2018 COURSE RENOVATIONS @ NIKANTI GOLF CLUB
The 2nd of April saw the beginning of the annual course renovations for Nikanti Golf Club. The aim of the process was to remove the excess organic matter that has accumulated over the last 12 months, relieve any compaction and present the surfaces in top condition for the clubs biggest event of the year, the BMW Golf Cup which begins on the 10th of May.
We have created a set of Course Quality Objectives for the club which include target ranges for various performance parameters including firmness, green speed, infiltration rate and soil organic matter levels. These parameters are aimed at maintaining a high performing playing surface consistently through the year.
Renovation practices like what we completed this year and in previous years, allow the club to achieve those goals and target specific areas that have been identified as underperforming. Since incorporating the Course Quality Objectives, the main focus during renovations has been removing the maximum amount of organic matter from the fairways. The fairways are harbouring a dense organic matter layer at their surface which holds excess moisture and results in a softer surface.
Soil organic matter levels in the greens were tested by Loss on Ignition at three different levels. 0-20mm, 20-40mm and 40-60mm. From these results, we could effectively target the problem area for maximum results. The test results showed that the OM levels are still within the target ranges. The decision was then made to use a solid tine rather than a coring tine and focus the verti-cutting on the top 5mm of the soil to remove the OM which had accumulated over the previous 12 months. The club will also incorporate more regular verti-cutting and dusting in their regular program through the year.
A step by step video of the golf course renovation practices at Nikanti Golf Club in 2018.
Below is a summary of the program in chronological order for all surfaces including approximate costs.
GREENS
Vertical mow at -5mm up and back on the same line in 3 directions
Double cut at 3mm
Aerate with 9.7mm solid tines in a 1.5" x 1.5" pattern
Top-dress by hand
Level lawn when the sand has dried
Double roll
Brush with a medium-soft hand broom
Apply fertiliser and irrigation. Ammonium sulphate (21-0-0) and Eon 75 (humic acids)
After 4 days...
Vertical mow at 0mm
Aerate with 6.3mm solid tines in a 1.5" x 1.5" pattern
Brush with a medium-sof hand broom
Apply fertiliser and irrigation. Mono Ammonium Phosphate (12-60-0), Potassium Nitrate (13.5-0-44) and a retention wetting agent.
Approximate costs (initial 2 days):
Sand = US$1238.71 (60m3)
Labour = US$1,043.98 (31 staff)
Tines = US$1,045.20
Fertiliser = US$616.88 (21-0-0 = $36.23 + Humic Acid = $580.65)
APPROACHES
Vertical mow at -5mm up and back on the same stripe in 3 directions (Triplex)
Graden at -5mm in 1 direction (collars and other small areas)
Double cut at 9mm
Top dress
Aerate with 9.7mm solid tines in a 1.5" x 2" pattern
Rub in with coconut drag mat
Heavy roll
Apply fertiliser and irrigation. Ammonium sulphate (21-0-0)
Approximate costs:
Sand = US$1,48.39 (75m3)
Labour = US$811.69 (25 staff)
Tines = US$537.10
Fertiliser = US$45.29
FAIRWAYS
Circle cut at 7mm
Graden in 1 direction at -20mm
Drag with a steel mat (after Rak-O-Vac)
Cut at 7mm in 1 direction
Top dress
Rub in sand when dry with a coconut mat
Apply fertiliser and irrigation. Ammonium sulphate (21-0-0)
Approximate costs:
Sand = US$9,290.32 (450m3)
Labour = US$503.05
Fertiliser = US$271.74
ROUGH
Cut from 40mm to 20mm
Top dress and aerate high traffic areas with 16mm coring tines in a 2.5" x 2" pattern
Rub in with a steel drag mat when dry
Apply fertiliser and irrigation. Ammonium sulphate (21-0-0)
Approximate costs:
Sand = US$412.90 (20m3)
Labour = US$226.2
Fertiliser = US$301.94
TEES
Tees were completed two weeks later as part of our regular maintenance routine. The program below is completed on the tees every 4 weeks and has provided fantastic results allowing the club to forgo a major renovation.
Cut at 5mm
Light top dress
Aerate with 6.3mm solid tines in a 1.5" x 2" pattern
Approximate costs
Sand = US$495.48 (24m3)
Labour = US$78.13 (5 staff @ US$1.56/hour)
Tines = US$508.10
A huge thank you to the team at Nikanti, it was a tough week but they did an expert job allowing us to finish on schedule with a fantastic result.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding any of the processes above.