Irrigation installed on back nine holes

Installation of the main irrigation line has started on the back nine holes at the Everglades Country Club.

The longest run of the project starts at the sixth tee and proceeds along the 11th and 12th holes, then parallel to the Everglades Crescent fence past the 10th and 15th greens finishing the loop at the 17th.

The sites for the new bores have been identified and the first bore sunk has now been flow tested.

A flow of 1.5 times the required flow rate was recorded with a minimum impact claimed on the level of the underground water.

Men's golf president Mr Ian Elliott said that, provided this rate could be sustained at the other sites, the club should be able to operate with six inch bores rather than eight inch bores which would result in further savings.

The pump used for this test was the same type as would be used with the new system and is submerged in the bore.

As a result there is almost no pump noise apart from the noise of the flowing water.

The new 18th tee is now in use.

As soon as all irrigation works in the area of the "temporary" 18th tee have been completed the area would be returfed.

The area between the 18th green and the practice green would also be returfed.

Soil will be used to make the mounds on the left and right of the seventh fairway more "mower friendly".

Other mounds near the fifth and sixth greens which require hand mowing are to be removed to ease maintenance problems, with changes planned in this area.

Council approval has been received to proceed with the construction of the amenities block and shelter adjacent to the 13th tee.

They will be funded jointly by the board and the golf committee.

Mr Elliott said construction should start soon.

Bulletin, November 29 Everglades Country Club