During the recent pump station replacement, the courses were irrigated for an extended period using direct bore water.
This water source carries elevated sodium and bicarbonate levels, and when applied over consecutive cycles can impact soil structure, infiltration and surface oxygen exchange. The finer-textured rootzone profile of the North Course greens further limits leaching, increasing the likelihood of short-term surface sealing.
As a result, turf density was affected in some areas, allowing surface algae to establish in weakened areas of the sward.
The pump station and importantly the sulphur burner are back operational and the greens are currently being managed with a targeted program to restore turf density as soon as possible.