I think I counted 525 names on the timesheet for the Queensland public holiday last Monday and it didn't stop there with the rest of the week just crazy busy but the courses are still taking the wear very well.  The fertiliser we got out in late March / early April is certainly doing its thing and I am not sure I have seen this much growth for this time of year which is a great thing moving into winter.  Morning temperatures in the compound dropped below 20 degrees this week and a couple of mower operators donned their beanies for the first time this year!!

The ongoing fight against the Poa annua / wintergrass continues.  The photo below is of 13R green after a registered product was applied at label rates and caused a slight burn on the 328 which is noticeable across the treated area of the green.  Unfortunately the Poa in the green has not dis-coloured at all.  This is one of the reasons one needs to be extra careful when chasing Poa control as dis-colouration and therefore stress on the plant is the last thing you want heading towards winter.  Some of the application on the River greens surrounds has had an effect with the burn also noticeable and there has been some effect on the Poa annua as well in those areas which is ok off the putting surface.

Treated area to the right.

 

Some of the first resistant strains of Poa we experienced were on 5R green surround and samples of that have been sent away to be laboratory tested this week to see just what herbicides the strain is resistant to.  Clubs from all over Australia are doing the same thing and the results, although very slow coming, will be intriguing.