The men’s Australian Open makes a highly anticipated return to Royal Melbourne Golf Club next week, with the iconic Composite Course hosting the tournament after a 34-year hiatus. Starting in the 17 October edition of The Cut, Royal Melbourne links crew members Michael Clavin (West Course assistant) and Mat Isbester (East Course assistant) kicked off a series of regular updates that will provide an insight into course preparations as the tournament nears. 

Read on below for their last update before the tournament tees off...

Tournament week is finally upon us! With only a few days until practice rounds and less than a week before the opening round, Royal Melbourne’s Composite Course is taking shape. The turf has been growing rapidly thanks to the ongoing rainfall and the occasional burst of sunshine.

 Contractors are now fully established, with all grandstands and hospitality structures complete. The tee signs and camera towers were the final additions and their installation went smoothly. Navigating the course with forklifts and trucks on the access tracks has been challenging at times.

The spray equipment has once again endured a heavy workload. With members playing plenty of golf, we’ve taken every available opportunity to make our scheduled applications, often starting early to stay ahead of the field. This week alone we’ve carried out applications nearly every day across all holes, including those not used for the tournament...

Monday: Boom sprayers were sent out on the fairways with liquid nitrogen, calcium and humate. Later that day, working around a shotgun start, we used the 2000L tanks to fishmouth a fungicide on greens and surrounds for pythium prevention.

Tuesday: A greens-only application of iron and chlorothalonil targeted resurgent moss stimulated by recent rainfall.

Wednesday: Pythium fungicide applied to all non-tournament greens and surrounds.

Thursday: Both fairways and greens received treatments – phosphite and miticide on fairways and a calcium, silicate and potassium mix on greens. The lack of warmth is keeping couch growth at a minimum, highlighting the impact of mites.

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Mowing frequencies for the bentgrass and fescue remain high with the current moisture providing ideal conditions for cool-season grasses. The surfaces are in excellent shape, with plenty of clippings coming off. Greens have been cut daily, while surrounds, fairways and tees have been mown two to three times per week. Bunker work has also been a major focus, with every bunker receiving attention – moving sand, repairing faces, sieving where needed and preparing for a final trim.

As noted in previous updates, the areas outside the ropes are just as important. Tree work is ongoing and we continue to clean up and mow the nature strips surrounding the property. With spectators entering from multiple points, it is essential these areas are clean, safe and well presented. This includes clearing dead branches, repairing pathways and mowing viewing areas that aren’t necessarily in play. We’ve also focused on the finer details such as trimming sprinklers, cleaning tee plaques and tidying irrigation valve boxes to ensure everything looks neat and crisp.

The driving range has now closed as the media centre, volunteer HQ, catering kitchens and TV production has taken over the area, which has required additional setup work, including marking out for additional volunteer staff car parking on the practice fairway. 

The forecast through Tuesday includes the possibility of rain each day which will keep moisture topped up in all areas but make our strategy to firm up greens challenging. The forecast beyond Tuesday looks brighter so we hope conditions can dry down leading into tournament weekend to provide the firm bounce desired.

Our volunteers arrive this Sunday, which will provide a huge boost to the team. We have been preparing equipment and facilities to support double the staff. Excitement is building and the step up in intensity is noticeable. The crew is working hard and putting in long hours to ensure the Composite Course is in peak condition for the best golfers in the country.

– Michael Clavin (assistant, West Course)

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO READ EARLIER RMGC COURSE UPDATES

Week 6 (21 NOVEMBER): Two week countdown begins for RMGC crew READ...
Week 5 (14 NOVEMBER): Composite takes shape despite wild weather READ...
Week 4 (7 NOVEMBER): Marquees going up as Composite cops 52mm READ...
Week 3 (31 OCTOBER): Club champs conclude as Open preps ramp up READ...
Week 2 (24 OCTOBER): Welcome rain freshens up Composite Course READ...
Week 1 (17 OCTOBER): Exciting (and busy) times ahead for RMGC crew READ...