TSTMA
I
t is the craziest of times at the moment and something that we will hopefully never have to experience again. The COVID19 pandemic has tested us all on so many levels and it is now great to see government restrictions easing here in Tasmania and the state returning to some form of normality. No doubt, the pandemic has impacted every sporting club or council-run facility at different levels. In some certain cases it provided an opportunity to bring some muchneeded construction or renovation practices forward without the impediment of competition sporting events. I have spoken to numerous turf managers of late and here is a snapshot from a couple of them… l Steve Lewis (Royal Hobart GC) has been continuing on with Master Plan works. With restrictions in place, this has allowed the crew to focus on turf establishment of the newly developed holes and practice facility. Steve planned for lower input turf management by applying a growth retardant to greens, tees and fairways to keep the course in acceptable condition under the current circumstances.
Barnbougle’s Bradley Whish-Wilson will represent the TSTMA in the final of the ASTMA Graduate of the Year
Bryan Dunn (UTAS Stadium) reports it being quite eerie with no AFL and state football fixtures that would normally dominate the calendar. On the upside, however, it has allowed the recently reconstructed playing surface some extra time to mature and strengthen without the pressure of wear and tear. Down here at Barnbougle the courses were closed which has allowed us to devote nearly all of our labour and resources into the construction of the ‘Bougle Run’ short course, while doing bare minimum turf maintenance l
on the Dunes and Lost Farm courses. With the construction due to be completed on time on 30 June, we can then divert our attention back to where we were pre-COVID-19. I must also congratulate one of my crew members Bradley Whish-Wilson for being awarded the TSTMA Graduate of the Year. Bradley will now have the opportunity to present to the judging panel for the national ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award. (See Graduate of the Year finalist profiles on page 32 – Ed). Adam Spargo (UTAS Stadium) is still pinching himself having recently returned from the ASTMA and Jacobsen-sponsored Future Turf Managers’ Initiative in Melbourne. Adam encourages any of our aspiring turfies to apply for next year’s programme. With restrictions now lifting slowly we are still keen to hold a significant educational event in either October or November. More details will be forthcoming once we have a date and venue locked in. Until then, stay safe.
PHIL HILL PRESIDENT, TSTMA
GCSAQ
I
t is been fantastic to hear many great news stories from members and their teams throughout Queensland during the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry has truly come together to support each other in such uncertain times. The messaging in Queensland, like everywhere in the world, was changing by the hour and clubs were working hard to respond to the dynamic environment. As part of the major shutdown of Queensland, clubs with liquor licences were ordered to close to reduce the spread of the virus. Under immediate heavy lobbying from industry groups, including Golf Management Australia and Clubs Queensland, the golf course component of liquor licencing was separated from the clubhouse, allowing golfing activities to return under strict social distancing and hygiene conditions. Clubs throughout Queensland each responded to the new conditions with different strategies. It was quickly apparent that the digital world of knowledge sharing was providing strength during this time and social media channels became a great way for strangers to work through and create solutions for the industry.
Police and staff members representing the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations visited several clubs to ensure that social distancing guidelines were being met. While the primary focus was the clubhouses, visits extended down to the maintenance area in some cases. Luke Helm, superintendent at Meadowbrook Golf Club, welcomed the police and took on board their feedback to assist with safety. Police suggested they paint lines to direct people around the pro shop area and putting green as it was difficult with so many people congregating in this area. Stuart Campbell from Maroochy River Golf Club was pleased to retain his entire team even though the club’s management decided to close the course for several weeks. During that time Stuart and his crew undertook some drainage projects and wetland rejuvenation. Not surprisingly, Matt Holmes from e-par reports that in this ever-changing regulatory environment they have been busier than ever. They have had many calls from superintendents and also managers seeking guidance on safety and compliance. Many clubs have taken the opportunity to have their staff on reduced duties undertake
those jobs that often get left behind in busy times, such as performing equipment competencies, reading SOP’s and undertaking online training. It has also provided an opportunity to ensure things like PPE and first aid kits are stocked and emergency eye wash and shower units tested. Several clubs reported that staff were moved from food and beverage areas that were forced to close to the golf course maintenance team in an effort to keep them employed. Mark Hauff at Palmer Golf was one such superintendent to benefit, with the extra hands used to complete major landscaping improvements to areas of the course that would have been hard to maintain under normal staffing conditions. The GCSAQ continues to remind members to be mindful of their team’s general wellbeing, especially their mental health during these challenging times. Remember to ask your staff regularly ‘Are you OK?’ as mental health may be more important now than ever before. Stay safe everyone.
PAUL MCLEAN PRESIDENT, GCSAQ MAY-JUNE 2020
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