PKCGC we did like right from the get go was that you could manage them being quite dry. If the greens did dry out that bit more, you could put a splash of water on them and they responded really quickly. We learnt very quickly that you can back right off on the inputs and the more they mature the better they are becoming. “Nearly four years on now there’s a minimal level of water or nutrition that goes on the greens which is an amazing result. We wanted greens that were hard and fast and symbolic of the Melbourne Sandbelt. We’ve got a bentgrass that has minimal inputs with an amazing surface, that recovers really well from wear and tear and has good heat and cold tolerance. Everything we looked at in those trials has come to fruition. It suits the environment and our management style well. “The response from the members has been incredible too, but what is exciting for us as a team is now we can start to really finetune them. I’m looking forward to a regular dusting and growth regulator programme to see what level we can get the Pure Distinction to. We regularly test for soil deficiencies, moisture, speed and firmness as well as check clippings levels after every cut. These facts and extracted detail will form part of our approach to future maintenance regimes. It’s been an amazing grass so far and one of the better decisions we’ve made.”
DELIVERING A VISION The grassing is just one of many aspects which makes the PKCGC project so fascinating. Certainly from a golf course construction, management and agronomic perspective, it has been intensely watched on by the industry and has created widespread discussion. Stuart acknowledges the level of interest has been high and that many question whether what has been created at PKCGC can be sustained into the future.
A lot of people have been involved in the PKCGC redevelopment and gained terrific industry experience as a result
His counter to that is simple – come down and have a look. Look at what has gone on at PKCGC, understand the rigorous processes that have been undertaken and the many lessons that have been learned along the way. Stuart is under no illusions that time will tell whether it all pans out, but he is extremely confident he knows what will happen. “It will be an amazing facility for years to come,” assures Stuart. “It’s a very unique project and I’m sure it has opened up a lot of eyes to the possibilities that come with doing things a little differently. It shows what can be done if you are bold and embrace change. “I have been involved in so many new things during this project that I had limited experience in. And the areas that I did have experience with, I’ve been able to use that to make an impact. A lot of people have been involved in this project and what has been really satisfying to see is the amazing experience and skills they have got out of it. I think our industry will only be wealthier for the experience these guys have had here.
The aim at PKCGC was to deliver greens that were hard and fast and symbolic of the Melbourne Sandbelt
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AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.5
“It has been a real pleasure to have worked so closely with the whole OCCM team who have done an outstanding job. Their intimate knowledge of Sandbelt golf history, visionary course design and understanding the many intricate details that encompass the true beauty of the Sandbelt courses shines through in the results they have achieved for PKCGC. It was intriguing to watch them apply their craft and watch holes materialise out of the ground throughout the project. While at times we challenged each other’s teams, we have always had an eye on doing the very best collectively for the club. “I feel so privileged to have been chosen for my role here. I clearly recall the initial meeting with the club’s employment consultant and thereafter with the then two general managers Heath Wilson and Gary Richardson. ‘We have a little redevelopment project down the road that we would like you to consider assisting us with’ was their wording at the time. I’m not sure where they ever thought it was a ‘little’ project. Then a meeting with the presidents Peter Sweeney and Gerry Ryan whose continued support throughout this very challenging project has been nothing short of exceptional. All those gentlemen have been so instrumental in the success of this ‘large, not small’ project. “Current CEO Heath and I share a strong relationship and often shake our heads as to the many tough challenges we faced during the project. Above all though, the greatest satisfaction is now seeing the enjoyment of the members. Some were very torn and emotionally challenged by the merger and there was a lot of heartache in coming together. Now they can proudly say they’re a member of ‘Peninsula Kingswood’. We promised them a lot and we had to deliver a vision the club had. And I think what we have delivered has exceeded that in our members’ eyes which makes you feel very proud.”