Update to New Turf in Fairways
Posted on: 20 October
Dear Members,
New turf has recently been laid in select areas of the course to address ongoing turf health issues. In August, a section on the left side of the 5th fairway received new couch turf, along with smaller sections on the 9th fairway.
This change was necessary due to the presence of ground pearl tiny soil dwelling insects that feed on the roots of kikuyu grass. Couch grass, however, is resistant to ground pearl, making it a suitable replacement in affected bare areas.
Initially, these newly turfed sections were marked as Ground Under Repair (GUR) to allow the turf to establish. They are now cut to fairway height and considered in play. If your ball comes to rest in these couch-turfed areas, it must be played as it lies unless the area is specifically marked as GUR.
Under Rule 16.1, free relief is only permitted when your ball lies in an area marked as Ground Under Repair or in an abnormal course condition.
Abnormal Course conditions include:
- Animal holes
- Ground Under Repair
- Immovable obstructions
- Temporary water
Kind regards,
Tony Cruise
Captain