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This here headline was inspired by the well-known ditty from My Fair Lady: ‘The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain’.
In this case, however, the lesson to be learned is less about elocution and all about dealing with whatever blows the weather in George deals those responsible for keeping the Kingswood course in shape.
When The BUZZard chatted to Willem Jacobs in the first week of July, the golf course – along with much of the rest of George – was properly drenched. ‘There has been more rain during May and June than in the past decade,’ said Willem, adding that the average rainfall for May is 38.4ml, but this year it hit an eight-year record at 180ml.
‘With a saturated course after such an extent of precipitation, the water table has risen to levels very close to the surface. Apart from making the course unplayable, this also means that the grass doesn’t grow in those spots, with small dams of water remaining for days on lower-lying parts of the course. There is nowhere left for this water to drain.’ Protocols on course closure Willem says it’s important that homeowners are kept abreast of the state of the course and of the many factors that inform their decisions on closing or partially closing the course. By his side to make these important calls is the
greenkeeper, Ivan van Heerden, and his crew.
A comprehensive document directs the protocols round course closure, set out according to four categories:
1. Play with no limits
2. Golf carts walking speed
3. Only open for walking golfers
4. Closed, i.e. no golf
‘Risk analysis is at the foundation of adhering to these protocols,’ explains Willem, and says that after continuous course inspection by Ivan and a representative from the current golf operator, the final decision remains the responsibility of those in charge of maintaining the course. ‘It’s a fine balance to keep, and clear commercial realities exist. We have an absolute obligation to protect the course, as that is our mainstay here at Kingswood Golf Estate. After all factors have been considered, there must be no damage to the course or, if any damage is incurred, it must be kept to an absolute minimum.’
He reiterates that it’s not just a matter of one person’s discretion, but that a specialised and structured process is followed at all times. ‘No decision to close course is made indiscriminately. Such decisions are only confirmed after twice-daily observations and consultations,’ says Willem.
‘Whatever is decided on our format of play for the day is decided with the best interests of all stakeholders involved, but also ultimately with the best state of the golf course in mind. It’s a difficult balance and, if made without commercial realities in mind, the subsequent domino effect can be disastrous for all parties. ‘We request that homeowners avoid driving their golf carts on the course when the course is wet, or when closed for carts, in order to avoid further damage caused to the turf,’ he concludes.
Homeowners in need of additional information on course closure conditions, or those who would like to find out about closures on the day, can call Kingswood Golf Operations on 0861 72 71 70 or 044 870 7998.
