Course Committee Update

The Course Committee met on 16 January. In addition to matters covered in the Captain’s Update, the following items may be of interest to Members:

1. The ongoing management of our water supply was discussed in detail. To the maximum extent possible, we continue to use town water through our storage tank to irrigate the greens. We are building a database of water test results to better understand the sustainable quality of the dam water following the introduction of the aeration process.
2. We are investigating additional bulk water storage / access options – as well as holding tank options for treated or town water.
3. The rye over sow trials on the 11th and 16th tees are complete and we have determined that we will over sow these entire tee surfaces moving into this winter.
4. Three course improvement projects were approved for implementation and will be undertaken by our contractor from from February. They are as follows:

• Widening and levelling of the back of the 9th tee to provide a lager teeing area. This involves widening the current transition area between the “Blue” tee and the “Black” tee to provide more usable tee ground. 
• Trialling a new bunker sand in the two bunkers on the right hand side and just short of the green on the 14th;
• Providing level teeing areas for the Gold tees where these are currently in the fairway. 

5. The bare area under the tree on the right hand side of the 6th hole 150 metres from the green will be cleared of exposed rock and wood chip will be applied to integrate it with the wood chip area closer to the bush.
6. We will be implementing a policy to prevent damage to the course by motorised vehicles on hot days. When the forecast temperature for Pymble is 40 degrees or more, the course staff vehicles and member carts will not be allowed on the course. Recent turf damage from a very hot day makes such a policy an imperative. 

Thanks to all of the volunteers who have helped with hand watering over the last two months. This will enable the course to bounce back with the rain we are now receiving. 

Ian Skinner
Chair Course Committee