By Course Superintendent, Travis Scott
Course Plan works commence on Monday 29th August with tree contractors removing selected trees on the 1st and 2nd holes. A Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) and Eucalyptus Corymbia Maculata were removed from the RHS of the 1st green. On the RHS of the 2nd men’s tee a Cupressus macrocarpa, Lebanese cedar and Corymbia Maculata were removed to allow for the construction of the new 2nd tee. The Lebanese Cedar and Maculata were not included for removal in the architect’s initial drawings, however following a site visit it was determined that the trees were required for removal (photos below). Some re-plantings will be a priority once the works are completed. Riversdale staff have continued the tree work with the removal of two Eucalyptus maculatas on the LHS of the fairway. This will allow for the fairway to be widened and flattened to assist ball retention on the cut surface. Further tree works will be completed on the RHS of the second tee which will involve removal of the overgrown vegetation encroaching on the tee which will then be re-vegetated as part of the works program.
Herbicide applications have been completed to remove of unwanted grasses. The first application of Glyphosate was applied on the 5 September on selected areas to remove Kikuyu and Parramatta grass. These areas will be reshaped and seeded. Selective herbicide was also applied to all couch surfaces on the first and second holes to assist Poa annua control.
Staff have commenced the removal of irrigation heads in the areas of re-construction to ensure they can be re-installed once construction is complete. Although time consuming, the re-use of irrigation infrastructure will result in significant savings. Next week we will also commence lifting turf in selected areas and store the sods for re-use. We have also obtained over 500m2 of greens turf from Commonwealth GC – currently undertaking significant course works, to be used as part of our re-construction works.
Excavation works will commence on Monday 19 September with initial works including removal of all unwanted turf followed by construction of the first hole tees.
We will continue to provide updates of the works program throughout the project.
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