Golf Course Maintenance

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
‘NEWS LETTER’
JUNE 2007

Dear Member / Property Owner,

Following on from the ‘The Golf Course Superintendents News Letter’ sent to you in April which was designed to keep you up to date with all of the important maintenance procedures which were scheduled to take place on The Indiana course in May, we are pleased to be able to give you an update on the works carried out and to inform you of the schedule of works which shall take place in June 2007.

MAY COURSE MAINTENANCE UPDATE

15th Hole Modifications

Remodelling works to hole 15 continued in May as per the schedule. Work has been completed on the relocation of the cart track, widening of the existing fairway and the introduction of a new wadi and four new fairway bunkers to the right hand side of the fairway. The extensive changes to the irrigation system have also started. These works will continue throughout June.

Hollow Coring Greens

As a consequence of the high levels of temperatures experienced during the later part of May, the decision to replace the programme of hollow coring with 13mm Tines to 6mm Tines was made. The greens were then top dressed. This aerification program is essential for healthy root growth and turf. This amendment to the scheduled programme will ensure both reduced stress levels and rapid recovery of the greens.

Irrigation Improvements

Irrigation improvements to Tee 12 and the green surround of Hole 11 have been completed. Further improvements to the green surrounds of Holes 1, 5 & 17 are in the process of being completed as per the schedule. These improvements will help to maintain the required soil moisture levels during the hot summer months.

Hollow Coring and Overseeding Approaches

As a consequence of the extensive work carried out on the remodelling works to Hole 15, this schedule of maintenance has been deferred to June.

JUNE COURSE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

15th Hole Modifications

Remodelling works to hole 15 will continue. During this time the formation of the new lake within the existing ‘desert hard pan crossing’ at the green approach will commence. This program of works is extensive and the golf receptionists will announce daily updates of the works being carried out to golfers at registration.
We will of course try to keep any disruption to play to a minimum and ask for you to bear with us during the hole enhancement works.

Hollow Coring and Overseeding Approaches

Each green approach will be hollow cored, top dressed and over seeded. These procedures will help to reduce soil compaction, which allows us to maintain the highest quality playing surfaces at the approach of each green.

Coring Greens Schedule 2007 Reminder

In the knowledge that all property owners and members need to have as much notice as possible with respect to particular aspects of the golf course maintenance schedule, that temporarily effect the playing conditions of the greens surface, thus enabling them to plan particular holidays accordingly, please see below further remaining scheduled dates for ‘Greens Hollow Coring’: –

• Monday 15th October (6mm Tines)

This is an essential part of golf course maintenance. The hollow coring of the greens is a practice which is scheduled each year to both maintain and enhance the playing quality of the putting surfaces with which we are accustomed at The Indiana. This practice creates the required environment for strong vigorous roots to grow, the very essence of golf course maintenance.

You will be able to keep up to date with the full tournament and social schedule, format and any additions, information of how to enter, and much, much more by visiting either our official website www.almanzora.com or alternatively, reading the notice boards in both the Men’s and Ladies locker rooms in the Clubhouse whilst at the Resort.

We and the staff at Desert Springs are looking forward to seeing you on The Indiana course in the near future.