Palms bunker edge maintenance

We are trialling a new method of maintaining the bunker edges on the Palms. Feedback from members has told us that golf balls are being lost in the Plateau Couch surrounding the bunkers. As a result we have come up with a novel method for dealing with this issues. Using a flame thrower we are burning the grass around the bunkers to remove the mat that has built up and reduce the spongy nature of the grass. The initial blackened look will disappear within a few days. This is an old technique used on the Links courses of Scotland in spring time.

Distance markers on Palms

Additional distance markers have been placed on the sprinkler heads on the Palms to assist in speeding up play. We have also painted arrows on the cart paths which indicate 200(blue), 150(white) and 100(red) metres from the green for days when it is carts on paths.

Spraying of outer roughs

We are continuing to spray areas of the outer roughs with herbicide to reduce the maintenance of these areas, control noxious weeds, improve the aesthetics and increase the speed of play as golf balls will be easier to find. This was an idea borrowed from Pinehurst #2 in North Carolina which i visited in February.

Clearing

Now that we are in the depths of winter our maintenance staff are concentrating on some of the out of play areas on the golf courses. The area behind the 1st green has been cleared of all noxious weeds and scrub which has opened up sensational views across the lake to the 8th hole.

Land for Wildlife

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club last week signed a Conservation Partnership Agreement with Gold Coast City Council to become a Land for Wildlife which will ensure that our golf courses continue to develop in a sustainable manner which is both beneficial to the courses and the flora and fauna which inhabit them. One of the main challenges that faces the Pines golf course at the moment is the replacement of nearly 9000 radiata pines which are coming to the end of their lives. Together with Gold Coast City Council we will be selecting replacement trees which are both native to the area and will enhance the biodiversity of the golf courses. Click here to read more about the Land for Wildlife Program.

Pitch Marks

With winter well and truly upon us we are noticing that there is severe damage being caused by badly and unrepaired pitch marks. The attached photograph shows a picture of the 12th green on the Pines and each golf ball has been placed on top of a badly or unrepaired pitch mark. It is the responsibility of all members and their guests to ensure that they repair their own pitch mark plus one other each time they walk on to a green. Click here to watch a video of Open Champion Padraig Harrington explaining how to properly repair pitch marks as well as other ways that golfers can help to look after their course.

Weather Station

A weather station has been installed near the 11th tee of the Palms which will link to the irrigation system of both golf courses. This weather station will allow us to accurately record all on site weather conditions and will in turn control the irrigation system far more accurately saving both water and money.