Australian Turfgrass Management Journal - Volume 26.6 by AGCSA

Peak performance

Australian tournament reviews

Management material

FTMI Class of 2024/2025 in session

Cup calling

Sandery in spotlight for Women’s T20 World Cup

Sandery in spotlight for Women’s T20 World Cup Cup calling

Molloy’s mission

Victorian sea change for NSW superintendent

Victorian sea change for NSW superintendent Molloy’s mission

2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open

Kingston Heath and Victoria reprise their double act

Published by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA)

Editorial

Brett Robinson

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COVER STORY

HEATH’S HERCULEAN EFFORT 8

Kingston Heath superintendent Hayden Mead has presided over plenty of tournaments in his career, but he certainly won’t forget the start of the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open in a hurry. Along with co-host Victoria Golf Club, the two iconic Melbourne Sandbelt clubs copped more than a months’ worth of rain in a few days leading up to the tournament, necessitating a mammoth clean-up effort to get the courses playable for the opening round. In the first of a series of articles covering the Open, ATM editor Brett Robinson looks back at Kingston Heath’s eventful week and the ultimate karma the course dished out to one of the game’s stars.

Cover: The 18th green at Kingston Heath Golf Club, 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open. Photo: Brett Robinson (ASTMA)

PHOTO: BRETT ROBINSON

PHOTO: TOBY PALFREY

A Test for the ages

As far as prophetic statements go it couldn’t have been more perfect. Matt Page, head curator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), was addressing a swarm of Australian and Indian cricket media on Christmas Eve, taking questions about the pitch that he and his team would soon unveil for the Boxing Day Test, the fourth match in the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Flanked by MCG chief executive Stuart Fox, Page dutifully, albeit a little uncomfortably, answered their questions and even managed to successfully negotiate a few short-pitched deliveries from the Indian media about the practice pitches which the tourists had been assigned.

When asked by one Australian journalist what he was hoping for with the Test, Page responded: “We’ve been really happy with what we’ve served up the last couple of years and we don’t see any reason to change from that, so it’s sort of a rinse and repeat job for us. We’ve seen three fantastic Test matches so far on three great pitches, so hopefully we play our part as well.”

When probed further about their preparations and how they have managed to turn the MCG pitches around after the infamous 2017 Ashes Test and the ICC’s subsequent ‘poor’ rating, Page elucidated: “Seven years ago we were quite flat, so after that we sat down and discussed where we wanted to go as an organisation and what we wanted to be renowned for. We said that we wanted to produce Test match pitches that are going to provide a thrilling contest, one that gives the bowlers an opportunity at various points but also gives the batters a chance if they play well.

“So we then played around with our grass lengths, our compaction levels and moisture levels and that probably took us three years to get where we wanted to get to. Over the last 2-3 years I’d say we have been quite consistent in what we’ve rolled out. We leave a bit more grass on them now which brings the bowlers into the game more, but they’re still good for batting once the new ball goes. And they have provided some thrilling contests and that’s what we want to do.”

Contributors to Australian Turfgrass Management Journal

Volume 26.6 (November-December 2024): 2024/2025 Future Turf Managers’ Initiative cohort; Australian Golf Media; Andrew Anderson (Ranfurlie GC); Shane Baker (GCSAWA); Gary Beehag; Graeme Davidson (The Victoria GC); Ben Gibson (The Toolbox Team); Monina Gilbey (Glenelg GC); Tim Hamilton (Kingston Heath GC); Leon Hennessy (NSWGCSA); Adam Lamb (VGCSA); Richard Lancaster (TSTMA); Rick Lee (Moonah Links); Dean Lewis (Thurgoona CC); Chris McCulloch (ASTMA); Peter McMaugh AM (Turfgrass Scientific Services); Hayden Mead (Kingston Heath GC); Adam Mills (Royal Queensland GC); Craig Molloy (Barwon Heads GC); Mary Napier (VGCSA); Steven Newell (The Victoria GC); John Neylan; Ben Payne (Peninsula Kingswood CGC); Jason Perkins (NZGCSA); Lindsay Robertson (NZSTI); Paul Robinson (Murray Downs G&CC); Matthew Sandery (Dubai International Cricket Stadium/ICCA); Albert Sherry (ASTMA); Mark Unwin (ASTMA); Tim Warren (TMSA); Mark Williams (Richmond GC); Jenny Zadro (STA NSW/Turf NSW).

A “thrilling contest” wouldn’t even come close to describing the events across what was arguably one of the greatest MCG Tests, both on and off the pitch. The 2024 Boxing Day Test will go down as one for the ages and not just for the end result which saw Australia go 2-1 up in the series. Indeed, Australian captain Pat Cummins regarded it as the greatest Test win of his career. What didn’t the Test have? Australia won the toss and decided to bat on a 40-degree day with a 19-year-old New South Welshman parachuted into Australia’s struggling top order making his debut. Wunderkind Sam Konstas, having played and missed most of his first over to the wizard that is Jasprit Bumrah, then proceeded to ramp, scoop and paddle him over the slips cordon. His eventual 60 off 65 and the sheer theatre of his confrontation with boyhood hero turned fierce rival Virat Kohli when they bumped into each other between overs made for riveting viewing. The only thing that surpassed it in that first innings was Steve Smith’s Day 2 century and eventual 140. The match then ebbed and flowed, marked by various moments of brilliance and madness. Bumrah was at his talismanic best, keeping his team in the contest at multiple times, while teammate Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his maiden Test century with his father watching on tearfully from the boundary. India’s running between wickets was calamitous at best, but it was a brain fade from the mercurial Rishabh Pant who would cause a billion-plus Indian cricket fans the world over to groan in agony. His rush of blood trying to dispatch a rank half-tracker from part-time spinner Travis Head was mistimed and he holed out to Mitchell Marsh near the long on boundary. It triggered a dramatic Indian collapse (7/35) and even this Kiwi was up out of his seat applauding after Nathan Lyon trapped Siraj in front to complete a famous and compelling victory.

While the on-field action was sublime, off-field it was also a Test to remember as it set a new MCG attendance record. After crowds of 87,242, 85,147, 83,073 (a record Day 3 attendance) and 43,867 had flooded through the turnstiles across the first four days, not even the MCC could have imagined what would transpire on Day 5. By the end of the first session 51,000 were already inside the ground and by the end of the day a remarkable 74,362 had set a new Day 5 and overall record. Across the five days 373,691 attended, smashing the previous record of 350,534 set way back in 1936/37 in a six-day Test between Australia and England.

But the star of the show was the oft-called ‘hallowed turf’ out in the middle, presided over by Page and his arenas team. Across multiple points in their coverage, the numerous media outlets – Channel 7, Fox Sports, SEN, ABC Grandstand – continually lauded Page and his team for their efforts in producing a superb wicket and a stunning outfield to match. It was indeed a thrilling accomplishment at every level. Enjoy the read…

Brett Robinson, Editor

FOREWORD THINKING WITH MARK UNWIN, CEO

A year of continued progress for the ASTMA and industry

With the sun having set on 2024, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and both the progress we made and the challenges we faced. I find this time is also a chance to look to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for our industry and association over the coming 12 months.

2024 has been a year of great successes and continued challenges. Across the industry we have witnessed stories of remarkable innovation, resilience and collaboration by ASTMA members. Whether lending support to fellow colleagues who have faced adverse weather events, members volunteering to help their national or state association prosper or supporting the preparation of significant international and local events, it has been great to witness these types of behaviours. This willingness to help and support one another is what keeps us as an industry moving forward.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

From an ASTMA perspective, a key focus in 2024 was solidifying our training and development work as a Registered Training Organisation. 2024 was our first full calendar year in operation, supporting both students and workplaces in training the next generation. With some 60-plus students currently enrolled and another dozen or so commencing in the New Year, the last 12 months have seen a series of quick lessons, challenges and some good wins.

The highlight was without doubt the recent graduation of our first batch of students, with Jayde Robson completing her Diploma of Sports Turf Management and Mitchell Bennett, Oliver Davis and Jack Stirling being signed off on their Certificate III in Sports Turf Management (read ASTMA national training manager Albert Sherry’s report on page 64).

The next 12-month focus for our RTO will be to continue expanding our student support and development programs, increasing participation and launching a series of initiatives to equip students and association members with the skills to navigate a rapidly changing operating landscape.

We also saw the first sessions held around the nation under the Cricket Pitch Curator Accreditation Program, with training days held in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. To date we have had over 300 curators enrolled in the program, with more than 230 gaining their Level 1 or Level 2 accreditation and a further 80 in the processes of completing the online learning modules. Further curator training sessions are planned by a number of state associations in early 2025, so if you are interested in attaining accreditation then please keep checking with your local association as to future training events that are scheduled.

November and December also saw our initial First Green events held in NSW. Thanks must go to Toronto Golf Club superintendent Aaron Cachia (CSTM) and Gosford Golf Club superintendent Dave Nicholls and general manager Keiran Moran who hosted the programs, along with support from Simon Mumford from the NSW Regional Industry

Education Program. Both facilities hosted local Year 10 and 11 students at their courses for a half day of learning and education on various elements of agronomy and biodiversity and also finding out about careers in turf management and the opportunities that apprenticeships in the industry can provide.

The annual Australian Sports Turf Management Conference and Trade Exhibition was successfully held in Brisbane this year, with a great turnout of delegates and exhibitors alike. Always a favourite among attendees, Brisbane was a popular choice for both the ASTMA and GMA for this year’s combined event. Attention has now turned to Sydney 2025 where the event will be held at the Sydney Showgrounds. Program development and speaker engagement is well underway and initial announcements will be shared in January ahead of conference registrations opening in February.

CHALLENGES, LESSONS LEARNED

Of course, no year is without its hurdles. From labour shortages to seasonal weather impacts at facilities, flooding on one side of the country and prolonged drought conditions in others, 2024 continued to test our industry in numerous ways. We were dealt a blow in talent attraction with the removal of apprenticeship support by the Federal Government. We continue to advocate at the highest levels for this support for employers to be reinstated in 2025, in addition to the reinstatement of various Visa classifications for seasonal and skilled workers in turf management.

Through all these challenges, our members have persevered and along the way learned valuable lessons. The past 12 months have reinforced the importance of collaboration, agility and long-term thinking for the industry. I’m proud to say that the ASTMA Board and staff have worked diligently

Toronto Golf Club near Newcastle hosted the inaugural First Green event for local school students in late November, delivered by course superintendent Aaron Cachia (CSTM)

to support members during these times, providing resources, guidance and advocacy to help address these challenges and work toward improvements in the year(s) ahead.

AND SO ON TO 2025…

As we prepare for 2025, the coming year promises to bring new opportunities for growth and innovation. In line with continuing to focus and deliver on our Strategic Plan, our priorities for the year ahead include:

l Driving sustainability: With sustainability becoming an increasingly critical priority for members, our partners and facilities, the ASTMA will be working alongside the Australian Golf Industry Council and other industry bodies on initiatives to help members implement improvement practices and meet environmental goals.

l Expanding member services: We are committed to providing even greater value to members by enhancing our suite of services, including tailored resources, agronomic consultancy, educational opportunities and networking opportunities. This also includes continuing to support the state associations in their pursuit of continued growth and delivery of learning opportunities for members at a local level.

A key focus for the ASTMA in 2024 was solidifying training and development work as an RTO

l Strengthening advocacy efforts: Building on this year’s activities, we will increase our advocacy work to address emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities, support for members and apprentices and ensure our industry remains competitive and positioned for growth.

THANK YOU

I would like to close out this last column of 2024 with a note of thanks to our members. Your passion, expertise and commitment are a source of inspiration to myself and the association team and are the driving force behind our industry’s success. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your contributions, whether through active participation in our initiatives, sharing your

insights, or simply being an engaged member of our industry and supporting other turf managers in a time of need.

I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work of the team at the association. Their dedication and hard work ensure that we remain a strong and effective voice for our industry. They consistently drive toward making the association better and delivering ways to continue supporting our members. A special note of thanks and acknowledgement must go to the ASTMA Board, led by president Ben Tilley. Each member of the Board volunteers their time and experience to help support and grow the association. Above all, they give up their time to ensure that all members have an association that is working to better support them and the industry.

Lastly, a note of thanks to our valued industry partners and sponsors. In a very large way, we are only able to do what we do and assist our members due to the support you provide. On behalf of a grateful association team and membership base, thank you.

As we farewell 2024, take the time to celebrate your achievements, reflect on what you’ve been able to deliver and look forward to the opportunities ahead. On behalf of the ASTMA, I wish you, your team and family a prosperous New Year.

Best

on ground

ATM showcases some of the best social media images from the opening three games of the historic five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series between Australia and India.

BRENDON LARGE

“Well done to the team from HG Turf Group and WACA curator Issac McDonald. Great effort by all in the lead up and through the 1st Test Australia v India. (Optus Stadium arena manager Brendon Large and his team, together with McDonald, hosted the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series, with the visitors going 1-0 up.)

TURF MANAGEMENT SA

“The Adelaide Oval SMA grounds team in the moment during the second Test between India and Australia. Well done to Damian Hough and the team!” (Australia drew the series level with India after a commanding performance in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. One of the best Test cricket venues in the world…? Pretty hard to argue otherwise…)

THE GABBA

“Turns

not a

out,

day for it. Play abandoned for day one.” (After India won the toss and put Australia into bat, the opening day of the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane would be abandoned after the heavens opened. India bowled just 13.2 overs before the rain set in for good, with the Gabba surface copping nearly 75mm. It proved a frustrating Test for curator Dave Sandurski and his crew as rain impacted most days, resulting in a draw.)

Hherculean

The Heath’s effort

Kingston Heath superintendent Hayden Mead has presided over many tournaments in his career, but he certainly won’t forget the start to the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open in a hurry. Across four articles, ATM editor Brett Robinson looks back on an eventful week and lead-in for both the Kingston Heath and Victoria crews.

ayden Mead cut a lonely and pensive figure. Leaning on a bunker rake, staring into a pool of murky water in the left greenside bunker on Kingston Heath’s tournament 7th hole, Mead looks deep in thought as the water drains ever so slowly, too slowly. Every now and then, in between answering his two-way radio, he leans across with the rake to unblock the drainage hole in the bunker floor and keep the water flowing.

It’s 5:56am on the opening day of the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open and already

Mead and his crew have notched up more than two hours on course. All around the famed Melbourne Sandbelt layout, an army of workers are tending to the majority of The Heath course’s 152 bunkers which over the past 24 hours have been laid to waste by the weather. Aside from a select few cutting the A1 bentgrass greens or on course set up, everyone else is either on the end of a shovel, board or bunker rake or using handheld and tow-behind blowers to clear the huge amount of debris that litters the course from the previous day’s winds. At its peak, the bunker

team numbers 40 out of a possible crew of 53; no fairways, tees or surrounds will be mown this particular morning.

By 6:05am the bunker is clear of water and Mead is on the move. After a quick discussion with DP World Tour tournament officials (and a few grimaces), seven minutes later Mead is across on the par five 12th surveying one of the large fairway bunkers which is also ankle-deep in water. A swift radio call to turf technician John Angliss in the workshop and the bunker pump is dispatched. Angliss, together with Mead and stalwart crew member

John Dalton, soon have it connected and pumping water into a nearby drainage outlet. By 6:40am, just 15 minutes before the first groups tee off on holes 1 and 10, it’s cleared. It was a morning that Mead, or his Victoria Golf Club counterpart Steven Newell for that matter, won’t forget anytime soon. After a relatively smooth lead-in as both clubs looked forward to reprising their 2022 roles as Australian Open co-hosts, this time around the great leveller that is the weather would conspire to undo much of their good work. Indeed, as Mead summed it all up back in his

office as the crew caught their collective breath after an intense morning shift, it was a “brutal” way to kick off the tournament.

NO EXCUSES, JUST THE FACTS

Kingston Heath’s weather dramas had started the previous weekend. Melbourne sweltered through its warmest two-day stretch of the season to that point, with tops of 37oC and 39oC on Saturday and Sunday. True to form, it then rained, with what was a timely 15mm across Sunday and into Monday morning which helped to freshen the course up. Come

the early hours of Wednesday morning, however, things would start heading south. By the time Mead’s crew had kicked off their preparations for Australian Open Pro-Am day at 4am, the rain had already set in and persisted through until 9am. During that time Kingston Heath’s rain gauge collected 18mm. After a break in the weather which allowed the Pro-Am to tee off on time, by 2pm the weather radar started showing increasing storm activity tracking across Melbourne from the northwest. Tournament organisers were forced to abandon the afternoon practice rounds

PHOTOS: BRETT ROBINSON

Main image: After all the dramas 24 hours earlier, the 18th green at Kingston Heath looked positively serene late on day one of the 2024 Australian Open

Right: Kingston Heath superintendent Hayden Mead battles the bunkers ahead of the opening round

which was just as well as the course was soon lashed by multiple storm cells between 3pm and 7pm which dumped large amounts of rain in short ferocious bursts.

Despite the crew’s best intentions of getting out on the course and completing their afternoon preparations, lightning strikes in close proximity meant they couldn’t. Kingston Heath subscribes to the Ubimet weather platform which issues a warning to the club if a lightning strike is detected within 30 kilometres of the course. If a strike is detected within 10km, the lightning siren sounds and everyone has to get off the course. They can then only go back out after a 30-minute period of no lightning activity. On one occasion that Wednesday afternoon, the entire crew had just filed out of the compound only to get 100m down the maintenance track before having to turn around after the siren went.

After a quick roll call to ensure everyone was accounted for, and with more storm activity on the radar, Mead and his assistant Tim Hamilton made the call to send the crew home and have them back in at 4am the next day. As part of that, Hamilton also did a quick

stocktake of all available hand tools to ensure they had enough to arm the crew and tackle what would be a massive clean-up. Indeed it would be as Kingston Heath ended up recording 45mm on Wednesday, taking them to 60mm in four days which is the equivalent to their entire average for November.

The sight that would greet both the teams at Kingston Heath and Victoria in the dark on Thursday morning wasn’t pretty. Mead readily admits they fared much better than Victoria (which had 72mm) and he certainly wasn’t wading through calf-deep water on fairways at 2:30am like Newell was (read more on Victoria’s version of events, page 22). However, Kingston Heath’s large faced bunkers were a mess and the focus that morning simply became getting the course playable in order for the tournament to get underway. The weather forecast was for clearer weather later that day which meant the couch surfaces could be cut, but in the meantime they would be left as all hands were assigned to tackle the bunkers and clear debris.

“I have never experienced anything like that in a tournament before,” reflects Mead of

that 24-hour period. “I remember a Vic Open once at Spring Valley where we had four days straight of high 30-degree temperatures, but this was all new. We’ve had big rainfall events and storms before, but not to that extent on the eve of a tournament.

“The conditions were almost the complete opposite to the 2022 Open. Last time we had a really wet lead-in and then come the week of the tournament conditions were perfect. This time around we had a dry lead-in and then the week of tournament the weather turned. While it was frustrating, the crew and volunteers stepped up and did an amazing job.

“The dry weather was great for the tournament build – we had hardly any damage – and we were really happy with where we had the greens at in regards to speed and firmness. Then we get those weather conditions from the weekend before and it all went out the window. The weather wasn’t normal for Melbourne and we had a lot of high humidity as well. We even had some algae come into the greens which we had to treat, but overall I thought they rolled well and their speed by the end of the four days was where the tournament organisers wanted them.”

In amongst all the weather dramas of Wednesday were the dreadfully-timed comments from tournament drawcard Cameron Smith who after his Pro-Am round moaned about the softness and slowness of the Kingston Heath greens. While more likely a dig at the tournament organisers and the course set up to accommodate both the men’s, women’s and all abilities fields, his remarks about the weather being used as a “bullshit excuse” were particularly tone deaf. Such comments did little to endear Smith to those in the maintenance facility who had worked tirelessly over many months to deliver a course that tournament organisers had asked of them, only to then have to contend with a horror spell of weather as well.

In a somewhat fitting manner, the Kingston Heath layout did dish out a healthy dose of karma to the 2022 Claret Jug winner. With the course drying out late in the second round thanks to some warm temperatures and blustery easterlies, Smith floundered on Kingston Heath’s back nine. After blitzing the front nine in 5-under, he proceeded to record bogeys on 10, 12 and 15 before doublebogeying 16. His back nine 41 dropped him back to even par for the round and eight shots adrift of the lead. The following day he signed for a four-over 76 to drop right out of contention, eventually finishing in a tie for 39th. Instead it was little-known American Ryggs Johnston who surprised everyone, claiming the

With 152 bunkers on The Heath course, it was a mammoth effort by the crew to reinstate them. Pictured is Pymble GC volunteer Corey Calvert boarding sand in ‘Bertha’, the huge greenside bunker on the par three 15th

Strong winds on Wednesday left debris strewn right across the course. Pictured is Kiwi volunteer Cameron McCracken blowing the 13th fairway

Stonehaven Cup despite having never played the Open or either of the courses before.

Aside from the frustrations with the weather during tournament week, the other headache in the lead-up for Mead came with the Santa Ana couchgrass surfaces. Given they effectively had just six months’ notice to get the course ready after being confirmed as hosts heading into winter, they were left chasing their tails a little come spring.

“The couch surfaces were probably the most frustrating thing,” concedes Mead. “The couch wasn’t slow coming out of dormancy, but because we didn’t know that the tournament was happening until late, we didn’t get the opportunity to put more effort into the couch surfaces going into dormancy. If we had known about the tournament earlier, we would have made additional fertiliser applications in areas that we know are slow to come out of dormancy.

“We put a granular fertiliser out about a month before the tournament and the soil was very dry and quite hydrophobic. So we had a bit of movement with the fertiliser into the lower areas and got some real green up. We were umming and ahhing what to do and decided to do nothing which I think in the end was the right call. But then we got that warm and humid spell and together with the rain the growth really kicked off. As a result some of those green patches started to scalp which was frustrating. We made the call two days out to lift the heights on the fairway mowers from 8mm to 9mm. We did the same with the tees.

“The greens were under regulation, but we didn’t put a growth regulator out on the couch simply because we were too busy trying to push the couchgrass to get as much coverage as possible. I’ve never had to use Primo for a tournament at that time of year, but this was probably one of those years where we could’ve gone out with some.”

CUP CONSIDERATIONS

While gearing up The Heath course for the Open was an all-encompassing exercise (see page 18 for a week by week/course by course breakdown of preparations), Mead also had an eye on another tournament which looms large on the club’s horizon. It was June 2023 when Kingston Heath was announced as host venue for the 2028 Presidents Cup, getting the nod over its Sandbelt counterpart Royal Melbourne which had hosted the three previous tournaments in 1998, 2011 and 2019. As part of that announcement it was also confirmed that Melbourne will host the 2040 Presidents Cup, with the host course to be announced at a later date.

With the 2024 Presidents Cup being held at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada in late September, Mead along with Kingston Heath general manager Andrew Taylor and director of golf Justin Burrage jetted over to get a feel for how the tournament is run as well as meet with PGA Tour officials to discuss the 2028 tournament routing and logistics.

Or more pertinence for Mead, he was able to spend time with host superintendent Greg Greer to look at how he structured his operations given the unique tournament format, in particular staffing considerations and timings of their daily preparations. Royal Montreal, which is a 45-hole facility (its Blue Course hosted the Presidents Cup), had a crew of 55 which was bolstered by a further 37 volunteers, taking the tournament crew into the 90s. By contrast, for the Australian Open Kingston Heath had 53.

“Royal Montreal was very interesting,” states Mead, who was in charge at Kingston Heath when it hosted the World Cup of Golf in 2016. “The surfaces (all bentgrass/Poa with bluegrass roughs) were very good. It was a very different style of course to our Sandbelt. They had more than 90 staff which was a lot and did make me wonder what do you do with such a large number!

“It was a great opportunity to speak to the superintendent and PGA Tour agronomists and get an idea of how that relationship works –how often they come out to inspect the course prior to the Presidents Cup, how they structure

their preparations due to the later tee starts and how they manage all the back-of-house set up with staff and the volunteers. As the tee times are a lot later than a normal tournament, you don’t want to start too early in case the dew comes back in. So all those things I was able to look at and take some ideas away which we can now plan around.

“Starting next year the PGA Tour agronomy staff will start their regular visits along with the rules officials, so no doubt everything will progress from there. I haven’t spoken to Richard (Forsyth, director of courses at Royal Melbourne) yet, but no doubt I’ll be knocking on his door soon.”

One of the main areas of discussion with PGA Tour officials while at Royal Montreal was Kingston Heath’s routing for the Presidents Cup. A preliminary layout had been tabled which differed significantly from both the traditional club and Open tournament layouts. However, there have since been some concerns raised over hole order, in particular where the par threes sit within that.

Like the Open layout, the initial Presidents Cup layout planned to have the players teeing off on club 7 as the 1st, but that was where the similarities ended. Whereas the Open then plays club 8 and 9 as tournament 2 and 3, the Presidents Cup would see the players going down club 4 and 5 before heading out to holes 12-16 which would become tournament holes 4-8 – the famous par three 15th would play as tournament 7. Club 9 would play as

Tournament volunteers Marco Pierik (rolling) and Matt Ross (surrounds mowing) work in tandem on the 12th

The fairway team, led by long-serving Kingston Heath crew member Warren Knevitt (pictured on the very top mowing unit), in procession down tournament 9

AUSTRALIAN

tournament 9, with the back nine comprising the following club holes in order – 11, 2, 3, 8, 17, 18, 1, 19 and finishing with the par four 6th which is next to the clubhouse.

The potential issue with that layout is all of the par threes (club 5, 15 and 19 – which would play as tournament 3, 7 and 17) would be odd-numbered holes. That means in the foursomes matches (an alternate shot format where one player tees off on the odd-

numbered holes and the other on the evennumbered holes), just one player from each team would play the tee shot on all the par threes. With the Open now over, Mead says discussions will recommence with the PGA Tour as to what the final routing will look like.

While the routing is still up for discussion, what isn’t is wholesale changes to the playing surfaces. After adding new tees to increase the length of certain holes ahead of the cancelled

2020 Australian Open (due to COVID), Mead says there will only be some minor tweaks in areas and certainly no changes to the greens.

“We had a committee meeting about the Presidents Cup and plans for it just before the Open,” explains Mead. “When you look at it, we only have three summers in which to do things out on the course because we don’t want to be doing anything the summer before. That summer – 2027/2028 – we just want to

STRONGER RESPONSE NEEDED AFTER SMITH’S ILL-CONSIDERED COMMENTS

The Australian Open has been run and won and not without some element of controversy. As a turfgrass agronomist I am always deeply interested in the turf, the preparation and how the golf course plays during the tournament. The regular updates in the ASTMA’s weekly newsletter The Cut from both Kingston Heath and Victoria provided an excellent insight into the amount of work involved and the challenges that are managed throughout what is a short preparation period. In this instance, both courses had about 5-6 months’ preparation time with most of the growth and recovery from the winter wear occurring in the fickle Melbourne spring. It is fortunate that Kingston Heath and Victoria are always in excellent condition regardless of whether there is a tournament on the horizon or not.

As someone who has worked in the turf industry for near on 40 years, I was incensed at the comments made by Cameron Smith after this year’s Open Pro-Am on the Wednesday. He may have been trying to make a point to Golf Australia about the tournament format, but his ill-considered comments came across to me as a criticism of the golf courses. It was like the disgruntled club golfer that expects the course to be ‘perfect for them’ every time they play with no consideration for the weather, available resources, budget and the numerous other factors that affect the presentation of the golf course on any given day. The weather in particular is a factor that time and time again affects how the golf course is managed and how it plays and you only have to read the facts that the weather was in no way a “bullshit excuse”, as Smith so eloquently termed it.

What disappointed me the most, however, was the response from Golf Australia. In an interview on Melbourne radio station 3AW (29/11/24), Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland emphasised that the direction to the golf clubs was to be ‘hard and fast’ Sandbelt. He acknowledged that weather played a part in the way the greens were playing and that the golf course staff had done their darndest and that the weather had played an unusual

role. Even this comment seemed somewhat offhanded and demonstrated to me a lack of understanding of what is actually going on. I believe that Golf Australia could have been a lot stronger in their response following Smith’s comments, with a media release or the like detailing what the groundstaff and volunteers were faced with after the storms on the Wednesday.

The unbelievable effort to pump out bunkers and flooded areas, restore the unique Sandbelt style bunkers and to prepare the courses for play on the Thursday cannot be overstated. This not only involved staff and volunteers at the respective golf courses but also volunteers and equipment from other golf courses. Golf Australia could have easily used some of the resource material prepared by the ASTMA in The Cut to explain to the wider golfing community the herculean effort undertaken by all involved. To me this just emphasises what I believe to be an ongoing disconnect between those that promote the game of golf and those that prepare the courses for play 365 days of the year.

At the start of the 3AW interview, Sutherland reeled off a list of statistics that support the increasing interest in the game and the increasing number of rounds of golf. This seems to be their benchmark for success with little obvious consideration for

what it takes to cope with increasing golf numbers. The increasing number of rounds is presenting a considerable challenge across many golf courses. While great for the game and, I presume, club revenue, the increased wear from foot traffic and golf carts and the impost on groundstaff to be able to access their courses to undertake routine maintenance is an ongoing challenge. This is further compounded by the increasing difficulty in securing and retaining qualified staff. This is where Golf Australia needs to engage strongly with those tasked to maintain golf courses so that this growth in the game is sustainable.

My parting note is to the golfer standing on the first tee on a perfect day – be grateful for the enormous effort ALL staff put in to prepare the golf course, private or public, every day of the week. If there is a bit of poor turf, or the greens are a little soft, or you have to wait while a green is being cut, it isn’t being done deliberately to ruin your day. Turf is a living entity that is susceptible to a multitude of challenges that from time to time are outside the control of the maintenance team and can affect the presentation of the surfaces. Be assured that the superintendent will be losing sleep over what they perceive as less than ideal turf.

– John Neylan

The Kingston Heath tournament crew musters on The Furrows short course before tackling their post-round one preparations. All couch surfaces would be cut that Thursday afternoon after they couldn’t earlier in the day due to their focused efforts to reinstate the course following Wednesday’s storms

be maintaining what we have. So some of the discussions we’ve had to date are more around our renovation practices, particularly on our couch surfaces and how we manage them over the next few years.”

A BETTER FIT

While in Canada for the Presidents Cup, Mead also took the opportunity to travel across the border to the US and head to Georgia, visiting a number of courses to inspect their greens and look at how some of the newer bentgrass varieties on the market are performing.

When Kingston Heath constructed The Furrows short course ahead of the 2022 Open, not only did it trial a different greens construction method (using a more traditional Sandbelt push-up profile as opposed to the USGA spec profiles on the Heath course), it also sowed the new greens with Pure Distinction bentgrass. Although happy with how the A1 was performing on The Heath course, the club wanted to trial a newergeneration bentgrass to see if it would perform better. Mead also knew that A1 was no longer being commercially produced and despite having a stockpile of seed, enough to redo all greens if needed, it only has a finite shelf life. (That seed, which the club purchased in the spring of 2023, is stored in buckets inside the temperature-controlled computer server room inside the clubhouse!)

To compare the Pure Distinction’s performance against the benchmark A1, the double green on holes 3 and 6 of The Furrows course was sown half and half with both varieties on the new profile. With The Furrows greens now two-and-a-half years old, Mead has had the opportunity to closely monitor the Pure Distinction’s performance and has made some interesting observations.

“At this point I’m not convinced Pure Distinction is the right fit for us,” says Mead. “We have been purposely pushing it very hard, similar to how we manage the A1 on The Heath course which is more on the leaner side. While the A1 has had no problems, the Pure Distinction hasn’t really liked that. On The Furrows double green, where we have been mowing and rolling them the same, we have found there’s a lot more disease on the Pure Distinction half compared to the A1. We will still keep going with the Pure Distinction – it may be the case that in five years’ time it will really come to the fore – but we will definitely look at some other bentgrasses in that time.”

The purpose of Mead’s trip to Georgia was to visit a number of clubs around Atlanta and talk to superintendents that have recently made the switch from A1 or are looking to convert. Mead was able to query them on

their selection processes and the relative merits (or otherwise) of the varieties they had chosen or were considering. One of his visits was to Augusta National, home of the Masters tournament, which also has A1 greens. It is currently trialling a number of different bentgrasses on its Par Three Course to see what looks, plays and manages the best.

“A1 is still very popular in the Atlanta area, but a few clubs have switched to Pure Distinction while others have gone with 007 and 777,” explains Mead. “We will probably look at trialling some of those newer bents on The Furrows at some point. We have no intention of doing anything to The Heath course greens pre-Presidents Cup, but it will give us a good amount of time to assess some different varieties before the club contemplates whether it wants to go down the route of redoing the greens in the future.”

The Kingston Heath tournament crew numbered 53 for the Open, with the regular team bolstered by 29 volunteers who came from across Australia and New Zealand

Kingston Heath seasonal greenkeeper Luke Twist cuts the 16th tee

players Roll

After the extreme weather which impacted both courses on the eve of the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open, this year’s contingent of tournament volunteers more than earned their keep.

As the saying goes ‘many hands make light work’ and that couldn’t have been more apt at the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open. A tournament of such scale always relies on course volunteers to help the regular crew put the polish on the playing surfaces, but where they really come into their own is during adverse events.

No more was that on show than on the Thursday morning ahead of the opening round. After Wednesday’s weather dramas (see page 8), two veritable armies assembled to restore the host courses to a playable condition. The crews at Kingston Heath and Victoria worked hand-in-hand with their respective volunteer cohorts – a total of 92 men and women – to tackle the badly damaged bunkers, washed away areas and debris-strewn fairways to ensure play could proceed as scheduled at 6.55am. And it did.

As they did when hosting the Open in 2022, both Kingston Heath and Victoria put the call out for course volunteers in early July once the 2024 tournament dates had been confirmed. Not surprisingly they were quickly inundated. In total, superintendent Hayden Mead’s regular team of 24 at Kingston Heath was bolstered by 29 volunteers for the week,

while at Victoria Steven Newell welcomed 22 volunteers who complemented his team of 17. They came from far and wide as well with numerous clubs, councils and companies represented. They included:

l Victoria: Keysborough, Kew, Kooringal, City of Ballarat, Maroondah City Council, Greater Shepparton Council, Yarra Yarra, Sandhurst Club, St Andrews Beach, Latrobe, Box Hill, Flinders, Commonwealth, Mt Martha Public, Clifton Springs and RACV Goldfields Resort;

l NSW: Bayview, Pymble (x2), Rich River, Avondale, The Catalina Club, PambulaMerimbula, The Australian and Castle Hill; l SA: Glenelg, Kooyonga, North Adelaide; l WA: Marangaroo, Busselton, Trinity Coll.; l Queensland: Twin Waters (x2), Sanctuary Cove G&CC and Pelican Waters;

l Tasmania: Devonport CC;

l Overseas: Cape Kidnappers (NZ), Jacks Point (x3, NZ), Millbrook (NZ), Te Arai Links (NZ), Lamb & Hayward Group (NZ), The Royal Auckland and Grange (NZ) and Walton Heath (UK);

l Trade support: Toro (machinery), Envu (backpacks for volunteers), BASF (coffee cart), Living Turf, Oasis Turf and GTS (food), Colin Campbell Chemicals.

“The volunteers were brilliant and we were really happy with the way they worked together with our crew,” says Mead of the Kingston Heath contingent. “We brought them in on Sunday for orientation and assigned their jobs. It was a bit of a slow start on Monday getting everything done in the dark, but they picked everything up so quick. You cannot do this sort of event without them and with the weather we had and the work needed to get the course playable, their presence was priceless. I cannot thank them enough for their efforts.”

FAMILIAR FACES

As primary host this time around, Kingston Heath had a number of volunteers returning from 2022 to experience all four days of the tournament as opposed to just the two competition days last time. They included Devonport Country Club superintendent Craig Walker, Keysborough assistant Matt Foenander, Envu’s David Hurst and Bayview Golf Club’s Jackson Joseph. Also back for a second stint was Turf Management South Australia Graduate of the Year winner Sophie Warren (Glenelg GC), who last time volunteered at Victoria.

“It was a great week preparing the Number 1 course in the country (in my opinion) for

the Open,” Walker posted on LinkedIn after the tournament. “Mother Nature was against us, but the end result was amazing. Thanks to Hayden Mead for the opportunity and also to assistant Tim Hamilton, foremen Jordan Wemyss and Sinclair Hayes for their input. It was a great week of work and networking!”

At Victoria, Darcy Jones, who was assistant superintendent there for the 2022 Open before taking on the superintendent role at The Catalina Club in NSW at the start of 2024, returned to help out. No sooner had the Victoria crew completed their second and final round preparations on Friday morning, Jones jumped back in his car for the near 750-kilometre, nine-hour return trip to get back in time for greens renovations the following week. Federal Golf Club’s James Correll also backed up for his second Open after volunteering at The Lakes Golf Club last year, while also getting another taste of major events was Pambula-Merimbula’s Rory McAlpin who volunteered at the 2023 Australian PGA.

“Having Darcy back here volunteering was fantastic,” says Newell. “I wasn’t expecting him to come back because he has his own course now and is busy with his new life in Bateman’s Bay, so I was really flattered that he drove all that way to help us out. Having another guy on the crew who knew the place well and knows how we do things here was really beneficial, especially with the weather we had.”

Fourteen of the interstate and overseas volunteers at Victoria had the unique experience of being accommodated in the heritage-listed clubhouse for the week, which over the years has seen some of the greats stay there, among them five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thomson who is a life member of the club. They could well be among the last few people to stay in the clubhouse given that club is considering stopping offering accommodation in April, a decision that hasn’t been well received by the club’s older members.

“I don’t think the volunteers get the full recognition they deserve,” states Newell. “They do from our side of the industry, but I don’t know whether Golf Australia realise it or not, but things would be a lot different without these men and women, some of whom travel long distances to be here for the week. Yes there’s something in it for them –the experience, the networking – but there’s more in it for the host club because we simply couldn’t do it without them, especially when you get the extreme weather we did.

“I try to promote that within our own club and about making it an experience for the volunteers and looking after them. That’s why it was great we were able to have those 14 staying in the clubhouse accommodation which is such a unique and historic part of our club. I hope those guys had a unique experience and it’s something that they can take away from the week. We are indebted to them and hopefully they formed some longterm friendships from their time with us and that they know they are welcome back here any time.”

A REAFFIRMING EXPERIENCE

As it has done for the past two Australian Opens and at other major sporting events, the ASTMA again facilitated the placement of four female sports turf managers as part of its Women in Turf program. Joining the Kingston Heath crew for the Open were Kelly Fagents (second year apprentice, Trinity College, WA), Jayde Robson (qualified sports turf manager, City of Ballarat), Ella Arter (second year apprentice, Maroondah City Council, Vic) and Kasey Williams (third year apprentice,

Busselton GC, WA). Both Robson and Fagents were part of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup placement at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park), while Williams was part of John Deere’s Women in Turf program at the Webex Players Series Murray River tournament in 2023. Robson has been a part of a number of work experience opportunities through the Women in Turf program, but the Open was her first time working at a major golf tournament.

“Having spent nearly eight years working on sportsfields, this was all new to me,” says Robson, a graduate of last year’s Jacobsensponsored Future Turf Managers’ Initiative (FTMI). “As a part of the FTMI we worked with our mentors to develop two short-term career goals. For me, they were to complete my Diploma of Sports Turf Management and volunteer at a golf tournament. Having completed my Diploma studies in December, I was also keen to begin looking for work experience opportunities in the golf industry. As this makes up a big part of our trade, being able to volunteer at the tournament gave me a great insight into that side of the industry and has helped to open up my opportunities.”

Opposite: Devonport Country Club superintendent Craig Walker returned to Kingston Heath to volunteer in 2024 after having been part of the team in 2022. He is pictured rolling the famous 15th green

The Kingston Heath fairway crew in action after the first round. Among the volunteers to cut fairways were Doug Loton, Dave Hurst, Andrew Lothian, Lachlan Vassallo, James Barnes, Joseph Nihill and Sophie Warren

Maxwell Clark came across from Kooyonga Golf Club in Adelaide to volunteer at Victoria Golf Club where he was part of the fairway crew for the week

For Arter, who works across Maroondah’s two public access golf courses (Ringwood and Dorset) and several sportsfields in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, the Open was her first time working not only a major golf tournament but having the opportuniyt to network with other staff from around the country and overseas. Interviewed by Golf Australia for an article on their website, Arter said she thoroughly enjoyed the week and took plenty away from it.

“It was really good,” noted Arter. “I learned a lot in a week. It’s very similar, but it’s also so different, so much more extreme. All the people were bloody awesome and meeting all the other girls was so cool because I guess I don’t get to meet many other girls with the same sort of mindset. I’ve definitely made some life-long friends, which is awesome. We all live everywhere, but I am sure we’ll get to work together again.

“Working the tournament definitely helped me think about more goals I want to achieve in the industry and it’s definitely going to keep me around. There were people from all over the world at the Open, so I got to learn about a lot of other golf courses too. After my

apprenticeship, I think I want to travel and work at golf courses and do tournaments. It just sounds so fun.”

ASTMA Platinum Partner Toro also continued with its volunteer program for customers, bringing in three Queensland turf managers to work at Kingston Heath. Brothers Nick and Billy McClymont from Twin Waters Golf Club on the Sunshine Coast (where dad Garry is course superintendent) were joined for the week in Melbourne by Andrew Lothian. The Sanctuary Cove assistant superintendent recently picked up the GCSAQ’s Assistant Superintendent Award at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards and will be part of the team preparing the Palms Course for the revitalised WPGA Championship next March.

A number of volunteers also made the journey across from New Zealand to work at both courses. Based at Kingston Heath were Ben Dennehy (Cape Kidnappers), Noel Hill (Lamb & Hayward Group), Cameron McCracken (Millbrook) and a trio from Queenstown’s Jack’s Point – Kyle Targett, Marco Pierik and Matthew Everitt. Also making the trip over was Tasmanian Ed Cole who for

the past year has been lead spray technician at Te Arai Links and who was part of the greens mowing crew for the Open. At Victoria, The Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club had two staff in Blair Kennelly and Bradley Brown.

“First tournament in the books and what an awesome experience it was,” Cole posted on LinkedIn afterwards. “Thanks to Kingston Heath Golf Club for providing a great opportunity for us as volunteers to meet so many new people in the industry and make some awesome connections. The hardest part was getting on the plane to leave!”

MERSEYSIDE MATES

And to prove just how small a world the turf industry can be at times, volunteer Ryan Worthington got quite the surprise when he was paired alongside Victoria Golf Club seasonal worker Harvey Heaton cutting greens for the week of the Open. Despite not knowing each other at all, the two Englishmen quickly discovered that they lived no more than a 20-minute drive from each other in their home county of Merseyside.

Worthington, a greenkeeper who worked at Hurlston Hall Golf and Country Club as well as a local sportsfield construction company, originally hails from the small Merseyside hamlet of Ormskirk, about 30 minutes north of Liverpool. He arrived in Australia in late 2023 and after going around a number of Sydney golf clubs with his CV late last January, was taken on board by Dan Cook at The Australian Golf Club. Given the club had hosted the tournament in 2023 and hearing how good an opportunity it would be for him to progress his career, Worthington applied for the 2024 Open.

Heaton, who is from the Merseyside township of Southport, is one of two seasonal staff currently at Victoria and arrived at the club after spending last season at Peninsula Kingswood under superintendent Glenn Stuart. A carpenter by trade, Heaton had no prior golf course experience and was trained up by the PK team and quickly developed a knack for being a gun greens mower, so much so that Newell had him leading one of the twoman teams during the Open. As it happened, Worthington was his partner for the week and not surprisingly they clicked instantly.

“I absolutely couldn’t believe it,” says Worthington (24). “I heard Harvey’s accent and then soon found out we lived just 20 minutes from each other back home – what are the chances of that?! Then to be cutting greens for the week together, it was an absolute pleasure to work alongside him. It almost felt like we’d worked together for so much longer and we have kept in contact ever since.”

Despite not knowing each other before the Open, volunteer Ryan Worthington (left) and Victoria seasonal worker Harvey Heaton (right) lived just 20 minutes apart from one another back in the UK

ASTMA Women in Turf program volunteers (from left) Kelly Fagents, Jayde Robson, Ella Arter and Kasey Williams

focus Open

A

lot of work by a

lot

of people over a

long

period of

time

goes into setting up a golf course to host a major national tournament like the Australian Open.

With the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open only officially confirmed less than six months out from the first tee shot of the opening round, the crews at dual hosts Kingston Heath and Victoria had to switch into tournament preparation mode quickly.

In the two months leading up to the Open, assistant superintendents Tim Hamilton (Kingston Heath) and Graeme Davidson (Victoria) penned updates in the ASTMA’s weekly enewsletter The Cut, outlining their preparations and the huge amount of work behind the scenes to taper the courses for the main event. What follows is a summary of each course’s respective activities as they geared up for the Open’s arrival in late November…

MARCH-SEPTEMBER WORKS

Kingston Heath (KHGC): Over winter, Kingston Heath’s fine-cut couch areas receive monthly applications of colourant and iron to reduce the dormancy period and assist in post-winter recovery. Course staff kept busy with bunker works, collar replacement and quite a few clean-up/tree management days following some severe weather.

Greens cored with 8mm hollow tines in March and the club’s collar replacement program begins in April with the double green (8/16) and 10th. April also sees works on the long rough area to the left-hand side of

the 4th fairway begin. The area is stripped, mounds recontoured, capped with clean soil, fumigated and hydroseeded with NZ browntop bentgrass. The 4th fairway will also have some later drainage works completed. May sees a number of selected clubhouse garden beds refurbished. Bunker edging and levelling of bunker bases begins in June and apart from the collar replacement program (which is completed by July), this project takes up most of the staff’s time (three months all up). Selected bunker tongue replacement/repairs are also made.

Heading into spring, greens are Ninja-tined in August. All greens receive a heavy dust in September, with an insecticide and fungicide application to all fine-cut couch areas. The nursery green is hydroseeded (1500m2 of Penn A1 bentgrass) in September following the conclusion of the collar replacement program. All tournament tees are hand cut down to 5.5mm to provide definition from the tee surround. First week of October sees all greens solid tined (5mm) and a wetting agent and insecticide applied. At this time greens are being cut at 2.75mm twice a week and the fine-cut couch areas 9mm every second week. Collars at 7mm.

Victoria (VGC): Victoria holds up well over winter and with 2022’s success still fresh in their minds the crew begins looking forward to the 2024 event as secondary hosts. Bunker

PHOTOS: TIM HAMILTON (KHGC) AND GRAEME DAVIDSON (VGC)

Above: With 152 bunkers on The Heath course, Kingston Heath staff (pictured is Kim Kennedy on the Sand Pro) spent a huge amount of time ensuring they were at their best ahead of the Australian Open

restoration work is already well underway when Victoria is confirmed as co-host and remains a top priority in the immediate months leading up. This work includes packing sand (stockpiled and sieved on-site) into the bunker faces and repairing areas affected by wind erosion. Entry points are also repaired or added and bases levelled. Poa annua is largely controlled using pre-emergent herbicides, with additional spot treatments implemented to maintain clean surfaces. Hand weeding of the greens is also prioritised as more fertilisers will be needed to stimulate the growth of the Pure Distinction bentgrass.

Melbourne’s winter lingers longer than usual, necessitating two applications of pelletised fertiliser to promote recovery from divots and wear on tees and green surrounds. Staff also focus on sodding high-traffic areas to ensure full coverage come the Open. By the end of September/start of October, fairways are being cut twice a week at 8mm to establish cutting patterns and contours. Greens are typically being cut twice a week at 3mm. Dusting of greens resumes and continues as needed to match turf growth.

SEVEN WEEKS OUT

KHGC: Melbourne’s weather, as always, keeps both crews on their toes, with a week of temperature contrasts – from a high of 26oC to a minimum of just 1.6oC degrees and patches of frost. First round of Club Championships begins. Major focus on turfing worn areas in roughs with 300m2 of Santa Ana couchgrass delivered and laid. Fungicide application to the newly-seeded bentgrass rough area on the 4th, granular fertiliser application to all tournament tees and wear areas in the finecut couch and some bunker tongue repairs. Ongoing tasks include spot spraying of broadleaf weeds around bunkers, plugging of annual grasses from collars, weed control in tree lines and general tree work. Maintenancewise, fine-cut couch areas being cut weekly and the A1 greens three times a week.

VGC: Club Championships also kick off at Victoria with 50-60kph gusts bringing down a large limb on the 12th hole the Friday night ahead of it. Cool weather prevails for much of the week with temperatures struggling to exceed 14 degrees on several days, making it challenging to promote healthy growth in the surfaces. Main tasks include redistributing sand around greenside bunkers after high winds and dry conditions cause significant sand displacement. Some of the poorer fescue tongues are reshaped and new turf laid.

At the beginning of the week, all fine-cut couchgrass surfaces are sprayed with fertiliser, fungicide and miticide. The Pure Distinction greens receive an application of fertiliser, insecticide and wetting agent. Greens being cut twice a week; fairways, tees, surrounds and collars still just once week. Other tasks include trimming of valve boxes and sprinklers, tree work and cleaning of native areas, spot spraying weeds and plugging out thin areas.

SIX WEEKS OUT

KHGC: Warm and dry weather for most of the week with the Aurora Australis even lighting up the sky early one morning as the crew arrives to clock on. Hand hoses out in force due to

the dry conditions but all that is flipped on its head with a 30mm fall in just a few hours on the Friday. Fertiliser application to all greens on both the Heath and Furrows courses and non-selective herbicide application to all rough areas to provide greater definition between the rough and fine-cut couch. A selective herbicide application is made to control broadleaf weeds in the fine-cut couch. Seasonals Leonardo Colin (USA) and Alex Hodges (England) arrive to join the crew. Ongoing tasks include spraying of bunker weeds, spot spraying of broadleaf weeds around bunker complexes, plugging of annual grasses from collars, weed control in tree lines and general tree work.

VGC: Temperatures are more favourable for grass growth with some recovery in the couch starting to be seen in areas that struggled under winter traffic. Slower progressing areas have a pelletised fertiliser applied to encourage more growth in time for the Open. With Club Championship finals approaching, all greenside and fairway bunkers are edged, all sprinklers and valve boxes trimmed and old distance markers on tees updated with new ones. Pure Distinction greens receive an application of fungicide and wetting agent

Starting in April, Kingston Heath staff replaced the collars on the famous 8/16 double green (pictured) and 10th green to remedy couch encroachment into the A1 greens

A much drier lead-in to the 2024 Open meant the hoses were out in force across both courses (pictured is Victoria)

and cut twice during the week. Fairways showing promising growth, requiring regular clipping disposal and at least two cuts per week. Seedhead on the Santa Ana starting to show which means a growth regulator will be required soon. Turfing jobs completed, with the highly-trafficked 7th green and 8th tee area replaced with new sod. Patching of fescue bunker tongues where coverage is inadequate and fertilising tongues. Other tasks include levelling sand in fairway bunkers and ongoing maintenance of the native areas.

FIVE WEEKS OUT

KHGC: After a dry period, 25mm falls in the space of three hours on 18 October leaving the course wet ahead of the Club Championship quarter-finals and semi-finals. Application of insecticide applied to select areas on greens to help combat an infestation of ants. Boom sprayers kept busy on the fine-cut couch with follow up applications of miticide and broadleaf weed control, as well as a further application of colourant and iron. All greens on the Heath course given a light dusting. Weed spraying in bunkers, spot spraying of broadleaf weeds in bunker complexes and bunker tongue replacements finished. Variable temperatures again, going from a maximum of 30 to barely breaking 16 a few days later. Warm and wet weather leads to an explosion of growth on all turf surfaces meaning couch surfaces now being cut twice a week, greens four times and collars twice. Tournament infrastructure starts arriving with tournament offices installed on the club’s short game practice area.

VGC: Like Kingston Heath, Victoria records 30mm ahead of Club Championship finals weekend. Ten staff brought in on Saturday to repair many washed out bunkers, with the entire crew in ahead of the final on Sunday. Monday course closure until 11.30am provides an opportunity for the crew to apply foliar fertiliser and plant growth regulator to all couch surfaces. Greens receive a light topdressing rubbed in with an astroturf mat, followed by an application of foliar fertiliser. The closure

also allows for tree contractors to come in and remove limbs, deadwood and chip. With the exterior of the clubhouse being repainted, crew refresh mulch in the garden beds around the clubhouse and along the entrance road. Edging of couch borders that line the native vegetation areas begins. Bunker tongues receive a pro app soil surfactant application, while spot spraying of all greenside and fairway bunkers for weeds continues.

FOUR WEEKS OUT

KHGC: Club Championships successfully completed. Dry spell of weather means the hoses are out again although temperatures remain kind. All fine-cut couch areas cut down to planned tournament cutting height of 8mm. First of a series of ‘divot days’ held where members volunteer their time divotting fairways. Three half-day course closures assist with various applications – fertiliser to all weak bunker tongues and walkways, pre-emergent herbicide to bases and faces of all bunkers on both courses and granular fertiliser to all couch areas. Odd jobs include plugging of poor areas on couch, spraying of weeds in tree lines, raising sprinkler heads and tree work.

VGC: Another 11.30am late tee-off for members on the Monday enables the crew to treat roughs with a non-selective herbicide, the timing of which will provide a clear contrast between the rough and fairways come tournament week. Busy week for the hand hoses with daily hand watering implemented. Significant time spent on bunker maintenance. All par three bunkers attended to (holes 4, 7, 14 and 16), with sand being redistributed evenly using Sand Pros. Additionally, all greenside and fairway bunkers are re-edged to maintain their sharp appearance.

Couch surfaces treated with a wetting agent and nitrogen application followed by four minutes of watering in which provides an opportunity to inspect and address any sprinkler issues. Mulching continues around the clubhouse gardens, with the old red mulch removed and replaced with a fresh, lighter alternative. All fine turf lawns surrounding the clubhouse receive a granular fertiliser. Fairways continue to be cut twice a week (8mm), greens three times a week (3mm) and collars, tees and surrounds once a week.

THREE WEEKS OUT

KHGC: Tournament build ramps up, with the grandstands and hospitality suites taking shape. Arborists arrive on site for five days to take care of a few large tree pruning/ removal jobs. Dry spell continues with no rain now for three weeks. All greens sprayed with wetting agent and a preventative fungicide. Couchgrass irrigation lines also injected with wetting agent. As a result of a disease test undertaken on The Furrows short course, an additional fungicide application is made for the control of anthracnose and curvularia. Mammoth task of edging, hand-weeding and moving sand around in Kingston Heath’s 152 Heath Course bunkers begins. The weather continues to keep the crew on their toes, from a minimum of 5oC to a maximum of 34oC.

VGC: Dry conditions keep the hand hoses out in force in addition to consistent overhead irrigation cycles. Looking at levels in the dam, it’s clear that more water has been used than anticipated heading into the final month of spring. Course hosts the Victorian Amputee Open Championship with windy conditions making for a challenging test. Spraying continues, with the couch surfaces receiving an application of fertiliser and pigment to help enhance their colour, while greens and collars are treated with fungicide and wetting agent. Work continues levelling and refreshing the faces of the more frequently trafficked bunkers. Parramatta grass trimmed near bunkers that could impede balls from rolling in.

The Aurora Australis lights up the early morning sky above Kingston Heath in early October

Kingston Heath’s couch surfaces received a granular fertiliser application in late October

TWO WEEKS OUT

KHGC: A welcome 8mm of rain helps to freshen the course up which, coupled with some mild temperatures, means irrigation is able to be backed off a little. Tournament build continues with the Fan Village taking shape, while the majority of base works for the grandstands and hospitality suites is completed. Tee signage marked out ready for installation. Main focus continues to be the bunkers – edging, weeding and levelling of all fairway bunkers completed with the focus turning to the greenside bunkers. Last application of colourant and iron to all couch and a final light dusting to all greens. Fairways circle cut twice this week. Greens cut four times a week, collars twice. Minor outbreak of rhizoctonia on some greens which are selectively sprayed. Daily Clegg, Stimpmeter and moisture readings being taken to keep an eye on speed, firmness and moisture content.

VGC: Another late first tee time on Monday enables another application of pigment and growth regulator to couch surfaces before event signage begins going up. Using pedestrian sprayers with a hard-edged nozzle, crew define the transition between the Pure Distinction bentgrass and Santa Ana couch, particularly around the collars. With the rough starting to show discoloration from the recent herbicide application and the deep green colour of the fairways, excellent definition across the course is starting to show through. Growth regulator applied to greens, while crew spend significant time repairing pitch marks and addressing minor blemishes to maintain the quality of the putting surfaces. Greens still being cut three times per week at 3mm. Bunker maintenance remains an ongoing priority – spot-sprayed for weeds, redistributing sand, freshening faces and re-edging. Fescue eyelashes around bunkers raked to remove debris. A welcome drop of 6mm freshens the course up. With just under two weeks until the first tee shot, the course is in excellent condition and trending toward the desired standards for tournament play.

LEAD-IN WEEK

KHGC: Hospitality areas nearing completion, TV towers erected and signage around tees and greens begins. Another dry week, with the hand-watering crew busy, especially with a hot weekend looming. Bunker and tree work continues to be a priority with 85 per cent of bunker work now complete. A1 greens given a final application of iron and colourant early in the week. Greens being cut four times a week, couch surfaces three times a week. Rough also given a final cut ahead of course roping

which happens Friday. Trimming around sprinklers and tee plaques completed. First of the course volunteers arrive Friday with the remainder landing Sunday for orientation.

VGC: In a welcome distraction, assistant superintendent Graeme Davidson and partner Kirsty celebrate the safe arrival of their first son Fletcher on the Tuesday of lead-in week. After a couple of hot days and with another couple expected over the weekend, moisture levels are closely monitored. Irrigation being applied where necessary with the desire to keep the surfaces firm. With all spraying jobs completed, crew focus on lots of small jobs including trimming sprinklers, snipping bunkers, levelling bunkers and tidying native vegetation areas. Hand-weeding Poa annua from greens wasn’t planned but the weather is favourable for identifying it so a good deal of time is spent removing any visible plants.

TOURNAMENT WEEK

KHGC: After enduring back-to-back days of 37 and 39 degrees, the course receives a timely 15mm Sunday and into Monday. Nearly 30 volunteers have orientation on the Sunday before jumping into course preparation for the

first of the practice rounds Monday morning. Kingston Heath staff Kim Kennedy (greens), Warren Knevitt (fairways) and Nick Dobbs (bunkers) head the respective teams out on course. All couch and bentgrass surfaces now being cut daily. Greens at tournament height of 2.75mm, single cut all mornings, rolled only Thursday afternoon. Greens stimping 12’1’ by Friday. Fairways start at 8mm but are taken up to 9mm after concerns over scalping. Similarly, tees lifted from 6mm to 8mm. Due to weather Wednesday and damage to course, only greens cut on Thursday morning as crew are thrown into the bunkers. Couch surfaces given full cut in afternoon.

VGC: Victoria crew swells to 50 with the arrival of volunteers from across Australia and a number from New Zealand. Daily mowing of all surfaces begins with additional staff on hand. Greens 3mm with single cut morning and afternoons. Greens rolled Thursday night to mirror Kingston Heath. Santa Ana cut morning and afternoon at 8mm, but no cut Thursday morning due to wet conditions. Mammoth effort by crew to reinstate bunkers severely damaged by Wednesday’s rain and flooding to the low lying area on the 10th fairway.

Dusting the Pure Distinction bentgrass greens at Victoria a month out from the tournament

Victoria GC course staff redistribute sand in the greenside bunkers on the 1st hole

Victoria under the

pump

They may have played the secondary host role this time around, but the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open was no less eventful for the tournament crew at Victoria Golf Club.

Like every course superintendent, Steven Newell is used to early morning starts. They have become ingrained across a career that is closing in on four decades, one which has taken him from the Melbourne Sandbelt to Adelaide and back again, having held the reins at the famed Victoria Golf Club now for the past seven-and-a-half years.

On the Thursday morning of the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open, however, Newell set a new personal record for clocking on – 2:30am. There was very good reason why he was at the

course so early, but even his assistant Graeme Davidson, who rocked up at 3am, was still shocked to see the boss there, gumboots on and with a concerned look on his face.

It was only about eight hours earlier that both of them had been out surveying the course after a tournament eve which saw Victoria cop an absolute hammering. Like primary Australian Open host Kingston Heath (see article page 8), Victoria had been lashed by multiple storm cells on the Wednesday afternoon. Nearly 60mm had fallen across the day (for a four-day total of 72mm), with most of that coming in intense damaging bursts. At one point the crew had to hurriedly move machinery out of the wash down shed after water started flowing in and rising up to a point where it was about to go over engines.

Come 6pm Wednesday, having made the decision to send the crew home so they could rest up ahead of coming in at 4am the next day, Newell and Davidson were out on the course assessing the damage. What they

Despite the weather dramas on the eve of the 2024 Australian Open, Victoria Golf Club was still as beautiful and as striking as ever. Pictured is the 11th

saw shocked them. Not surprisingly, Victoria’s large-faced bunkers were a mess, but of most concern were the low lying areas, in particular the collection point on the 10th fairway about 50 metres in front of the green and the 5th green complex which resides within one of the largest catchment areas on the property.

Cognisant of the huge clean up facing them ahead of Thursday’s opening round, it quickly became apparent there wasn’t the requisite number of hand tools in the shed to equip the larger tournament crew there that week. While there is plenty of organisation and preparation that goes into such tournaments, having 40 shovels sitting in the shed for a normal crew of 18 isn’t exactly practical, so some quick action was required.

Bearing in mind it was already well after 6pm and their local hardware store had closed for the day, Davidson and Victoria foreman Max Horell were hastily dispatched to nearby Bunnings stores in Mentone and Seaford (which were open to 9pm) to purchase as

many shovels and other implements as possible. One receipt alone came to $281 for 18 shovels (including 12 square-mouths) and two concrete screeds. The raised eyebrows and comments they received from Bunnings staff drew more than a few laughs. “Got a big job to do eh?”… if only they knew the half of it!

While Davidson and Horell were raiding the aisles at Bunnings, Newell was still out on the course. Due to the site’s undulating topography, Victoria relies on half a dozen electric submersible pumps to move water off the property in times of heavy rain. Wary of lightning strikes and possible power outages, Newell wanted to make sure they were working. Thankfully they were and he hoped it would simply be a matter of time before the water would clear. As a last act before he left the course at 8pm, Newell jammed a stick into the ground at the high water mark on the 10th fairway to give him an indication when he came back the next morning just how much the water had receded.

WORDS: BRETT ROBINSON: PHOTOS: TOBY PALFREY, GRAEME DAVIDSON AND BRETT ROBINSON

The Victoria Golf Club tournament crew numbered nearly 40 for the 2024 Australian Open

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Despite the situation confronting them, Newell admits he slept okay that night, albeit for just a few solid hours. Indeed, he was back at the course at 2:30am simply because he wanted to take stock of the conditions and formulate a plan of attack for the crew which would be turning up 90 minutes later.

He knew the bunkers were trashed, but what he wasn’t banking on was the situation that greeted him back at the 10th. The stick was submerged and water was now across the entire width of the fairway. Wading through it, water was coming up and over into Newell’s gumboots. Elsewhere, the bunkers around the 5th green were full, as were the 18th greenside bunkers.

“With the condition we found the course on Thursday morning, in usual circumstances we would have closed for a few days,” states Newell matter-of-factly. “Sitting in the shed on Wednesday watching the radar, seeing the storms lash the course and watching the shed fill up with water, you knew it wasn’t going to be good out on the course.

“Because we have got undulation through the property we are generally sandy in the higher ground, but when the rain comes down so fast the collection areas in the low points are so broad that they can collect an enormous amount of water and it takes a lot of time to get it off the course. I’m normally not one to bother people, but on this occasion I called (tournament director) Trevor Herden at 4:15am and told him we were in a bit of strife.”

HUGE TEAM EFFORT

Like their counterparts at Kingston Heath, Thursday morning became an exercise in getting the course in some sort of playable state as quickly as possible. The priority at Victoria was removing the water from the 10th fairway and repairing the bunkers, many of which had substantial washouts. The Pure Distinction bentgrass greens would be cut at 3mm as planned and holes set, but that was it – everyone else was thrown into the bunkers.

The evening before, Newell had received a call from Royal Melbourne counterpart

Richard Forsyth offering to send over six staff the next morning along with an additional Sand Pro bunker rake and a mobile pump. Taking him up on the generous offer, Newell was particularly grateful given that Royal Melbourne, being literally across the road from Victoria, had most likely copped similar damage and needed to do their own repairs.

Along with that extra help and the volunteers, it was a huge effort to get all the bunkers repaired and the course back to some semblance of normality. Using mobile pumps to assist the submersibles, by lunchtime Thursday the 10th fairway had been cleared of water. While still a mess, local rules were put in place to get the groups through, while the two 5th greenside bunkers were taken out of play.

Because of the sodden conditions at Victoria, tournament officials had to make some late changes to pin placements where greenside bunkers were holding water and also instituted preferred lies on fairways. That had to carry over to Kingston Heath given that the men’s and women’s fields alternated

Some of the damage wrought by the storms on the Wednesday prior to the opening round. Clockwise from top left: the flooded greenside bunkers on the 5th; the washout on the 15th greenside bunker; and water collecting on the 10th fairway. Water would end up being near knee height across the low point of the fairway early Thursday morning

between the two courses for the first two rounds. The dual course set up means that conditions aren’t allowed to change across the first two rounds, with preferred lies also in play again for the second round despite the weather having improved significantly.

“There is always something that comes up in a tournament, but that was definitely one right out of the box,” reflects Newell on that 24-hour period ahead of the opening round.

“When I addressed the crew Thursday morning in my gumboots and wet socks, I told them that none of us wanted this to happen, but that it was certainly going to make for a memorable week, if not for them but for me definitely.

“We had volunteers come from far and wide to work at the tournament. As I said to them, you can marvel at how wonderful the bunkering is here, but the potential for damage when we get adverse weather is high and the labour involved in repairing them is significant. They saw that first-hand and while it was a lot of hard work they did an amazing job.

“For the team to get the bunkers back in a playable condition in just a few hours was a huge achievement. The 10th fairway, 5th green bunkers and 18th green bunkers were the big areas. We saw more water in the 18th greenside bunkers than we ever have and because it’s such a high profile area we spent

more time getting them as good as we could. All the work we had to do would have been impossible without the extra volunteers and also the support from Richard and his guys. I couldn’t be more grateful.

“Every job that day has critical and it was great to see my crew step up the way they did. When we were under the pump, we needed someone meticulous to do the pins. So we thrust young Keegan Bell, who only just finished his apprenticeship and hadn’t planned to be changing holes, into that role and he did great. Not only did he do them well, but he had to re-do a lot of them after the tournament organisers changed the pin locations late. It was a great experience for him.”

DELIVERING AS REQUESTED

As the crew were scrambling on Thursday morning after Wednesday’s weather events, the other big talking point out of that day was

the disparaging comments made by Australia’s LIV Golf convert Cameron Smith after his ProAm round at Kingston Heath. His displeasure around the apparent slowness and softness of the greens may have been more a swipe at the tournament format, but it came across as a criticism of the course. As Newell explains, speed and firmness are always at the forefront of their minds during an Open and especially the commentary around them.

“You’re never going to please everybody,” states Newell. “We don’t have magic wands. We are trying to give people what they want and by that I mean Golf Australia. I did a course report to the Victoria Board the week of the Open and in that I said to them, all going well, we will provide Golf Australia with a course that’s going to meet their specifications. It may not necessarily be what the members want or what the Board want, but that’s not what the week is about.

Victoria’s large bunkers required a huge amount of work to reinstate ahead of the opening round

Apprentice Darren Williams cuts the sloping bentgrass green surround on Victoria’s 15th hole

“The Board can pull my strings for 51 weeks a year, but when they hand the course over to Golf Australia for the Open, I take it very seriously and try to give them what they want. I’m not going to do anything outside of that. We want to have a good relationship with Golf Australia, which we do, and we want to be trusted by them and do the right thing by them. We endeavour to do that as best we can, but then you have weather implications like we did which makes it very challenging.

“I was very comfortable with what we presented. I understand the concept of the tournament is that, in this case, Kingston Heath was the focus and they needed to peak Sunday. We could have peaked Friday, but that’s not what it’s about. We might only be at 80 per cent of where we could be on a Friday and Hayden (Mead, superintendent Kingston Heath) was probably the same, but he had another two days to get that extra 20 per cent out of his course. That’s just the nature of the event – we are just trying to provide equal surfaces between the two clubs and with the conversations that Hayden and I had that week and in the lead-up we endeavoured to do that.”

NO STONE UNTURNED

Having been the primary tournament host in 2022, Newell admits it was a somewhat different Open experience for his crew this time around. As he quips, if he had the choice he would probably prefer it the way Kingston Heath had it – be the secondary host first and then primary host second. Despite the different feel and only having competition play there for the first two rounds, there was never any change in Newell’s or the team’s mindset in terms of getting the course dialled in, although to do so they weren’t afforded quite as many luxuries as they were back in 2022.

“It was all new the first time around,” reflects Newell. “As we had the main event, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation as the grandstands went up. We didn’t have that this time around, but we still wanted to present the course as best we could. I said to the guys early on we weren’t going to leave any stone unturned to get the best result.

“We all have to make sacrifices to get where we want to and it’s not always easy, but it is just part of working at a big club. We can’t trade off our good name and not be involved

with big tournaments. Being involved in these events enhances your reputation and the 2022 tournament certainly did that for Victoria.”

Where it was also different for Newell and his team was the fact they had less time and opportunities to get the course where they wanted it. With the tournament only confirmed around May/June and officially announced in July, time constraints were greater than in 2022. Back then Newell was also fortunate to have the club institute upwards of 12 full-day course closures in the lead-up. They proved extremely beneficial and enabled the crew to do a lot of work without any golfers around. This time there were no full day closures but Newell was able to get tee times pushed back on a number of Mondays to 11:30am so that the crew could undertake some of the broadacre applications.

Those closures in 2022 had also meant less traffic on the playing surfaces, with Newell estimating there were probably 2000 less golfers on the course in the lead-up to that tournament. With more golfers around this time, and increased wear as a result, it was quite a logistical challenge getting everything done and also to the level they wanted. While nothing didn’t get done and the quality of the course was outstanding, Newell says the course staff had to really commit and he was very pleased with the way they all bought in to ensure everything was ticked off.

“We also had to get a bit creative with a few things, like protecting tees and some pin positions from wear,” continues Newell about the differences between the two tournaments. “At times the members were playing a relatively short course because of that, but that’s just the complication that comes with having both men’s and women’s fields playing the one event. It’s hard to protect them when they are hitting off two different spots.

“We didn’t change contours or cutting heights, just increased the frequency of everything we did. We brought a few spraying programs forward to ensure there was little or no risk of any attacks on the turf and we also made some presentation applications. We normally don’t put a pigment on the fairways but we did again this time. I think the bottle had been sitting on the shelf since the last tournament, so we had to give it a good shake!

“So there were a couple of things that we did do differently, but generally speaking it was what we do every day of the week but just doing it more often. That slowly but surely refines the turf and we were very pleased with the way the playing surfaces came up. The fairways provided great definition and the greens presented lean and highlighted the natural colour of the Pure Distinction.”

Victoria assistant superintendent Graeme Davidson had an eventful two weeks. A week before the Open his partner Kirsty gave birth to their first son Fletcher

Victoria Golf Club apprentice Tully McKinnon on tees and surrounds duty ahead of the second round

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Peak

performance

It was a busy end to 2024 for a number of golf course maintenance teams as they hosted major Tour events. ATM looks back on the highs and some of the challenges they faced.

2024 AUSTRALIAN PGA

Host: Royal Queensland GC, Qld

Superintendent: Adam Mills

While the weather impacted the ISPS HANDA Australian Open at Kingston Heath and Victoria golf clubs, it also figured prominently at the BMW Australian PGA Championship held the week prior. In what was a hugely challenging and frustrating week for the Royal Queensland Golf Club tournament crew, headed by superintendent Adam Mills, a horrid stretch of wet weather saw the course cop 250mm of rain in a 12-day period, including during the opening two rounds.

Due to the sodden conditions, DP World Tour tournament organisers had little choice but to abandon the second round after persistent rain left large parts of the course unplayable. While the opening round was

able to be completed, albeit in worsening conditions, at 11.30am on the Friday it was confirmed that the tournament would be reduced to 54 holes.

The run of poor weather started about 10 days out from the tournament. Regular storms and relentless rain smashed the Royal Queensland layout, making tournament preparations extremely difficult and at times near impossible. The real kicker came the Saturday before when a forecast fall of 25mm turned into a 90mm deluge. With another 40mm falling on tournament eve and during the first round the profiles were already at capacity ahead of more rain in the second round, with nowhere for the water to go.

“Mother Nature is always the great equaliser and she was pretty relentless this tournament,” reflects Mills. “We’ve had a

good run for the past three tournaments so I guess we were due a bad one. We were just hammered and we didn’t see that big one on the Saturday coming. You normally expect to get a few good storms at that time of year in Queensland, but this time it was relentless and came in from every direction.

“We were only able to get out and do as much as we could. The bunkers were the big issue because every time we prepared them and it rained, it only took a few millimetres for water to start seeping back into them. It was extremely testing, especially for the crew and the volunteers who were absolutely fantastic; I couldn’t praise them enough. Conditions were terrible for everyone to work in – even just getting around the course – but they did a remarkable job. They were really flexible which I was very grateful for.”

PHOTO:

PGA OF AUSTRALIA

Opposite: Royal Queensland’s Tyler Francis-Fisher prepares bunkers during a rare break in the weather ahead of the second round of the PGA. Officials would later abandon the round due to persistent rain and reduce the tournament to 54 holes

Right: After 250mm of rain in 12 days, even just a few millimetres would see the bunkers fill up again

In addition to the wet conditions, Mills also had to battle low sunlight hours and disease issues. Dollar spot flared up on the Queensland blue couch fairways which thankfully remained in check, but many of the 328 couchgrass greens were significantly impacted by fairy ring.

“We’d been battling fairy ring for a while,” explains Mills. “We threw every active that we could at it and we had to get a bit creative. It didn’t affect how the greens rolled and in all honesty they were probably as good as we’ve ever had them considering all the rain we had. We were still getting good speed and they were still firm, even if they were a little more receptive to what they would normally be.

“We also had zero sun as well, so the 328 did incredibly well considering it saw probably one day of sun in a two-week period. We got a lot of compliments from the players considering the conditions that we had to contend with which was nice, but yes, it was a very tough week.”

The efforts of Mills and his team wasn’t lost on Australian pro David Micheluzzi who commented after his opening round: “Credit to all the ground staff. The amount of rain we’ve had since Saturday is just an absolute joke. I was speaking to one of the boys on the crew and I’m just like, we can’t thank you enough. I saw one of them put a photo on his Instagram story of a bunker that was just fully flooded. To get it in this shape is just a massive, massive credit to them.”

2024 NSW OPEN

Host: Murray Downs G&CC, NSW Superintendent: Paul Robinson It was very much a new-look NSW Open in 2024 – new course, new timeslot, more prizemoney and some big name Australian players teeing up. Last held in March 2023 at Rich River Golf Club in Moama, it was announced in early July 2024 that the tournament was returning to the spring/ summer window for the first time in five years. Slotting into the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia schedule immediately prior to the run of major local tournaments – the Australian PGA and Australian Open – the NSW Open also boasted a new record prize purse of $800,000, the third richest in Australia.

In making the announcement, it was also confirmed that the highly-regarded Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, just across the Murray River from Swan Hill, was to host the

tournament, thrusting new superintendent Paul Robinson and his team firmly into the spotlight. Expectations went up a notch just a few weeks later when it was confirmed that Australian LIV Golf stars Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert would be lining up as they honed their preparations ahead of the PGA and Open.

Although officially announced in July, the club had known it was hosting the tournament for 12 months. Robinson arrived at the club in November 2023 after being superintendent at Cohuna Golf Club for four years, taking over from Terry Dewhirst who had departed earlier in the year. With the tournament on the horizon, Robinson’s immediate focus included bolstering his team with some new appointments as well as focussing on remedying a few areas out on course. That included grassing areas, repairing cart damage, clearing tree branches, finetuning garden beds and fixing some irrigation issues. Robinson also adjusted the timing of their preemergent wintergrass program on fairways, while getting consistent sand levels across the course’s 88 large bunkers was also a major focus.

About three months out, Robinson began organising some additional bodies and machinery for the tournament. He was fortunate to get the assistance of Scott Haswell (Cobram Barooga GC), Connor Langley (Rich River GC), John Howorth (ex-Royal Melbourne GC) and Matt McLeod (Living Turf). Also returning to help out was Royal Melbourne’s Darren Wardle, a former apprentice at Murray Downs who was named the ASTMA Graduate of the Year Award recipient at the 2024 conference in Brisbane. Toro and John Deere (through Brandt and Hutcheon and Pearce) also provided additional tournament machinery in the form of a fairway mower, rollers, sprayer, Gator utilities and walk-behind units.

With the tournament being held from 14-17 November, Robinson’s preparations were hampered somewhat by a very cold Swan Hill spring. With very low overnight temperatures, only two days over 30 degrees and no rain, the Wintergreen couchgrass fairways were slow to get going. Three weeks out from the tournament they were also set back by three frosts. That meant Robinson was putting out heavy applications of fertiliser on the fairways and tees right up until the weekend before the tournament. In between all that Robinson and his team were also finetuning the greens surfaces, dealing with a few irrigation issues and attending to the last minute ‘one percenters’ to get the course ready.

With the additional hands arriving on the Monday, course preparations ramped up across tournament week. Greens were cut at 2.8mm and rolled each day, with the fairways at 10mm. The crew quickly got a taste of just how busy it was going to be, with thousands of spectators rolling through the gates to follow Smith and Herbert even during the practice rounds. And they didn’t disappoint.

The Ripper GC duo would end up dominating across all four days of the tournament. Smith opened up with a 7-under 64 and Herbert a 65 to be one-two after the first round. They had swapped positions by the end of 36 holes after Herbert shot his second round of 65. Smith fired a 66 in hot blustery conditions in round three to take a two shot lead heading into Sunday, however, a closing 74 pushed him back into a tie for second as Herbert (68) streaked away to win by three shots. It was his first professional win on Australian soil and came after a dramatic final round which saw the field battle winds gusting up to 60kph and even a sand storm which briefly halted play.

“The golf course held up really well despite some extreme weather and the fairways finally kicked into gear as the tournament went on,”

says Robinson. “Having the likes of Cam Smith and Lucas Herbert here for the week brought lots of attention to Swan Hill and Murray Downs. The town was buzzing and crowds came from all over Victoria, NSW and South Australia. The crew and the volunteers did a great job. It was a great experience particularly for my team and they took a lot away from the week.”

2024 VICTORIAN PGA

Host: Moonah Links, Vic Superintendent: Rick Lee

The penultimate event of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia for 2024 took place in the first week of December, with Moonah Links again hosting the Victorian PGA Championship across both its Open and Legends courses. The unique tournament has been played exclusively at Moonah Links on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula since 2021, with this year’s event the fifth in a row.

The format of the Vic PGA is different to most tournaments. It is contested over 72 holes of stroke play for the professionals with a separate team competition called the Victorian Celebrity Amateur Challenge played in conjunction. The field of 120 professionals is paired with an amateur partner and play one round on both the Open and Legends courses. The leading 50 professionals and ties qualify for the final two rounds, while in the teams event the top 24 teams advance to Round 3 which is then pared back to the top eight for the final round. The final two rounds are played on the Open Course.

In a key change from past tournaments, it was the first in charge for new Moonah Links superintendent Rick Lee. The former assistant superintendent was promoted to the top role following the departure last April of long-serving superintendent Kyle Wilson who moved to nearby Portsea Golf Club. Together with Legends Course assistant Craig Christie and Open Course assistant Nathon Brown, they led the Moonah Links team in what proved to be a busy lead-in and tournament.

Preparations began six months prior to the PGA with the decision to improve the practice and warm-up areas. A new short game facility was added adjacent to the 1st tee on the Open Course which encompassed three new chipping greens complete with two pot style bunkers and new putting green.

The greens on both courses received an extensive renovation (10mm hollow tines) three weeks apart in late autumn/early spring to improve infiltration and relieve compaction. The results were pleasing but as the Vic PGA is held over both courses for the first two rounds, the post-renovation recovery period to the greens, so that they played the same in terms of speed and firmness for the event, was a challenge in relation to timing. Lee says the Legends greens peaked a week prior to the event, while the Open greens peaked the week after. Despite that, tournament organisers and players were very complimentary of the greens, with speeds running at the desired 10’6”-10’8” on both courses.

A focus leading into the event was improving the vigour and health of the couchgrass fairways and tees with additional watering and fertilising along with raising

Murray Downs G&CC hosted the $800,000 2024 NSW Open which returned to a spring/summer timeslot

Murray Downs course superintendent Paul Robinson (top) and tournament crew (above) with 2024 NSW Open winner Lucas Herbert

cutting heights to 12mm. As a result, there was less wear areas as players seemed to be able to pick the ball cleanly off the turf resulting in less divots, as well as balls holding better up against side slopes and not rolling into collection areas. Lee says it has been quite noticeable that the courses have recovered quicker this year from the heavy impact of tournament week. Also aiding the improved health of the playing surfaces was the work the crew did around repairing and replacing 150 sprinklers over winter.

Extensive bunker works were also completed in the tournament lead-up across both courses. Twenty-five bunkers were selectively reshaped and relevelled, with some having their bases raised by over a metre. Feedback from the professionals was that they were consistent and played fairly regarding their strategic position, while for the staff the rebuilt bunkers were a lot easier to maintain and prepare. As a result, the bunker works will continue through until the next tournament.

“I cannot thank the crew enough, in particular Nathon and Craig who were instrumental in leading the team,” states Lee. “They all worked well to achieve our goals and we are all looking forward to the improvements that we can make heading into the next event.”

2024 AUSTRALIAN SENIOR PGA

Host: Richmond GC, NSW Superintendent: Mark Williams

Richmond Golf Club has become a favourite stop on the PGA Legends Tour over the years and so it proved again when it hosted the $150,000 Australian Senior PGA Championship across three rounds from 8-10 November. It was the 10th occasion the club has held the event and as the players were midway through the final round it was announced that the club had inked a new deal with the PGA to keep the tournament there for a further two years.

For course superintendent Mark Williams, who has been at the club 24 years, having the tournament on annual rotation means his crew has become well versed in what it takes to get the course ready. Planning for the event begins in January each year, with the final two months leading in always a hectic time as they dial the course in.

“Preparations were fairly seamless compared to previous years and the course came up really well,” reflects Williams. “I thought the greens presented really well this year and we got a lot of great feedback about them. The Legends Tour has been coming to Richmond 10 years now and the players love the tournament being held here. It’s also the only event on the Legends Tour that gets TV coverage which we’re extremely proud of and gives the club and local community great exposure.

“From about a month out we started cutting greens with John Deere walk-behinds at 2.5mm and rolling them. Fairways were cut four times a week at 10mm and for the week of the tournament every day. Astro 120 ME growth regulator was applied at 2L/ha to all broadacre areas (tees, fairways, green surrounds and rough areas). We had a couple of thin areas underneath trees bordering

Moonah Links (right) hosted its fifth Victorian PGA in December, superintendent Rick Lee’s first in charge. Lee is pictured above right with assistants Craig Christie (left) and Nathon Brown (centre)

fairways which we did a little bit of turfing out, but all in all preparations were pretty standard.

“There were a lot of long days, but it’s a good thing for the club to be hosting an event like this and great for the staff as well. I have to give them and the ex-staff who came in to volunteer their time a big thanks. They knocked it out of the park and took the course to the next level.”

Williams and his team did, however, have a few changes to their routine this year. In the lead-up to the tournament, organisers decided that one of the holes would be turned into a ‘party hole’ which necessitated a significant rerouting of the tournament layout. While holes 1-6 played as they would for members, the 17th became the 7th and the 18th became the 8th, which was the designated party hole. Club holes 10-16 became tournament holes 9-15, while club holes 7-9 became the closing three holes. Williams admits it took a little time for the crew to get their head around the new layout, with Richmond’s members getting the opportunity to play the tournament routing on the Monday.

The other big change came out on the 12th hole (club 13). Ahead of the tournament, ASTMA Bronze Partner Husqvarna announced that it was partnering with the club to employ one of its recently released CEORA robotic mowers to mow the 12th fairway as part of a demonstration of the technology’s potential. With the assistance of Harry Stever, from local Husqvarna dealer Paull’s Richmond Mowers, and Husqvarna’s robotics business development manager Andrew Murison, the CEORA unit was set up on 22 October and mowed the fairway at nights in the lead-up to and during the tournament itself.

“I’ve seen a lot of things in my 32 years in the turf industry,” reflects Williams. “The CEORA is a great robotic mower and I can definitely see an application for it in the industry, especially taking the workload off staff and being able to deploy them in other areas around the course. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the installation was. Every night the 12th fairway was cut with no issues and it was pretty cool to watch it at work on your phone through the app that comes with it.”

2024 NSW SENIOR OPEN

Host: Thurgoona CC Resort, NSW Superintendent: Dean Lewis (CSTM) For the sixth time, Thurgoona Country Club Resort near Albury played host to the NSW Senior Open in October. Like the Australian Senior PGA Championship at Richmond, the NSW Senior Open has found a comfortable home at the Thomson and Wolveridgedesigned Thurgoona since 2017.

Heading up preparations again this year was superintendent Dean Lewis who notched up his tenth year in charge last February. Together with long-serving assistant Jason Berkhout and the crew, they had Thurgoona primed for the tournament’s return.

“The lead up to the tournament was much better this year, with weather conditions more in our favour,” says Lewis. “Renovations were completed in early September and the warmer weather allowed for a quicker recovery overall. The only setback we had were some heavy frosts in late September that slowed the growth in the couch. Some select greens were also affected by pythium that caused us some challenges with our greens preparations.

“Four days before tournament week the foot valve on our irrigation suction line failed and we had no water for four days. Thankfully about two weeks prior we had 35mm of rain which had freshened everything up. Growth regulators and fertiliser applications were completed prior to the tournament, with some additional fertiliser going out on some of our weaker areas.”

Some extra sodding was also required prior to the tournament to assist in the recovery from areas where kikuyu control in the green surrounds had occurred. Lewis was also fortunate to have some additional casual staff on crew which assisted greatly, allowing them to complete some further detail work.

“The tournament went well, with great feedback from the players about the course,” says Lewis. “We had the greens at 3.2mm and rolled as required depending on the Stimpmeter readings. All other surfaces were mowed daily, with the tees/surrounds at 7mm and fairways 10mm. The weather throughout the tournament was in the mid-20s to low-30s with some gusty winds at times. On the final day we also had a lightning delay of about 55 minutes and a small amount of rain.

“There were good crowds across all days of the tournament that came to watch and it was great to have the final round broadcast on 7plus this year. I couldn’t have been prouder of my team as they did an amazing job to prepare the course despite some of the challenges we had.”

The Thurgoona CC Resort crew for the 2024 NSW Senior Open were (from left) Jason Berkhout, Mark Anstee, Tim Purtill, Charlie Williamson, Bella Browne, Charlie Borella and superintendent Dean Lewis

Husqvarna partnered with Richmond Golf Club to employ one of its CEORA robotic mowers to mow the 12th fairway during the Australian Senior PGA Championship as part of a demonstration of the technology’s potential

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Cup calling

It has been a busy 18 months for curator Matthew Sandery, one which was capped off by overseeing the Women’s T20 World Cup after being given just six weeks’ notice.

There are periods in a sports turf manager’s career that they will look back on in later years and reflect just how pivotal a time it was in the progression of their craft. For South Australian Matthew Sandery, the past 18 months might well be that period. Having plied his career on both sides of the Tasman for more than a decade, in November 2023 Sandery was appointed head curator of Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the International Cricket Council Academy (ICCA) facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His appointment continued the elite facility’s strong Australian curating connection, with Toby Lumsden and Tony Hemming having preceded him in the role respectively.

Sandery’s arrival in Dubai came after a highly successful, and busy, three-year stint as head of facilities at Northern Territory Cricket. Based in Darwin, Sandery had taken the gig after spending the three previous years as assistant curator with Cricket ACT based at Manuka Oval. Sandery’s time in the NT would coincide with a transformative period for the sport there, the highlight of which was the return of international cricket to TIO Stadium for the first time in 15 years last June with the installation of a drop-in wicket. That wicket was used for the U19 East Asia Pacific World Cup Qualifier which included teams from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Vanuatu. Over 10 days, 21 matches took place across five NT venues.

In addition to that tournament, Sandery and his team also prepared match day and practice wickets for a raft of other competitions throughout 2023. Immediately after the U19s was the Charles Darwin University (CDU) Strike League (comprising men’s, junior men’s and junior women’s competitions) from late June to late July which then flowed into the CDU Men’s Top End Series. That 16-match competition featured teams from Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, academy teams from BBL sides Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades, Northern Territory Strike and the ACT Comets. Across that period, Sandery and his team hosted 102 games in 56 days. In and around all this, the Darwin Districts season also ran which comprised 287 games in 180 days.

In many ways, the logistics of managing a huge number of games across a variety of tournaments and venues would ultimately put Sandery in good stead for his move to Dubai, one which came about after Lumsden’s departure in May 2023. Upon making the decision to pull stumps on his time at NT Cricket and take up the exciting new role in Dubai, Sandery was extremely grateful for the experiences he had gained while in charge.

“I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, growth and memories that the [NT Cricket] role has provided me,” Sandery posted on LinkedIn at the time of his move. “From overseeing the maintenance and curation of our First-Class facilities to ensuring a seamless experience for players

and spectators alike, it has been an honour to contribute to the success of Northern Territory Cricket. I had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team of professionals who shared my passion for creating a worldclass cricketing environment. Together, we strived to provide the best possible facilities for our players to train, compete and excel in their respective roles.

“From managing the upkeep of our grounds to coordinating logistics for matches and events, every day presented new challenges and opportunities for growth. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in enhancing the infrastructure and facilities at Northern Territory Cricket, ensuring a top-notch experience for all involved.”

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

Landing in Dubai in late 2023, Sandery had just a few months to get his head around his new surrounds before being thrust into his first major event. Between 19 January and 17 February, the UAE hosted the second DP World International League T20 (ILT20) tournament across three venues – Dubai, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi (the capital of UAE).

Sandery was installed as the tournament’s head curator, working with the teams at the other two venues to deliver the tournament which featured six teams competing across 34 games in 30 days. Despite battling some adverse weather and last minute fixture changes, Sandery said the teams at all three venues didn’t miss a beat.

With that tournament successfully held and the local UAE cricket season coming to an end in April, Sandery then experienced something he hadn’t quite banked upon when making his Middle East move. More known for its searing temperatures and arid climate, in midApril Dubai recorded its largest rainfall event in history. More than a year’s worth of rain fell in a single day causing widespread flooding, including the international airport. The cricket facilities weren’t spared either, with Sandery

and his team having to remove sand and silt which was deposited by the flood waters and replant areas.

Undertaking major renovations across both the stadium and ICCA facilities after that rain event, Sandery was looking forward to the start of what would be his first full season in charge when the International Cricket Council (ICC) threw him a massive curveball in late August.

Due to widespread political protests and civil unrest in Bangladesh at the time, the ICC announced that it was moving the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup to the UAE due to safety concerns. That decision thrust Sandery and his team firmly into the spotlight as they effectively had just six weeks to get their facilities ready for the tournament which would feature 10 nations and 23 matches over a 19-day period.

Hosting a major tournament at such short notice was by no means a new phenomenon for the Dubai facility. During Lumsden’s sixand-a-half year tenure, which included the COVID years, the UAE came to cricket’s rescue on multiple occasions. All 52 games of the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) were played there between September and November after the Board of Control for Cricket in India transplanted the tournament due to the worsening pandemic at home.

Six months later, the UAE was again playing host to the second half of the 2021 IPL after COVID issues forced the tournament off the subcontinent. The UAE hosted the remaining 31 IPL games before immediately turning around and hosting the Men’s T20 World Cup which the ICC also had to hastily reschedule from India. As Lumsden recounted in ATM Volume 24.1 (Jan-Feb 2022), he and his team would prepare Dubai International Cricket Stadium for 26 IPL and World Cup matches in a 56-day period, having just a two day turnaround from the IPL final before its World Cup games kicked off.

TOURNAMENT TIME

The prospect of a World Cup heading his way was incredibly exciting for Sandery and to add to the gravity of it he was again placed in charge of overseeing preparations at both host venues – Dubai and Sharjah. With a short leadin, planning was of the essence to not only ensure all the match day venues were ready (wickets and outfields) but also the practice facilities. The ICCA, together with The Emirates Sevens Stadium facility (which hosts the annual Dubai Rugby 7s), were the designated practice and warm-up facilities.

For Sandery, the focus was on getting the pitches ready and ensuring they could last through their allotted matches which meant they had to be strategic and prioritise usage. At Dubai and Sharjah, they honed in on creating durable surfaces that balanced

Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, along with nearby Sharjah Cricket Stadium, were called upon to host the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup at short notice in October after the ICC hastily rescheduled the tournament

pace and consistency, while at the two practice venues they tried to replicate match conditions as closely as possible. Managing all this within just six weeks was challenging, but the experience and commitment of Sandery’s team made it all possible.

Dubai and Sharjah would end up hosting 12 and 11 matches respectively, with the ICCA and The Sevens venues covering 10 warm-up games and training sessions. The ICCA would host well over 100 training sessions in the lead-up to and during the tournament. Sandery and his team made sure the practice pitches reflected match conditions, adjusting grass height, moisture levels and firmness to mirror those in the main stadiums. The Sevens also provided excellent facilities, giving the players valuable time on surfaces that felt close to what they’d be playing on.

“The pitches at Dubai and Sharjah performed excellently, offering a well-balanced surface that benefited both batters and bowlers,” states Sandery. “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and we maintained consistently high standards across all venues throughout the tournament.

“The rotation of four main pitches at both Dubai and Sharjah required strategic planning, precise execution and close coordination with the venues and relevant parties. Given the tight schedule, we ensured each pitch received the necessary recovery time to maintain consistent performance across matches.

“Our focus was on achieving the perfect balance of compaction, pace and grass cover, ensuring the highest standard of play. Managing this across multiple venues while adhering to a compressed timeline presented a complex challenge. However, through detailed planning, seamless coordination with the venues and strong teamwork, we delivered exceptional results, with each pitch meeting the tournament’s requirements.

“Our team here in the UAE is highly skilled and capable of managing every aspect, from pitch preparation to outfield maintenance, across all venues. Each venue ran with a head curator and team of assistant turf managers while being overseen by myself. Dubai and Sharjah have collectively hosted over 400 international matches and the current staff have been a part of the majority of those fixtures. They are a well-oiled machine and were again for this World Cup.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHT

After 20 games across two groups, the World Cup semi-finalists were eventually decided. Australia topped Group A with New Zealand second, while the West Indies finished top in Group B ahead of South Africa who edged out England on nett run rate to progress. Dubai hosted the first semi-final, with South Africa causing a huge boilover by beating defending champions and favourites Australia by eight

wickets. The next day it was Sharjah’s turn to host the second semi-final, with New Zealand defeating the West Indies by eight runs.

In the final at Dubai two days later, South Africa won the toss and put New Zealand into bat. Considering the average score for the tournament had been 127, the White Ferns’ 20-over total of 158/5 was extremely competitive, led by 43 from Melie Kerr. Kerr would then star with the ball, picking up 3/24 as South Africa could only make 126/9 off their 20 overs. It was a monumental win for the Kiwis, their first in 15 years, with Kerr deservedly being named Player of the Tournament. For Sandery, watching New Zealand’s win capped off a dream first World Cup which he rates as one of the highlights of his career to date.

“That was truly special and a moment that resonated deeply with me,” says Sandery. “New Zealand holds a unique place in my heart; it’s where I got my first break in a FirstClass environment at Eden Park in 2017.

Watching how New Zealand approaches sport with such determination and to see them come out as champions, despite their small population, is nothing short of incredible. They’re truly small but mighty and witnessing their victory was a proud moment for me.

“Being appointed as the tournament head curator was a tremendous honour and a defining moment for me. I can confidently say it doesn’t get much bigger than that and stands out as one of the best of my career. Coordinating pitch preparations across multiple venues was a complex and demanding challenge, yet it proved to be highly rewarding. Managing the high stakes and tight timelines was intense, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge I thrive on. I was very proud of what we achieved and it reinforced why I’m so passionate about what I do.”

Matthew Sandery (far right) and members of the Dubai stadium team. As tournament head curator, Sandery had just six weeks to oversee preparations and have both venues and practice facilities ready for the World Cup

Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosted 12 games, including the New Zealand-South Africa final

The Emirates Sevens Stadium grounds (pictured) together with the ICC Academy were used as practice and warm-up facilities for the T20 World Cup

PHOTO: NICK LINDLEY/THE SEVENS TURF TEAM

Peninsula Kingswood’s FTMI participants

Matt McClintock (left) and Nathan Ambler

materialManagement

ATM profiles the latest cohort of up and coming sports turf managers to be accepted into the Jacobsen-sponsored Future Turf Managers’ Initiative.

The 2024/2025 Future Turf Managers’ Initiative (FTMI), presented in conjunction with ASTMA Silver Partner Jacobsen, kicked off in November with the latest inductees meeting online for an introductory Zoom session. Twenty-two candidates from across Australia and New Zealand have been chosen for the latest intake and have already begun participating in a series of online workshops before converging on Melbourne in early March 2025 for the final three-day face-to-face meeting.

The Class of 2024/2025 comprises: Nathan Ambler (Peninsula Kingswood CGC, Vic); Mitchell Austin (Pacific GC, Qld); Charlie Bolte (Cromer GC, NSW); Charlie Borella (Thurgoona CC Resort,

NSW); Michael Bunston (Box Hill GC, Vic); Mason Calder (The Kinloch Club, NZ); Ed Cole (Te Arai Links, NZ); Patrick Dewhirst (South Australian Cricket Association); Daniel Fulcher (Maroochy River GC, Qld); Jeff Gillies (The Grange GC, SA); Lachlan Hay (Royal Melbourne GC, Vic); Brett Irvine (Barwon Heads GC, Vic); Brent Johnston (RACV Royal Pines Resort, Qld); Cameron MacDonald (Cottesloe GC, WA); Liam Maling (Melbourne Cricket Club, Vic); Matt McClintock (Peninsula Kingswood CGC, Vic); Kingsley McConnochie (Glenelg GC, SA); Ricky Mether (Trentham GC, Vic); James Ross (Harrup Park Country Club/Great Barrier Reef Arena, Qld); Steven Spreadborough (Aston Hills GC, SA); Angus Vear (NT Cricket); and Craig Young (The Cut, WA)

As in past years, four mentors are working alongside the group to help guide them through the various program sessions. As all the mentors are past graduates of the program, they are able to offer unique insights into their own career progression and what it takes to make that next step up the career ladder. Joining the mentors this year is Eastlake Golf Club superintendent and NSWGCSA Board member Simon Blagg who was a graduate of the program in 2020 when he was an assistant at The Lakes Golf Club. Blagg replaces 2017 FTMI graduate Brenton Clarke (CSTM, Settlers Run G&CC) who had served as a mentor for the past three years. Blagg has joined returning mentors Liam Ash (State Wide Turf Services, Vic), Sam Davis (Queenstown GC, NZ) and Matthew Oliver (CSTM, Suncorp Stadium, Qld).

As ATM does every year, we profile the current batch of FTMI participants and wish them all the best as they finetune their skills to hopefully one day secure their dream role…

NATHAN AMBLER

Assistant course manager | Peninsula Kingswood CGC, Vic

Ambler is part of a strong Kiwi contingent in this year’s FTMI program even though he has been working in Australia for the past seven years. Originally from Christchurch, Ambler’s journey into golf began in his final year at high school when he undertook a New Zealand Education ‘Gate Way’ program which saw him work one day a week at Russley Golf Club.

After sending his CV to several golf clubs, Ambler was soon offered an apprenticeship at The Christchurch Golf Club, New Zealand’s second oldest course. Just 16 at the time, he would go on to spend the first two-and-a-half years doing the basics and learning all he could. In 2015 he moved across to Pegasus Golf and Sports Club (the course’s 17th tee was just 150 metres from his home) where he became the first apprentice the club had taken on. Completing his apprenticeship there, he gained his Certificate in Turf Management in mid-2017.

Later that year, Ambler decided to head across to the Melbourne Sandbelt where he was fortunate to secure a greenkeeping position at the 36-hole Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club under director of courses Glenn Stuart. Progressing to the role of foreman, Ambler completed his Diploma in Sports Turf Management, before being promoted to his current role of assistant course manager. “PK is an amazing golf club and has been fantastic for my career development,” says Ambler. “I have been at PK just over seven years now and I am loving my time here.”

MITCH AUSTIN

Pacific GC, Qld

Twenty-six-year-old Austin has been at Pacific Golf Club just south of Brisbane for the past two-and-half-years during which time he has developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of turf management and the dedication it takes to maintain a pristine course. Before joining Pacific, he spent seven years at Tenterfield Golf Club, where he completed his Certificate III in Sports Turf Management. Outside of work, Austin is an avid golfer and passionate sports fan who enjoys watching a variety of sports, including NRL, AFL, NBA, cricket, golf and darts, among others.

CHARLIE BOLTE

Assistant superintendent | Cromer GC, NSW

Bolte, who won the NSWGCSA Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award at the 2023 NSW Golf Industry Awards, has been assistant at Cromer Golf Club in Sydney’s northern beaches for the past three years. Bolte started his journey at nearby Monash Country Club, completing his apprenticeship there before moving across to Bayview Golf Club. Spending two years as 3IC, he was eventually promoted to the assistant superintendent role which he held for about two years.

Since arriving at Cromer, home to NSWGCSA president and superintendent Leon

Hennessy, Bolte has excelled in managing the daily responsibilities of the course team and played a key role in several significant course projects, including reconstructing the short game area. “I’m incredibly honoured to be selected for the FTMI,” says Bolte. “I have met a lot of well-respected industry leaders who have completed the program and benefited from it, so I’m hoping the program will do the same for me and assist me in my future endeavours of becoming a golf course superintendent.”

CHARLIE BORELLA

Foreman | Thurgoona CC Resort, NSW Borella first started working in the pro shop at Thurgoona Country Club Resort in 2015 collecting driving range balls and washing golf carts. After completing Year 12 in 2016, a phone call to resident superintendent Dean Lewis (CSTM) led to him taking on an apprenticeship the following year. Now almost eight years into his greenkeeping journey there, Borella has been fortunate to be part of a number of major events. Over the past eight years the club has hosted the NSW Senior Open, with Borella being a key part of the six tournaments it has hosted, the most recent this past October.

In 2022, Borella was also selected as a volunteer at the first ever combined Australian Open at Kingston Health and Victoria golf clubs. Borella spent the week at secondary host Kingston Heath working alongside assistant superintendent Tim Hamilton as part of the course set up crew (Hamilton was part of last year’s FTMI intake). This proved an eye-opening experience for Borella to see what the very pinnacle of the industry can look like. More recently, this past June Borella completed his Diploma of Sports Turf Management, an 18-month endeavour which saw him travel to Ryde TAFE in Sydney to complete.

MICHAEL BUNSTON

Foreman | Box Hill GC, Vic Bunston’s journey into golf course management began unexpectedly after he started as an apprentice sheet metal fabricator at 17 before realising it wasn’t the path he wanted to take. With a strong passion for the outdoors and a background in sports, Bunston found his true calling when, at the age of 18, he was offered an apprenticeship at Melbourne-based Box Hill Golf Club under superintendent Josh Leyland (CSTM). Since completing his apprenticeship and becoming a fully qualified greenkeeper, Bunston has continued to develop his knowledge and was ultimately promoted to the role of Box Hill foreman 18 months ago. Since then he has gone on to volunteer at back-toback Australian Opens (2023 at The Lakes and 2024 at Victoria). “The process of creating high-quality playing surfaces is tremendously satisfying to me, driving my dedication to the craft,” says Bunston. “As I near the completion of my Diploma in Sports Turf Management, I am eager to take the next step in my career, with aspirations of managing top-tier playing surfaces at prestigious golf courses.”

MASON CALDER

Assistant superintendent | The Kinloch Club, NZ

One of two NZGCSA FTMI participants this year, Calder originally hails from the South Island, studying turf management at Otago Polytechnic’s Cromwell campus where he was named top practical student in his year. After completing the course, Calder worked at the picturesque Wanaka Golf Club for four years before moving to Cromwell Golf Course for a year. After Cromwell, Calder had the opportunity to install the front nine irrigation system back at Wanaka, before taking on the assistant superintendent role at Arrowtown Golf Club. After two years there, Calder headed north to The Kinloch Club just outside of Taupo where he has been assistant now for the past two years. “My work is my passion, I thoroughly enjoy what I do and I like to make sure I put 100 per cent into anything I am attending to,” states Calder.

ED COLE

Lead spray technician | Te Arai Links, NZ Joining Calder as the second NZGCSA representative this year, Cole has been spray technician at the spectacular 36-hole Te Arai Links north of Auckland for the past 15 months. Cole is originally from Tasmania and his entry into the industry was one of chance. After moving out of home at 19

Cromer Golf Club’s Charlie Bolte won the NSWGCSA Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award in 2023

and making the journey north to Sydney for sport, Cole took on an apprenticeship under lawn bowls contractor Darren Hargraves. After two years working at Killara and Warrawee bowls clubs, COVID hit and Cole made the move back home with a desire to continue his training. He was picked up by Kingston Beach superintendent Tom Filtness, completing his apprenticeship and progressing to be assistant superintendent there for three years.

Having a high desire to travel, Cole made the decision to head cross the Tasman and landed at Te Arai Links as a summer intern. With the club boasting two world top 100 courses (North and South) it has given Cole further impetus to push his career to new heights. As lead spray technician, he runs all aspects of spraying over both courses and recently took delivery of three GPS-guided spray units which have opened his eyes to new technology.

PATRICK DEWHIRST

Senior curator | South Australian Cricket Association, SA

Dewhirst’s career in the turf industry was in a way preordained, with his father owning and operating a turf business. From this grew a strong passion to follow in those footsteps, working in the industry and upskilling his knowledge. In doing so, he was able to obtain an apprenticeship with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) in December 2018. Over the past six years, Dewhirst has moved through various job titles and been exposed to different opportunities and experiences, including cricket pitch reconstruction, turf management and international and First-Class pitch preparation.

After completing his training and placed into full-time employment with SACA, in 2022 Dewhirst secured a six-month placement with

Northern Territory Cricket in Darwin. During this period he was also named the ASTMA Sportsfields and Grounds Graduate of the Year winner at the 2022 conference in Melbourne. Now as a senior curator with SACA, Dewhirst is based at Karen Rolton Oval where he is continuing to hone his skills and broaden his leadership qualities.

DANIEL FULCHER

3IC | Maroochy River GC, Qld

Another former state graduate award winner, Fulcher began his apprenticeship at Maroochy River under superintendent Stuart Campbell (CSTM) in 2018. During his apprenticeship he learnt many new things and faced multiple challenges along the way and in doing so was given more

responsibilities and leadership opportunities. In 2022 after completing his apprenticeship, he was awarded the GCSAQ Apprentice of the Year, representing the association in the national final.

Having completed his apprenticeship, Fulcher wanted to test himself and branch out to a more exclusive golf course. In November 2022 he moved to Sydney to take on the foreman role at Elanora Country Club under Jake Gibbs (CSTM). This opportunity provided Fulcher further education in greenkeeping and leading a bigger team. Despite enjoying the role at Elanora, Fulcher eventually returned to the Sunshine Coast and Maroochy River where he has now been for the past year as 3IC.

JEFF GILLIES

Assistant superintendent | The Grange, SA Born and raised on a horse racing farm in New Zealand, Gillies’ passion for golf started at a young age as both his parents were avid golfers. Gillies would go on to represent the Waikato province in golf from the age of 14 and the following year undertook work experience at Matamata Golf Course which led to an apprenticeship there when he was 18. After completing, he moved to Lochiel Golf Course south of Hamilton, which would later merge with another club and eventually become the modern day Tieke Golf Estate. For a change of lifestyle, in 2004 Gillies moved to Adelaide and began working as a greenkeeper at Mt Osmond Golf Club for a decade. In 2014 he accepted a foreman role at The Grange Golf Club and played a key role in the preparation of two Women’s Australian Open tournaments in 2016 and 2019. Since 2019 Gillies has been assistant superintendent under Rowan Daymond (CSTM) and has been a major part of two highly successful LIV Golf Adelaide tournaments which has been his career highlight to date.

LACHLAN HAY

Foreman | The Royal Melbourne GC, Vic Hay’s career began on the Mornington Peninsula, taking on an apprenticeship at Flinders Golf Club. This marked the start of nearly a decade dedicated to growing his turf management skills, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and learning the intricacies of golf course maintenance as part of a small but dedicated team. Eager for new challenges, in 2021 Hay applied for an advertised groundstaff position at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Transitioning from a team of just five to one of 30-40 was a significant change, but one that Hay has fully embraced. He has continued to learn from some of the best in the business at one of the world’s most iconic golfing establishments.

As well as being involved in six NSW Senior Opens at his home course Thurgoona, Charlie Borella was also a volunteer at Kingston Heath Golf Club for the 2022 Australian Open

SACA’s Patrick Dewhirst was named the Sportsfields and Grounds Graduate of the Year at the 2022 conference in Melbourne

“My experience at Royal Melbourne has been both enriching and exhilarating,” says Hay, who was initially placed on the East Course. “I loved the high work ethic and expectations which brought a newfound joy for the industry. This deepened my passion for the field and led me to enrol in the Diploma of Sports Turf Management which I completed in December 2023.” In May 2024, Hay advanced to the role of foreman at Sandringham Golf Links where he is looking forward to furthering his learning and mentoring future apprentices.

BRETT IRVINE

Barwon Heads GC, Vic

Growing up in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Irvine developed a love for golf and played full-time for a couple of years. It was during that time he discovered an enthusiasm for greenkeeping and in 2000 completed his apprenticeship with Latrobe Golf Club. In 2002 he ventured to Scotland where he worked for the Old Course Hotel’s Dukes Course, designed by Peter Thomson. This two-year experience provided a fantastic opportunity to learn various practices, tournament setups at a heathland course and expand Irvine’s professional network.

After nearly 10 years of travelling and working in different industries while raising a young family, Irvine found himself at Darwin Golf Club where he quickly rediscovered his passion for turf management. Working in a different climate with unique challenges was a rewarding experience.

After moving back to Victoria, he spent some time at RACV Torquay before moving across to The Barwon Heads Golf Club. Since arriving there Irvine has been part of the club’s ongoing Course Development Plan works in collaboration with Crafter + Mogford. Irvine has also completed his Diploma and was part of The Toolbox Team’s Leadership Forum. “My time at Barwon Heads has been incredible so far, working under superintendent Craig Molloy and assistant Bobby Wallace who went through the FTMI in 2022/2023.”

BRENT JOHNSTON

Assistant superintendent | RACV Royal Pines Resort, Qld

Johnston started his career as an apprentice greenkeeper at Stonecutters Ridge in Sydney working for Flemming Golf in 2010, spending two-and-a-half years there and watching it transform from a paddock into a well-regarded 18-hole golf course. Once Flemming Golf handed over the course, Johnston transitioned to construction work with the company for a few months at The Australian Golf Club before finishing his apprenticeship at Dunheved Golf Club. After

a brief nine month period out of the industry, Johnston returned as a senior greenkeeper at Castle Hill Country Club, rising to 3IC and completing his Diploma. In June 2022 Johnston headed north after being appointed assistant at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

CAMERON MACDONALD

Leading hand | Cottesloe GC, WA

A career in journalism was initially on the cards for MacDonald but after one year of study and having worked three summers as a casual at Wanneroo Golf Club in Perth, he decided to switch things up. Despite never intending to complete a trade, MacDonald enjoyed his time at Wanneroo so much that he embarked upon an apprenticeship there. He went on to complete in 2019 and received the Lecturers Choice Award in the process, in addition to his Certificate III in Irrigation.

In 2020, MacDonald landed a position at Cottesloe Golf Club as irrigation technician, a role he held for two-and-a-half years before moving up into his current role as leading hand for the past 18 months. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenges of the role so far and am excited to have the opportunity to better develop my skills through the FTMI,” says MacDonald.

LIAM MALING

Turf Tradesperson | Melbourne Cricket Club, Vic

Maling has amassed some impressive establishments on his CV in the six years he has been in the industry. Initially an apprentice at The National Golf Club’s Long Island course, Maling then jumped at the chance to work at Royal Melbourne for just over two years. One of his career highlights

was being given the opportunity by Royal Melbourne to work at the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow, “an experience I’ll never forget and am incredibly thankful for”.

Wanting to expand his skillset, Maling took on a role at Frankston City Council to learn more about curating cricket pitches. After nine months, he heard about an opening at MCC Beaumaris where he is now enjoying new opportunities including working with the crew at the MCG. “Everything has moved pretty quickly at Beaumaris with the chance to manage things over a couple of periods which has been super beneficial for me and helping me strive to take the next step,” says Maling.

MATT MCCLINTOCK

Assistant course manager | Peninsula Kingswood CGC, Vic

Like his Peninsula Kingswood and FTMI counterpart Nathan Ambler, McClintock also originally hails from Christchurch, New Zealand. Having spent some time studying at university and realising it wasn’t for him, McClintock took on some work at Waimairi Beach Golf Club which turned into an apprenticeship. Completing his studies in 2016 he was eventually promoted to assistant there in 2018 before moving to Australia in 2019.

Landing in Melbourne, McClintock was keen to join a Sandbelt club and was duly taken on at Peninsula Kingswood. Coming from a small club with four staff to walking into a lunchroom with 40 staff was a real change but something McClintock relished. Continuing to develop his skills as a qualified greenkeeper, in 2022 he completed his Diploma and following that was promoted to course foreman. Since then, he has continued to climb the ranks and is now one of two assistant course managers at PK.

Maroochy River 3IC Daniel Fulcher (pictured centre after winning the GCSAQ Apprentice of the Year Award in 2022) is the third member of the team to go through the FTMI program after assistant Craig Chatillon (left, Class of 2022) and superintendent Stuart Campbell (right, Class of 2016)

KINGSLEY MCCONNOCHIE

Glenelg GC, SA

Thirty-two-year-old McConnochie is another Kiwi to have made his way across the Tasman.

Originally from Timaru in the South Island, McConnochie was first introduced to sports turf management when he volunteered at a local golf course cutting greens and fairways a couple times a week during high school. Hooked immediately, he undertook an apprenticeship at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from 2013, completing his studies through Otago Polytech in Cromwell. After four years working on golf courses, McConnochie switched across to sports fields, working at two international cricket ovals before deciding to move to Australia in 2018.

A brief spell working at a premier private school was cut short due to COVID and during the lockdown period he returned to working on golf courses. He joined the crew at The Australian Golf Club under superintendent Phil Beal where he stayed until early 2024. McConnochie now calls Adelaide home where he is part of the team at Glenelg Golf Club under the expert tutelage of superintendent Tim Warren (CSTM).

RICKY METHER

Superintendent | Trentham GC, Vic Mether certainly has his hands full, not only in his role as superintendent of Trentham Golf Club but also as a father to Huntyr, River and Bellamy who keep him extremely busy as he enjoys coaching their basketball and footy teams. Mether got into turf through the AFL Sports Ready Program, undertaking an apprenticeship at the exclusive Capital Golf Club.

Once he had completed his studies, he went on a working holiday to Europe before returning to take on a greenkeeping position at Medway Golf Club. After three great years under Victorian legend Col Winterton, Mether became assistant superintendent at Gisborne Golf Club before eventually taking over as superintendent. In the past couple of years Mether has been superintendent at Trentham about an hour northwest of Melbourne.

JAMES ROSS

Assistant grounds manager | Harrup Park Country Club/Great Barrier Reef Arena, Qld Originally from Mount Gambier in South Australia, Ross did his apprenticeship on golf courses (Mount Gambier and Warrnambool) after which he headed to Northern Ireland and worked at the famous Royal County Down for two years. Arriving back in Australia, Ross spent six years

in the mining industry in the Bown Basin in central Queensland, rising to be a mining supervisor for two years which helped to hone his team management skills.

Ross returned to the turf industry in 2020 when he took on an assistant role at a Mackaybased turf production farm, before joining the team at Harrup Park Country Club which is home of Great Barrier Reef Arena. Currently halfway through his Diploma of Sports Turf Management with TAFE Queensland, Ross has subsequently been appointed as assistant grounds manager. Over the past two years he has enjoyed preparing the arena for a range of major events including Australia A, WBBL and Australia women’s T20 international cricket as well as AFLW matches.

STEVEN SPREADBOROUGH

Aston Hills GC, SA

After growing up in southeast Brisbane, Spreadborough enlisted in the Australian Army as an 18-year-old in 2014 which led to his relocation to Adelaide. At 21, he successfully completed his Junior Leadership Course, earning a promotion to Lance Bombardier, followed by a subsequent promotion to Bombardier the following year. After five years of service, including two years leading small teams in high-pressure environments, Spreadborough decided to shift career paths, yet still wanted to work in an outdoor setting.

In March 2020, he started a Certificate III in Horticulture with Aston Hills Golf Club (formerly Mount Barker-Hahndorf GC) in the Adelaide Hills. Joining a small team of three, Spreadborough quickly adapted to a variety of roles, ensuring he became a crucial team member capable of handling any task that came his way. After completing his apprenticeship in mid-2022, Spreadborough

has continued to build his skills under the guidance and mentorship of Simon Prosser and is looking to pursue his Diploma shortly.

ANGUS VEAR

Senior curator | NT Cricket Sports and the outdoors dominated much of Vear’s formative years and after finishing school he took on an Associate Degree in Urban Horticulture at University of Melbourne. As part of this study, he had to complete a month’s work experience whereby he was lucky enough to go to Bellerive Oval in Hobart to work under Cricket Tasmania expert curator Marcus Pamplin. On completion of Vear’s studies, a role opened up at Bellerive as an apprentice.

Beginning his apprenticeship in 2018, it was a great thrill working on AFL playing surfaces, but Vear found a great love for preparing and maintaining cricket wickets. Throughout his five years at Cricket Tasmania, cricket wickets became a real focus and led to a wonderful opportunity overseas. In 2023, Vear undertook a dream secondment at Lord’s Cricket Ground with the Marylebone CC. Returning to Bellerive and completing the ‘23/24 summer of cricket, Vear then took on an opportunity with NT Cricket as a senior curator. Going from one end of the country to the other (Hobart to Darwin) has been extremely satisfying, with Vear working alongside head curator Jake Pavlich and the team preparing surfaces in the challenging NT climate.

CRAIG YOUNG

Assistant superintendent | The Cut, WA

Originally from the UK, Young’s career has taken him across the world. While studying sports and leisure management at university, Young discovered a love for greenkeeping while working at his local golf club during the summer breaks. After completing his degree, he realised sports turf was his true calling and pursued his NVQ qualification. Since then Young has worked in the UK (Barnard Castle GC), USA (Oak Hill CC), New Zealand (Paraparaumu Beach GC and Hamilton GC) and now Australia (The Cut, Mandurah CC and Royal Fremantle GC).

Throughout his journey, Young has developed a strong focus on sustainable turf management through data-driven practices, soil fertility, education, golf course architecture, leadership and mindfulness. As an avid golfer, Young is also deeply interested in the nuances of the golf swing and golf course strategy. He is currently serving as assistant superintendent at The Cut south of Perth where he continues to blend his passion for golf with a commitment to excellence in golf course management.

Angus Vear realised a dream by undertaking a placement at Lord’s Cricket Ground in 2023

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The

doyens

The past 75 years have seen some dramatic advances in turfgrass science thanks to the efforts of a select group of visionaries. Over the next two editions, ATM expert columnist Peter McMaugh AM curates a list of his 10 most influential figures in the world of turfgrass science who have left an indelible mark upon our industry.

Last year, in a discussion over content for my regular columns in Australian Turfgrass Management Journal, editor Brett Robinson challenged me to name who I thought were the top 10 turfgrass researchers of the past 75 years. There have been many whom over the years have devoted their lives to the betterment of our industry and in accepting this challenge I had to put some parameters to it. These became the sieves through which I developed my list, with which I have no doubt there will be considerable disagreement.

The criterion I arrived at was… ‘How their achievements and contributions have influenced the implementation of critical changes in turfgrass practices which have survived over a long period of time.’ Essentially I have focused on people who have put in long careers in turf. There have been many brilliant groundbreaking changes by individuals who have been peripheral to the turf industry. These have not been included because of the short duration of their turfgrass careers.

The turf industry has had more than its fair share of self-promoters. My experience of most of these is they leave very little of long-term worth. This has been true over every decade of turfgrass achievement. Most of you reading this probably believe that ‘turfgrass science’ started with Dr Jim Beard in the early 1970s. This is not totally true even though he had a greater influence than most on its growth. However, he stood on the shoulders of others to reach his golden heights.

Seventy-five years ago was 1950. World War ll had finished only five years earlier and as a result there was a huge surge in the growth of golf in the USA and a lot of the demand was filled by returned war veterans. This was very much a transition time in turfgrass science and the USGA Green Section played a huge part in the development of a scientific approach to the world of turfgrass agronomy.

Prior to the emergence of the International Turfgrass Society (ITS), most advances in turfgrass science were reported in the ‘Agronomy Journal’ published by the

Agronomy Society of America (ASA). Turfgrass science and culture was worldwide dominated by the USA, which in turn was all about golf.

The emergence of the ITS did not take place formally until its first conference at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, UK in 1969. This was very close to St Ives at Bingley where the STRI had its headquarters. Its founding director Mr B. Dawson was at the end of his career and his anointed successor Mr John Escrit was party to the ITS development. This internationalising of the science of turfgrasses moved it away from total dominance by the USA, although it is still the biggest player with more than 50 per cent of the ITS membership.

I have, up to a point, drawn on the Proceedings of past International Turfgrass Research Conferences (the ITS’s quadrennial research event) for help in meeting my judgements. A great deal of the development of plant disease excellence in the USA and Canada was due to pathologists who honed their skills at STRI and then emigrated to North America. The journals of the STRI also provided an invaluable source of knowledge.

Due to the calibre of the individuals and breadth of their work, my top 10 will be presented across two separate editions. In this edition we begin the countdown from 10 to six before naming the top five in the JanuaryFebruary 2025 edition. As mentioned, there will be no doubt be plenty of debate on who is where and who may or may not have been left off the list. Here we go…

10. DR JOE VARGAS

Michigan State University

Which Joe Vargas do I nominate? Dr Joe the scientist or Dr Joe the entertainer? Both! Joe was certainly a one off, but it wasn’t his personal eccentricity that brought him here.

Joe, who sadly passed away last April, was without any argument a superb scientist. His thorough knowledge of plant physiology rivalled that of Dr Jim Beard, his contemporary at Michigan State University. He was anything but the stereotypical turfgrass pathologist. He understood that any disease needed to be understood in terms of its environment. He saw very clearly the ‘big picture’ of turfgrasses and the role of plant diseases in that picture.

Some of his most exciting work was done in the early stages of his career at Michigan State. He studied glufosinate and glyphosate resistant bentgrasses and their possible roles in turfgrass management. His weed control plots were mindboggling because they were totally disease free. This was the first clear scientific demonstration of the unnecessary and sometimes stupid division of chemicals into pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. They all come under just one category which is biologically active chemical compounds which work better in some areas than others.

His other great passion was Poa annua, wintergrass – or as he used to describe it, tongue in cheek, ‘failure grass’. He could turn on a masterclass about it at the drop of a hat. He understood its physiology and lifecycle with greater clarity than any other person I know. Without ever having any connection with endothal, he predicted the onset of resistance years before it became a reality.

Joe was cheeky, irreverent and indescribably competent, whether he was in the field diagnosing problems or teaching in a lecture theatre. He has been lauded as the best field diagnostician of plant diseases ever. As part of the incredible research team at Michigan State with Jim Beard and Paul Rieke, their support of each other provided a swag of research results rarely equalled anywhere else.

One of the characteristics he cherished, and for which he was widely acclaimed across the industry, was his unequivocal support of golf course superintendents. He looked after their backs and was their true friend. He worked widely all over the world and was always a hit wherever he went. His remarkable yield of research results of groundbreaking nature makes him a standout turfgrass scientist. He was afraid of no one and his battles with Houston B. Couch, the tyrant plant pathologist of his time, were legendary.

9. DR VICTOR YOUNGNER

University of California, Riverside I have not the slightest doubt that the nomination of Dr Youngner will surprise most of you reading this, but he was the man who put the University of California, Riverside (UCR) on the map. Born in Minnesota and educated there to PhD status, he worked briefly for three years with a seed company before he took up a lectureship in landscape studies at UCLA in 1955. He transferred to UCR in 1965.

It was not long after Vic’s arrival that Jim Beard chose it for a one-year sabbatical from Michigan. Jim was obviously impressed by Vic’s thorough knowledge of the physiology of warm-season grasses. Vic was no slouch and some of his papers are still among the most cited in the literature by many other authors.

Being on the West Coast, the University of California was not considered a big player in the US turfgrass world. The industry was East Coast-centric and dominated by cool-season turfgrass interests. Vic’s work covered many aspects of turfgrasses among which were a special interest in wear machines. I have not the slightest doubt that this was one of the fields that Jim Beard took home with him to Michigan.

Vic’s grass breeding projects covered both Bermuda grasses and zoysias. In this area he had a very able assistant in Stan Spaulding, a fellow returned serviceman from WWII. Stan, a lifelong friend of mine, was Vic’s right-hand man. In the area of Bermuda grass breeding, Vic followed the lead of the Tifton group and bred the interspecific hybrid Santa Ana. Its parentage was C. dactylon Royal Cape x C. transvaalensis from Iran. It has been hugely successful in California and outside there in South Africa and here in Australia. Vic also

Opposite: Santa Ana, which came to market in the US in 1966, still remains a popular couchgrass for golf courses to this day, especially in Australia

Cheeky, irreverent and indescribably competent, whether in the field or in the classroom, Michigan State’s Dr Joe Vargas was one out of the box

PHOTO: MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr Vic Youngner, pictured in this article which he authored for the April 1967 edition of ‘Weed, Trees and Turf’, was responsible for the development of Santa Ana couchgrass

released the very successful El Toro. This was the first release of a commercial zoysia since the introduction of Meyer in 1951. After Vic’s sudden death at the age of 62, Stan continued the zoysia breeding programme releasing the varieties Deanza and Victoria.

Vic had a great interest in water conservation and his collaboration with Dr Vic Gibeault and Steve Cockerham resulted in the much-cited UCR document ‘Turfgrass Water Conservation’. Jim Watson was also involved in this work. Vic initiated the publication ‘California Turfgrass Culture’ to which he was a frequent contributor. He published 70 peer-reviewed scientific papers and over 150 semi-technical papers. His wear paper was published in Agronomy Journal (53, 217).

As Gibeault put it – ‘One day he was there and the next he wasn’t’. The industry lost a prodigious talent with his early demise.

8. DR RICHARD SMILEY

Oregon State University

Dr Richard Smiley breaks one of the rules of criteria for selection here. He has not had a long career in turf. He loved turf and would have been happy to have had a full-time career in turfgrass, but the vitriol of Houston B. Couch drove him away.

Richard Smiley is an enormously generous man presenting his magnum opus ‘Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases’ as an open source document for the industry. There have been several updates of the Compendium by other authors including Dr Bruce Clarke and Dr Peter Dernoeden. Somehow, mysteriously, its open source status has been eroded and royalties are now being levied off it by the Plant Pathology Society of America.

The very longevity and continued relevance of this book is such that its role will continue well into the future. It was first published in 1983 when Richard was at Cornell University and I am the very proud possessor of a signed copy of the first edition. The sheer quality of the contents, both text and visuals, set it out from virtually any other paperback publication of its type. The immense detail of every entry and the hand drawn illustrations and life cycle details put it in a class of its own.

Richard is also a very humble man, which is a characteristic common in really great men. His curiosity brought him to Australia on a sabbatical during the mid-1970s. He came to try to find out the secrets behind Dr Alan Smith’s work on the causal agent of spring dead spot in Bermuda (couch) grass. This work had thrown the pathologists in the USA into turmoil. Houston B. Couch would not accept it.

Dr Smith’s work (in conjunction with Dr John Walker) at the Biological and Chemical Research Institute at Rydalmere, NSW was

successful only because of Alan’s meticulous attention to his isolation plates and his early subculturing of the Leptosphaeria namari very early in the process. Being a slow grower in culture, it was quickly overgrown by other fungi if left for too long. This outstanding original work of Dr Smith would put him in line for inclusion in this list except for the fact that it was a one-off for him in the turfgrass world.

Richard only recently retired from Oregon State University where he had functioned for many years. The debt the turfgrass industry owes him is immense and for his unique contribution to long-lived knowledge in the industry we cannot exclude him from our list.

7. DR BURTON MUSSER

Penn State University

Burt Musser was the ‘John the Baptist’ to Jim Beard’s ‘JC’ role in the world of turf. He was the bridge between the old and the new. As the junior partner in the strong friendship group of John Monteith, OJ Noer, Fred V. Gran, Al Radko and Felix Juska, he carried their collective wisdom into the modern era of turfgrass science.

Burt was Professor of Agronomy (Turf) at Penn State University for 39 highly productive years. At the urging of the USGA Green Section, he wrote and published his magnum opus ‘Turfgrass Management’. Prior to Jim Beard’s ‘Turfgrass Science and Culture’ it was the go-to book of the turfgrass practitioner’s world.

Burt’s defining greatness is that he bred the first high quality seeded variety of bentgrass – Penncross. This changed the world of bentgrass propagation from vegetative to seed. He drew on the early work of Piper and Oakley and their bentgrass collection for his gene pool. Unfortunately the commercial seed producers did not keep up the strict guidelines that Burt laid out for the commercial production of Penncross. This fiasco meant that within a few years of release, the owners’ breeding stock had to be withdrawn and then a new release arranged. This did the reputation of Penncross a lot of harm, including in Australia which was the recipient of a lot of uncertified Penncross seed.

TURFGRASS HISTORY AND LITERATURE

But, as they say, the genie was out of the bottle and Penncross took off across the world. It was an open polycross of three selected, closely related breeding lines. As such there was inevitable segregation of clones as greens aged. But it was a very hardy type of creeping bent which excelled even under low management regimes. Such was its success that virtually overnight creeping bentgrass seed pushed every other type of bentgrass out of the market. His programme was picked up by his successor Joe Duich who produced the notable but short lived lines of Penn A and Penn G creeping bentgrass.

When Burt died in 1969, the year of the foundation of the International Turfgrass Society, a group of his admiring friends set up the Musser Foundation. One of his great admirers was Eberhard Steiniger, the superintendent at Pine Valley Golf Club, and a stalwart at ITS meetings from day one.

Dr Burton Musser was Professor of Agronomy (Turf) at Penn State University for 39 highly productive years

First published in 1983 by plant pathologist Dr Richard Smiley (top), the Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases is one of the global turf industry’s seminal texts

PHOTO:

6. DR JAMES WATSON

Texas A&M University and Toro Dr Jim takes his position on this list not so much for his own personal research (which is not inconsiderable) but for what he enabled the whole of the industry internationally to achieve. He enrolled in 1941 at Texas A&M to study agricultural engineering. His excellence in agronomy studies led to him changing his major to agronomy. In 1943 he joined the 8th Air Force serving in World War II as a navigator in bombers. He was badly wounded by shrapnel, which troubled him greatly in his later years. He never mentioned the Purple Heart he was awarded for his war service.

In 1947, having returned to Texas A&M, he was awarded the USGA’s Green Section Fellowship at Penn State University. This began a lifelong intimate relationship with the USGA Green Section. The Professor of Agronomy at Penn State at the time was Dr Burton Musser, our previous top 10 list member. After graduating in 1950 with a PhD, Jim was appointed as an assistant professor at Texas A&M. By 1952 he had been snapped up by Toro who created a totally new role for him at the company at which he excelled, eventually rising to be vice-president.

Jim was the epitome of the smooth talking Southern gentleman. Urbane and velvet smooth, he could hold his place anywhere. Steve Cockerham (a great friend of mine at UCR) said of him, ‘His ability to understand science, understand the world of practical turfgrass management and then to also handle the politics involved is quite unique’

His role at Toro was more roving ambassador than corporate salesperson. His bromance with the USGA Green Section was such that he had a big influence on where and to whom it dispensed research grants. The immense influence that Jim Watson had with the USGA Green Section is no more evident than his role in guiding their 19831992 Environmental Research programme. He served on the organising committee for the

whole 10 years of this exercise. If you read the Research Summaries that report this project’s success, you see the huge impact it had.

He also supported, through Toro, many conferences all over the world. He mentored many a golf course superintendent and many an emerging turfgrass scientist such as Jim Beard. His great support for the foundation of the International Turfgrass Society ensured its financial security. He was treasurer for many years and in 1989 became president, holding the society’s conference in Florida in 1993.

Jim’s career was enormous, his worldwide eminence unparalleled. His accolades included the USGA Green Section Award, the ASA Agronomic Service Award, the Crop Science Society of America’s Fred V Gran Turfgrass Science Award and Distinguished Service Award and the American Society of Golf Course Architects’ Donald Ross Award.

On receiving the GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award in 1994, he was described as “one of the few who have made a difference”. Golf Course Management (Vol. 62 No.12, Dec 1994) has a great story of his life. He retired to Colorado with his beautiful wife Audrey who, ironically, hated grass. He is much missed.

James Watson (pictured top, left) had an enormous influence on the industry during his many years with Toro. Above is the cover of the December 1994 edition of Golf Course Management magazine after Watson received the GCSAA’s Old Tom Morris Award

PHOTO: TORO

institution A Kiwi

The New Zealand Sports Turf Institute recently marked its 75th anniversary, a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to advancing turf management in New Zealand.

At a special function held in Palmerston North in late November, the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) celebrated 75 years of serving the New Zealand sports turf management industry. Members from across all sectors of the turf community joined with NZSTI staff, both past and present, to mark the occasion and reminisce on the integral role it has played since its inception in 1949.

The event was a celebration of the Institute’s journey, enjoyed with people who helped shaped it through the generations. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, nostalgic memories and a shared appreciation for the sports turf industry. It provided an opportunity for the Institute to thank everyone who has been a part of its journey – staff, clients, partners and the wider turf community – whose support and collaboration has been instrumental in its success.

A highlight of the night was celebrating four of NZSTI’s longest-serving team members. Agronomists David Howard (43 years), David Ormsby (36), Alex Glasgow (36) and Brendan Hannan (31) have amassed an impressive 146 years’ service with the Institute and they were duly recognised for their dedication, expertise and the legacy they have forged.

MEETING A NEED

The NZSTI’s origins date well before its actual foundation. It was 1930 when G.H. Holford (pictured), who held a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, wrote to the president of the then New Zealand Golf Council. In the letter he stated that for some years he had “devoted some attention to problems relating to the management of greens” and that discussions with greenkeepers and club officials had confirmed that “there is a real need for research work in connection with all problems related to the laying down and management of greens”.

Holford noted that a Board of Greenkeeping Research had been recently set

up in Britain by the British Golf Unions to carry out research work on greenkeeping there. Having discussed the possibilities of setting up a similar entity with members of the controlling bodies of golf, tennis, bowling and croquet in different parts of New Zealand and gaining support, Holford put to the New Zealand Golf Council five proposals outlining “a tentative scheme in regard to the formation of a New Zealand Board of Greenkeeping Research”. He suggested the NZ entity should be similar to and linked to the British organisation, that it be established in association with the New Zealand Plant Research Station and that it also be based in Palmerston North (north of Wellington). He further recommended…

l “That it be under the control of a specialist grassland officer of the Plant Research Station, who shall, under the direction of an Advisory Council to be appointed, carry out such research work as is laid down by such Council.”

l “Research work would consist mainly in the setting down of grass plots with all possible combinations of grass, both native and introduced, with a view to getting information as to the best grasses to use for turf work… Research would also be carried out relating to matters of manuring, weed control, worm and fungus pest control, as well as research on such matters as mowing, rolling, watering, etc. It may, of course, be necessary to establish smaller sub-stations in different areas in New Zealand to deal with special local conditions.”

l “The work of the Research Station would be to collect and classify all information, not only from New Zealand but from other countries as well, on all matters relating to the proper upkeep and management of greens, and to issue, from time to time, reports to contributing bodies of the Board. As far as possible, personal visits should be arranged by the specialist officer of the Research Board to greens throughout New Zealand.”

Between them, NZSTI agronomists (from left) David Howard (43 years), David Ormsby (36), Alex Glasgow (36) and Brendan Hannan (31) have amassed 146 years’ service for the organisation

A turf research facility was established at Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North during the 1930s and 1940s

As a result of Holford’s advocacy, the New Zealand Board of Greenkeeping Research was established in 1930 to provide advice to the New Zealand Golf Council and golf clubs on all aspects of greens management.

The journey to eventually becoming the ‘Institute’ began in 1932 with the formation of the Greenkeeping Research Committee by the NZ Golf Association (NZGA) in Christchurch, under the leadership of Sir Alex Roberts. This initiative laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of sports turf research and development in New Zealand.

The Greens Research Committee was established to carry out research on current turf management issues, including fertiliser practices and thatch management for different grass species. The first annual report of New Zealand Green Keeping Research was published in 1933. Also in 1933, annual turf conferences were introduced, based in Palmerston North, and included research presentations as well as practical topics.

With the support of industry partners like ICI and Barraud & Abraham, a turf research facility was established at Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North. From 1932 to 1949, the NZGA’s committee funded pioneering research conducted by the Plant Research Division, with Sir Bruce Levy at the helm. His vision and commitment were instrumental in the establishment of the NZ Institute of Turf Culture in 1949 and what would become the Institute’s core role – disseminating turf research and technical information to clubs across the country in a way they could apply it.

THE ‘INSTITUTE’

The Institute’s early years were marked by a focus on knowledge transfer through annual conferences and training courses, despite limited resources. Recognising the growing demand for its research and advisory services, the Institute expanded its membership in 1955 to include a broader range of stakeholders, from sports clubs to municipalities. This expansion fuelled significant growth, with membership surpassing 1100 by 1965.

In 1948, the bowls sector was separately identified with a bowling green management booklet published and in 1953, in Dunedin, the first bowls greenkeepers conference was hosted outside of Palmerston North. It wasn’t until 1980 that the terms ‘greens’ and ‘greenkeeping’ started to be replaced by the more inclusive ‘sports turf’, with the first National Sports Turf Convention, combining all turf codes, held at Massey University in Palmerston North.

Publications have been a key part of the Institute’s legacy, starting with handbooks on

turf management for bowls and golf (1948 and 1950 respectively), then into more regular communication with a simple newsletter in 1959. This publication evolved into the Sports Turf Review in 1976 and finally the NZ Turf Management Journal in 1986 which in paper form reached a peak circulation of 2500. Today, the journal, in digital form, has a circulation of 5000 copies per bi-monthly issue.

The Institute’s success is a testament to the dedication of its people. Figures like Sir Bruce Levy, Cyril Walker, Robbie Robinson, Doug Leng-Ward and Keith McAuliffe, the various Boards of Management, advisory groups and many others have left an indelible mark through their long service and passion for the turf industry. The current team, averaging 18 years of service, continues this tradition of excellence.

In 1964 a formal visiting advisory service was introduced. Tours of different regions were arranged for clubs that had requested assistance for a fee of £6. As demand for the service expanded, two more advisory staff were employed. Eventually, in 1974 the NZGA, NZBA and most municipalities agreed to a proposal to contribute to the Institute on a levy-

per-person basis in exchange for a base level of ‘free’ service. This increase in scope also saw the Institute employ Massey graduates Messrs Haycock, Walmsley and McAuliffe. The core ‘one-visit-per-year’ service to golf clubs, bowling clubs and municipalities lasted until the early 1990s.

The 1990s saw the Institute extend its services to a wide range of clients in New Zealand and overseas, with training or consultancy services in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, India, Fiji and China, a trend which continues to this day. Consultancy now extends to construction, project management and certification of infrastructure to various national standards or international sporting codes.

Training and education has always been at the core of the Institute. While the courses or qualifications have had a variety of names, the goal has always been the same – to improve the practice of greenkeeping. Before many other industries in NZ, the Institute introduced the ‘Diploma of Turf Culture’ in 1938, the first turf qualification available in the country. A ‘Certificate of Proficiency in Turf Culture’ came about in 1958 which was superseded again by a ‘Diploma in Turf Culture’ in 1963. That was in turn replaced by the ‘National’ certificates and diplomas of the 1990s and more recently the ‘New Zealand’ certificates of the 2000s.

The Institute started life as the New Zealand Institute for Turf Culture before changing to the NZ Turf Culture Institute, then the NZ Sports Turf Institute Incorporated before changing in 2013 to NZ Sports Turf Institute Limited. Its most recent evolution came in 2018 when the Institute joined the Labosport Group to become a truly global sports surfaces consultancy organisation. As it celebrates 75 years, the Institute honours the past and looks forward to a future of continued innovation and leadership in turf management.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ATM thanks the NZSTI’s Lindsay Robertson and Alex Glasgow for their assistance with this article. To read more about the NZSTI journey, visit https://nzsti.co.nz/turf-digital.

The New Zealand Turf Management Journal has been an industry staple since 1986.

The current day NZSTI team. In 2018 the NZSTI became part of the Labosport Group

The past 12 months have been very productive for Adelaide-based environmental and sustainability expert Monina Gilbey. The launch of a new industry consultancy business (Torgersen-Gilbey) was accompanied by numerous speaking engagements across Australia, while Gilbey herself received multiple accolades and award nominations. These were for the mountain of work she has been undertaking in her capacity as biodiversity manager at Glenelg Golf Club and her wider efforts in championing the environmental benefits that golf courses have in their local community.

On the back of a busy year, ATM caught up with Gilbey to reflect on her achievements and see what is in the pipeline for 2025…

In October, you received a major award from Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA), the first time that golf has been recognised at the awards. Can you tell us more about your awards and nominations this year? In May, I was honoured to win the Parks and Leisure Australia SA/NT Environmental Stewardship Award, nominated by Golf Australia. This put me in contention for the National Environmental Stewardship Award at the Awards of Excellence dinner in Brisbane in October. It was a huge surprise to win the award given that I was up against two councils.

turfie An honorary

It has been a big year for golf environmental and sustainability champion Monina Gilbey…

Glenelg Golf Club also won the Clubs South Australia Environmental Awareness Award for the third year in a row, which was another surprise for course superintendent Tim Warren (CSTM) and me.

I was also honoured with a nomination for Most Influential Woman in the inaugural Golf Australia R&A Women in Golf Charter Awards which were held in late November. In a very rare moment for me, I was speechless when I found out I had been nominated! It was a very strong field of 10 women who have done a lot for golf in various fields, with Deb Kember from The Brisbane Golf Club a very worthy winner of the award.

Why do you think Golf Australia nominated you for the PLA environmental stewardship award? I think that they have been impressed by the biodiversity and sustainability projects that we have been doing at Glenelg Golf Club, as well as the range of projects. They were also impressed by the way that I have communicated the success of this work. It is great for the sport to spread the word about the positive work being undertaken in golf and I like to think that the work we are doing as a team at Glenelg is really changing the game and getting industry-wide recognition.

You mentioned in your PLA award speech that you were happy to be “an honorary turfie”. Can you tell us why you like the industry so much? Firstly, I am an ‘honorary turfie’ as I have been through the greenkeeper rite of passage – driving a Workman into a bunker! I absolutely love the turf industry; it’s the best job I’ve ever had. The people in all areas of this industry are incredible – so friendly, supportive and down-to-earth. The collegiality and support from everyone across all areas of the industry has been something I never expected. I’m so grateful for everyone who’s supported me, particularly Tim, both personally and professionally.

How have you communicated the success of your projects and the broader

PHOTO:

biodiversity message? Our Glenelg Golf Club Course Maintenance social media platforms have followers who aren’t golfers. Some people follow so they can see photos of the flora and fauna on the course. Our ‘Wildlife Wednesday’ posts have reached thousands of accounts around Australia and the world over the last few years.

I have also recorded a few podcasts this year. In August, I was on ‘Lawn Hub Live’ with Clint Adams. We played a game of ‘pest or guest’ and ‘spray or nay’, where I showed photos and Clint had to guess which was which. It was a good laugh and it helped spread the biodiversity message to people who are home gardeners who love their lawn.

Kate Torgersen and I were also interviewed by Karen Harding for her fantastic ‘Tee for Two’ podcast. We spoke about the new consultancy, our backgrounds and work history. I have a bet going with Karen that I will be the first and only guest to ever say “chicken’s bum” on her podcast – I was talking about my kitchen garden education days teaching kids about where their food comes from!

You spoke at the Australian Sports Turf Management conference in Brisbane, but that wasn’t the only speaking engagement you’ve had this year… It was definitely a year of travel and speaking. We spoke at the Future in Turf Seminar in Perth, the national PLA conference in Brisbane and the Golf Summit in Melbourne. I also had a few online speaking engagements with Golf Australia and PGA Australia. At most of our talks we used ‘AHA slides’ to get anonymous feedback from the audience on their roadblocks to sustainability. The major roadblocks for everyone are time, knowledge, budget and resources.

This is why we started the consultancy because we want to help golf courses become more biodiverse and more sustainable. We know it can be tough when clubs don’t have the staff or knowledge to implement the projects, so we’re here to support them as much as possible. We want to give back to the golf community, raise the environmental bar and show people outside of golf the positive impact golf can have on the environment.

As part of that work to promote the positives of golf, I was super-excited to have recorded a piece on our work at Glenelg Golf Club for ABC’s Gardening Australia. Presenter Sophie Thomson and the camera crew visited Glenelg in September and I spent the day showing them what we have achieved. The piece won’t air until some time in 2025, but I think it will be a real eye-opener for Gardening Australia viewers to learn about the threatened plants that we have planted at Glenelg Golf Club and hear about the birds and insects visiting the course. Many people see golf courses as dead spaces, but this episode will show the variety of wildlife and plants that can be found at a golf course.

A frequent criticism faced by golf clubs is their private nature which restricts public

access. However, it can be argued that this exclusivity contributes to the protection of threatened species. Out-of-play areas on golf courses provide a protected area for threatened wildlife or plants that is much harder to create in a park or reserve with general public access.

You spoke at the conference about a free platform called iNaturalist to help golf clubs map and record their biodiversity. Can you tell us more about this and the ‘Golf Fore Nature’ project which has been set up? iNaturalist is an online platform which allows users to upload photos of all living organisms. Once other users confirm your sightings, your observation becomes ‘research grade’, which means it can be used for scientific studies or cited in research papers. iNaturalist observations also become part of the ‘Global Biodiversity Inventory Fund’, so you are further contributing to global information on flora and fauna. A few years ago, I set up a ‘Biodiversity Inventory’ for Glenelg Golf Club on iNaturalist which involved geo fencing our club so that whenever someone takes a photo on our course and uploads it to iNaturalist, it will automatically become part of this inventory. We currently have over 250 observations of 145 species, with observations uploaded by staff, members and visitors to our course.

Glenelg Golf Club is set to feature in an episode of ABC’s Gardening Australia program in 2025, hosted by Sophie Thomson, which will highlight the environmental work being achieved on course

Opposite: After winning the SA/NT Environmental Stewardship Award in May, Monina Gilbey’s work at Glenelg Golf Club was further recognised with Parks and Leisure Australia’s National Environmental Stewardship Award in October

Glenelg Golf Club collected its third Clubs SA Environmental Awareness Award in a row this year (left), while Gilbey was also a finalist in the inaugural Golf Australia R&A Women in Golf Charter Awards

‘Golf Fore Nature’ has been set up on iNaturalist to collect flora and fauna data from golf clubs around Australia

Earlier this year, my colleague Kate Torgersen set up an umbrella project called ‘Golf Fore Nature’ which collects data from 15 golf clubs around Australia. We recently held an online training session with the 13th Beach Golf Links birding group. A number of years ago, they released a bird book, so they

BUSY BEES AT TAFE QLD

Sports turf management students at TAFE Queensland have been getting behind Syngenta’s Operation Pollinator program as part of their 2024 studies.

Operation Pollinator is a global initiative by Syngenta that aims to counteract pollinator diversity decline by supporting the development of pollinator habitats in a variety of commercial landscapes through partnerships with key stakeholders. Operation Pollinator provides professional turf managers with the tools and information to successfully establish and manage attractive wildflower resources that are crucial for bees and other pollinating insects.

TAFE Queensland teacher Eddie Bennet has been successfully coordinating a dedicated Operation Pollinator site at Brisbane’s Grovely Campus with the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management students building ‘bee hotels’ as part of the course’s ‘Apply environmentally sustainable work practices’ unit.

“They have been busy bees quite literally,” states Bennet. “There are over 1600 species of native bees in Australia, with an estimated possible 2000 species. The main aim for these ‘bee hotels’ is to give a home to the native solitary bees as well as provide habitat opportunities for all types of insects, spiders and lizards. This not only helps

are planning to upload all of their bird photos. Thanks to observations from 13th Beach, our Golf Fore Nature project now has over 1000 observations of more than 540 species. iNaturalist can be accessed by anyone around the world, so it is a great way to show what is found on golf courses. We want to

pollinate the native plants that we have as part of our native flower wilding project, but it also contributes to the whole ‘food web ecosystem’ that is in the local environment. This in turn helps with our integrated pest management, reducing the population of unwanted pests around the campus.”

Keeping in theme with the ‘environmentally sustainable’ unit, the bee hotels have been built out of recycled materials from around the campus, including

include as many golf clubs around Australia as we possibly can so if you are interested then please get in touch.

You also wrote a joint article with Ben Gibson and The Toolbox Team for the NSWGCSA? Partnering with Ben and his team has been great as we both share a strong alignment in terms of values, culture and a commitment to safety and environmental protection. Ben has been incredibly supportive of both of us and the new consultancy. Our Toolbox Team partnership led to the magazine article and joint sponsorship of a hole – the unofficially party hole – at the NSWGCSA Golf Day. We are planning on working together with The Toolbox Team on more projects next year.

What are Torgersen-Gilbey’s other plans for next year? After a well-deserved Christmas break, we’re committed to expanding our educational outreach through workshops and speaking engagements. We’re also eager to assist clubs with a range of environmental projects, from small-scale planting initiatives, environmental and sustainability audits, grant support or comprehensive biodiversity and vegetation management plans.

leftover bits of timber, pallets, bricks and some of the large clumps of onsite bamboo which were planted a long time ago.

“For the apprentices, building these bee hotels was like creating works of art, with each hotel having its own identity from each of the group’s collaboration,” explains Bennet. “It was a great team-building activity and gave them an opportunity to develop some carpentry skills with hand-tools while learning the importance of sustainability.”

TAFE Queensland sports turf management students have been constructing bee hotels as part of their studies this year in conjunction with Syngenta’s Operation Pollinator project

missionMolloy’s new

Craig Molloy has experienced more than most across his 30 years in the turf management game. From his days as a council-based apprentice, superintendent of a busy inner-Sydney public access course to superintendent of a resort course in the NSW Hunter Valley, Molloy has amassed an impressive CV. He also had a short stint as a golf club general manager and for a number of years was president of the NSWGCSA, both extremely valuable experiences which added immensely to the unique skillset he has forged.

In 2022, after eight years as superintendent at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Molloy uprooted the family and made the move to Victoria and one of the country’s most respected links courses – The Barwon Heads Golf Club. A keen golfer who had played the course a number of times across his career, it had always held appeal and he knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t not go for.

Having achieved so much at Oaks Cypress Lakes, which was recognised with both state and national industry awards, the shift south has provided Molloy, now 48, with another chance to recalibrate, refocus and leave his

mark. Two years into his new endeavour, we caught up with Craig to look at his leadership style, his priorities as a manager and the central pillars of his overall approach which have helped make him one of this country’s most respected superintendents…

How did you end up in turf? Did you choose turf or did it choose you? Growing up, my parents lived on the 12th hole at Cumberland Golf Club in Sydney, so golf was always a big part of my life. Cumberland has been a nurturing ground for many juniors who’ve gone on to successful careers in the golf industry,

ATM leadership expert Ben Gibson profiles award-winning superintendent Craig Molloy (CSTM) who in the past two years has found a new home at The Barwon Heads Golf Club.

whether its Tour players and professionals like Paul Gow, Joanne Bannerman and Glen Feast, general manager Brendan Ellam, or turf managers such as Gary Dempsey, Guy Thomas, Scott Riley, Paul Watts and Jeff McManus.

Although I knew I wasn’t quite good enough to pursue a career as a professional golfer, I was determined to stay involved in the golf industry. My brother Andrew, who is also a turf manager, has taken his career down the sports field turf management route and now works at Commbank Stadium. So, in a way, I guess turf chose me.

Tell us about your journey in turf management that has led you to your current role as course superintendent at The Barwon Heads Golf Club... My career in

turf management began in 1994 when I was first employed by Drummoyne Council as an apprentice greenkeeper, working at Barnwell Park Golf Club in Five Dock, NSW. It was a small but dedicated team of four, supported by additional council staff for tasks like mowing fairways and broadacre spraying.

In 1997, Drummoyne and Concord councils merged their maintenance divisions to form Canada Bay, a new entity responsible for contracting to both councils. Soon after the merger, I was promoted to supervisor of the greenkeeping division, overseeing all active sports fields and golf courses. During this time, I completed my Diploma in Turf Management.

In 2003, I made the decision to leave the council and took up the position of superintendent at Eastlake Golf Club, where I gained valuable experience in managing a golf

course. My career then took another turn in 2006 when I moved to Newcastle to become the superintendent at Shortland Waters Golf Club, a role I held until 2013.

During my time there, I had the incredible opportunity to work at two US Opens (2011 and 2012) which was a pivotal moment in my career. I was also proud to serve as president of the NSW Golf Course Superintendents Association (NSWGCSA). In my final year at Shortland Waters, I took on the role of general manager, however, in 2013, I decided to return to my true passion – turf management – and became superintendent at Cypress Lakes Resort. Oaks Hotels had just purchased the property and was investing heavily in restoring the course to its former glory. In 2020, I was honoured to be awarded the NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year and the following year the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award, recognition of my dedication and achievements in the industry.

Having played at The Barwon Heads Golf Club several times across my career, I had always admired the facility and thought that if I were ever to relocate my family, particularly to Victoria, it would be to a place like this. In 2022, my dream became a reality when I was appointed as the club’s new superintendent after Adam Lamb moved to Commonwealth.

Your brief stint as general manager at Shortland Waters – what was that like and what did you learn? Taking on the role of general manager was a fast learning curve for me. It wasn’t just about managing the golf course anymore; I was now responsible for overseeing the entire business, including the politics and complexities that come with the role. As turf managers, we often focus on the technical and operational aspects of course maintenance, but we sometimes don’t fully appreciate how the decisions we make can impact the rest of the business. For example, decisions around closing tee times, course

CAREER – CRAIG MOLLOY

2022-present: Superintendent, The Barwon Heads Golf Club, Vic

2013-2022: Superintendent, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, NSW

2012-2013: General manager, Shortland Waters Golf Club, NSW

2006-2012: Superintendent, Shortland Waters Golf Club, NSW

2003-2005: Superintendent, Eastlake GC 1999-2003: Supervisor greenkeeping services, Canada Bay Council, NSW

1994-1998: Apprentice, Drummoyne Council, NSW

PHOTO: GARY LISBON

The Barwon Heads Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula perennially ranks among the top courses in the country and has forged a reputation of turf management excellence over many years

closures due to weather or taking carts off the course can have a significant effect on revenue and customer satisfaction. Managing staff costs and working within tight budgets – where increases are rare – can also be a challenge.

As general manager, I was able to bridge that gap. I had to explain the reasoning behind our turf management decisions in a way that made sense to the broader management team and committee. This experience also gave me a better understanding of the business side of the operation. I learned how to read and interpret a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement and how essential it is to communicate your decisions effectively to stakeholders. It also taught me the value of collaboration between departments, as well as the importance of understanding the financial pressures and constraints that can influence operational decisions.

The insights I gained from this role made me a much more well-rounded superintendent. I gained a greater appreciation of all parts

of the business and how decisions in one area, like course maintenance, can affect the overall success of the club. It also helped me communicate better with management and staff, ensuring that everyone was aligned and working towards common goals.

What is at the top of your priority list as a superintendent? Every day is different and my priorities shift constantly, sometimes even hour by hour. However, the core of my focus is always the overall condition of the facility. Achieving that though requires me to stay on top of many moving parts.

The number one priority for me is my staff. Without a well-supported, motivated and efficient team it would be impossible to maintain the high standards we set for the golf course. My role is to facilitate and support their tasks in a way that ensures we deliver the best possible playing surfaces, all while maintaining a safe and efficient working environment for both our team and the members and guests.

Effective leadership in turf management comes down to prioritising and organising. I aim to empower my team by ensuring they have the tools, resources and clear direction to complete their tasks to the best of their abilities. This is where systems and technology play a crucial role. For example, we use TurfKeeper, a platform that aids our agronomic planning, pesticide applications, stock management and additional reporting. This tool helps streamline processes, making it easier for the management team to stay organised and ensure we’re always on track. Ultimately, my priority is to create an environment where my staff can excel and produce top-quality results.

What size team do you have at The Barwon Heads GC? We have 15 course staff here. In addition to myself, Bobby Wallace is assistant and Jack Wilkie foreman. We also have six turf managers, an equipment mechanic, vegetation manager and four apprentices.

What does great leadership mean to you? Great leadership as a superintendent is about more than just overseeing the turf management operation – it’s about creating an environment where the team is motivated, empowered and set up for success. It means leading by example and providing clear direction, while also fostering a culture of collaboration, trust and respect. As a leader, my role is not only to manage the golf course but also to support and guide my staff to perform at their best.

For me, great leadership means being present and engaged with the team, understanding their individual strengths and challenges and providing the resources and support needed to succeed. It’s about recognising that every team member plays a vital role in creating a top-quality experience for our members and guests.

Effective communication is a cornerstone of great leadership. Whether it’s sharing the vision for the course, explaining why certain decisions are being made or providing feedback and guidance, clear and open communication ensures everyone is aligned and working together. I believe that listening to my team’s ideas, concerns and insights is just as important as giving direction. It creates a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Ultimately, great leadership is about balance. It’s about making tough decisions, prioritising tasks and managing resources effectively, but it’s also about inspiring and motivating the team to consistently deliver their best.

“The number one priority for me is my staff. Without a well-supported, motivated and efficient team it would be impossible to maintain the high standards we set for the golf course.” – Craig Molloy

After 28 years forging his career in NSW, in 2022 Craig Molloy moved to Victoria to take over at Barwon Heads

Who has influenced your career and how?

Looking back, there have been numerous people and pivotal moments that have shaped who I am today. Each phase of my journey has introduced me to new individuals who have had an impact on my personal and professional growth.

My first boss, Arthur Baird, stands out as a major influence. Though not many people may know him, he was an exceptional mentor. Arthur taught me the importance of respect, not only for the work we do but also for the people around us. He instilled in me the principle of leading by example – something I strive to pass on to my team today. He also encouraged curiosity, always reminding me that if I didn’t know something it was okay to ask questions.

As a manager, Eddie Rogers was another key figure who had a significant impact on my career. Eddie gave me the opportunity to further my education and develop as a turf professional. He was incredibly supportive and always made time for me, fostering a culture of open communication. His “My door is always open” philosophy helped me feel comfortable approaching him with questions, concerns or ideas. Eddie’s encouragement to continually grow and expand my knowledge has stayed with me throughout my career and I try to create that same open, supportive environment for my team now.

In terms of turf industry influences, Frank Dempsey and Ian Clarke were both incredibly impactful in shaping my understanding of turf management. Additionally, the turf teachers at Ryde TAFE played a pivotal role in my education. They not only imparted technical knowledge but also created a sense of professionalism and commitment to excellence.

“I take pride in creating an environment where my staff can thrive and expand their skillsets to contribute to the success of the operation.” – Craig Molloy

As a superintendent, Michael Bradbury has been a major influence, especially when it comes to building a strong team culture. Michael showed me how creating a positive, inclusive and collaborative work environment can bring out the best in your staff. He emphasised the importance of mutual respect within a team and I’ve found that cultivating this kind of culture leads to higher morale, better performance and a more cohesive team. His leadership style reinforced the idea that people are at the heart of any successful operation and it’s the relationships you build that make all the difference.

What do you feel is your biggest career achievement and why? One of the most significant achievements was being awarded the NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year in 2020 and then receiving the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award in 2021. These were incredibly humbling, as they reflected not only my technical experience and dedication but also the trust and respect I’ve earned from my peers. The pride I felt in receiving these awards was not just about the recognition – it was about what they represented: years of hard work, continuous learning and the development of a strong, high-performing team.

Having the opportunity to lead teams and see them grow professionally is something that I consider the greatest achievement. Whether it’s watching an apprentice evolve into a skilled turf manager or seeing my staff take ownership of projects and shine in their roles, these moments are a testament to the work we’ve done together. I take great pride in creating an environment where my team members can thrive and expand their skillsets to contribute to the success of the operation.

Being able to mentor the next generation of turf managers is something I value deeply. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the knowledge, respect and leadership I’ve shared will continue to influence those I’ve worked with throughout their careers.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges facing the turf industry at the moment and what action is needed? The turf industry is currently facing several significant challenges that require attention. One of the most pressing issues is the lack of interest in pursuing a career in turf management. The industry is struggling to attract new talent,

especially younger individuals, into trade roles. This lack of interest is compounded by the fact that many potential recruits are unaware of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available within turf management. As an industry, we need to do more to promote the trade, highlight the variety of roles and emphasise the satisfaction and pride that comes with working in turf, especially on golf courses and sports fields.

Another challenge is the wage disparity and the high cost of living which makes it difficult for many in the trade to sustain a comfortable lifestyle. Turf management is a physically demanding and skilled profession, yet wages often don’t reflect the level of expertise and hard work required. To attract and retain skilled workers, we need to address this issue by advocating for fairer compensation and ensuring that wages are aligned with the increasing responsibilities and skillsets of turf managers.

Staff retention is also a challenge, as many workers are leaving the industry due to a variety of factors. The long, early hours and physically demanding nature of the job, combined with the unpredictable demands of the job due to changing weather conditions can be exhausting. We need to create a work culture that values and supports staff and adequate compensation. Providing additional training, opportunities for career development and creating a supportive, team-oriented environment can help address this.

The changing climate poses a unique set of challenges for the turf industry too. Increased temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, which makes it harder to maintain healthy, playable surfaces. Turf managers need to adopt more sustainable practices, such as water-efficient irrigation systems and resilient turfgrass varieties,

to combat these changes. We must invest in research and technology that allows us to adapt to these shifting environmental conditions and ensure the long-term sustainability of the turf industry.

Challenges facing the turf industry requires a multi-pronged approach. From better promoting the career path and increasing wages to improving working conditions and embracing sustainable practices, the industry needs to make significant changes to remain viable and attractive to future generations.

How do you juggle the pressures of work, family life and looking after yourself? It’s a constant balancing act and something I’m working on and need to be better at. In a demanding role as a superintendent, where the workday can start early and end late, it’s easy for all aspects of life to blur together.

First and foremost, I try to be present at work while I’m there – focusing on the tasks at hand and leading my team effectively so that I can ensure everything runs smoothly during the day. I rely heavily on the support of my staff and colleagues, delegating tasks when possible, which helps to reduce the pressure on me and ensures that we’re all working toward the same goals. At the same time, technology and systems like TurfKeeper help streamline processes, giving me and our management team more time to focus on strategic aspects of the role rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day.

When it comes to family life, it’s important to be organised and flexible. I have a wonderful support system at home. Communication is essential. It’s a partnership and we all try to ensure that we are sharing the load in a way that works for our family. We also prioritise spending quality time together, even if it’s something simple like having dinner as a family with no devices present.

Looking after myself is perhaps the hardest part and it’s something I need to work more on. I’m trying to make sure that I have time for activities that recharge me, maybe even have time to play some golf.

The key to juggling everything is finding a rhythm and being realistic about what can and can’t be done. I’ve come to accept that perfection isn’t the goal. Ultimately, it’s about being adaptable, communicating openly and remembering that balance looks different at various stages of life.

Finally, any advice for younger staff in the turf industry looking for their next opportunity or building their careers? My advice is simple – never stop learning, stay curious and build strong relationships. The turf industry offers a wealth of opportunities, but it’s important to stay proactive and always seek ways to improve personally and professionally.

Take ownership of your learning. While formal education is crucial, the hands-on experience and the lessons you gain in the field are equally important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take on new challenges, even if they seem outside your comfort zone.

Surround yourself with people who have the experience and wisdom to guide you; having someone to bounce ideas off and help you navigate your career can be invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors throughout my career and their advice and support have been instrumental in my growth.

Finally, be patient and persistent. Career progression in our industry often takes time, but the key is to stay dedicated, keep building your skills and look for opportunities to grow, whether it’s through additional certifications, training programs or by taking on more responsibility in your current role. Don’t rush the process; instead, focus on building a solid foundation of knowledge and experience.

“As a superintendent, every day is different and my priorities shift constantly. However, the core of my focus is always the overall condition of the facility.” – Craig Molloy

PHOTO: GARY LISBON

AROUND

TRIMAX STRIKES WITH NEW SNAKE SERIES 3 TRAILED ROTARY MOWER

New Zealand-headquartered Trimax Mowing Systems recently launched the latest iteration of its popular Snake trailed rotary mower – the Snake Series 3. The Snake S3 builds on the legacy of the Snake series with a range of features designed to deliver zero daily maintenance and enhance ease of use. These improvements allow turf managers to focus on delivering exceptional results while simplifying maintenance and operation, making their work more efficient and hassle-free.

For over a decade, the Snake has been trusted by leading golf courses and sports facilities worldwide. Known for delivering a fine clip and more cuts per forward metre of travel than any other trailed rotary mower, the Snake provides a finish independently validated by the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute to rival that of cylinder mowers. At the same time, it maintains the versatility and reliability of Trimax’s trailed rotary design.

The Snake S3 builds on this performance and retains its ability to handle tough or wet conditions efficiently. Its unique deck and blade design optimises airflow through the cutting chamber to cleanly cut and distribute grass, ensuring unmatched grass processing ability in a range of conditions.

The Snake S3 eliminates the need for daily greasing thanks to two key design changes – the Trimax Titan roller bearing system and maintenance-free wheel hubs. The Titan roller bearing system is built with advanced multilayered seals and a sophisticated ingress channel that effectively prevents debris from entering the bearing, ensuring smooth operation without regular lubrication. Initially incorporated into the Trimax Pegasus and ProCut mowers, the Titan system comes with a proven track record of durability and is fully covered under Trimax’s three-year warranty.

The maintenance-free wheel hubs are a sealed automotive bearing, engineered for durability, further reducing the need for daily maintenance. Together, these innovations minimise maintenance time and allow operators to focus on delivering quality turf.

In addition to its zero-maintenance advancements, the Snake S3 incorporates several new features designed to enhance ease of use. Removable blade beams allow for easier blade changes and a more practical solution for potential repairs. If damage occurs to the blade system, only the blade beam needs replacing, rather than the entire spindle, helping to minimise downtime and reduce repair costs. Stand-on covers provide safe and convenient access to key areas of the mower and the addition of height adjustment collars allows for fast and precise changes to cutting height.

The new Trimax Snake Series 3 trailed rotary mower builds on the performance legacy of previous units and retains its ability to handle tough or wet conditions efficiently

“The Snake S3 was developed in direct response to customer feedback,” says Trimax Mowing Systems chief executive Michael Sievwright. “Their input has helped us create a mower that addresses the realworld challenges faced by our customers, reinforcing our focus on delivering practical, effective solutions. The Snake S3 retains the core features that have made it a favourite in the industry, including advanced articulation for superior contour following and zero-turn manoeuvrability for tight, complex spaces.” For more information or to schedule a demo, visit https://trimaxmowers.com.au

CHECKMATE NEMATODE PROBLEMS WITH TREFINTI

Trefinti turf nematicide from ASTMA Platinum Partner Syngenta continues the introduction of new innovative product solutions required by turfgrass managers. Developed exclusively for nematode management, Trefinti introduces a new active ingredient with strong activity and low use rates as an unscheduled product. With an extensive list of plant parasitic nematodes managed, Trefinti offers flexibility and rotation ability in an integrated

nematode management program. A complete turf nematode program has Trefinti as the cornerstone, supported by Agador turf nematicide and miticide and Hicure biostimulant for root grass growth and recovery.

Trefinti introduces Tymirium technology and the active constituent cyclobutrifluram to the market, which is classified as a N3 nematicide mode of action. Trefinti exhibits contact activity to both ectoparasitic and endoparasitic nematodes and once in the plant moves acropetally (upwardly mobile). Trefinti provides excellent flexibility in nematode management with its UV profile, meaning it can be applied during the day and watered in later in the evening.

The introduction of Trefinti maintains Syngenta’s commitment to sustainable turf management with low rates of application from as low as 275mL per hectare and a top rate at 550mL/ha, offering broad spectrum control of turf parasitic nematodes.

Trefinti is now available from Syngenta agents across Australia in a one-litre bottle.

In other Syngenta news, the company has introduced a novel new pack size for its popular Trimmit growth regulator. It is now available in a handy-to-use 100mL pack, while for larger jobs is available in a 6 x 10 x 100mL pack. Landscape managers can now achieve more attractive hedges with reduced maintenance for a lower initial investment.

Getting better-looking hedges with just one trim per year is now possible with an application of Trimmit. If you’re after a better-looking hedge with a deeper green, denser foliage and improved flowering, then one application of Trimmit per year will

assist. Trimmit continues to reduce green waste disposal, saving time pruning and leading to time and money savings. Trimmit can be used on a number of major hedge and climber species including Murraya, Buxus and Star Jasmine.

For more information on both Trefinti and Trimmit contact your local Syngenta turf manager or visit www.syngentaturf.com.au/ nematicide/trefinti or www.syngentaturf.com. au/product/trimmit.

TRU-TURF BACK IN BRONZE

The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) has welcomed back TruTurf as a Bronze Partner. Tru-Turf’s partnership with the association encompasses trade memberships, advertising and its presence at the 2025 Australian Sports Turf Management Conference to be held at the Sydney Showgrounds next June. Tru-Turf has secured a premium space at the exhibition and will showcase its range of industry-leading rollers.

RANFURLIE GOES AUTONOMOUS WITH TURFTRONIQ RMS

Ranfurlie Golf Course in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs has become the first in Australia to purchase TurfTroniq’s fully autonomous Robotic Mowing System (RMS) kit which has been retrofitted to one of its John Deere 7700A fairway mowers.

For the past few months, Ranfurlie course superintendent Andrew Anderson has been working with Melbourne-based company Positioned to look into autonomous solutions for golf course operations. After purchasing a fully autonomous ball collector for its driving range, which will be arriving at the club shortly, on the back of that Positioned approached Anderson with an opportunity to bring TurfTroniq’s RMS technology into Australia.

Hailing from The Netherlands, the TurfTroniq RMS kit can be fitted to most modern mowing units, allowing it to become fully autonomous. In early December, Anderson wrapped up the first test run of the newly-equipped fairway unit and has been very encouraged by the results to date.

“We’ve all seen these autonomous mowers in various forms on social media and for some time it has seemed as somewhat unobtainable or impractical. But now seeing the unit in action on our course was the fulfilment of a day that was a long time coming,” says Anderson, who has just notched up his first year as Ranfurlie superintendent.

“My initial thoughts are that it is working well and in many ways has exceeded our expectations. It’s still very much early days as we look to optimise workflows, but I’m confident in the fact that these units have been in use for eight years overseas. What has stood out so far is its ability to detect and respond to movement, automatically adjusting speed or stopping when needed. The unit can also monitor hydraulic pressure, fuel, regulate machine revs – essentially anything that is of importance – and can send an update through to the mobile phone app that comes with it.”

The TurfTroniq RMS kit was easily installed on Ranfurlie’s John Deere unit

“Tru-Turf is delighted to announce our partnership with the ASTMA,” says general manager Nick Thornton. “Partnering with ASTMA is a significant milestone for us. As a leader in innovative and sustainable turf management solutions, we are committed to enhancing the quality and playability of sports

across one weekend. After it was delivered, Anderson and Positioned staff spent a few weeks mapping the course and improving upon the machine’s decision making.

Anderson says they are now at the point where the unit is being sent out and is mowing without intervention on half the course, with downtime spent mapping the remining holes.

“Since taking delivery of it we have been looking at workflows, how many hours per day we want to operate and when those hours are,” explains Anderson. “When it comes to efficiency, we’ll eventually be able to cut 22 hectares of fairways in 20 hours using one mower without an operator. Looking forward, if it’s a success, we may look at adding another unit, most likely a lithiumpowered one which would allow us to mow fairways close to boundaries between the hours of 10pm and 7am.”

TurfTroniq’s RMS uses state-of-theart obstacle detection technology with 3D cameras. The machine will stop in time for obstacles and once an obstacle is gone will automatically continue. In addition, the mower is fitted with smart bumpers and an emergency stop that immediately switches off the engine. With these redundant safety

features the system can be used safely. The kit comes with a cloud-based service that allows the owner/operator to track their RMS-equipped mower on a map and receive notifications from the system. All machinery data is securely stored in the cloud, with TurfTroniq offering remote support as a standard.

“This is a big step forward for our team at Ranfurlie and is so much bigger than not having to rely on staff to cut grass,” says Anderson. “Having our fairways cut autonomously will save us in the realm of 50 labour hours per week. That means we will be able to prioritise upskilling staff and conducting other tasks which a robot cannot otherwise complete.

“I am a huge advocate for upskilling the industry and by utilising autonomous technology to undertake labour-intensive tasks such as mowing hectares of grass, we can put more guys in classrooms to further their turf management education. This develops greater skillsets on a maintenance team and creates greater diversity for staff in their day-to-day roles.”

For updates on the rollout of Ranfurlie’s new TurfTroniq RMS equipped mower, follow Andrew Anderson on LinkedIn.

Ranfurlie Golf Course’s John Deere fairway unit fitted with the TurfTroniq Robotic Mowing System kit

surfaces worldwide. Our versatile range of equipment, designed with a human-centric approach, ensures optimal performance across various turf surfaces.

“This collaboration with ASTMA aligns with our dedication to advancing scientific practices in turf management and supporting our customers through continuing education. We look forward to contributing to the professional development of turf managers and promoting excellence within the industry.”

For more information on Tru-Turf and its range of rollers, visit www.truturf.com.

GEOLINK ENHANCEMENTS FOR TORO MULTI PRO SPRAYERS

ASTMA Platinum Partner Toro has enhanced its Multi Pro sprayers with updates to its GeoLink Precision Spray System. GeoLink is Toro’s exclusive turf-based GPS spray system that tracks the sprayer’s precise location for repeatable mapping. If an operator covers previously sprayed ground, GeoLink Precision Spray automatically turns individual nozzles on and off to avoid the risk of overapplying. With the single-nozzle level of control, superintendents and curators can minimise overspray, which contributes to significant reductions in overall application costs.

New global modern technology automatically connects to the best cell signal on the property, regardless of the carrier. The

brand-new display is 40 per cent larger than the previous model and includes day and night models for increased visibility in sunlight. The productivity enhancing GeoLink Autosteer feature ensures the optimal next pass is followed, making the most efficient use of your sprayer. Standard on Multi Pro 5800 models, the ExcelaRate control system lets crews calibrate and save their two most used flow rates for simple, repeatable accuracy.

The GeoLink Precision Spray System puts precision at the top of the priority list. With the

INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

FURY JOINS NBT

Irrigation water treatment specialist Nano Bubble Technologies (NBT) has appointed former Killara Golf Club superintendent Ryan Fury (pictured) to the role of business development executive. Fury, who holds a Master of Agriculture (Turf Management) degree, brings over 30 years’ experience in turf management to the company, including 20 as superintendent. His expertise spans across a wide range of turf management disciplines, with a specialised focus on improving irrigation water quality.

“We are thrilled to have Ryan on board,” says NBT managing director Gary Stone. “His background in both turf management and irrigation water treatment perfectly aligns with NBT’s mission to provide sustainable, science-driven solutions to improving water quality for sports turf irrigation. Ryan will work closely with clients to assess water quality, recommend solutions and provide training on the latest irrigation water treatment technologies. His addition to the team marks an exciting step forward for NBT as we continue to innovate in water management for sports turf.”

NBT specialises in innovative irrigation water treatment solutions for sports turf, using patented technology to create pure oxygen and ozone nanobubbles (<70nm in size) in the irrigation water. This process greatly improves water quality, turf health and promotes sustainable irrigation practices. For more information about NBT and its solutions visit nbtsportsturfsolutions.com.au. Fury can be contacted on 0416 225 730 or email ryanfury@nanobubble.com.au.

ROLE CHANGE FOR HOLMES

To align with its other business units globally, ASTMA Bronze Partner Adama has created a new role within its Non-Crop Business Unit, which oversees the company’s Turf range. Titled Portfolio and Innovation Manager –Non-Crop, the new role has been assumed by former Turf & IVM Commercial Manager Matthew Holmes. In his new role, Holmes will work with the Adama regulatory and development team, marketing team and the company’s international teams, particularly Control Solutions Inc and Quali-Pro.

“Adama Australia’s turf business has introduced numerous innovations to the market in recent years,” says Adama Australia General Manager – Non Crop Cameron

improved system, controller and section valves accurately turn individual nozzle sections on and off based on the location of the machine for precise application. This technology is now capable of tracking twice as many satellite constellations for highly accurate real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning. It also has a fallback feature that maintains accuracy if RTK is lost temporarily.

To learn more about the GeoLink Precision Spray System, contact your Toro Area Sales Manager or visit www.toro.com.au.

Stuart. “With a promising pipeline of further innovations, we have reached a point where a dedicated specialist is needed to manage this part of our business.

“Matthew will be more available to the industry for technical support and expert knowledge and he will have more time to conduct practical trials to help the industry achieve the best results from the Adama portfolio.” Holmes can be contacted on 0418 710 129 or email matt.holmes@adama.com.

BECKETT TO INDIGO

Indigo Specialty Products has appointed Todd Beckett (pictured) as its new warehouse manager. Beckett has previously worked at Amgrow (Aus-ag) within Amgrow potting mix (home garden), Nuturf, Globe, Patons, Barmac and was leading hand/2IC for the past 17 years.

“Indigo will be a great challenge that I’m looking forward to,” says Beckett. “I’m hoping to implement some of my acquired warehouse knowledge, along with new skills and processes, to continue to improve both the warehouse operations and myself.”

Beckett can be contacted on 0458 821 806 or email logistics@indigospecialty.com.

Toro has enhanced its Multi Pro sprayers with new updates to its GeoLink Precision Spray System.

ASTMA RTO

The end of 2024 saw the achievement of some significant milestones for the ASTMA’s training division (RTO#46011). In addition to the Certificate III and Diploma students winding up their studies for the year, we were also excited to celebrate the first four graduates to complete their sports turf qualifications through the ASTMA.

In November, Mitchell Bennett (Adelaide Oval) and Oliver Davis (Royal Adelaide GC) became the first two apprentices to successfully complete the Certificate III in Sports Turf Management, while a few weeks later Jayde Robson became the first Diploma of Sports Turf Management graduate. Shortly before Christmas we also celebrated a third Certificate III graduate in Jack Stirling from Adelaide Oval.

Over the past 18 months Oliver, Mitchell and Jack, together with their employers, have embraced the different learning style that the ASTMA offers with its Certificate III course, which aims to enable the workplace to manage their own training experience. The trio have been ultra committed to their studies since commencing with the ASTMA, completing both theory and practical components at industry benchmark standards in their remaining units.

The program they were set was huge given the nature of the units and assessments and, of course, the pressures of working at two of the best sports turf facilities in the country. But they pushed through and their achievement is a credit to them and their workplaces. To see the level of growth of these three students over the past 18 months has been amazing.

Likewise, we were absolutely delighted to have Jayde become the ASTMA’s first Diploma graduate. A qualified sports turf manager with the City of Ballarat and past FTMI graduate, Jayde had previously completed part of the Diploma of Horticulture through The Gordon TAFE in Geelong. That enabled her to receive credit transfers for a number of units in the Diploma of Sports Turf Management qualification before completing the remainder of her training and assessments with the ASTMA. Jayde’s work was of a very high quality throughout and she worked extremely well to complete all her remaining units.

On behalf of the ASTMA Board and staff we congratulate Mitchell, Oliver, Jack and Jayde on their education achievements and look forward to following their journeys as they progress through the sports turf industry. In the coming months they will be joined by several more students across both courses who will also be completing. Seeing these students achieving their qualifications is extremely rewarding and reaffirms the bold decision the ASTMA took to become an RTO in 2023.

January and mid-February respectively. The Diploma students finished their work with a 30-minute presentation as part of the ‘Develop sports turf management programs’ unit.

As for the Certificate III students, with the third year students having completed their studies earlier in November, the second year students finished the year off by completing their AQF3 Chemical qualification. Practical assessments for the ‘Transport and store chemicals’ and ‘Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds and diseases’ units were undertaken at The Grange Golf Club (superintendent Rowan Daymond).

In late November, the first year students undertook their practical assessments at North Adelaide Golf Club hosted by superintendent Simon Work and his team. North Adelaide is a large and very busy public access facility in the heart of Adelaide, with Work providing the students a comprehensive tour of the site to kick off their block release week.

Across four days, the students undertook renovations on North Adelaide’s South Course tees which involved solid-tining (using a Toro ProCore provided by Adelaide Oval) and scarifying using hand scarifiers. This was followed by topdressing the tees using a towbehind Dakota spreader before finishing off with a fertiliser application. It proved a great experience for the students as they not only had the opportunity to use different equipment but also had to decipher how to work around golfers at such a busy public facility.

In addition to renovation assessments, students were also taken through the ‘Operate pressurised irrigation system’ unit which involved them demonstrating practical skills and knowledge around the pump shed, satellites and controllers, irrigation parts and the isolation process. Students also helped with construction works on the 14th green, laying bentgrass turf taken from one of the onsite nurseries and also laying kikuyu on the surrounds.

The ASTMA wishes to thank Simon and his assistant Ryan Smooker who were always on hand to help and assist, as well as the support from Damian Hough (Adelaide Oval) for lending their corer. Also a big thank you to Rowan at The Grange for hosting the second year students.

As mentioned, both the Certificate III and Diploma students have finished their unit studies for the year and now have a well deserved break before returning in late

For more information about the Certificate III and Diploma courses that the ASTMA now offers, do not hesitate to contact me on 0473 064 726 or email albert@astma.com.au. You can also contact our dedicated SA training manager Chris McCulloch on 0488 338 805 or email chris@astma.com.au.

ALBERT SHERRY TRAINING MANAGER, ASTMA

Among the first graduates to complete their qualifications through the ASTMA are (from top down) Jayde Robson (Diploma) and Certificate III students Mitchell Bennett, Jack Stirling and Oliver Davis

TMSA

As many in the eastern states are experiencing a tropical, wet start to summer, it has been the complete opposite here in South Australia. Many areas across the state are still experiencing belowaverage rainfall, with most facilities already well and truly in ‘summer go mode’!

You wouldn’t know it, though, from how Sam Smith and his team at Willunga Golf Club had their course conditioned for the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia’s Webex Players Series event staged there for the second year in October. The course was again presented in fantastic condition with Jack Buchanan securing his second win of the season after a course record 8-under 62 in the final round. The Adelaide Day-Night Test between Australia and India was also run and won and although only lasting three days head curator Damian Hough and his team produced playing conditions that were the envy of the world.

As we conclude 2024, the TMSA, in its second year as a merged entity, has again continued its development and growth by achieving several key milestones. Our membership continues to expand and the support from all our sponsors has been nothing short of incredible, which we are extremely grateful for. Our events have had significant growth in attendance and the valuable feedback received from members and sponsors will be incorporated to help us shape our future events. Among the events and activities that the TMSA held in 2024 included:

l Inaugural Level 1 Cricket Pitch Curator Accreditation Program training day at Adelaide Oval;

l First regional road trip to Bordertown, incorporating visits to Summit Sports Park (Mt Barker), Bordertown Golf Club and Sunnyside Instant Lawn;

l The second TMSA Industry Golf Day at North Adelaide Golf Club;

l Honouring our annual award winners at the South Australian Golf Industry Awards Night in October – Sophie Warren (TMSA Graduate of the Year Award, sponsored by Nuturf) and Tim Warren (TMSA Excellence in Turf Management Award, sponsored by Metropolitan Machinery and John Deere);

l Successfully doubled attendance at our second annual Turf Seminar held at the Adelaide Oval in August.

Our last event for the year was our Christmas function at the Malt Shovel Taphouse in mid-December. Yet again, it was a well-attended event with over 60 members and sponsors celebrating the end of the year.

Again, the achievements over the past year would not have been possible without our generous sponsors, hardworking committee, members and industry colleagues. Your

support and enthusiasm have been, and will continue to be, the foundation of our success.

As we look ahead to 2025, plans are already in motion. Our event schedule has been determined and initiatives have been developed to continue meeting the association’s goals. So far, in 2025 we have the following events confirmed: l 24-25 March: Regional site visit to the Barossa Valley;

l 5 May: TMSA Industry Golf Day; and l 6 August: Annual Turf Seminar, Morphettville Racecourse. Throughout the coming year we will continue to look at ways to foster engagement for our members and sponsors and promote our industry to the broader community.

TIM WARREN PRESIDENT, TMSA

TMSA members celebrate a successful 2024 at the association’s end of year function in mid-December

Superintendent Sam Smith (second from left) and the Willunga GC crew at the Webex Players Series event

The Adelaide Oval crew celebrate after the second Australia v India Test

NZGCSA

Irecently had the good fortune to be invited by the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) to attend their 75th anniversary celebrations in Palmerston North. What a wonderful event it was. The NZSTI had their full complement of staff in attendance and it was great to put faces to the names of some of the people that New Zealand turf managers have all emailed, sent samples to or spoken to on the phone over the years.

There were some notable Kiwi greenkeepers from past and present in attendance, among them Bob Bradley, John Spraggs, Steve Hodson and Peter Boyd There was no doubt in my mind, however, who the stars of the show were. David Howard (44 years’ service), Alex Glasgow, David Ormsby and Brendan Hannan (all 30-plus years’ service) – the four agronomists who have given so much to the NZ turf industry over a long period of time – were duly honoured by the NZSTI during the evening. It was great to see these four gentlemen (pictured) being recognised for their achievements.

On behalf of the NZGCSA I would like to congratulate the NZSTI for their 75 years, for providing the knowledge and expertise that our turf professionals use and for making the NZ turf industry what it is today. I look forward to celebrating many more years to come.

FTMI AND NZGCSA AWARDS

Congratulations to Mason Calder (The Kinloch Club) and Ed Cole (Te Arai Links) on being selected for the 2024/2025 Future Turf Managers Initiative, sponsored by Jacobsen. Both Mason and Ed have started the online education sessions and in March 2025 will travel to Melbourne to take part in the twoand-a-half-day face-to-face team building and graduation event. Ed was also recently part of the crew at Kingston Heath Golf Club for the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open.

Mason and Ed join with over 175 candidates who have taken part in this very successful initiative since 2016 which focuses on personal and professional development, with engaging industry experts, leading facilitators, mentors, trainers and fellow future turf managers all working to improve themselves and others. NZGCSA Board member Sam Davis is once again mentoring for this intake of FTMI attendees. The NZGCSA thanks the ASTMA and Jacobsen for supporting and running the FTMI which allows our members the opportunity to further their leadership skills and personal development.

Applications have now closed for the 2024 NZGCSA Parkland Excellence Award (sponsored by Parkland Products) with judging underway as this edition was going to print. We look forward to announcing the winner

president

Right: NZGCSA FTMI representative Ed Cole was part of the tournament crew at Kingston Heath for the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open

who is judged to have consistently produced outstanding playing surfaces, while managing relationships with staff and stakeholders in a highly professional manner. Applications have also closed for the 2024 NZGCSA Environment Award, sponsored by PGG Wrightson Turf and proudly supported by Golf NZ. The winner will be recognised for their sustainability work in the environmental space.

EVENTS

After its success in 2023, Turf Days is back in 2025. This event aims to showcase new technologies and provide the opportunity to connect with industry thought leaders and attendees. Turf Days 2025 will be held from 19-20 March at the Kimihia Research Centre in Lincoln, Canterbury. There will be over 30 exhibitors demonstrating their machinery and other products. For more information, visit www.turfdays.co.nz or Turf Days on Facebook.

Registrations will also soon open up for the Fine Turf Seminar which is being hosted this time around by the Central North Island Turf Managers Association. The seminar will be held in Rotorua from 13-16 July 2025.

THANK YOU

With 2024 drawing to a close I always like to finish the year on a high with some thanks. The biggest of all is reserved for NZGCSA administration officer Fiona Izzard who runs our association with aplomb. She has been particularly busy of late drawing up a new constitution which will be ready to adopt in 2025. Thank you Fiona for all your hard work.

I would also like to thank the NZGCSA Board this year for their efforts. It is often a thankless task volunteering to be part of a Board. We are all busy running our golf courses and fitting in time to govern an association for the benefit of its members is to be applauded. So to Mark Hooker (Royal Auckland and Grange GC), Sam Davis (Queenstown GC), Rick Machray (Kinloch), Brad Sim (Cape Kidnappers GC) and Spencer Cooper (Remuera GC), who stepped down at our AGM this year, I thank you for your time, professionalism and guidance. With Spencer coming off the Board, we are now two members short and would certainly welcome some new blood and ideas. I encourage any of our members who think they have something to offer our association to please step forward and volunteer. You will find the experience fulfilling and rewarding and offers you the chance to give something back.

JASON PERKINS PRESIDENT, NZGCSA

Above: NZGCSA

Jason Perkins (centre) with NZSTI agronomists (from left) David Howard, Brendan Hannan, David Ormsby and Alex Glasgow at the institute’s recent 75th anniversary celebrations

STA NSW

As we draw a close on 2024, we reflect on our outcomes for our members and the industry and we are pleased with the progress made. 2024 was very much about continuing to reconnect sports turf managers in NSW and showcasing the industry. We have had good responses to events during the year and we are finalising plans for an exciting program in 2025.

President Jesse Bartlett continues his strong leadership and that is reflecting in the enthusiasm of the committee to be active and grow the association. There have been some great brainstorming sessions at our meetings to tackle the issues facing our industry, strategies to keep our members engaged and membership growing.

Our last event for the year was held at the end of October with a Wicket 101 program at Goddard Oval, Concord. This event developed out of interest from a few people who had staff wanting training. We encourage members to reach out to us if they have a team to undertake the course.

This event was the first time we incorporated the ASTMA and Cricket Australia accreditation program. All attendees had the opportunity to continue their wicket education by undertaking the online program and achieving Level 1 national accreditation. We believe that this program compliments our hands-on training and strengthens the career opportunities of our members in the future with a Cricket Australia endorsed program.

We are continuing our collaboration with Cricket NSW to look at more opportunities to grow the wicket program and develop consistently high-quality wickets across the state. While there is a strong wicket approach to our activities, rest assured we are always looking at opportunities to develop more sportsfield programs as welland hope to progress this in the near future.

Staff attraction and retention is a key focus for STA NSW and we recently had

GCSAWA

Ahappy New Year to all. I hope you had a good Christmas and managed at least a day or two off.

Summer in Perth started with a bang, with the city recording its first 40 degree day by the second week of December! Perth had 47mm of rain in October and just 10mm in November and the forecast is for another long, hot and dry summer.

Association-wise we hosted our Management Challenge on 4 November at Royal Fremantle GC (superintendent Jason Kelly). It’s our oldest annual event dating back to 1990 and sees the superintendent and

the opportunity to connect and present to 240 careers advisors at the NSW Careers Advisors Association conference in Sydney. The response was very positive and they were excited to learn about sports turf management as a career path for students.

general manager teaming up to represent their club in a 2-ball Ambrose format.

This year we had 16 clubs participating with Secret Harbour clinching the win on the final hole over Margaret River and Royal Perth. A bit of work had just gone into the course at Royal Freo in preparation for the inaugural Webex Players Series tournament which is coming up in early January.

The next few months are fairly quiet event wise but we really kick off with a bang in late March with three events back-to-back-to-back. Starting on Wednesday 26 March we have the WA TAFE Awards Night at Royal Perth, the

Plans are underway for our events and activities in 2025 and we will release these details early in the year.

next morning we have the Trade Challenge golf day at Meadow Springs and we finish off with the WA Golf Industry Awards Night on Friday 28 March at the Crown Ballroom. We get a lot of support from our interstate members and trades, so we hope to entice them plus others over for what will be three important and social gatherings. Please reach out to me if you want any information on these. Good luck to everyone for the remainder of summer.

JENNY ZADRO EO, STA NSW

Goddard Oval in Concord, Sydney hosted STA NSW’s Wicket 101 program in late October

SHANE BAKER PRESIDENT, GCSAWA

TSTMA

As we summarise the year down in Tassie, there have been some significant achievements to reflect on. We saw two of our nominees for national awards take home the top prizes. We are extremely proud of the recipients – Chris Hay (ASTMA Excellence in Sportsfields and Grounds Management Award) and Kelsey Lovell (Sportsfields and Grounds Graduate of the Year). We would also like to recognise our other nominees Tom Filtness (Excellence in Golf Course Management) and Sam O’Mahony (ASTMA Graduate of the Year).

We would also like to give a special mention to previous winner of the ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award, Craig Walker, who volunteered at the 2024 US Open held at Pinehurst No.2. Craig was given pivotal roles in quality control and provided some ‘revolutionary’ advice and instruction on how the bunkers should be prepared for the tournament. Not bad for a bloke from little old Tassie!

By now, most turfies will know that Phil Hill has hung up the boots at Barnbougle, so again we congratulate “Hilly” and thank him for his contribution to the association and the industry in Tassie. With the superintendent position at Barnbougle sitting vacant, the net was cast far and wide for a suitable replacement to take the reins. Richard Sattler and the team have made a fantastic appointment in Rod

TURF NSW

2024 has seen some welcome stable weather for turf production when compared to previous years of floods and adverse weather. Being able to get back to work as usual has been a nice change and allowed growers to continue recovery of their paddocks and achieve strong growth.

Turf NSW has been focused on our flood recovery projects which are in the final stages of completion. The projects will provide a one stop shop for future generations to learn from, with the resources being generated covering preparation and recovery from floods as well as preparing businesses to be more resilient to climate incidents and other disruptions.

Another project that has been completed this year is the turf industry transport safety program that produced guidelines for the safe management of loads and transporting turf. The guidelines provide security and confidence for turf growers to incorporate into their business and improve safety. This program includes chain of responsibility (CoR) that extends to anyone involved in the process of transportation and delivery of materials. It’s important for everyone to understand CoR.

Hinwood and we welcome him and his family to Tasmania and trust he will become an asset for the industry down here.

We would also like to thank outgoing Royal Hobart Golf Club superintendent Shaun Bowden for his contribution to the industry and particularly his willingness to participate in providing time for our apprentices during site visits. Shaun is moving to the Gold Coast to take on the role of superintendent at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

2025 should see some relatively big developments in Tasmania’s sports turf scene, primarily based around the introduction of Tasmania into the AFL and the associated infrastructure required. Seven Mile Beach is also nearing completion and we look forward to another wonderful addition to the golfing landscape here.

A significant concern for our industry has been the incursion of red imported fire ants (RIFA) into NSW from Queensland. Despite extensive work from Queensland turf production businesses and Turf Queensland, the programs they are required to undertake aren’t necessarily controlling the issue. We support Turf Queensland in their efforts advocating for growers and we work closely with them to continue educating the industry on the biosecurity risks that RIFA present. At the time of writing, there is a temporary ban on turf coming into NSW from RIFA-infested areas.

Elsewhere, Turf NSW, in collaboration with the Lower Nepean and Hawkesbury Water Users Association, has worked with

Water NSW and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure on water metering regulations and water sharing plans. This is a challenging process but one that is vital to ensure continued fair access for growers.

Finally, while on holiday in October, I attended the European Turfgrass Producers Field Day in Rome. Turf producers from across the world attended the event, visiting turf farms and sportsfields. It was great to be able to talk to the industry there and look at the differences and similarities in turf production and sports turf management in Italy.

RICHARD LANCASTER VICE-PRESIDENT, TSTMA

Tasmanian award winners Chris Hay and Kelsey Lovell at the national conference in Brisbane

JENNY ZADRO EO, TURF NSW

Turf NSW EO Jenny Zadro recently attended the European Turfgrass Producers Field Day in Rome

NSWGCSA

The NSWGCSA capped off 2024 by honouring its top achievers at the NSW Golf Industry Awards, before hosting the highly popular annual Rube Walkerden Day at Pymble Golf Club.

On 11 November, the NSWGCSA joined with Golf NSW, PGA of Australia, GMA, WPGA and Jack Newton Junior Golf to honour the game’s top achievers at the state’s annual awards night held at the Crown Hotel, Barangaroo. We were delighted to name Bankstown Golf Club’s David Somerville as NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year, recognising his dedication and professionalism not only to the association and his club but to his peers who have held him in high regard for well over 15 years.

The award, which was presented to David by Paul Delaney from sponsors Australian Turf Projects, goes to a superintendent who has achieved a high standard of golf course management during the length of their career. David has been actively involved with the NSWGCSA for a number of years, not just as a member but also serving on the committee in numerous important roles.

In a change from previous awards, this year the NSWGCSA invited life members John Odell, Martyn Black and Gary Beehag to sit on the judging panel for the four award categories. They also had the task of adjudging the winner of the inaugural NSWGCSA Environment Award which just so happened to coincide with Golf Sustainability Week. The other NSWGCSA winners on the night were:

l Assistant Superintendent of the Year Award (sponsored by Waterwise Consulting): Chris Fiadino, Pymble GC. l Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by Living Turf): Craig Bevan, Palm Beach GC.

l NSWGCSA Environment Award (sponsored by Environmental Golf Solutions): Robert Biddle, Avondale GC.

The recently redeveloped Pymble Golf Club in Sydney’s northern suburbs hosted this year’s NSWGCSA Elite Sand & Soil Rube Walkerden Day on the Monday following the awards. Late last year, Pymble completed a comprehensive three-year course project which saw the reconstruction of every tee, green and bunker under the guidance of superintendent David Stone. The completion came just in time to mark the club’s centenary year in 2024, with the NSWGCSA privileged to be holding its premier event at the club during its milestone year.

It was a fantastic day and despite some early morning rain the sun emerged to welcome 120 players competing for the prestigious Rube Walkerden Trophy. There

Above, pictured clockwise from top left: Paul Delaney presents David Somerville with the NSWGCSA Superintendent of the Year Award; Rob Biddle receives his NSWGCSA Environmental Award from Monina Gilbey; Chris Fiadino (Pymble GC); and Craig Bevan (Palm Beach GC).

Right: Moss Vale’s Nathan MacGraw (left) receives the Rube Walkerden Trophy from Tom Parker

was some extra excitement on the par three 11th, where players could donate money for a chance to land their shot within the designated circles and enter a draw to win some mystery prizes. However, Scott Fogg from Living Turf managed to add even more excitement by scoring a hole-in-one on the 11th with his very first shot of the day!

Donations throughout the day were generously made for Greg Smith, former Pambula-Merimbula Golf Club superintendent and NSWGCSA Board member who is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer – we wish him all the very best. Adam Lamb and Geraldine O’Callaghan from the VGCSA made the trip north for the day and were a welcome addition. Huge thanks to David Stone, Chris Fiadino and the Pymble team for presenting the course in fantastic condition and to all Pymble clubhouse staff.

The 2024 Elite Sand & Soil Rube Walkerden winners were presented their trophies and prizes by Tom Parker, from Elite Sand & Soil, with the main winners being:

l Rube Walkerden Trophy: Nathan MacGraw (Moss Vale GC)

l President’s Trophy: Craig Bevan (Palm Beach GC)

l Peter Ingram Trophy: Stephen Foster (Hutcheon and Pearce)

l 2BBB Winners: Brent Hull (Moruya GC) and Kyle Murray

l Longest drives: Will Stratford (Avondale GC) and Jackson Graham (Concord GC)

l Nearest the pins: Fogg, Hull, Trent Gilmore, Josh Kelly (Woollahra GC) and Will Ockenden (Shoalhaven Heads GC).

LEON HENNESSY PRESIDENT, NSWGCSA

VGCSA

Ihope everyone is faring well as we head into the depths of the summer season. Victorian superintendents Hayden Mead (Kingston Heath GC) and Steven Newell (Victoria GC) showcased their courses in excellent condition during the recent 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open, despite facing significant challenges from a heavy downpour and severe winds that struck the evening before the first round.

It was a fantastic effort by both course teams and the volunteer crews to have the courses playable for the opening round. It was great to see a good contingent of volunteers from across the country assisting both crews. Victorian clubs and courses were well represented among the volunteers, with the likes of Sandhurst, Latrobe, St Andrews Beach, Commonwealth, Box Hill, Mt Martha Public, Clifton Springs, Kew, City of Ballarat, Maroondah City Council, Kooringal, Keysborough and Yarra Yarra all sending staff for the week.

Maintaining strong ties with Brian Palmer, director of courses at Te Arai Links and Tara Iti in New Zealand, four Melbourne clubs hosted three of Brian’s staff members over five days recently. This opportunity allowed them to gain maintenance experience with different turf varieties than they were used to.

In 2025, the VGCSA, together with John Deere and Brandt, will once again partner to offer a scholarship to travel to New Zealand from 27 April to 3 May 2025. The winner will take part in a one-week work experience residency at Tara Iti Golf Club and also Tieke Golf Estate.

Earlier this year Nick Skicko (Metropolitan GC) and Kate Rainsbury (The Dunes) joined with VGCSA Graduate of the Year winner Darren Wardle in spending the week over in New Zealand. As Kate noted on our Facebook page during an update on her time there: “This week has been the most amazing experience and we would like to say a huge thank you to John Deere, Brandt Australia, the VGCSA and Tara Iti/Te Arai Links. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we cannot wait to see what our futures hold.” Applications for the 2025 scholarship opened in early December and will close on 20 January 2025.

On 31 October, the VGCSA was delighted to be a part of the Victorian Golf Industry Awards night held at Southern Golf Club. Some of our committee members and special guests were in attendance and it was a great chance to celebrate the winner of our own Superintendent Recognition Award for 2024 –Colin Foster (Barwon Valley GC) – alongside professionals and volunteers from the wider golfing fraternity.

The VGCSA committee has secured a fantastic line-up of venues for our 2025

meetings and we’re looking forward to visiting them. A huge thank you to the clubs who have generously agreed to host these events. Our 2025 meeting dates are:

l Tuesday 4 March: Education meeting – The National Golf Club (Long Island course) sponsored by ADE Turf Equipment and Nuturf Equipment Solutions.

l Tuesday 29 April: VGCSA 98th Annual General Meeting – Kingston Heath Golf Club, sponsored by Dawn Mowers and Toro Australia.

l Tuesday 3 June: Course Staff Education Meeting – Cranbourne Golf Club, sponsored by Colin Campbell Chemicals and Greenway Turf Solutions.

l Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 July: Country Meeting – Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club sponsored by ADE Turf Equipment, Brandt, Colin Campbell Chemicals, K&B Adams, Oasis Turf, Rain Bird, Sustainable Machinery, Syngenta, The Toolbox Team, Toro, Turf Culture and Turfcare Australia.

l Tuesday 9 September: Education Meeting – Riversdale Golf Club, sponsored by Brandt and Syngenta Australia. Wishing everyone and their families all the best for the summer, Christmas and New Year. From all at the VGCSA, we hope it is a healthy and enjoyable one. Thanks to all our members for their support in 2024 and we look forward to catching up with everyone during 2025. Well done also to the team at the ASTMA for another great year.

ADAM LAMB PRESIDENT, VGCSA

ON THE MOVE…

BRENDAN BENAD: From assistant supt. to superintendent Manly GC, NSW.

SHAUN BOWDEN: From superintendent Royal Hobart GC, Tas to superintendent RACV Royal Pines Resort, Qld.

PAUL DANGERFIELD: From assistant supt. Flinders GC, Vic to head groundsperson Peninsula Grammar School, Vic.

TONY MCFADYEAN: From supt. Albany GC, WA to assistant supt. Royal Perth GC, WA.

DAVID NIELSEN: From superintendent Cairns GC, Qld to AFL Cairns, Qld.

SAM ROSE: From assistant course manager to course manager (2IC) Elanora CC, NSW.

ALISTAIR SHANNON: From foreman Brookwater G&CC, Qld to assistant superintendent Flinders GC, Vic.

DAMIAN TRUSLOVE: Appointed superintendent at Eastern Sward GC, Vic replacing Shaun Lehane.

MARK WARD: After 23 years at Elanora Country Club in Sydney, the former course manager has shifted across to Killara Golf Club to take on the superintendent role.

RHYS WHITLING: From assistant superintendent Royal Perth GC, WA to superintendent Lakelands CC, WA.

Above: VGCSA committee members and special guests attended the Victorian Golf Industry Awards in October where they helped Colin Foster (centre) celebrate his Superintendent Recognition Award

Right: VGCSA NZ Scholarship winners Kate Rainsbury (left) and Nick Skicko (centre) with VGCSA Graduate of the Year Darren Wardle (right) at Tara Iti

ASTMA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The ASTMA Certification Program aims to formally recognise the skills of its members and the critical role they play in the sports and recreation industry. We congratulate the following members who have achieved certification and can proudly use the ‘Certified Sports Turf Manager’ designation after their name...

Tim Allen The National Golf, Belgium

Dean Bailey Rosanna GC, Vic

Shane Baker Mosman Park GC, WA

Brett Balloch Anglesea GC, Vic

Ed Barraclough Cardinia Beaconhills GC, Vic

Brenden Benad (Manly GC, NSW)

Nathan Bennett The Royal Adelaide GC, SA

John Berthon St Georges Basin CC, NSW

Shane Bisseker Tablelands Council, Qld

Leon Blacker (Manly GC, NSW)

Robert Bloom Fernland, Qld

Andrew Boyle GTS, Vic

Justin Bradbury Camden GC, NSW

Nathan Bradbury Nuturf, NSW

Harry Brennan Dubbo City Council, NSW

Brendan Brown The Sands, Torquay Vic

Fraser Brown Lake Karrinyup CC, WA

Hamish Buckingham Metropolitan GC, Vic

Chris Burgess Yarrawonga Mulwala GC, Vic

Greg Burgess K&B Adams, Vic

Jason Bushell Rowes Bay GC, Qld

Aaron Cachia Toronto CC, NSW

Malcolm Caddies Kai Tak, Hong Kong

Stuart Campbell Maroochy River GC, Qld

Brad Carey Riversdale GC, Vic

Patrick Casey Royal Perth GC, WA

David Cassidy The Cut, WA

Brian Cattell Wagga Wagga CC, NSW

Peter Cawsey Eastwood GC, Vic

Paul Chalmers Tamworth JC, NSW

Brenton Clarke Settler’s Run G&CC, Vic

Jeremy Collier Mars Stadium, Vic

Dan Cook The Australian GC, NSW

Lincoln Coombes RACV Royal Pines, Qld

Phillip Cooper GTS, NSW

Dion Cope Redland Bay GC, Qld

Mick Cornish Cazaly’s Stadium, Qld

Shaun Cross Byron Bay GC, NSW

Joshua Cunningham All Outside, NSW

Rowan Daymond (The Grange GC)

Luke Diserens Northbridge GC, NSW

Nicholas Douglas Cranbourne GC, Vic

John Downes Regional Turf and Hort, Qld

Mark Doyle Hume City Council, Vic

Cameron Dunn Woolooware GC, NSW

Peter Dunn Federal GC, ACT

Charlie Giffard Pacific GC, Qld

Cameron Hall City of Glen Eira, Vic

Gareth Hammond Terrey Hills GC, NSW

Brendan Hansard Kew CC, NSW

Dean Hardman Indooroopilly GC, Qld

Nick Harris Wentworth Club, UK

Marcus Hartup Brisbane GC, Qld

Mitch Hayes Living Turf, Qld

Martyn Hedley Landscape Solutions, Qld

Matthew Heeps Evergreen Turf, Vic

Luke Helm Meadowbrook GC, Qld

Tony Hemming Element Sports Turf

Mark Hooker Royal Auckland & Grange GC

Tim Hoskinson NQ Turf Specialists, Qld

Ian Howell Bonnie Doon GC, NSW

Rhys Hunichen Atlas Golf Services Vic

Nick Jeffrey St Joseph’s College, Qld

Mark Jennings Racing Victoria, Vic

Steven Johnson Al Mouj Golf, Oman

Daimon Jones Living Turf, SA

Jason Kelly Royal Fremantle GC, WA

Nick Kinley Hartfield CC, WA

Dylan Knight Belvoir Park GC, Vic

Blaine Knox Palm Meadows GC, Qld

Lance Knox Busselton GC, WA

Steve Lalor Townsville GC, Qld

Nick Launer Keysborough GC, Vic

Ben Lavender Newington College, NSW

Jason Lavender Beenleigh RSL & GC, Qld

Dean Lenertz K&B Adams, NSW

Dean Lewis Thurgoona CC, NSW

Josh Leyland Box Hill GC, Vic

Nathan Lindsay Marrickville GSCC, NSW

Peter Lonergan CTHGC, NSW

Andrew Lothian Sanctuary Cove, Qld

Ben Lucas Tocumwal GC, NSW

Toby Lumsden Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia

Bruce Macphee ASTMA, Vic

Stephen Mallyon Never Stop Water, NSW

Garry McClymont Twin Waters GC, Qld

Nick McClymont Twin Waters GC, Qld

Mick McCombe Maleny GC, Qld

Tony McFadyean Albany GC, WA

Christopher McIvor Helensvale GC, Qld

Paul McLean Singapore Island CC

Peter McNamara Ashgrove GC, Qld

James Newell Magenta Shores G&CC, NSW

Kelvin Nicholson Global Turf

Matthew Oliver Suncorp Stadium, Qld

Shaun Page Southern GC, Vic

Luke Partridge Nuturf, SA

Mick Pascoe Trump Int’l Malaysia

Ben Payne Peninsula-Kingswood CGC, Vic

Michael Pearce RACV Torquay GC, Vic

Jeff Powell Ballarat GC, Vic

Keegan Powell The Sands Torquay, Vic

Luke Primus Deakin University, Vic

Shaun Pritchard PEGS, Vic

Shaun Probert Ryde Parramatta GC, NSW

Peter Rasmussen STRI, Hong Kong

Scott Reid TasTAFE

Lachlan Ridgewell Blacktown ISP, NSW

Marcus Saddington Greenlife Group, Vic

Brett Saggus BRG Legend Hill, Vietnam

Wesley Saunders Dreamland GC, Azerbaijan

Robert Savedra Wesley College, Vic

Cameron Smith Sanctuary Cove G&CC, Qld

Gary Smith Wodonga TAFE, NSW

Jacob Smith The Coast GC, NSW

Thomas Smith Waterford Valley, Vic

Mathew Soles Sutherland Shire, NSW

Liam Somers Whaleback GC, WA

Clinton Southorn Troon International

John Spraggs Royal Wellington GC, NZ

Daniel Stack Windaroo Lakes GC, Qld

David Sutherland The Ridge GC, NSW

Lee Sutherland St Michael’s GC, NSW

Shay Tasker Carnarvon GC, NSW

Aaron Taylor Cronulla GC, NSW

Heath Taylor Blacktown ISP, NSW

Shaun Taylor Warragul CC, Vic

James Thomas Bayview GC, NSW

David Thomson Bermagui CC, NSW

Colin Thorsborne Parkwood Village, Qld

Ben Tilley Headland GC, Qld

Dallas Voss Grass Up, Vic

Michael Vozzo Fertool, Vic

Earl Warmington Newcastle GC, NSW

Tim Warren Glenelg GC, SA

Trent Webber Ballina G&SC, NSW

Scott West (Cheltenham GC, Vic)

Shannon White Baileys Fertilisers, WA

Tim Fankhauser ASTMA, Vic

Peter Fitzgerald Belmont G&BC, NSW

Aaron Fluke Castle Hill CC, NSW

Matthew Foenander Keysborough GC, Vic

Jason Foster Tropics GC, Qld

Jason Foulis HG Turf, Vic

Peter Fraser Hervey Bay G&CC, Qld

Adam Fry Kooyonga GC, SA

Jake Gibbs Elanora GC, NSW

Ryan McNamara Rosanna GC, Vic

Brett Merrell Merrell Golf Consultancy

Daniel Metcalfe Beverley Park GC, NSW

Kieran Meurant North Sydney Oval, NSW

Jack Micans GTS, NSW

Ben Mills Hawks Nest GC, NSW

Craig Molloy Barwon Heads GC, Vic

Colin Morrison AIMU P/L, Vic

Damien Murrell Merewether GC, NSW

Joshua Willard Oaks Cypress Lakes, NSW

Darren Wilson Wembley GC, WA

Issac Wojewodka Camden GC, NSW

Simon Wood Sth Metropolitan TAFE, WA

Paul Wright City of Canning, WA

Tim Wright K&B Adams, Vic

Rob Young Liverpool GC, NSW

SOILS FOR LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT: SELECTION, SPECIFICATION AND VALIDATION (SECOND EDITION, 2024)

Authors: Simon Leake and Elke Haege

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing/CABI

Paperback, 216 pages; Price: $89

Reviewed by John Neylan

Understanding soils and soil management are the keys to all successful horticultural projects. With any horticultural project the selection of the soils is arguably the most important step in the project including preparing the appropriate specification, soil production and quality control testing. Cutting corners with the selection of soils and their management will invariably result in a less than favourable outcome.

This second edition of ‘Soils for Landscape Development: Selection, Specification and Validation’ provides a method for landscape architects and designers, specification writers, landscape contractors, nursery growers, turf specialists and soil supply companies to properly specify landscape soils using objective and measurable criteria. The book has a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impacts with the reuse of on-site soil, promoting appropriate minimal soil intervention, and using recycled products.

The book has six detailed chapters including soil fundamentals, soils for landscape development and performance specifications. The chapter on soil fundamentals is written for the non-soil scientist and is used to educate the landscape designer. This chapter outlines the basic principles of soil science so that the landscape designer can better understand what constitutes a healthy soil and how it affects the successful establishment of the plantings. Understanding the fundamentals of soils provides a precise lead-in to the chapters on developing specifications for landscape projects.

studies, and arguably the most useful, being those that discuss failed projects. There is a strong case to be made that we learn more from our failures than from our successes.

The book is very practical for the landscape designer as it provides 14 performance-based soil and compliance specifications including ultra lightweight green roof soil, vegetable production topsoil and biofiltration soil. Each specification has been prepared as a ‘cut and paste’ document

site soil analysis checklist that can be used to ensure that all of the necessary soils information is obtained during the preliminary design process. This checklist can be used to develop the most appropriate design, including managing the site soils and imported soils, soil stockpiling, soil specification, subsoil drainage and plant selection.

As part of the publication of this second edition, the soil specification templates presented in it have been extracted and made into an editable PDF for ease of use in reports compiled by landscape designers for their clients. The authors note that practitioners will need to consult the book to ensure that the specifications are properly applied. The corresponding page numbers where these items appear in the book have been retained in the PDFs so that readers can easily reference this material. The templates are available for purchase separately at a cost of $14.99.

The book is authored by Simon Leake and Elke Haege Their first edition, which was released back in 2015, won the 2015 Australian Institute of Horticulture Literature Award and the 2014 Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture NSW Research and Development Award. Leake is a certified professional soil scientist with a particular interest in urban soil science and runs Sydney-based soil laboratory SESL Australia. Haege is a practising registered landscape architect, consulting arborist and horticulturist who is passionate about sustainable and regenerative development of natural systems in urban environments.

The chapter on understanding soils for landscape development goes into detail on understanding and investigating site soils, managing soils during the construction process, soil contamination and remediation, soil sampling and analysis and soil amelioration. This chapter includes several case studies with the most interesting case

that covers site investigation, preparatory soil works, soil specifications for several horticultural applications including lawns, sportsfields, gardens and roof top gardens and soils for biofiltration and wetlands. There are also specifications for quality control, hold points, witness points and compliance certification which are so important in managing landscape projects.

There are several excellent appendices that cover technical information, soil sampling and test methods. There is also a very useful

Good documentation is the key to a successful outcome for any landscape project. This book will provide landscape designers, civil engineers, horticulturists, contractors and soil suppliers with an excellent reference to ensure good project outcomes. I would recommend it to anyone involved in the design and management of horticultural projects.

‘Soils for Landscape Development: Selection, Specification and Validation (2nd Edition) is available for purchase in Australia and New Zealand through CSIRO Publishing www.publish.csiro.au/book/8226. Elsewhere, the title is available through CABI www.cabi.org.