General Manager’s Update

The lifeblood of any golf course lies in its unseen underground infrastructure and the quality and availability of its water supply. The design, functionality, and efficiency of irrigation and drainage systems, combined with an appropriate budget and agronomic program managed by an experienced Superintendent, are critical to maintaining top-quality playing surfaces.

Courses built on sand, like Bonnie Doon in Sydney’s east, naturally benefit from superior drainage during wet periods, while others, such as Strathfield, require significant investment in drainage systems for all 18 holes and practice areas. Notably, even Bonnie Doon has installed extensive drainage infrastructure to further enhance course presentation and playability.

At Strathfield, the current irrigation system is unreliable and costly, often malfunctioning by failing to turn on or off as programmed. This forces staff to irrigate during play, risking turf damage and disrupting members. The outdated system’s inefficiency underscores the importance of upgrading irrigation infrastructure.

Strathfield, like other courses in the area, also relies heavily on advanced drainage to remove surface water effectively, preventing prolonged turf damage and reducing lost days due to course closures or cart restrictions. From January to June 2024, carts were unavailable for 65 days-a clear indicator of the need for improved drainage.

The newly installed irrigation system on holes 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18 has already demonstrated the benefits of targeted watering. With precision sprinkler heads, tees, greens, and surrounds are irrigated more efficiently, reducing water waste and preventing overwatering. If funding is approved, the system will expand to include 320 sprinklers across the eastern course, enabling precise application of water, fertilizers, and chemicals to fairways, tees, and greens.

Additionally, Strathfield now has access to 100 megaliters of irrigation water, ensuring the course can withstand long, dry spells. These improvements position Strathfield to achieve the best playing surfaces in its history, elevating its course quality and presentation above most competitors.