disease. To download the Interactive Turf Disease Fungicide Guide which explains which product should be the first line choice and rotational partner for the main turf diseases visit syngentaturf.com.au or scan the QR code Syngenta Australia Pty Ltd, Level 1, 2 Lyonpark Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ABN 33 002 933 717. ®Registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. ™Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. All products written in uppercase are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. ©Syngenta 2021. AD 21-284. FLAME_6453 10/21 ENVIRONMENT Glenelg Golf Club has recently embarked on a three-year course enhancement project with one of the aims being the return of open sand areas. Pictured are works in progress on the 8th PHOTOS: MONINA GILBEY/GLENELG GOLF CLUB Glenelg going green Monina Gilbey (biodiversity manager) and Tim Warren (course superintendent) look at the many ways in which Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide is ticking all the boxes when it comes to proactive environmental management of their facility. O ver the last three and a half The dinner was subsequently chosen by white-faced herons, black-shouldered kites and years, Glenelg Golf Club in the GEO Foundation as one of the top three Australasian grebes. The course is also visited Adelaide has implemented a worldwide sustainable golf highlights of 2020. by smaller and less common bird species wide range of biodiversity and In a public vote, the dinner was voted as the such as singing honeyeaters, yellow thornbills, environmental sustainability best highlight. yellow-rumped thornbills and grey fantails. projects. To some this may sound like idealistic South Australia’s Minister for the A local ecologist has been undertaking work which only benefits the environment, Environment, the Hon. David Speirs MP, is bird surveys every quarter for the last 10 years, however, these projects are helping the club to genuinely passionate about the environment which builds a picture of the birds visiting the save money and establish links with the local – and his brother happens to be a pro golfer. course. Some of club’s birding members also community and other golf courses, as well as The Minister attended Grazing the Course and help out with bird spotting. helping to develop a national and international spoke about the integral role that golf courses To encourage more member involvement profile. play in urban biodiversity. in course biodiversity, a Biodiversity Inventory Last year, as reported in Australian As habitat disappears in urban areas at has been established on iNaturalist, one of Turfgrass Magazine Journal (Volume 22.5 a rapid rate, golf courses provide a much- the world’s most popular nature apps which – Sep-Oct 2020), Glenelg held its inaugural needed refuge for fauna. Glenelg Golf Club is a joint initiative of the California Academy of Grazing the Course dinner. Ingredients were is home to various insect, reptile and bird Sciences and the National Geographic Society. harvested from indigenous plants around species. Frogs, dragonflies, native bees, Glenelg Golf Club has been added as a place the course and used in a degustation dinner geckos and skinks are commonplace around to the website which means any photo taken planned by one of the club’s members, the course. Birds regularly breed at the course of a plant or animal within the tagged area is Australian native foods chef Andrew Fielke. and there have been a few generations of automatically uploaded to the club’s inventory. 52 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Birds regularly breed at the Glenelg course and there have been a few generations of numerous species, including black-shouldered kites (pictured) (You can check out Glenelg’s inventory at www.inaturalist.org/projects/glenelg-golf-club- biodiversity-inventory). Glenelg, along with The Grange Golf Club, has been chosen amongst a few metropolitan sites for an insect survey funded by a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant. This study is the first extensive insect study to be conducted in Adelaide. Insect specimens pinned as part of the study will be donated to the South Australian Museum where they will provide an insight into the insect profile of Adelaide and provide baseline data for any future insect studies. The local magpie population has been enjoying the study and a few insects caught in traps have become an easy snack! each other’s courses will secure seedstock burnt foliage of gahnia. The club has been FLOURISHING FLORA AND FAUNA and plant material for projects, for approved experimenting with ecological burning on the In recent times, Glenelg Golf Club is trying to growers to use for other projects and will course as a way to remove dead biomass increase habitat and biodiversity by planting preserve the plants for future generations. underneath grasses and to reduce the amount indigenous plants. These plants attract local This year, with Green Adelaide’s of green waste. Burning indigenous plants fauna and save water as they only need assistance, Glenelg planted a rare plant called helps them to regenerate and increases watering in their first year of growth and do not sticky daisy bush (Olearia passerinoides ssp. biodiversity. need soil modification. glutescens). The plants were grown by the Last year, one Glenelg member, who is a The course has a history of planting South Australian Seed Conservation Centre beekeeper, donated a beehive and a swarm. indigenous plants – a local plant grower once with seed collected from remnant populations. The club’s biodiversity manager Monina Gilbey managed the club’s plant nursery. The club The specimens at Glenelg will provide seeds is a registered beekeeper, which is particularly has refocused plantings to concentrate on a for future growing projects. helpful when swarms visit the course. Over 18 wide variety of flowering plants which are of Further cooperative work with Green kilograms of honey has subsequently been different heights to increase the habitat for Adelaide (formerly the Adelaide Mt Lofty harvested which is sold in the club’s front birds, bees and butterflies. Butterflies are not Natural Resource Management Board) has led office, with the funds from the honey sales only a purely visually-attractive addition to the to the club planting more gahnia filum (chaffy used to cover beehive costs. Gilbey has also course, they are an important food source for saw sedge). Gahnia filum is an important been experimenting with using the honey and other fauna. habitat plant for the yellowish sedge skipper dried deadheaded flowers from clubhouse In November, the club received a Green butterfly. This butterfly was last seen in in hand-made soaps which have been used Adelaide Grassroots Grant for a cooperative Adelaide in 1985 at the Adelaide Airport, which for promotional items and could be sold as project with Royal Adelaide and The Grange is across the road from the course. Green wedding bonbonniere. golf clubs. The project, ‘Establishing a plant Adelaide has been working on rewilding the preservation partnership and creating habitat butterfly and Glenelg has been earmarked as a ENHANCING GLENELG connectivity on Adelaide’s sand dune golf future release site. Glenelg Golf Club has recently embarked on courses’, aims to: There is some evidence that the yellowish a three-year course enhancement project. l Connect vegetation pockets within the sedge skipper prefers to lay its eggs on freshly New irrigation will replace the course’s ageing courses; l Create habitat corridors between the courses; l Hold educational workshops on local Kaurna history and cultural burning practices; and l Install nest boxes and bee hotels made by the nearby Camden Park Men’s Shed. In Adelaide, golf courses host some of the last remnant populations of indigenous plant stock on the Adelaide Plains. As part of the project, Glenelg will swap seeds and plant material between courses to create back up populations. These plant populations on PHOTO: STUART HOCKING Glenelg has refocused plantings to concentrate on a wide variety of flowering plants which are of different heights to increase habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. Pictured is a southern grass dart NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 53 ENVIRONMENT As habitat disappears in urban areas at a rapid rate, golf courses provide a much-needed refuge for fauna. Pictured is a blue-banded bee infrastructure and make watering more efficient. Avoiding the unnecessary watering of rough and vegetated areas saves water, reduces weeds and saves on chemical and resource inputs. Another aim of the enhancement project is the return of open sand areas around the course and reduced maintained turf rough areas. Sandy heath roughs will be planted with sparse and low vegetation – some fescue grasses and indigenous plantings of danthonia sp (wallaby grass) and baumea juncea (bare twig rush). Weed control is critical and occasional runs with the bunker rake machine and the use of pre-emergents in the open areas will keep the sandy heaths open so that balls entering these areas are found easily and are playable. In recent times, Minister Speirs has led club operations, volunteer involvement and Earlier this year, Glenelg tried to reduce its the South Australian Government phaseout increasing memberships. administrative time and paper use, particularly of single-use plastics. As part of this process, Social media has been a very effective for machinery pre-start checks. Course the Glenelg clubhouse now uses paper to way for the club to share its course activities superintendent Tim Warren conceived the idea wrap sandwiches, ahead of the ban of plastic and environmental projects with members and to use QR codes for pre-start checks. Each clamshells next year. This has diverted 7500 followers from around the world. The GEO machine in the Glenelg workshop has a QR clamshells – around 120kg of plastic – from Foundation has been a good supporter of code which, when scanned, opens a checklist landfill. the club’s posts and have reposted activities of pre-start actions. The checklist also includes Some members have also been collecting and used photos on their new website. The the manual and the standard operating broken plastic tees as they walk the course. In GEO Foundation website shows the impact procedure for that machine. The club has the last year, they have collected nearly 2.5kg of sustainable golf projects internationally and also assisted The Grange and Royal Adelaide of tees. The Camden Park Men’s Shed have you can find out more about Glenelg’s projects to set up a QR code pre-start check system made tee boxes for members to deposit their and be inspired by projects from around the which has led to a course administrative group broken tees on the par threes. world on the Highlights section of the GEO where resources are shared online to avoid The South Australian Office of Sport, Foundation webpage https://sustainable.golf/ triplication of work. Recreation and Racing has also asked highlights. Such a system at Glenelg has since been Glenelg to participate in their Clubs of the expanded to include QR codes for volunteer Future project. The project shares socially Editor’s Note: To find out more about check-ins, safety data sheets and monthly and environmentally responsible case studies Glenelg’s environmental exploits, connect task lists. At the suggestion of one Glenelg from sports clubs around the state. At a recent with the club’s maintenance team through member, the club has also recently installed conference Gilbey was part of a discussion social media – Instagram (@glenelggolf_ QR codes on course for local rules. panel exploring innovative ideas to improve maintenance), Facebook (www.facebook. com/glenelggcmaintenance) and Twitter (@ glenelggreens). Also, check out biodiversity manager Monina Gilbey’s Instagram page (@ monina_greengecko). Left: Glenelg is trying to increase habitat and biodiversity by incorporating indigenous plants. Pictured is climbing saltbush Below: Glenelg Golf Club has been chosen as one of a few metropolitan sites for an insect survey, the first extensive insect study to be conducted in Adelaide 54 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Better turf performance with less environmental impact. Every step of the way. Seek first to understand TURF MY - RESULTS® MY - CLIMATE® FORENSICS® See how your turf is feeling Pro+ Soil biology and nutrition The business of turf management AME_LIV6244 5/21 For more information contact your Living Turf Representative 1300 556 116 | www.livingturf.com For more information contact your Living Turf Territory Manager 0800 428 268 | www.livingturf.com COMPLIANCE Governments and their regulatory agencies are already seeking to mitigate the impact of climate change with far-reaching regulations Climate change a risky business PHOTO: ARTEEKOM/STOCK.ADOBE.COM T wo things are certain about l More than double the number of hot days climate change. First, its complex Compliance expert Terry Muir (>35°C) in Sydney and Canberra are environmental, health and safety expected, increasing from about four to impacts will directly affect sports discusses how climate change is eight days per year in Sydney and from turf managers. And second, about six to 14 days per year in Canberra. governments and their regulatory agencies are now being classed as a foreseeable l By mid-century the climate of Sydney already seeking to mitigate its effects with far- is projected to be more like the current reaching regulations. risk and warns businesses of the climate of Grafton. The climate of Canberra Until recently, companies have for the is projected to be more like the current most part freely emitted carbon, but they will need to start planning for and climate of Albury-Wodonga. increasingly find that those emissions have a l NSW and ACT can expect longer fire steep price, both monetary and social. Those managing it. seasons, with around 40 per cent more greenhouse gas emissions are now being ‘very high fire danger’ days. scrutinised, they will be regulated and will CO2e/per hectare/per year, enough CO2 is l Sea levels are projected to rise by around come with a price if not managed. emitted to fill over 61 million golf balls! 27cm along the NSW coast. The sports turf industry has a high carbon Government policy and regulations are l While rainfall is expected to increase over exposure and golf clubs can no longer rely being formulated to manage carbon and to most regions in summer, large regions on their golf course turf system sequestering mitigate and manage climate risk. Those show projected decreases in rainfall during their carbon emissions. In fact studies are now regulations will set the rules and clubs need to winter, with these reductions being largest showing that some golf course turf systems know how to respond. As US environment and along coastal NSW. may actually become carbon sources after sustainability scholar Andrew Hoffman noted in l Extreme rain events in NSW and ACT are around 30 years of operation. respect to climate regulation, “If you’re not at projected to become more intense and the The sports turf industry has a high carbon the table, you’re on the menu.” likelihood of such events will increase. exposure and golf course maintenance Here are some climate change projections Queensland operations have been found to emit 4.5 tonnes for the east coast of Australia (Source: www. l Queensland will continue to get hotter and of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent)/per climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au): can expect an average annual temperature hectare/per year. It can be tough to wrap your NSW/ACT increase of around 1.3-2.5°C. head around what a ‘a tonne of CO2’ looks like. l NSW and ACT will continue to get hotter l The number of hot days (>35°C) will To visualise how much carbon that is – one into the future, with less warming on the increase from about two to eight days per tonne of CO2 is enough to fill 13,700,000 golf coast and more warming inland. year in Brisbane and from about four to 14 balls! For every hectare under maintenance on l NSW/ACT can expect an average annual days per year in Toowoomba. a golf course emitting on average 4.5-tonne temperature increase of around 1.4-2.3°C. l By mid-century the climate of Brisbane 56 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 ADVERTORIAL is projected to be more like the current climate of Mareeba. The climate of Cairns is projected to be more like the current climate of Cooktown. The climate of Longreach is projected to be more like the current climate of Port Headland (WA). l Queensland can expect longer fire seasons, with around 40 per cent more ‘very high fire danger’ days. l Sea levels are projected to rise by around 26cm along the coast of Queensland. l Extreme rain events in Queensland are projected to become more intense. l As a whole, Queensland is likely to become drier in the May-October period. Average annual rainfall change is unclear in the monsoon region, with significant change possible. Both wetter and drier futures should therefore be considered. Climate change projections for the east coast of Australia indicate that extreme rain events will become more intense and the likelihood of such events will increase Victoria l Victoria will continue to get hotter. Global workers as part of his Masters in Disaster Risk and fatigue. Exposure to increased climate models project warming of 1.3- Reduction and Sustainability. He comments: temperatures can also result in reduced 2.0°C (central estimate of 1.6°C). Regional l Outdoor workers will have more frequent, vigilance and or lapses in safety. modelling shows a plausible higher end to intense and longer exposure to UV l Elevated temperatures can increase levels this range (1.4-2.4°C). radiation. They will be at increased risk of air pollution, with outdoor workers l The number of very hot days (>40°C) will of adverse eye effects, skin cancer and having longer exposure to such air increase from 0.83 to 2.7 days per year possibly immune dysfunction. pollutants, which are linked to respiratory in Melbourne and from 7.8 to 17 days per l Extreme weather events or natural diseases and allergic disorders. year in Mildura. disasters, such as floods, landslides, l Climate warming scenarios will also l By mid-century the climate of Melbourne storms, lightning, droughts and wildfires influence the distribution of weeds, insects is projected to be more like the current will become more frequent and intense. and pests, all of which could change the climate of Wodonga. The climate of Weather disasters may cause deaths, types and amounts of pesticides used. Warrnambool is projected to be more like injuries, diseases and mental stress All States are enacting climate laws the current climate of Benalla. and as they increase in frequency and and regulatory agencies are reviewing l Victoria can expect longer fire seasons, severity, there will be an increased need for their environment and health and safety with around 40 per cent more ‘very high effective emergency response. regimes to best regulate greenhouse gas fire danger’ days. l The prevalence of water-borne and food- management and climate change health, l Sea levels are projected to rise by around borne pathogens could increase. safety and environmental risk management. 24cm along the Victorian coast. l Pollen, associated with allergic reactions, Climate change risks are now being viewed as l Extreme rain events in Victoria are also may increase with earlier flowering foreseeable risks. projected to become more intense. and longer pollen seasons. Legally, they will require management and l Approximately three quarters of climate l Higher temperatures or longer, more clubs that choose to sit on the sidelines will models are projecting decreased rainfall, frequent periods of heat may result in be significantly handicapped relative to those especially in winter and spring. greater heat stress, potentially leading to that have already commenced developing How will these climate impacts affect golf more cases of heat-related illnesses (heat and implementing their strategies to reduce course operations? Epar’s Liam Hall-Muir has stroke, heat exhaustion, etc.), increased and manage climate risk and find competitive been investigating climate risks to outdoor susceptibility to chemical exposure advantage in a warming world. AGCSATech Independent, Analytical, Diagnostic and Consultancy Services l GOLF COURSE, SPORTSFIELD AND l DRONE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES l COST EFFECTIVE NUTRITION AND RACETRACK ASSESSMENTS AND AERIAL IMAGERY MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS l EXPERT AGRONOMIC ADVICE l SOIL, PLANT AND WATER ANALYSIS l WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS AGCSATech l CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS l DISEASE AND NEMATODE DIAGNOSIS l PROJECT MANAGEMENT The Australian turf industry’s leading provider of independent agronomic services Independent, Analytical, Diagnostic and Consultancy Services CONTACT THE AGCSATECH TEAM (03) 9548 8600 Senior agronomist - Bruce Macphee - bruce@agcsa.com.au 0409 183 710 Agronomist - Tim Fankhauser - tim@agcsa.com.au 0422 418 038 www.agcsa.com.au/agcsatech NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 57 REGIONAL PROFILE Ballarat GC, Vic You don’t last 36 years at one club without knowing a thing of two about turf management. Jeff Powell has seen more than his fair share during his tenure at Ballarat Golf Club, including the past 31 as the man in charge. Superintendent: Jeff Powell (58). In the 1920s some land was added to the like to work and ended up getting a call from Family: Wife Vicki, son Nicholas (25) and course and holes were lengthened. A new the Ballarat Golf Club. That was 36 years ago! daughter Lauren (23). clubhouse was built in 1924 and during the I started as a groundsman and after my then Social media: On Facebook, Instagram @ Second World War in 1943 American Marine superintendent left was offered his job and jefpow63. officers used it as their Ballarat headquarters – have remained in the position for 31 years! Years as a superintendent: 31. the annual Marines Cup is still a club event. In Association involvement: ASTMA/VGCSA. 2009 the course was rebuilt where it is today What do you put your longevity down to Career: 36 years at Ballarat GC. along with a new clubhouse. Small parts of and what is it about the place that has made Qualifications: Cert III in Turf Management, the original course are retained – parts of the you stick around? Coming from the farm life, Diploma in Turf Management, Diploma in old 3rd, 7th, 13th and 14th – while the new working in wide open spaces suited me. I love Horticulture and Cert III in Agriculture. clubhouse is on the 15th, so it can still be golf course work and presenting the course in claimed as Australia’s oldest 18-hole course on top shape when it all comes together. Other Where in Australia is Ballarat GC? Ballarat original land. than the cold winters, Ballarat is a nice place is an hour’s drive west of Melbourne with a to live and close enough to Melbourne and population of nearly 110,000. The golf club Tell us a bit about your background and Geelong. The club is a good place to work itself was founded on 11 April 1895. Play how you started out in the turf industry. and the people within the club are great. With commenced on an 11-hole course on 24 May I was on the family sheep and crop farm in the course redevelopment, it has given me a 1895 but the course only lasted two weeks – it Lake Bolac, about an hour west of Ballarat, chance to enhance something that I’ve been was too short for a single round match and too and completed a Certificate III in Agriculture. involved with from the very start. The great long for a double round. From 8 June 1895 During that time I was also working as a Peter Thompson had a vision for Ballarat to be it became a nine-hole course and in 1909 roustabout and part-time with an earthmover the best regional course and it’s something I’d increased to a full 18. Originally the course when things were slow, driving belly scrapers, like to see through. was a cow paddock, with the greens fenced dozers and graders building roads and dams. in summer to protect them from grazing cattle. When my father decided to sell up, I went from You have no doubt seen plenty of changes By 1907 the course was regarded as the best business to business around Ballarat putting in the way golf courses are managed over inland course in Australia. my name down for a job where I thought I’d the years. What has and hasn’t changed? 58 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 Ballarat Golf Club is one of the oldest running clubs concrete base using crumbed rubber from in Australia, dating back to 1895, and in 2009 was redeveloped under the auspices of Thompson Perrett tyres and has so far improved these bunkers enormously. We’ve had no washouts on the faces and improved drainage, keeping the Since the redevelopment what other sand clean through the winter. changes have you undertaken and what Going forward, other stages in the does the current masterplan have in store? masterplan include improving and adding We had to do a lot of drainage work, especially large landscape areas around the course, on the fairways, and to date we’ve completed widening fairways on the landing zones and around 15km. On the 4th hole we had to joining some fairways in a few areas. These level out a section of the hole as it was too are a work in progress and all being carried sloped to one side and balls would all roll into out by staff in-house. one small area. This part of the fairway and rough had to be stripped, lifted on one side Is it an easy/hard facility to manage? Winter and reduced on the other, with around 25 is always hard. Nothing grows, so wear areas truckloads of soil removed, reshaped and all struggle to recover. By the time spring hits grass replaced. The 4th blue tee was widened so do the comps, with the course busy until as it was too narrow and the path re-routed December. Couch renovations are done in PHOTOS: JEFF POWELL around the tee complex to prevent golfers from January as February is normally our hottest taking short cuts to the fairway. month, but in the last couple of years there On the 7th we’ve just recently realigned hasn’t been much of a summer at all. Trying the tee complex, moving it 30m to the left. The to do any renovations in spring is sometimes fairway was widened on the right-hand side challenging due to the weather as you can Machinery has improved so much over the and the rough widened on the left, including get some nice weeks and then some cold wet years. There is a lot of good reno machinery dense plantings with advanced trees. We’ve weeks which hampers recovery. Also, with the on the market now, but the Vertidrain would also completed stage one of our new course increased number of rounds coming out of have to be the biggest game changer to masterplan which incorporated widening and winter, the surfaces are under more pressure. relieve compaction; it’s hardly off the tractor! joining fairways on the 1st, 10th and 18th Chemical-wise, Specticle has been fantastic holes, along with planting 13,000 trees, shrubs How has COVID-19 impacted your and we’ve had a good response with it and native grasses. operations there? When the lockdowns keeping the fairways clean over winter. What Bunkers are still our biggest challenge. first started only two of us were allowed to hasn’t changed? Basic turf management has In most we have found that drainage pipes work three days per week, carrying out the remained much the same over the years as are lower in the base than the outlet pipes, basics such as cutting greens and surrounds, have the hours – I’m still working from daylight so all bunkers hold water and will need to be although we did take the opportunity to to dark. Oh, and my wage! redrained at some stage at a high cost. Faces Vertidrain the greens. During subsequent wash down after a rain or irrigation event, lockdowns we weren’t allowed to work at all, The course was redeveloped significantly constantly mixing the clay washed off the face other than go in and check the course which in 2009. What were the biggest changes with the sand, sealing everything up. was frustrating. The guys didn’t mind the fact from the old course and how has the course We have trialled a product called Golfex they were getting more money on JobKeeper matured? Going from the old course that was bunker lining on the 18th greenside bunkers than with normal hours, but they still would on heavy clay-based soils with push up Poa since May 2021. It’s a flexible and porous have rather been working. greens, to the new course with sand-based bentgrass greens and sand-capped fairways with no CEC, was challenging. I had to train myself in how to feed the turf totally different, keeping nutrients trickle-fed constantly at the start until the greens and surrounds matured. The other major challenge was having the new course open very soon after grow-in. The grass never had time to really mature and with the high volume of traffic large areas would stress out and, in some cases, fail altogether, especially in the surrounds. The course now has matured really well, the grass is looking after itself and settled down into a routine. Assisting Ballarat GC superintendent Jeff Powell is his crew comprising (from left) Connor Patterson, Jayden New, assistant superintendent Tim Cates, Tom Lyon, Harry Hann and Ashley Brown NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 59 REGIONAL PROFILE The one product I couldn’t manage my course without is... Tribute. We have so much bloody Poa here as the conditions are great for it – wet, cold winters – and the fairways can be covered in it. Do you use volunteers to assist with the management of the course? Our Dad’s Army has about 14 members in total. They are a great help with picking up debris around the course, sprinkler trimming, sanding divots in fairways and tees (because golfers don’t do it), help with the odd sodding work and gardening about the clubhouse. These guys are a great help and takes some pressure off us. The 2009 redevelopment transformed the course, going from heavy clay-based soils with push up Poa greens to What have you got in your shed? 2 x Toro sand-based G2 bentgrass greens and sand-capped Santa Ana fairways. Pictured is the 4th hole 3250 greens mowers, 2 x Tru-Turf rollers, 2 The hardest and most frustrating part was in summer up to 42oC. The course can be wet x Toro fairway mowers (5510 and 6500), 2 seeing the course unmaintained and not being to the point where we can’t cut roughs, then x Toro 3100D, 2 x Sand Pros, Toro 4000-D able to do anything about it. We are trained two weeks later we are needing to irrigate to rough cutter, Toro 3500D first cut mower, Toro to be perfectionists, so that messed with my prevent the ground from becoming concrete. Multi Pro 5800 sprayer, reel grinder set, 3.5T head. It was only the last lockdown where And then there’s the once-a-year snow! The excavator, 5 x Toro HDX Workman utilities and we were all able to work due the earthworks couch goes that dormant that hard it’s white an MDX Workman, Toro 3250 tees mower, on the 7th. It took a long time to play catch and flattens down with traffic. It comes out of Vertidrain 7215, Aeravator, TR50 scarifier, up and get the course back into shape, but dormancy around the last week of October Aerway aerator, Bandit 90 chipper, 2 x Kubota I guess we were lucky – bar and bistro staff and goes back in around early May. tractors, Dakota topdresser, Toro Pro Force were off work way longer than us. Frosts are the killer here. They can brown blower. We’re pretty lucky to have all this. off a lot of the turf and stunt the growth when Were there any positives to come out of you get 4-5 in a short period of time. We’ve What do you think is the most challenging COVID? The course loved having no golfers. had such heavy frosts that the greens have aspect of a superintendent’s role today? I have never seen it so healthy, with worn iced over – I recall one morning it was -4/-5oC How many pages is this magazine? It seems areas back to full health and greens boasting and as I walked onto the 13th green near the to be getting harder and harder to get staff a great coverage of grass. That was short- shed the ice was cracking under my feet! The into the industry and that’s mainly because of lived, however, as by the end of the first day of frosts don’t lift until around 9.30-10am. We wages. Once upon a time in the regional areas golf unrepaired pitch marks were all over the are meant to activate the sprinklers so the we were lucky as you’d find the young farm greens! It was easier to maintain the course members can get on the course quicker, but lads, but not anymore. Expectations are also and get things done as when golfers did come on those mornings the water turns to ice as challenging. Golfers seem to be getting more back they were only starting off on one tee. soon as it hits the ground. and more demanding of what they expect Golf numbers increased with the club noticing a slight increase in membership. What lessons have you taken out of the whole COVID experience? In hindsight, I couldn’t see why we couldn’t have worked through while others were. We could have gotten so much more done with no golfers on the course. I understand lack of income would have been a factor, but it also showed up just how poor wages are in the industry when the government pays more for staff to be sitting at home instead of working. How has Mother Nature treated the course in recent times? Mother Nature hates me! In winter we can get down to -4oC overnight and Greens are cored once a year, normally early December, and scarified late December or January 60 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 for what the budget allows. Unfortunately I’ve noticed it has gotten worse since returning from COVID lockdowns. Sands seem to be getting harder to find as well, not only for turf but also bunkers. And communication – trying to help the Board to understand our issues. What have you worked on personally in recent years to improve your skills? I bite my tongue a lot more than I used too. Apparently being blunt and to the point doesn’t cut it in this day and age, as people are easily offended. Unfortunately, it still pops out every now and then. Earlier this year you received the VGCSA With temperatures hitting as low as -4oC in winter, frost damage can cause some severe turf issues Recognition Award for your many years of industry service. What did that mean surfing the Internet for information. Learn by apprentices. I’ve found that throwing them into to you? I was pretty bloody chuffed to say your mistakes – we’ve all made them. Never the deep end works best. By the end of the the least. When you take on the job as be afraid to ask questions or ask for help if you first week they might be on a fairway mower superintendent you don’t do it to win awards, have an issue, as you’ll find that someone will then progress to the greens by the end of you’re just doing your job the best you can have had the same issue and a solution. the month. If you don’t keep them interested, with the resources you have, so it was a nice Above all else, treat your staff the way you they’ll lose interest in the job. I’ve never surprise. To receive this award, especially as want to be treated. Working alongside your believed in making them rake bunkers for six a regional superintendent, is something that staff will get you more respect than driving months straight or giving them all the rubbish I never thought would happen to me, but it’s around the course in a cart barking orders. jobs. All your staff should be treated equally great to be recognised for one’s service and Give your staff the praise they deserve when and able to do any task within your workplace, the people you’ve helped along the way. it’s warranted. Communication is the biggest including the apprentice. thing too, especially to the Board or greens Let them know your door is always open From your many years in the industry, director, even your pro shop. You’ll have odd for anything. Always be prepared to help them, what do you see as the key traits a ones at times that won’t believe a word you whether that’s with training on machinery, superintendent needs in order to survive say because they think they know more than job tasks or school work. Take an interesting what can be a very challenging role? Have you. Keep your daily records updated – you’ll in their schooling and what they’ve learned really thick skin! Be honest and upfront. Don’t need the info and facts to prove them wrong. after they’ve returned to work the next day. talk the talk if you can’t walk the walk as The Gordon Tafe is great at communicating you’ll get caught out very quickly. Keep your You’ve mentored a number of apprentices on what they are up too and Paul Dellar and manager, greens director and even your pro over the journey with some going on to win Chris Deppeler do a great job managing the informed so there aren’t any surprises. Don’t the VGCSA and ASTMA Graduate of the apprentices. give up on educating yourself, whether that’s Year Awards. What’s your secret and what The biggest reward is watching your through conferences, workshops, networking sort of satisfaction does that give you? Our apprentices grow, putting the effort in and with other supers and trade people, or just job as managers is to train people, especially winning awards like the Apprentice/Graduate Powell (right) with 2021 ASTMA Graduate of the Year In recent times Powell has started to experiment with drone photography, taking some stunning pictures such as recipient Tom Lyon this of Ballarat’s 17th NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 61 REGIONAL PROFILE Above: Powell has been successfully trialling a bunker lining product called Golfex, a flexible and porous concrete base using crumbed rubber from tyres, on the 18th greenside bunkers Left: The G2 bentgrass greens are oversown every second year with 007 to keep their density. Pictured is crew member Harry Hann cutting greens of the Year. I’ve been lucky to have two, with me – knowing you’ve helped set these guys up presented. It’s also rewarding when members Will Koopmans winning both the state and for their future and hopefully becoming great are complimentary about the course and national awards in 2016 and Tom Lyon doing managers. seeing your team gel together and getting on likewise this year. Keegan Mead, who was with the job. Standing on our irrigation dam also a former apprentice, went overseas on What has been the most pleasing/rewarding bank as the sun rises and watching the course The Ohio Program for 12 months after he moment during your time at Ballarat? Having move with the sunlight is also an amazing sight completed his apprenticeship, then came back larger events like the ALPG and PGA Futures and one I never grow weary of. But having two to work at The National and is now 2IC at St when the course all comes together. They apprentices win the ASTMA Graduate of the Andrews. That’s the biggest satisfaction for are always appreciative of how the course is Year Award is pretty high up there for me. AT A GLANCE – BALLARAT GOLF CLUB, VIC Course specs: Thompson Perrett designed, Cutting heights/regimes: Greens 3mm snow we get. It’s not uncommon to get 3-4 par 72, 6282m. One hectare of greens (G2 spring through to late autumn, then lifted heavy frosts in a row which browns off the oversown with 007) and 1.1ha of surrounds. to 4mm. Greens are cut four times a week bentgrass, slows the growth then the disease Half a hectare of tees and 13ha of fairways normally and rolled three times a week. attacks. Growth is almost non-existent over (both Santa Ana couch), about 25ha of rough Fairways 12mm cut twice a week, tees 8mm these months – you are lucky to get a cupful (fine fescue). twice a week and surrounds 10mm twice a of clippings off the greens. Members/rounds: 1200 playing members, week. Roughs first cut 40mm twice a week, Scarring will occur if it gets too bad and 3000 social memberships/50,000 rounds. main rough 90mm twice a week in spring will take until late spring to recover. Early Major tournaments: Before COVID we held backed off to once a week thereafter. preventative sprays of systemic fungicides the PGA Futures, ALPG, Aboriginal and Renovations: Greens are cored once a before it gets cold seems to help. I use a Torres Strait Islander Golf Championships, year, normally early December, and scarified lot more organic type fertilisers, such as Australasian Fire Brigade Golf late December or January. We Vertidrain fish emulsions and amino acids, during the Championships, Ballarat Icon Pro-Am. with needle tines every 2-3 months, 12mm year and needle tine during these months. I Course budget: $920,000 (incl. wages). tines going in to winter. They are groomed also add a little bit of copper to the tank mix Staff structure: Superintendent Jeff Powell, monthly, dusted twice monthly and oversown which also helps prevent it. Systemic and assistant Tim Cate, foreman Tom Lyon, every second year to keep density. Surrounds contact fungicides are used for prevention/ qualified greenkeeper Jayden New, labourers and tees are Vertidrained with hollow tines cure and no nitrogen is applied during the Ash Brown and Harry Hann and 1st year in late spring, and with solid tines (12mm) winter as it only encourages the Poa. Liquid apprentice Connor Patterson. We have just and needle tines every 3-4 months. They trace elements are mainly used over winter. A got approval for another apprentice in 2022. are groomed 1-2 times year. This was the couple of applications of penetrant seems to Climate/rainfall: 650mm yearly average. first year we have Vertidrained fairways. We help in the wetter months. Temperatures range from -4oC to 42oC. also use the Aerway in summer to help with Nutrition: We mix it up on the greens with Terrain/soil types: Slightly undulated. Sand- compaction, scarify lightly and the aeravator granular and liquids. I use a lot of organic capped fairways, tees and surrounds, USGA over the top to shake things up. We have had fertilisers such as fish emulsions, seaweed spec greens. Roughs are heavy soil. contractors in twice in the 10 years to deep and carbons and try not to overdo it with the Water sources/irrigation system: We scarify and clean up. nitrogen. Surrounds are much the same but harvest stormwater off a neighbouring estate Major disease pressures: Winter fusarium! don’t get fertilised as often as the greens. which feeds through a series of ponds before Ballarat gets so cold and wet that one To help push the fairways and tees out of being pumped into two dams. We also have day greens can be looking good, the next dormancy once there is some green leaf, I a bore with a licence of 144ML. Quality is fusarium is everywhere. The frosts that we use a liquid mix of nitrogen, Mg, Mn, Fe and manageable with salts around the 1000ppm cop can be so severe between June and GA to start off, then granular slow release and high in bicarbonates. Toro decoder August, with temperatures down to -4oC thereafter. I also apply the odd nitrogen/iron system and Grundfos pump set. degrees, not to mention the once-a-year mix to boost it up at times. 62 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 ASTMA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The ASTMA congratulates the following sports turf managers who have achieved certification and can proudly use the ‘Certified Sports Turf Manager’ (CSTM) designation after their names… Tim Allen The National Golf, Belgium Ryan Fury Killara GC, NSW Damien Murrell Easts Leisure & GC, NSW Dean Bailey Rosanna GC, Vic Jake Gibbs Elanora GC, ACT John Nelson Grafton District GC, NSW Shane Baker Mosman Park GC, WA Danny Hack Wellington Shire, Vic James Newell Magenta Shores G&CC, NSW Brett Balloch Anglesea GC, Vic Cameron Hall Kew GC, Vic Kelvin Nicholson Palmer Coolum Resort, Qld Ed Barraclough Cardinia Beaconhills GC, Vic Gareth Hammond Terrey Hills GC, NSW Matthew Oliver QSAC, Qld Mark Bateman Kooringal GC, Vic Brendan Hansard Kew CC, NSW Shaun Page Southern GC, Vic Tim Bayard Evergreen Turf, Vic Nick Harris Wentworth Club, UK Luke Partridge Manly GC, NSW Duncan Begley Horizons Golf Resort, NSW Marcus Hartup Vattanac Golf, Cambodia Mick Pascoe Noosa GC, Qld Nathan Bennett The Royal Adelaide GC, SA Mitch Hayes Brisbane GC, Qld Ben Payne Peninsula-Kingswood CGC, Vic John Berthon St Georges Basin CC, NSW Matthew Heeps Evergreen Turf, Vic Michael Pearce RACV Torquay GC, Vic Paul Bevan GTS, Qld Luke Helm Meadowbrook GC, Qld Keegan Powell The Sands Torquay, Vic Shane Bisseker Whitsunday Council, Qld Tony Hemming Optus Stadium, WA Luke Primus Deakin University, Vic Andrew Boyle GTS, Vic Kirsty Herring Katherine CC, NT Scott Prince Evergreen Turf Vic Justin Bradbury Camden GC, NSW Tim Hoskinson Cairns GC, Qld Shaun Pritchard PEGS, Vic Nathan Bradbury Eastlake GC, NSW Ian Howell, Bonnie Doon GC, NSW Justin Rankin Kooindah Waters GC, NSW Harry Brennan Dubbo City Council, NSW Rhys Hunichen Atlas Golf Services Vic Marc Raymond Heidelberg GC, Vic Mark Brooks Jupiter Hills GC, USA Jay Infanti Eastern GC, Vic Scott Reid Launceston GC, Tas Brendan Brown The Sands Torquay, Vic Nick Jeffrey St Joseph’s College, Qld Lachlan Ridgewell Blacktown ISP, NSW Fraser Brown Lake Karrinyup CC, WA Mark Jennings Racing Victoria, Vic Brent Robinson Ballina G&SC, NSW Ben Bruzgulis Cronulla GC, NSW Steven Johnson Al Mouj Golf, Oman Brett Saggus BRG Legend Hill, Vietnam Hamish Buckingham Commonwealth GC, Tony Jonas North Shore GC, NZ Wesley Saunders Dunblane New GC, UK Vic Jason Kelly Royal Fremantle GC, WA Robert Savedra Wesley College, Vic Chris Burgess Yarrawonga Mulwala GC, Vic Nick Kinley Hartfield CC, WA Travis Scott Riversdale GC, Vic Greg Burgess Northern GC, Vic Dylan Knight Gisborne GC, Vic Bill Shuck Evergreen Turf, Vic Jacob Burridge Victoria GC, Vic Blaine Knox Burleigh GC, Qld Cameron Smith Bonnie Doon GC, NSW Jason Bushell Rowes Bay GC, Qld Lance Knox Busselton GC, WA Gary Smith Commercial Albury GC, NSW Aaron Cachia Bayer, NSW Steve Lalor Townsville GC, Qld Thomas Smith Waterford Valley GC, Vic Patrick Casey Kalgoorlie GC, WA Kane Latham Elanora CC, NSW Mathew Soles The Australian GC, NSW David Cassidy The Cut, WA Nick Launer Metropolitan GC, Vic Clinton Southorn Abu Dhabi GC, UAE Brian Cattell Wagga Wagga CC, NSW Ben Lavender Newington College, NSW John Spraggs Royal Wellington GC, NZ Peter Cawsey Eastwood GC, Vic Jason Lavender Beenleigh RSL & GC, Qld Daniel Stack Windaroo Lakes GC, Qld Paul Chalmers St Aloysius College, NSW Dean Lenertz St Michael’s GC, NSW Kenji Steele Riverway Stadium, Qld Brenton Clarke Warrnambool GC, Vic Dean Lewis Thurgoona CC, NSW Lee Strutt Les Bordes International, France Dan Cook The Australian GC, NSW Josh Leyland Box Hill GC, Vic David Sutherland The Ridge GC, NSW Lincoln Coombes RACV Royal Pines, Qld Nathan Lindsay Hamilton Island GC, Qld Lee Sutherland St Michael’s GC, NSW Phillip Cooper GTS, NSW Peter Lonergan Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Shay Tasker Carnarvon GC, NSW Dion Cope Redland Bay GC, Qld GC, NSW Aaron Taylor Cronulla GC, NSW Mick Cornish Cazaly’s Stadium, Qld Ben Lucas Tocumwal GC, NSW Heath Taylor Blacktown ISP, NSW Shaun Cross Byron Bay GC, NSW Toby Lumsden ICC Academy, UAE Nigel Taylor Sports Turf Solutions, Malaysia Joshua Cunningham All Outside, NSW Bruce Macphee ASTMA, Vic Shaun Taylor Southern GC, Vic Bruce Davies CIT, ACT Stephen Mallyon Renworx, NSW David Thomson Bermagui CC, NSW Kevin Davis St Margaret’s-Berwick GS, Vic Dave Mason Metropolitan GC, Vic Colin Thorsborne Parkwood Village, Qld Luke Diserens Roseville GC, NSW Garry McClymont Twin Waters GC, Qld Ben Tilley Headland GC, Qld Nicholas Douglas Spring Valley GC, Vic Tony McFadyean Programmed, WA Steve Tuckett Melbourne Polytech, Vic Mark Doyle Hume City Council, Vic Paul McLean Sanctuary Cove G&CC, Qld Lee Veal Mt Derrimut G&CC, Vic Cameron Dunn Woolooware GC, NSW Michael McMahon GTS, Qld Michael Vozzo Fertool, Vic Peter Dunn Federal GC, ACT Peter McNamara Brisbane GC, Ql Earl Warmington Newcastle GC, NSW Ben Evans Ryde TAFE, NSW Ryan McNamara Rosanna GC, Vic Tim Warren Glenelg GC, SA Tim Fankhauser ASTMA, Vic Mick McCombe Maleny GC, Qld Rob Weiks Hoiana Shores GC, Vietnam Timothy Fewster Doncaster BC, Vic Keith McPhee Maitland City Council, NSW Shannon White Baileys Fertilisers, WA Peter Fitzgerald Belmont GC, NSW Brett Merrell Ras Al Hamra GC, Oman George Widdowson Geelong GC, Vic Aaron Fluke NSWGC, NSW Daniel Metcalfe Beverley Park GC, NSW Darren Wilson Wembley GC, WA Jason Foster Riverway Stadium, Qld Jack Micans Elanora GC, NSW Issac Wojewodka Camden GC, NSW Jason Foulis HG Turf, Vic Braydan Millar Rowes Bay GC, Qld Tim Wright K&B Adams, Vic Patrick Fraser Landscape Solutions, NSW Ben Mills Hawks Nest GC, NSW Matthew Young Moonee Valley CC, Vic Peter Fraser Hervey Bay G&CC, Qld Craig Molloy Cypress Lakes Resort, NSW Adam Fry Kooyonga GC, SA Colin Morrison Flinders GC, Vic For more information on the ASTMA Certification Program visit www.agcsa.com.au AROUND THE TRADE TRU-TURF ROLLS ON UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP CAMPBELL CHEMICALS INCREASES ITS STATURE A STMA Bronze Partner Colin Campbell Chemicals has introduced a new herbicide for broadleaf weeds called Stature, complementing its existing products Methar Tri Kombi and Sportsground. Stature is a three-way mix After 33 successful years of operation, Ray Campbell Chemical’s Dufty (left) has sold Tru-Turf to local Gold Coast containing three active latest broadleaf weed businessman Scott Bullard (right) ingredients with three herbicide Stature A different modes of fter 33 years of operation, “Haylee (Bullard’s wife who will also play a action. The active ingredients are diflufenican Gold Coast based Tru-Turf’s key role) and I are committed to keeping Tru- (Group F), bromoxynil (Group C) and MCPA ownership has changed, with Turf at the top of the game in this space and (Group I). founders Ray Dufty and Dorothy will put in the same amount of love and care to “Stature brings real flexibility for turf Rix choosing to retire after much the operation that both Ray and Dot have.” managers,” says Campbell Chemical’s success in building the business from the As part of the change of ownership, marketing manager Nadeem Zreikat. “The ground up. Bullard has appointed Nick Thornton as three actives from three different modes of After establishing the business on the Gold general manager who has a long association action have never been put together in a single Coast in 1988, Dufty was keen for Tru-Turf to with the game of golf. product. What’s more, the formulation is an remain in the hands of a local who was young, “Nick has a strong background across advanced emulsifiable concentrate (EC) which energetic and a knowledgeable buyer to take all areas of the golfing landscape and I’m allows for virtually nil odour and low rates. In the company and its products to new heights. excited about what he can bring to Tru-Turf as fact, we have very low rates of 500mL-2L per And with that, Gold Coast local Scott Bullard an operation,” adds Bullard. “Both Nick and hectare for Stature. has acquired the ownership and is already I have been working hard behind the scenes “Trial work showed that the 1L/ha rate inside the business, getting his hands dirty and to ensure that Tru-Turf maintains its position performed statistically the same as the 2L rate ensuring Tru-Turf continues to deliver quality as the premier golf and sports turf roller in the and the standard product (a leading broadleaf products both in Australia and abroad. world. herbicide). Stature also allows for various tank “Both Dorothy and I have had an incredible “Nick is charged with controlling the mix partners to control other weeds such as journey here at Tru-Turf and we were keen to business operation both in Australia and grass and woody weeds. However, please depart while the business was still at the top of around the world. We want to continue to speak to us or our distributors on this.” its game,” says Dufty. “I have designed these deliver both a quality service and product Stature is available in 5L pack sizes from machines myself and been part of it for as long across every aspect of the business.” Campbell Chemical’s primary distributors. as I can remember, so it will be difficult to not Tru-Turf has dominated the roller market For more information on Stature, visit www. come into work each day but the time is right for many years, with its greens and turf rollers campbellchemicals.com.au. to hand it over. being preferred at the highest quality courses “I love Tru-Turf and will continue in an and tours. Among them are St Andrew’s, RANSOMES LAUNCHES NEW ambassadorial role, so I will never fully depart Augusta National, Pebble Beach and Royal WEBSITE, CAMPAIGN M the operation I took so much pride in building. Melbourne, while Tru-Turf is an official licensed ower manufacturer Ransomes is I will be assisting Scott and the team at Tru-Turf product of the PGA Tour. cutting a path to electric-powered to ensure a smooth transition of the business Tru-Turf boasts a suite of quality products commercial and municipal mowing and wish Tru-Turf continued success.” to suit every level of course and any weather under the Any Less Costs More campaign and Bullard has a strong business background conditions, with the electric-powered RE50 its largest brand investment this century. and when the opportunity arose to purchase model the newest to the range. In a sign of the Ransomes’ new mission and vision are Tru-Turf there was not a lot of hesitation. times, Tru-Turf has ensured that all state-of-the- focused on providing short-term and long-term “Tru-Turf is a real Australian success art electronics have been used and guarantee benefits to customers, consumers and the story,” says Bullard. “Ray and Dot should be to deliver the speed and crease-free results environment. The digital investment comes commended for their efforts in building a brand that the petrol-powered machines do. through a new web presence, which will and product that has taken the turf world by A full range of Tru-Turf products can be provide an industry-leading digital offering, storm. Ray set the business up with his own viewed at www.truturf.com or for a more while on the turf, the target of electric lithium bare hands and has continued to develop the detailed discussion contact the team on powered commercial mowing has been firmly product to be a market-leader. +61 7 5594 7199. set for launch in 2022. 64 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 focus is on building fine turf machinery. For him and his retirement which will see him Ransomes, this year provided the opportunity return to Australia with wife Jan,” says Troon for 15 million test hours of lithium battery International’s executive vice president Mark technology to be integrated into their Chapleski. “Clinton has been a rockstar for us commercial mower range. in the field for many years and we look forward “We’re excited about developing new to him transitioning into the corporate office The new-look Ransomes website technologies, and Ransomes will borrow a and supporting our talented agronomists and For everyone involved in the process, lot of the expertise from other brands within owners across our regions.” including Ransomes marketing manager Adam Textron,” Underwood explains. “As a result, we Southorn has over 20 years’ worth of Underwood, this has been an opportunity to will be able to safely put technology that will be experience in the golf and turf industry, 18 speak to customers about what matters most good for the environment, good for everybody of which have been with Troon. Among his to them and deliver value under the ‘Any Less and most importantly, gets the work done, into postings include Brookwater Golf & Country Costs More’ banner. our Ransomes products. Club in Queensland, Fiji, the Azores, growing “We want people to be confident when “You’ll see throughout 2022 that we are in Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Agalarov Golf they are sat on a Ransomes mower that they going to be expanding our range into electric Estates and The Els Club Dubai. Most recently are sitting on the benchmark for commercial lithium technology, and in other parts of the he was the cluster director of agronomy across and municipal mowing,” says Underwood. “It’s business, we have already got turf machinery Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf very important for people to understand the out cutting in environments that are a Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. value of incredibly specialist machinery. So, commercial or municipal setting.” “I am very proud and excited to start this the ‘Any Less Costs More’ campaign is really Visit the new website www.ransomes.com. new role,” says Southorn, who originally hails about the lifetime value of our products and from Tasmania. “We are extremely fortunate how it pays to invest in us. SOUTHORN REPLACES EVANS AT to have some exceptionally talented team “Getting that message out is important, TROON INTERNATIONAL members working within the agronomy but listening is even more important. We spent ASTMA member Clinton portfolio. The importance and focus will be to the last year engaging with consumers, dealer Southorn has been appointed as continue working closely with the associates to customers and colleagues to understand what the new director of construction support them at their respective facilities and Ransomes means to them and what great will and agronomy for Troon help them grow, along with the reputations look like for the next 5-10 years for the brand.” International. Beginning his new of the Troon International Facility portfolio. Throughout early 2021 Textron, which role in October, Southorn has taken over from Showcasing the importance of working with owns the Ransomes and Jacobsen brands, 20-year Troon veteran Robin Evans. our owners, partners and team members, focused all mower manufacturing on Ipswich “While we are extremely sad to see makes for a privileged position and one I’m which has created a space where the sole Robin leave the office, we are delighted for truly excited about starting.” INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS TORO PICKS PELLING superintendent and operational manager. Based out of Victoria, Davis will support ASTMA Platinum Partner Toro Prior to this, Brown honed his turf Adama clients in Victoria, South Australia, Australia has appointed Rod management expertise as superintendent at Tasmania and the ACT, as well as southern Pelling (pictured) as its new Mildura Golf Resort and Emerald Golf Course. NSW. Davis can be contacted on 0498 242 North Queensland area sales Brown started his role in early October and 283 or email ben.davis@adama.com. manager, looking after commercial and is based out of Nuturf’s Welland office and construction equipment. Pelling has extensive warehouse site. He can be contacted on 0408 TURFCARE BOLSTERS RANKS industry experience, previously selling turf 027 165 or email lucas.brown@nuturf.com.au. Turfcare Australia has added five well-known care supplies and looking after sports fields industry figures to its sales and agronomy including the Townsville Rugby League ADAMA ADDS DAVIS team across the country. After Globe Growing headquarters and the Cowboys Centre of ASTMA Bronze Partner Adama Solutions closed its doors unexpectedly in Excellence. He arrives at Toro having spent Australia recently announced May 2021, Turfcare Australia was in a position the past six years at Globe Growing Solutions the appointment of Ben Davis to join together with Chris Blagg in NSW prior to their closure earlier in the year. (pictured) to the position of turf and Mark Dougherty, Brett Chivers and and IVM (integrated vegetation management) Chris Newman, along with new warehouse BROWN TO NUTURF commercial manager. manager Chris Burridge, in Victoria. ASTMA Silver Partner Nuturf Davis brings a wealth of experience and Blagg has joined the NSW sales and has appointed Lucas Brown qualifications to those market sectors, starting agronomy team operating out of McGraths (pictured) to the position of his career as a turf manager in Australia Hill in western Sydney where he will be territory manager for South before spending the past two decades in Asia servicing the Northern Beaches and Sydney Australia. Having held several senior turf as a turf and industrial vegetation specialist. area. Dougherty, Chivers, Newman and management and operations positions For the majority of this experience, Davis Burridge have formed the company’s new over the past decade, Brown joins Nuturf was the managing director of an international Victorian branch. They will serve the Victorian from West Beach Parks Resort in Adelaide landscape, golf and sports turf maintenance and Tasmanian sports turf sectors from a new where he held the position of golf course and construction operation. warehouse facility located in Dandenong. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 65 AS SOCIATION REPORTS NZGCSA G reetings and Merry Christmas from countless emails to get the selection process New Zealand to our fellow turf completed and everyone where they needed professionals in Australia. Summer to be. has arrived here with temperatures rising and irrigation systems beginning to ramp up. LOOKING AHEAD Twelve months on from my first report We have a couple of new events on the for this publication and it seems little has calendar for 2022. The first Turf Days field changed. We are still in the grip of COVID day is a two-day exhibition event that is being here with borders and regions closed, but a organised by a group of turf industry suppliers. hint of change may be on the horizon. With The event is being held at Kimihia Research vaccination rates rising, it appears that our Centre near Christchurch in the South Island country will be let out for summer and our on 6-7 April. It will feature hands-on machinery turfies can expect golf courses full of players demonstrations, trade focussed educational over the coming months. There is still no word events, product trials and disease workshops. on ‘free’ travel to Australia (and back) but Also, the first Golf Matters Conference hopefully we are closer to that now than we is being held in August in Christchurch. This have been for some time. conference brings together the NZGCSA, Golf Turf managers here have been busy Managers Association of NZ, NZPGA and Golf fighting some phenomenal spring growth in Tourism. It is shaping up to be a great event some parts of the country, but the emphasis Pukekohe GC course manager Hayden Williams is encompassing all golf sectors and it will be the one of two NZ delegates undertaking the current FTMI will now turn to irrigation and keeping programme sponsored by Jacobsen first of its kind in NZ. everything alive and thriving through the drier To finish, I would like to take this summer months. of turf professionals engaged in this year’s opportunity to say some thanks for the year. Usually by this time of the year our programme. I was fortunate to be invited First, to the NZGCSA Board – Spencer awards have been presented and completed. to sit in on the introductory Zoom session Cooper (Remuera GC), Rick Machray Unfortunately because of COVID border with the delegates, our Jacobsen sponsors, (Arrowtown GC), George Flynn (Royal restrictions, we have had to postpone our the mentors and Mark Unwin and Simone Auckland and Grange GC), Brad Sim (Cape premier NZGCSA Parkland Excellence Award Staples from the Australian Sports Turf Kidnappers GC) and Sam Davis (The Hills). until next year. The final phase of judging for Managers Association (ASTMA). Thank you all for your dedication to our this award involves travel to the candidate’s Each delegate introduced themselves association and making the time and decisions golf courses to inspect their work, but with and told a little about who they are and where that keep our association one that our Auckland in lockdown it could not take place. they have come from. It was very enlightening members can be proud of. I look forward to us We are planning to complete the award to see the dedication to their craft from continuing our work next year. A big thank you judging early in 2022. this group and if that is the standard of our also to Sam Keats who stepped down from the future turf managers then our industry is in Board this year, but continues to help through FTMI very good hands. Congratulations go to the mentoring in the FTMI. It was great to see the FTMI programme two NZ representatives Hayden Williams To our sponsors and trade members up and running again with a great group (course manager, Pukekohe GC) and Hayden – thank you; without you sponsoring our Stuthridge (foreman, North Shore GC). awards, advertising with us and giving us your ON THE MOVE… I would like to wish all the delegates my general support we could not function as an CRAIG ANTHONY: From superintendent best wishes for the programme and I know association. To our members – thank you all East Course, Royal Melbourne GC, Vic to they will all gain a great deal from it. Thank you for displaying the sort of camaraderie and superintendent Spring Valley GC, Vic. to Jacobsen Asia Pacific for their continued goodwill throughout our industry that you do. CHARLIE BOLTE: From Bayview GC, NSW support of this programme. As is usual with I have witnessed plenty of that member pride to assistant superintendent Cromer GC, these programmes, sponsorship is a key this year that makes me proud to be a part of NSW. ingredient and they would not take place such an association. SCOTT BARNETT: Appointed without our trade partners’ valued inputs. Last of all a huge thank you to our superintendent at Marri Park GC, WA. A huge thank you to the mentors as well, administration officer Fiona Izzard. She really BRENDAN CLARK: From superintendent one of which is our own (NZGCSA) Sam does do a fantastic job and keeps members, Atherton GC, Qld to superintendent Palmer Keats. Sam graduated from the 2016 FTMI sponsors and advertisers up to date and well Sea Reef GC, Qld. and he was the first to put his hand up to give informed of news from our association, as JAKE GIBBS: From superintendent Royal back to the programme. The mentors give well as running our business and accounts Canberra GC, ACT to superintendent their own time and play an integral part in the – thanks Fiona! Merry Christmas to all and a Elanora CC, NSW. success of our future turf managers. Last, but Happy New Year for 2022. ALEX GORRIE: From assistant certainly not least, I would like to thank Simone superintendent to superintendent Neangar Staples and Mark Unwin for their organisation JASON PERKINS Park GC, Vic. of the event. Simone put in a lot of time and PRESIDENT, NZGCSA 66 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 NSWGCSA I t has been a busy end to the year for former Board director and life member Mal the NSWGCSA. The association held its Harris and administration manager Alison 2021 Annual General Meeting via Zoom Jones. The five finalists were: (hopefully for the last time) on 25 November. l Jonty Smith (Emerald Downs GC); There were 20 people who logged on for the l Andrew Fletcher (Nelson Bay GC); meeting with no general business or questions l Ngatiwai Hertaraka (Eden GC); arising. l Daniel Mion (previously Royal Sydney GC At the AGM the NSWGCSA took the now Pennant Hills GC); and chance to award three life memberships that l Jack Parker (previously Pennant Hills GC will be formally recognised at the Elite Sand now Oatlands GC). and Soil Rube Walkerden event to be held The feedback on each candidate was at Killara Golf Club on 21 April 2022. The exceptional and a really tough decision had NSWGCSA congratulates; to be made as they all were very impressive. l Mark Schroder (Liverpool GC) – 45 years The eventual winner was Jack Parker who in the industry and nine years on the will go on to represent the NSWGCSA in the NSWGCSA Board; final of ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award, l Richard Kirkby (Pennant Hills GC) – 28 sponsored by Toro, to be announced at next years at his club and nine years as a year’s conference in Melbourne. NSWGCSA NSWGCSA Board director); and Roseville Golf Club superintendent of 32 years Mark wishes all candidates the best in their future l Mark O’Sullivan (Roseville GC) – 32 O’Sullivan was one of three awarded life membership endeavours in the turf industry. of the NSWGCSA at the November AGM years at his club and six years on the Finally, the NSWGCSA was saddened NSWGCSA Board. Ben Mills to the Board. I encourage to hear of the passing of life member Reg On behalf of all members I would like to superintendents to put their hand up and have McLaren on Wednesday 17 November. Reg congratulate all three on their outstanding a term helping the association. It is in a really was still an attendee of our Rube Walkerden careers and receiving one of our association’s strong position and with technology changing events up until COVID hit last year. Reg was 89 most prestigious honours. Long-time life so has the way the association is run, meaning and we can report he insisted on being buried member Peter McMaugh AM was asked his less time away from your workplace. in his NSWGCSA jacket. Our condolences go thoughts on the appointments, to which he A few days prior to the AGM, on 22 to all of Reg’s family and close friends (see agreed all were “extremely worthy inductees”. November, the NSWGCSA conducted obituary page 72 - Ed). The NSWGCSA is looking for two Board interviews for its Graduate of the Year Award, members to fill vacant spots after myself, sponsored by JT Turf. Five apprentice David Sommerville and Mark Schroder greenkeepers from across the state were NATHAN BRADBURY stepped down at the AGM. The Board wishes invited to Liverpool Golf Club to be interviewed IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT, to welcome Hawks Nest GC superintendent by NSWGCSA Board member Mark Schroder, NSWGCSA TSTMA F irst, I would like to say a sincere thank travelled from across the country to help make over many years. Together with a fantastic you to outgoing TSTMA president Phil the event what it was. You certainly gave us all committee, I will do my best to ensure the Hill (Barnbougle) for all of his hard some very valuable learnings and discussion association continues to forge ahead. I hope work and dedication in his role for such a long points. spring has treated you all well and I wish period of time. The results that Phil, along Just quickly touching on the future of the everyone the best for the summer months with all other outgoing/ongoing committee association, with what now sees a number of ahead. members, achieved for the association really new faces on the TSTMA committee, please did speak for itself at the TSTMA conference know that as a group we will continue to work ADAM SPARGO held in Hobart back in May. It was a fantastic on the massive efforts by those past and PRESIDENT, TSTMA event that was very well run and I feel all who present to ensure the association and, most attended would have taken something away importantly, sports turf as a whole in Tasmania from it. A huge thank you to all the sponsors can continue to grow and succeed. The new ON THE MOVE… of the event also – your ongoing support of committee will meet in the coming weeks and TOM HOGAN: From assistant events like this and of our association is very more details regarding future information/ superintendent Barwon Heads GC, Vic to much appreciated. training/social media options will come to superintendent Flinders GC, Vic. We were certainly very lucky with the hand. DARREN LEE: From superintendent Palm timing of the event, as COVID took hold of the Finally, a quick thank you for the support Meadows GC, Qld to Gold Coast City eastern states soon after the conference. I, like I have received since taking over as TSTMA Council, Qld. all others that attended, would like to express president. I know I have huge shoes to fill COLIN MORRISON: Resigned as thanks to all of the speakers and guests who with Phil’s massive input to the association superintendent Flinders GC, Vic. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 67 AS SOCIATION REPORTS VGCSA Kingston Heath Golf Club will jointly host the opening VGCSA meeting of 2022 with Yarra Yarra Golf Club in early March A fter a long year in and out of lockdowns, it was great that the VGCSA Open Golf Day went ahead as planned for our final event of the year, despite the wintry weather in mid-November. Due to density limit restrictions still in place at the time, it was a more intimate four-ball Ambrose event than usual with 58 in attendance. Our sincere thanks to sponsors Oasis Turf and Brandt (formerly Glenmac Sales & Service) and Barwon Heads Golf Club (superintendent Adam Lamb) for hosting a terrific day of golf followed by dinner and presentations. now move into a new era where vaccination Murray Downs G&CC (sponsored by Anco As the year wraps up, our CEO Mary status grants us the freedoms that we once Seed & Turf, Bayer, Brandt, Colin Campbell Napier will be taking a few weeks break took for granted. The event calendar for 2022 Chemicals, Greenway Turf Solutions, Living over the Christmas and summer season, comprises: Turf, Oasis Turf, Pacific Coast Design, Rain returning mid-January in the lead up to our l 7 March 2022: Education Meeting – Bird, Syngenta Australia, Turfcare Australia, first committee meeting for 2022. Zoom has Kingston Heath and Yarra Yarra GCs Turf Culture and Toro Australia). been a great solution to travel restrictions and, (sponsored by Brandt and The Toolbox l 18 October 2022: Education Meeting in general, a great time saver when it comes Team). – Ballarat GC (sponsored by Syngenta to avoiding lengthy travel. After numerous l 2 May 2022: 95th Annual General Meeting Australia). months, however, it will be worthwhile getting – Peninsula Kingswood CGC (sponsored Best wishes to everyone for the upcoming together in person again. by Bayer and Toro Australia). summer period and festive season. Let’s all With our annual events program recently l 7 June 2022: Course Staff Education look forward to 2022. It will be great getting out launched, we look forward to 2022 which Meeting – Rosebud GC (sponsored by and catching up with everyone again. hopefully will be a new year of hosting several Colin Campbell Chemicals and Toro educational events that had to be postponed Australia). SHANE GREENHILL over the last 18 or so months. Fortunately, we l 1-2 August 2022: Country Meeting – PRESIDENT, VGCSA SAGCSA T his year has seen the SAGCSA, like considering he is moving into a very busy others, limited in the number of events period at his course. Jordan Sherratt is we have been able to hold, but over another that has come onto the committee. the last few months we have been able to get Earlier this year Jordan won the SAGCSA back to a little bit of normality. In August we Graduate of the Year and is already the new held a joint education day with the SA STA. superintendent at Thaxted Park GC. It’s a huge With around 150 attending and some great effort from Jordan considering he’s new in the speakers, the day was very much a success. role yet still willing to get involved. It caps off a This is the second joint event we have held big year for Jordan as he also won the ASTMA with the SA STA and most likely not the last. Golf Championships held at Coolangatta and In October, the SAGCA AGM was held Tweed Heads Golf Club during this year’s Gold at Kooyonga GC, with good numbers Coast conference. attending and some new faces coming on the The weather here in SA has been a little committee. Barry Bryant (Osmond GC), a unusual the past few months. We had some former SAGCSA president, stood down after reasonable rain over late winter and early 14 years on the committee. Barry has worked spring, but it has been a bit hit and miss over tirelessly on the committee over the years, and the October-November period. As far as the we would like to acknowledge his contribution. warm weather goes it has almost been non- Rowan Daymond (The Grange GC) also existent. There have been very few warm days stood down after two years on committee. so far this season, making renovations a little Rowan came in for a pinch hit and has been slower to recover. Hopefully over the next few involved in some important developments Thaxted Park superintendent Jordan Sherratt, winner months we will see weather patterns return to behind the scenes. A big thanks to both of the 2021 ASTMA Golf Championship, has joined the normal. SAGCSA committee gentlemen. Coming on to the committee is Tim has been on the committee previously and has NATHAN BENNETT Warren, superintendent at Glenelg GC. Tim now jumped back on, excellent commitment PRESIDENT, SAGCSA 68 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 MASON ON THE MOVE AS METROPOLITAN TO SEEK NEW SUPERINTENDENT O ne of the most highly sought after Lonergan (Coolangatta and Tweed Heads course superintendent positions GC), Royal Pines superintendent Lincoln in Australia has come up for grabs Coombes and Indooroopilly’s Ben Grylewicz. following the announcement that David Despite that, Mason is under no illusions that Mason (CSTM) will be leaving Metropolitan he’ll be learning plenty from the first day he Golf Club in early 2022. Mason, who has walks through the Brisbane GC gates. been superintendent at Metropolitan for the “I’m relishing the challenge that Brisbane past six-and-a-half-years, finishes up on 17 will present,” says Mason. “It’s the only club February 2022 before taking on his new role as in the country to have Champion ultradwarf superintendent at The Brisbane Golf Club from couch greens and that is a really interesting 1 March. aspect and something I am looking forward Brisbane’s committee confirmed Mason to learning more about. I hope to build on the as their new superintendent on Wednesday successful platforms that Mitch Hayes and 24 November, with Mason tendering his Brett Morris have set up there. Brisbane is resignation at Metropolitan the next day. The a progressive club and I’m really chuffed that news came just a week after Metropolitan the committee has given me the opportunity to general manager Peter Paccagnan announced move the club forward.” he was leaving the club to start as general Among many highlights of Mason’s time manager at neighbouring Commonwealth Golf in charge at Metropolitan include hosting Club in early 2022. the World Cup of Golf in 2018, as well as The decision to leave Metropolitan was David Mason will depart Metropolitan Golf Club next installing a brand new Rain Bird irrigation not an easy one for Mason who has spent 17 March to take on the superintendent role at The system in the 12 months leading up to the of his 28 years in golf course management at Brisbane Golf Club tournament. Mason has also spent the past the famed Melbourne Sandbelt club. Mason and culture of the club. I have absolutely loved couple of years undertaking in-depth trial started his apprenticeship there in 1993, my time at Metropolitan and it wasn’t an easy work on new bentgrass varieties and different rising to the role of assistant under previous decision, but for a number of reasons the profile construction methods in anticipation superintendent and now Royal Melbourne opportunity that was on offer at Brisbane was of Metropolitan’s greens replacement director of courses Richard Forsyth. too good to turn up. programme. The results of that research After 11 years at Metropolitan, Mason “My wife and I have been for some time have been borne out in the successful took on his first superintendent posting at looking at possibly moving north. Certainly the redevelopment and subsequent performance Warrnambool Golf Club on Victoria’s south impact of COVID here in Melbourne and the of the club’s new practice green and short coast in 2004, before returning to Melbourne tough times through lockdowns did play a part game facility. Of most satisfaction for Mason, four years later to take over at Riversdale in prompting a change sooner than we may however, has been his interactions with the Golf Club. In August 2015 the journey home have otherwise anticipated. But it is more the staff and members. was complete when he was appointed opportunity that the Brisbane role will provide. “The pinnacle for me during my time in superintendent at Metropolitan. Mason says Those sorts of roles don’t come up often and it charge has been the culture change in staff there were a number of factors at play in his was just the right time to make the move.” and building a great team,” says Mason. “We decision to leave Metropolitan and that it was Going from managing cool-season to lost a lot of staff early on, so to see the team one of the hardest decisions he has had to warm-season greens does not faze Mason, we have now and how some of the guys have make in his career. who leaves a club that has been renowned gone on to better things – like Nick Launer “Metropolitan is such a great club and it over the years for having some of the taking the super’s role at Keysborough – is has been a huge part of my life and career to best couchgrass fairways in the world. A really satisfying. I’ve been fortunate to get to date,” says Mason (45). “I’ve spent 17 years number of southern superintendents have know so many great people here – both staff over two eras and I would not have come back also successfully made the transition north, and members – and I am very thankful for to work here if it wasn’t for the great people among them current ASTMA president Peter that.” ON THE MOVE… CHRIS NATION: After four years as track MAT POULTNEY: After 15 years at Green Meadows Golf Club, Qld. manager with Perth Racing (Belmont and Acres GC, Vic, Poultney departed as LIAM SOMERS: From assistant Ascot, WA), Nation has started as general superintendent in mid-October ahead of a superintendent Mt Lawley GC, WA to manager of tracks and facilities at Newcastle family move to Brisbane. superintendent at Hamersley GC, WA. Jockey Club, NSW where he replaces the DAMON QUIGLEY: From superintendent Mt NIC STAFF: From superintendent outgoing Marshall Howarth. Martha Valley Estates (formerly Safety Beach Sandringham Golf Links, Vic to GERRI O’CALLAGHAN: From assistant GC) to superintendent Darwin GC, NT. superintendent East Course, Royal superintendent East Course, Royal MITCH HAYES: Resigned as superintendent Melbourne GC, Vic. Melbourne GC, Vic to superintendent The Brisbane GC, Qld. JAMES STEWART: From superintendent Sandringham Golf Links, Vic (see article on BLAINE KNOX: From superintendent Cranbourne GC, Vic to superintendent Green O’Callaghan page 16 - Ed). Beenleigh RSL, Qld to superintendent Palm Acres GC, Vic. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 69 OBITUARIES ANDREW MAGGS (24.9.1982 – 7.11.2021) Andrew Maggs was course superintendent at Maryborough Golf Club for five years, with members and management lauding him for his passion and dedication to the role T he Australian golf course management and superintendent community farewelled up and coming course superintendent Andrew Maggs in early November after he succumbed to a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer. An ASTMA member, the former superintendent of Maryborough Golf Club in central Victoria passed away at Maggs got his start in sports turf until early 2020 when he had to step aside to Maryborough Hospital on 7 November 2021 management through an apprenticeship at concentrate on his health battles. surrounded by his family. He was just 39. Thurgoona Country Club in NSW in 2000. After Among the many to post tributes in the Loving husband to Josephine and father successfully completing that, he served three week following Maggs’ passing was former to their two boys Sam (5) and Leo (2), Maggs years on the ground staff at the Lavington Commercial Club superintendent Anthony was a down-to-earth and hard-working turf Sports Ground before moving back into golf Toogood. Toogood hired Maggs to his crew manager who was passionate about his at The Commercial Club in Albury. After nearly after his time at Lavington and like all those profession and his family. He was also an seven years there, Maggs was successful in who came to know Maggs over the journey, he adept all-round sportsman who excelled in gaining his first course superintendent posting remembers him as one of the real good guys hockey, cricket and golf, representing both the at Maryborough Golf Club in Victoria in early who was liked and admired by everyone. Victorian and Australian Country teams in the 2015. Following his cancer diagnosis in April “We had an opening for a new staff former. 2019, he continued on as superintendent up member and I was recommended this ‘ripper 70 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 bloke’ by another turfie,” recalls Toogood. “Maggsy started shortly after and worked with us for about seven years. He was a ripper bloke and a talented athlete, playing hockey for the Australian Country team and the Albury Spitfires, opening the batting for his local cricket club and playing golf off low single figures. “He was popular with everybody and a natural leader and was always going to get a chance to be a superintendent. Maggsy left us when he applied for and got the superintendent’s job at Maryborough where for several years he did a great job and raised his young family before being cruelly diagnosed with stomach cancer. “Andrew was amazing in his humility and how stoic he was over the last few years and will be missed by family and friends of the many sporting clubs in which he was involved. Probably none more so than our mate Joel from The Commercial Club greenstaff. Joel is Maggs’ love for sport, in particular hockey, cricket and golf, were celebrated at his funeral a special needs person and the friendship that Maggsy struck up with Joel showed the class loved by absolutely everyone here, we are Just three months after the birth of his and empathy of the guy that taught me plenty. all shattered for his family. It has been tough second son Leo in January 2019, Maggs was “In our infrequent chats over the last few coming to work this morning but myself and diagnosed with a tumour on his appendix. years, our talks became less about work and the staff are committed to honouring Maggsy He began cancer treatment at the Peter turf and more about nothing! I gratefully last the best way we can.” Mac Centre in May and over the course of spoke to Maggsy about 10 days before he The VGCSA, of which Maggs was a the next two-and-a-half years fought hard to passed away and he was still talking about member of, also paid tribute to the young beat the insidious disease. A member of the how he was looking forward to taking his superintendent: “It was such sad news to ASTMA since 2015 and a regular attendee at caravan away with Jo (who he described as hear that Andrew had passed away,” says the annual Australian Turfgrass Conference, a saint) and his children. The loss of Andrew association chief executive Mary Napier. Maggs’ diagnosis prevented him from will be felt across many communities, not just “Andrew joined the VGCSA in 2016 until attending that year’s conference and ASTMA the turf community, and we have all lost a true ongoing ill health forced him to resign in the Golf Championships in Brisbane. A few weeks mate who was one of a kind.” early part of 2020. Despite such a difficult later, family and friends turned out en masse Josh Lacey, who took over the period for him, Andrew remained positive for a fundraising event held in Maggs’ honour superintendent reins at Maryborough after saying, “It has given me extra time with my at The Commercial Club. More than 400 turned Maggs stepped aside due to his health, posted two young sons and that time has been up to support Maggs and his young family in a on Facebook that he and the crew were at great”. Andrew remained an honorary member tremendous outpouring of love. a loss after learning of their former boss’s with the VGCSA and stayed in contact with In October this year, Maggs posted on passing: “It’s absolutely devastating for all of the association throughout. Our deepest Facebook that he had just undergone his 50th us at Maryborough. He was a great boss and condolences to his wife, family and close chemotherapy session. Sadly just a few weeks mentor to myself and the staff here, great turf colleagues at a time of tremendous grief and later, following a round of golf at Maryborough manager and an even better bloke. He was loss. Andrew touched the hearts of many.” Golf Club, Maggs was back in hospital after NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 71 OBITUARIES Maggs was a regular attendee of the annual Australian Turfgrass Conference and contender in the ASTMA Golf Championship Next to the stage, a golf cart was parked with Maggs’ golf clubs strapped on the back (he was a long-time single-figure handicapper and pennant player), while his hockey and cricket kit bags lay next to the cart. Maggs played over 260 games for the Spitfires and 67 games for the Victorian Country hockey teams and was remembered as a great team player and “brother” wearing the No.3 and No.6. Dan Leddin, who spoke at the service and who initially interviewed Maggs for the superintendent role at the club, recalled that experiencing pain. True to his stoic nature he inspiration to us all and will be sadly missed. within a week of Maggs starting the job how posted on Facebook that he had encountered Andrew played his last round of golf with us on impressed members were with the immediate “a little setback” which necessitated surgery. Tuesday with Sam and Leo as his caddies.” changes he made to the way the course Ever the optimist, he posted, “Was a bit scary A celebration of Maggs’ life was held on was presented. Over the course of his time there for a while but after the surgery the pain 17 November at Maryborough Golf Club, in charge, up until his cancer diagnosis, has subsided which is great. Still not sure with hundreds of friends and family gathering Maggs would play a major role in developing exactly what is wrong, hopefully something on the 4th fairway, one of Maggs’ favourite a strategic plan for the course, as well as manageable. Been a rough day for the family holes on the course, to pay their respects. instituting a dedicated water management plan and I’m sorry to you for putting you through In beautiful tributes during the near two-hour to help nurse the course’s playing surfaces that. Fingers crossed we’re on the mend now.” service, Maggs was remembered as being a through years of prolonged drought. Maggs would pass away just four days later. loyal son, brother, nephew, husband, father “Andrew was an inspiration to all, and Shortly after his passing, the Maryborough and, above all else, friend. His exploits in Maryborough Golf Club was blessed to have Golf Club posted on its Facebook page: “It hockey were lauded, while he was also such a dedicated course superintendent. is with much regret that we announce the remembered for his passion and skill as His legacy and friendship will be fondly passing of our much loved former course Maryborough’s superintendent, helping remembered by all who were privileged to superintendent Andrew Maggs. Andrew was an improve the course in many areas. know him.” REGINALD MCLAREN (1932 – 2021) F ormer ASTMA Distinguished the current day NSW Golf Course Service Award winner Reg McLaren Superintendents Association. That included passed away on Wednesday 17 nine years as president, served across two November after a long illness. He was 89. stints. For his dedication and commitment to One of a pioneering group of golf course the state association, in 2002 the NSWGCSA ‘greenkeepers’ and ‘curators’ to emerge granted McLaren life membership. in NSW between the 1950s and 1970s, Five years later, at the 2007 Australian McLaren started out in horticulture and turf Turfgrass Conference held in Cairns, McLaren management as a trainee with the Concord became the 17th recipient of ASTMA’s Council in 1946. After a couple of years there Distinguished Service Award. In doing so he he moved across to Concord Bowling Club, joined the likes of fellow NSW turf luminaries before taking on his first golf course role Vince Church, Peter McMaugh AM, Dr Peter at The Australian GC, a course where his Martin, Peter Brown and Rube Walkerden grandfather had been a curator. (posthumously awarded in 2004). Upon After a period at Concord Golf Club, winning the award, at the grand age of 75, in 1957 McLaren moved out to Sydney’s McLaren commented: western suburbs where he took over as head “To win the award is quite out of the curator of Cumberland Golf Club, a position blue. It was a complete surprise to get it and he would hold for 11 years. After finishing I think it would have surprised a few others at Cumberland, McLaren headed back to out there. I think they probably thought I was Concord as course manager before leaving to dead! I’m pleased in my mind what I achieved take on the construction superintendent role in my time, even if it did cost me my health. at the new Liverpool Golf Club, starting there Reg McLaren was bestowed the ASTMA’s highest It was all for the one aim of bettering the honour – the Distinguished Service Award – in 2007 just before the Christmas of 1970. NSW association and it’s very pleasing to see During his years at Cumberland, Concord impressive 20 years on the Board of what where it (the state) and ultimately the national and Liverpool, McLaren would serve an was then the NSW Curator’s Association, association, has come to today.” 72 AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.6 The DMI you deserve Giving you time to actually enjoy the view Introducing Dedicate FORTE Stressgard, a powerful and proven DMI fungicide with advanced formulation that delivers class-leading disease control. From tough root and soil-borne diseases, to persistent foliar pathogens, Dedicate FORTE Stressgard does it all. And don’t forget about the enhanced turf quality and plant health benefits you can expect from Stressgard Formulation Technology. ALWAYS USE ACCORDING TO PRODUCT LABEL Bayer CropScience Pty. 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