PKCGC Uncovering and beautifying the existing creek network and using rugged stone walls has added a real unique look to the South Course. Pictured is 5 South
to Sandbelt vegetation. With the use of geological and historical vegetation mapping and many hours in the field, we established the original 11 EVCs (Ecological Vegetation Classes) which exist on the site. This became the blueprint for our revegetation and by overlaying our plans on his we could establish exactly what should be planted where and to what densities (read more, page 38).
NORTH AND SOUTH… MAYBE A COMPOSITE While the intention was never to create two distinctly different designs, the nature of the site suggested that the North would always feel a little different to the South. The North, playing over sandier and more undulating ground, with perhaps the best examples of heathland vegetation of any course in Melbourne, was always intended to be a pure Sandbelt experience. Firm and fast, with tilted greens, expansive bunkers, wide fairways and roughs featuring that distinctive combination of sand, native grasses and heathland vegetation that the region is known for. Since the original Peninsula course was developed into a 36-hole facility in the late 1960s, the South Course was always regarded as the longer, more difficult test. Built over flatter ground than the North, its open, more manicured look often had it labelled (incorrectly) as a parkland. The new design looks to capture its Sandbelt origins. Greens and bunkers were built in a style and scale which closer matched its more famous neighbours, reworked bunkering and green design putting 32
more of a premium on positioning from the tee. Vegetation was removed to open up views across the course and many thousands of plants and grasses added to complement bunkers and tee carries. Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the new design, has been opening up of the original creek lines, which proliferated the site and now form a key part of the design on at least six holes. We’re often asked about the opportunities for a Composite Course and there are some really good possibilities. Perhaps, though, there are too many, with up to 20 different routings at last count! My favourite includes a finish around the clubhouse with the 18S, 1S, 17N and 18N as the finish. The difficulty of course is that you can’t cherry pick the best holes on the property and turn them into a cohesive 18-hole layout so there are always some compromises.
EXCITING FUTURE The Melbourne Sandbelt hasn’t seen a project of this scale since the 1920s and, quite probably, we’re unlikely to ever again. In some ways we’ve put into four years what many other clubs have had decades to implement and refine. Like any project of this kind, there are a great many people who contributed to the outcome. Given the scale of the works, we ended up with a very large team involved with the project including OCCM staff, plus contractors and ground staff. This included my design partners Ashley Mead and Mike Clayton, our own shapers (Jason McCarthy and Nick Henry), project manager (Rob
AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 21.5
Swift) and up to seven PKCGC groundstaff who worked under OCCM to assist with construction. It is essential to have a great relationship with the course management and staff and we were fortunate not only to have an incredible team at PKCGC, but we had the benefit knowing most the guys for a long time, having worked elsewhere together and even travelling away on various study tours overseas. We’re very fortunate to report that after four years we’re all still friends! At the very start of the project we discussed what the goal should be for the redevelopment. Everyone had their own idea of what success would look like – is it a high ranking, financial success, member desirability? I guess I thought that rather than focusing on specific numbers, longterm success would come if, at the end of the day, the two courses were in the same conversation as the best on the Sandbelt. Whether one is better than the other is almost irrelevant. Everyone will have their favourite, but at least if you’re in the conversation I thought everything else should fall into place. So far that seems to be the case. While the results thus far have been very satisfying, there are still improvements to be made. It’s important to always be looking to improve the product and we’re part of the long-term plan to continually refine and improve the courses. This is perhaps the most exciting part for us. While it’s lovely to hear the compliments now, we’re excited to think just how good the product could be with a few growing seasons under the belt.