2011 Annual Report - Cronulla Golf Club

COURsE REPORT
Since September 2010 the course has been subjected to a wide variety of weather patterns. At the year end the
course was in excellent condition assisted by good rainfalls in November and December. Hot and dry conditions
in January and February once again saw parts of the course dry out and some greens in danger of damage to turf.
On one occasion in this period both of the storage tanks were emptied (partly due to flow restrictions on input
from the bore and potable water supply) in an attempt to save the greens from damage.
In March April and May of this year the earlier weather pattern was reversed and a total of 600 mm fell on the
course – approximately half of the annual average rainfall. Flooding of the course in April resulted in closure for
several days. A problem with the drain discharging water from the club house caused flooding of the professional’s
shop and storage room with considerable damage sustained.
After a drier period in June the heavens opened once again in July – Sydney’s wettest July for 60 years. In one
three day period nearly 300 mm fell on the course. Flooding was the worst seen for many years and for most
members the worst ever. Continuous pumping for these days and three more after the rain stopped, together with
round the clock operation of the food gates, removed most of the water from the course.
Despite the variations in weather conditions the course remained in very good condition and with the growing
season approaching expectations are high for further improvement in the summer.
In October last year the new 15th and reconstructed 10th holes were in play. Further work on the Masterplan has
been suspended until financial conditions are suitable again. In the interim a period of consolidation has allowed
members to enjoy consistent playing conditions. Subsequent to the completions of this work the course was
assessed in December under the new Course Rating System for 5 different courses – 3 for men and 2 for ladies.
The ratings were communicated to the club by NSW Golf in May and resulted in ratings of 70 for the men’s Black
and Blue courses, 68 for the men’s White course’ 74 for the ladies Red course and 72 for the ladies Gold course.
These were very satisfactory results and reflected well on the design of the new and reconstructed holes resulting
from the Masterplan work.
Connection of the Recycled Water system to the club’s two storage tanks was completed in April. Some recycled
water was received as part of the system testing and commissioning process. Prolonged negotiations over the
End User Agreement, involving negotiations to better protect the club’s long term interests meant that the actual
supply date was put back to early August.
Work carried out during the year to improve the course included:
• Extension of the irrigation system on the 12th, 16th (part) and 18th holes. Connection to the new control
system will allow much greater flexibility and coverage in the irrigation cycle.
• Replacement of the last remaining section of the old AC fibre irrigation pipe between the vicinity of the 16th
green and the 9th fairway.
• Extension of the 4th,6th , 7th and 10th tees to enhance the course rating.
• Additional car parking area for the greens staff and visitors to the greenkeepers facility.
• Shelter sheds for players at the 15th tee.
• New drainage line from the club house to Hume Rd replacing a smaller pipe connected to the Hume Rd
Gross Pollution Trap. This old pipe was the principal cause of the pro shop flooding in April.
• Water fountains fitted with refrigeration units and connected to the potable water supply. These units
originally required manual filling by green keeping staff.
• Construction of a green house for the plant nursery.
As part of the ongoing machinery replacement programme the following equipment was obtained during the
year:
• Two fairway mowers.
• Two Kawasaki mules (staff transport machines).
• Bunker rake.
• A multi purpose tractor incorporating a top dresser and spray tank which may also accommodate coring
equipment in the future.
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