Course News

The 10th green has been resurfaced with Penn A-1 bent grass grown in our bent grass nursery. Regular players at The Dunes understand we intend resurfacing all greens- three greens per year. We have a turf replacement method that allows us to get greens back in play within 4 weeks. The six greens that have already been converted to Penn A-1 are proving excellent putting surfaces. The 17^th and 1^st greens will be resurfaced in spring.

Our Santa Anna couch fairways will soon start to go into winter dormancy. While the turf turns brown after frosts it still plays well and is easier to play bump and run shots. 

Rainfall is again well below average, we were fortunate to obtain an additional water allocation to supply our irrigation requirements through summer. Overall we were pleased with course presentation during our busy season.

During winter we plan to reconstruct the pathways from the 17^th to the 18^th tee and the 2^nd green to the 4^th tee. Bunker work is planned to restore weather worn faces and improve access.

Last April we prepared the course for The Dunes ?The Big Pot? golf tournament and the 54 hole ?Victorian Senior Open?. The Big Pot is a nine-hole knock out match play event combining an amateur and professional against a similar pairing. As first price was $35,000 it created a lot of excitement and interest among the participants. From a spectator perspective it was quick and exciting golf where every putt counted.

Scott Luscombe, a course supervisor and one of our longest serving staff members has resigned to take up a career in Landscaping. Scott will be missed at The Dunes; we wish him all the best for the future.

 Mark Gahan

Consulting Superintendent

 FOURTH GREEN REDSIGN

NINTH WASTELAND