The Western Cape Green Again!
Cover Photo: Pearl Valley Golf Course
S p e c i a l F e at u r e – T H E W E S TER N C APE
The Western Cape Green Again!
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A Golf Trader conducted a road trip to the Western Cape in October to have a look at the golf courses in the region and to see how they had coped during a prolonged period with very little water. It was a most interesting trip as we were delighted to see that not only were the courses looking wonderful but it was informative to hear how each and every golf club has implemented water saving measures. Ingenious methods and thinking out of the box have ensured that the courses have survived and after good winter rains they are back to their former glory.
Metropolitan Golf Club A brief back ground to the drought illustrates just how bad it was and how the staff at the various golf clubs had their work cut out for them. The drought began in 2015 resulting in a severe water shortage in the region, most particularly affecting the city of Cape Town and commercial agriculture. In early 2018, with dam levels predicted to decline to critically low levels by April, the city announced plans for “Day Zero”, when if a particular lower limit of water storage was reached, the municipal water supply would largely be shut off, potentially
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making Cape Town the first major city to run out of water. By March 2018 through water saving measures and water supply augmentation, the City had reduced its daily water usage by more than half to around 500 million litres per day. Combined with good winter rains, dam levels increased to 43% of capacity by June, which enabled the city to announce that “Day Zero” was unlikely for 2019. In September, with dam levels close to 70%, the city began easing water restrictions.
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The diary of a
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Director of Golf (during and after the drought)
he year 2018 will forever be remembered for the term ‘day zero’, and the detrimental effect of a drought that left the Western Cape reeling from the aftermath. As an establishment that is home to one of the top golf courses in the country, Pearl Valley at Val de Vie Estate had taken strategic steps by 2017, in anticipation of the drought. Damian Wrigley, Director of Golf at the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, takes us through his diary entries of the effects of, and recovery from, the drought: February 2018: The question that is on many of our minds is: “how is the golf course surviving the drought?” There is no way to candy coat the fact that we are starting to see its effects. At the beginning of February all Berg River water allocation was ceased and even though we were hardly using this resource, the water in the river was a help. Mike Westman, our Course Superintendent has worked here for 15 years, and says that he has never seen the Berg River stand still. We are extremely fortunate that the estate is located on top of a unique and localised aquifer and that a water filtration plant was implemented on the estate in December 2017, but our water resources must be conserved. The allocation of water across the estate has been done in such a way as to try and keep what we have alive but only use the minimum amounts needed. So what does this mean for our golf course? Next
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week we are more than likely going to have to turn off all rough lined irrigation and focus only on tees and greens. The playing experience will not be affected but the look and feel will change. The good news is that we have a plan in place for the course and we will get to work on repairing the damaged or lost turf from April of this year.
May 2018: Coming through a period of extreme drought was arguably one of the toughest challenges in my career. Having a predominantly cool season grass golf course and a holding dam that only carries 7 days of water, if not being replenished, is a scenario that will keep you up at night! Well as I sit here now and listen to the sound of rain failing in the background I feel a real sense
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continued from page 30 of relief and comfort. We lost a great deal of turf over the summer period and despite all our challenges we had a very successful year. Despite the severity of the drought we were able to present a product that was consistently good throughout the summer season. A big contributing factor to our course holding up as well as it did was the incredible infrastructure that exists on the estate. When Pearl Valley was built it was built with purpose and vision. Many of you will not know this but every single holding dam and body of water on the estate gravity feeds down to the 13th holding dam. A decision was made to drill for additional bore holes as well as to hire a portable pump, enabling Mike and his team to fill certain dams at various low points on the estate allowing the water to rise to the overflow points. Essentially we moved water to where we needed it to be. With this and the support of the developers who spared no cost in assisting us with whatever was required to keep the course alive, we made it through. Now it’s straight into recovery mode and rolling out projects.
summer heat, and we have already had a couple of days with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. Our plan for the summer period is to focus on tee boxes, fairways and green surrounds, as we are not in a position to keep the entire rough green and alive, due to about 800 sprinklers having to be switched off to further preserve our water resources. Our championship course is a premium offering, and although there are sacrifices that we need to make, we will continue to concentrate on the playing corridor of 45 hectares. Daytime syringing has started, due to our golf course being a cool season grass course this acts as ‘air-conditioning’ for the grass during the day.
October 2018: We are extremely grateful for a rainy winter season that lasted well into late September, and it looks like there might be periods of interspersed rain ahead for the month of October. Over the past couple of months we inter-seeded 1.8 hectares in the areas of turf that we lost, and the incredible amount of winter rains have played a huge role in the germination and full grass recovery of these areas. Paarl is renowned for its intense
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Pearl Valley Golf Course
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Better understanding the use of effluent water on golf courses
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ne of the greatest challenges facing greenkeepers is the declining availability of potable municipal water for irrigation. Exploring alternative water supplies is essential for the survival of golf courses in dry countries. Conventional sources are groundwater from wells and boreholes, and surface water from streams and storm water runoff. However, water shortages across the globe have initiated research projects that are investigating more unconventional water sources, including reclaimed waste water (effluent) and ‘grey’ water, and desalinated sea water. Effluent is partially treated waste water from community sewage or industry. It includes industrial waste water, treated municipal sewerage water and domestic grey water. It usually is cleansed of major pollutants, but is still undrinkable as it contains trace amounts of saline (salt), heavy metals (such as zinc and cadmium) and bacteria. Effluent cannot be used to irrigate food crops because there is a chance of contamination.
The dense turf grass found on golf courses provides one of the best filtration systems available for polluted water. Particulate pollutants in the water are trapped and held in the layer of thatch, where they are allowed to degrade naturally. In this way, effluent that is used on the course is cleaned and returned to dams, streams and groundwater supplies. The Audubon International Institute recognises this method of water purification. Where it is economically feasible, environmentally and agronomically acceptable, and complies with the by-laws of the local municipality, treated effluent can be used for golf course irrigation. An attractive benefit is that using effluent can cost less than using potable water. This reclaimed source of water must, of course, meet applicable health and environmental standards. More particularly, special consideration must be given to water quality issues and adequate buffer zones. On sites that drain into high quality wetlands or sensitive surface water, it may not be feasible to use effluent. Other relevant factors are soil type, climatic conditions, groundwater hydrology, vegetative cover, and providing sufficient storage for treated effluent.
The returning of effluent back into rivers and lakes by adjacent towns is standard practice, provided the minimum standard set by the Department of Water Affairs is met. In the USA, irrigating golf courses with effluent is being viewed as a more A positive aspect of effluent use for irrigation is environmentally sound way of disposing of effluent. that there is usually a consistent supply. In In the late 90’s the city of Prineville in Oregon, addition, waste water may be available at a good USA, was under threat from the Environmental price, or even without cost. Protection Agency for dumping inadequately However, use of effluent has a negative public treated waste water in the local stream. Prineville image. Educating the public on the benefits of constructed a municipal golf course specifically to using effluent for irrigation, and the role that a golf purify this waste water. This was less costly than course can play in cleaning this water, is necessary. other options. The resulting Meadowlakes Golf Irrigation can also be turned off when players are Course has 10 dams and is a lush oasis in arid Oregon. continues on page 36
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continued from page 34 on the course to reduce fears of inhaling airborne particles. An accepted practice in the USA is to refer to effluent as ‘reclaimed water’ or ‘recycled water’. Costs for transporting partially treated waste water onto the golf course property may be considerable, and other problems, such as poor water quality and local operational restrictions, may have to be dealt with. These problems are manageable, if careful consideration is given to them during the construction process. Golf courses may also have to accept a minimum daily volume, regardless of need, and will therefore require a place to store the effluent. This can be a constructed dam and wetland where the effluent is cleaned. It can then be used to recharge the groundwater table and therefore mitigate down-gradient withdrawals. The term ‘grey water’ is commonly used to refer
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to waste water from kitchens, showers and baths, laundry facilities and other cleaning and rinsing operations, while the term ‘black water’ is used to refer to waste water from toilets. It is essential that ‘black water’ is treated before use. The term ‘effluent’ includes both of these forms of waste water. Both types of waste water from a golf course estate can be collected and treated at an onsite water treatment plant, once permission has been granted by the local municipality. The amount of effluent available from a golf course clubhouse is relatively small when compared with the irrigation needs of the course. Nevertheless it can be used as a supplementary source for small landscaped areas around the clubhouse. With the increase in golf course estates containing private residences, using effluent becomes more viable. During construction, drainage from houses can be built so that effluent is collected for treatment in an on-site water treatment plant. This water can then be used for irrigation purposes.
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et in a magnificent location Atlantic Beach Country Club is situated in Melkbosstrand just 25 minutes from the Cape Town CBD and offers and unforgettable experience. The 18 hole 72 par links style golf course is set against a backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and roaming wildlife.
Atlantic Beach is also one of only two courses in South Africa to have been awarded INTERNATIONAL GEO certification for their work fostering nature, conserving resources and supporting the local community. Facilities at the Clubhouse include a fully stocked Pro Shop with everything a golfer needs from club hire to clothing, peaks and caps to balls and pitch markers all of the best quality and at affordable prices. Atlantic Beach truly offers 5 star service with a family feel and visitors experience a warm welcome and world class hospitality. There are many events held at the Clubhouse including monthly Wine & Dine evenings which include 4 delectable courses paired perfectly with wines from different vineyards. With live music held regularly at the Clubhouse as well as quarterly festivals including the ever popular Bubbly & Gin Summer Festival held in December as well as their Oktoberfest and many more.
courts, swimming pool with gym membership also available. There are weekly Junior & Ladies Clinics with A2B Academy as well as Elite programs, strong league teams, two weekly members competitions and lots of tournaments and more relaxed Par 3 Shootouts on which are held on Friday afternoons once a month. The vibe and atmosphere at Atlantic Beach is warm and welcoming and the staff really do go the extra mile for members, guests and visitors to the Clubhouse. Legends Bar & Restaurant located on the first floor of the Clubhouse offers unparalleled views of the 1st and 9th holes, Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and you can enjoy watching the roaming springboks, duiker and other wildlife whilst relaxing with friends and family. Their menu has something for everyone from burgers and pizzas to more elegant locally sources dishes there is something to tempt every palette. The Clubhouse is also home to Elemental Health & Beauty Spa where guests can submerge themselves in relaxation and tranquillity. Truly Atlantic Beach offers an all round world class environment that will leave you feeling welcomed and keen to return. Contact them today and enjoy the Atlantic Beach Experience!
Atlantic Beach is open to the Public and offers very competitive membership rates with preferential rates for Juniors, Students, Young Executives, Residents on the Estate and Seniors. Being a Country Club also means that membership at Atlantic Beach also includes use of the Leisure Centre facilities including tennis
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The water situation in SA
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outh Africa is a water scarce country, and faces several challenges that will see water having to be managed ever more carefully:
• Increasing demand on water supplies by an ever-growing and highly urbanised population. • Climate change, with general predictions being for a hotter and drier climate with rainfall events becoming more erratic and severe. Even if climate change was not a factor, humanity is already living beyond the earth’s capacity to support us. It is vital to use resources such as water sustainably, which includes reducing waste, re-using and recycling. Many golf courses are already
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capturing storm water and re-using effluent and wastewater, and the others need to follow their lead. • Pollution of rivers and dams, affecting raw water quality.
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S p e c i a l F e at u r e – T H E W E S TER N C APE
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he Steenberg golf course is rated as one of the top courses to visit in South Africa, while the Estate itself has earned global recognition as a flagship residential address. Unmistakable in its authenticity, Steenberg is a place of textured heritage, vintage wines and world-class golfing. Rated as “Top foreign golf |resort” by Conde Nast Traveller readers Steenberg was aptly described as “Understated Class”. Situated minutes from the Cape Town city centre, Steenberg is a first-class destination for fine dining, wines of origin and luxury hotel accommodation. Nestled in the crook of the Constantiaberg Mountains, the Estate is a piece of time-crafted perfection some three centuries in the making.
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With its original course architect Peter Matkovich as designer, The 18-hole golf course was designed to make full use of natural features and surroundings such as the vineyards, pine forest, mountains has over recent years transformed many of its holes in order to further improve the playability and shot making challenges expected from a course of its standard. With the recent ‘facelift’ of new bent grass greens and surrounds they are clearly striding from strength to strength. Steenberg has truly transformed into a “must visit” golf estate and one that homeowners and members can truly be proud of. A little bit more exclusive than most Cape Town courses, but understandably so when one can clearly see and feel the extra effort made at every turn.’
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S PE C IAL F EATURE - t h e w e s t e r n c a p e
SUSTAINABILTY AND THE WESTERN PROVINCE TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION (WPTA) by John Collier
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he WPTA, established in 1978, is an association which works in collaboration with Golf Course Greenkeepers, Golf and Turf industry Trade members (Machinery, Irrigation, Fertilisers and Chemicals, etc.), turf managers (Sports fields, schools and stadiums) and some landscaping members as well as Nurseries’ managers. The Association meets monthly where experts in the field of turfgrass management, irrigation, turfgrass cultural practices, biodiversity and other related topics are invited to share their knowledge. When discussing sustainable golf at WPTA meetings the issue of managing the biodiversity of courses invariably encourages a bright debate. Within the Western Cape region there are 24 registered golf courses which are found within the Cape Mountains and Forelands (CMF) Renosterveld and Fynbos ecozones. A complicating factor for greenkeepers is these two ecozones tend to intermingle and the CMF contains five different major vegetation types not the least being, the area is recognised as one of the six World Floral Kingdoms, namely the Cape Floral Kingdom. Recent research into environmental compliance and good governance, as reported in the 11th edition of the John Collier Annual Survey indicated, at a national level, 26% of clubs had a formal biodiversity policy and programme in place, whilst 38% of clubs had formally designated environmental areas within the course. What is interesting to note is that the compliance levels for the Western Cape clubs, many of whom are members of the WPTA is well above the national norms. The abovementioned positive statistics can be ascribed to the WPTA being blessed with a strong and enthusiastic committee focusing on, for example building the knowledge, expertise and professionalism of greenkeepers. The Committee comprises of Chairman, Andrew Small greenkeeper at Strand Golf Club, Vice Chairman, Steven Webber greenkeeper at Clovelly Golf Club, Treasurer & Founder Member, Graham Johnson, Administrator Clare Bromley, Christopher Steyn of Controlled Irrigation, Greg Leckie greenkeeper at Erinvale Golf Club, Francois Gelderblom greenkeeper at Metropolitan Golf Club, Malcolm Bromley greenkeeper at Hermanus Golf Club and Charl Fouche greenkeeper at Kuilsriver Golf Club. Underpinning the principle of sustainability is embracing the importance of transparency and third-party review. So why not participate in the John Collier Survey? Contact us via email at ajcollier@telkomsa.net.
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Educating the
golfing community
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olf courses are now being developed, designed and managed more responsibly than ever before. However, golfers also have a responsibility to help ensure that golf courses are well managed and in harmony with the environment. Management needs to keep members informed of all conservational policies that are implemented so that golfers fully understand these policies and their wider ramifications.
Golfers need to: • Support golf course management decisions that protect or enhance the environment, and encourage the development of environmental and water conservation plans. • Recognise that golf courses are managed land areas that should work in harmony with the natural environment.
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• Respect designated environmentally sensitive areas within the course. • Accept the natural limitations and variations of turf grass growing under conditions that protect environmental resources and conserve water, such as brown patches, thinning, and loss of colour.
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relationship between golf and the environment.
• Support maintenance practices that protect wildlife and natural habitats and that reduce water contamination, for example, the reduced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
• Support recycling programmes organised by golf course management.
• Encourage maintenance practices that promote the long-range health of the turf while also conserving water. Such practices include aerification, limited play on sensitive turf areas, and reduced watering during turf dormancy.
Recycling is a process that leads to the re-use of waste. The total process of recycling consists of collecting, transporting, sorting/grading, storing and processing. With landfill sites under extreme pressure, manufacturing materials becoming scarcer and/or more costly (for example, timber for paper), and manufacturing energy costs increasing, recycling makes economic and environmental sense. (For example, 40% less energy is required to manufacture paper from recycled paper.) Investigate the type of recycled paper purchased as some types use a lot of water in production.
• Commit to long-range conservation efforts, such as more efficient water use (for example, using reclaimed water), and Integrated Plant Management, on the golf course and at home. • Educate others about the benefits of environmentally responsible golf course management.
Recycling on golf courses
Simply dumping waste increases global
• Support research and education programmes that expand our understanding of the
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Strand Golf Club
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continued from page 52 warming and its attendant negative impacts. Recycling (including composting) diverts organic wastes from landfills, reducing methane emissions from landfill sites. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. New technologies have enabled many former waste products to be re-utilised, and governmental environmental departments around the world are placing a strong emphasis on voluntary recycling. In time, this may even become mandatory in South Africa. Golf course waste that can be recycled includes used motor oil, tyres, batteries, cardboard and paper, glass, cans, grass and tree clippings, solvents, run-off water and, sometimes, pesticide rinsate, pesticide containers. Sun City Resort near Rustenburg utilises The ROSE Foundation for its lubricating oil waste. • Grass clippings. Grass clippings can be recycled by spreading them along the rough and around trees. Composting the clippings is also an option. Compost is an excellent growing medium that promotes fast germination and can reduce fertiliser use.
Compost provides valuable nutrients that improve the soil and retains water. • Used tyres and motor oil from maintenance vehicles and golf carts. Tyre and oil distributors and local recycling companies should have information regarding recognised tyre and motor oil recycling centres. • Glass bottles, cans, paper waste and cleaned food tins and jars from the clubhouse. The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can power a 100-watt light bulb for almost an hour. For each ton of paper recycled, 3m3 of landfill space is saved, 17 pine trees are saved and there is a reduction in electricity-based emissions of 1,8 tons of carbon dioxide. Community involvement Golf course managers, with their large properties and parking facilities, are in a unique position to offer a community recycling centre. Such an operation may well be an excellent method of establishing a good relationship with the local community, who so often perceive golf courses as a waste of valuable city space and as water guzzlers.
Westlake Golf Club
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