Course Update – August 2026
General
Winter has now well and truly set in, bringing with it plenty more frosty mornings, and a lot lower rainfall than usual.
Overall, the course is holding up well, although we are beginning to see some small areas of wear develop. This is completely normal for this time of year, particularly given the amount of play the course continues to receive.
We are managing these areas through the use of ropes and traffic control to help spread wear and give the turf the best possible opportunity to recover. While these measures can sometimes look a little untidy and occasionally impact play, they are necessary to protect vulnerable areas. Unfortunately, signage and communication alone are not always enough to prevent traffic from entering these areas.
Our playing surfaces continue to perform well, and we are now seeing some of the agronomic benefits from the programmes we have implemented over the past few years.
Attached are photos comparing some of our collars from this time last year with how they look today. The difference is quite noticeable.
Last winter, a significant amount of undesirable grass species had encroached into our browntop surfaces, resulting in uneven growth, inconsistent playing conditions and an untidy appearance.
Through targeted chemical programmes, ongoing cultural practices and consistent maintenance, we have made significant progress in returning these areas towards predominantly browntop turf.
This remains an ongoing improvement programme rather than a quick fix, but the comparison photos provide clear evidence that we are continuing to head in the right direction.
Tree Enhancement Around the Golf Course
You may have noticed the team removing a number of trees around the golf course recently. This work forms part of our ongoing Vegetation Master Plan, aimed at maintaining and improving the long-term health, appearance and playability of the course.
As part of this plan, we are progressively removing undesirable and self-seeding species, such as wattles, while creating opportunities to establish carefully selected native and exotic species that will enhance the course for many years to come.
Recently, between the 12th and 13th holes, we removed three large wattle trees. In their place, we will be planting approximately 50 native trees and plants.
For those wondering, this area was not cleared to entice the long hitters to have a go at the green! The wattles were removed because they were considered undesirable in this location. Their removal also allows us to open up the viewing avenue and introduce new plantings that complement the landscape improvements already taking shape throughout this area.
All tree work undertaken on the golf course is done with careful consideration and for a reason. Trees have a natural lifespan, and, over time, their size, location and condition can negatively affect playability, aesthetics and turf health. Proactive management allows us to address these issues while continually renewing and improving the landscape.
We are committed to ensuring the trees, gardens and wider amenity of the golf course continue to thrive, while maintaining a healthy, attractive and enjoyable golf course for everyone.
Hole 16 Enhancements
You will have recently received an email outlining our plans for the enhancement of the 16th hole.
As mentioned, the aim of this work is to create a golf hole that is more enjoyable and fair to play for golfers of all levels, while also improving the overall visual appeal and presentation of the hole.
The majority of the work will be completed during next week’s scheduled hole shutdown, with some finishing work continuing into the following week.
It is important to note that the hole will take a few months before it becomes a true representation of the final design. There are a number of undesirable grasses throughout the area that will need to be sprayed out and reseeded. The new mowing lines and rough lines will also need time to grow in, establish and develop the definition we are looking to achieve.
During this establishment period, we ask that members and guests please be patient and respectful of the work being undertaken. Giving these areas the time and opportunity to properly establish will be an important part of achieving the best possible result.
We are excited to see the improvements take shape and look forward to creating a 16th hole that members and guests can enjoy, both visually and from a golfing perspective, for many years to come.
Volunteers Wanted!
As part of the upcoming 16th hole enhancements, we will be relaying a large amount of turf and are looking for some willing volunteers to lend a hand.
We would love some help on the following dates at any time between 6:30am – 4:00pm:
Wednesday 19th August
Thursday 20th August
The work will be fairly physical, but we’ll have some fun along the way! Whether you can spare an hour or stay for longer, any help would be hugely appreciated and will make a real difference in helping us complete the work on the 16th.
If you are willing and able to help, please email Ben at turf@hastingsgolfclub.co.nz.
Thanks in advance for your support — many hands make light work!
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