Watching the grass grow” has taken on a whole new meaning for Wayne Lucas, General Manager of Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Over the last few months he has sweated over weather reports and estimates from his ground staff team, hoping against hope for optimal growing conditions (warm weather and lots of rain) which would mean that one of the Mornington Peninsula’s favourite courses will reopen on time with close to the full complement of grass covering its fairways. It hasn’t always gone according to plan. The coldest February in a decade has meant the Eagle Ridge enhancement program has just drawn to an end – a few weeks overdue but with smiles all around as the ground staff and management team sits back and takes stock of their achievement in such a short space of time. A successful corporate day for one of Melbourne’s premier radio stations kicked off the relaunch at the start of March and Wayne, relaxed at last, is pleased to be getting on with the job and letting detractors know that closing the course over the busiest period of the golfing calendar was well worth the effort.
The drought and expected increased limitations on access to the Mornington Peninsula’s bore water reserves determined the decision to change the grass on all fairways to Santa Anna couch and all green surrounds to Creeping Red fescue turf (more drought tolerant grasses). Upgrades and improvements to the irrigation system were also made as well as a repair and maintenance program being established on the course and facilities. The primary objective of the project was to increase watering efficiency and provide an optimal surface for players, but the ground staff team, headed by the unstoppable Course Superintendent Scott Balloch, also took the opportunity to rejuvenate and beautify several tee areas, particularly the 3rd and 6th. The 3rd tee has had 1000 square metres of Winter Green couch placed down along with a newly created entry path and areas of associated landscaped gardens which give a wonderful visual impact within the teeing confines. The back teeing area at the 6th has been enlarged, raised and retained by a stone brick circular wall creating practicality for multi teeing positions. A domed viewing platform has been placed behind the 6th green for golfers to enjoy the vista looking back to the newly landscaped tees.The Russo family, the course owner for a number of years, is eager to continue the work which this project has kick started. Several further tees have been earmarked for a spectacular redesign by Patio Design Group (the landscaping group spearheaded by Jamie Durie) as well as the soon to be completed redesign of the flyover / fairway area at the 8th hole. The visual features from the tee will be grass faced bunkers encapsulated within a large sandy desert with enormous pronged cacti plucked directly from a Wild West scene. A new website and a continued focus on functions and corporate golf will keep the Clubhouse staff busy over the next twelve months as well. Wayne Lucas welcomes feedback from players and members and assures them that all further works will be completed with minimal disruption to play.
“These changes will allow Eagle Ridge to move into the future with renewed confidence as an even better golf course for all to enjoy.” said Andrew Davies for the Russo family.
FACT SUMMARY
• Eagle Ridge Golf Course is now open for play.
• Fairway grass changed to Santa Anna couch and surrounding greens to Creeping Red fescue turf
• Eagle Ridge will be upgrading its irrigation system to include recycled water
• The new surface will reduce water usage by approximately 40%
• Overall the project has achieved 80-90% grass coverage in four months
• Tours of course enhancements are available
• Progress reports and other materials can be found at www.thegrassisgreener.com.au