Magazine - Green Golf at Settlers Run G.C

By Editor in Golf on 27th Oct 2007 19:05

Settlers Run Golf & Country club will bring a new meaning to the term 'green' in golf, by using recyled water and committing to make the course carbon neutral.

Settlers Run have managed to drought proof the golf course, keeping it sumptuously green year round. The secret is its exceptional drainage and the use of recycled Class-A water being provided by South East Water. This guarantees that the course will be gloriously playable all summer long, as it is not subject to water restrictions. The negotiation of a recyled water licence has given them a pipeline into the course, and a 160 megalitre limit each year from the Eastern Treatment plant in Carrum.
The course also uses a series of on site wetlands to collect rainwater run-off, this will also be able to be used for irrigation.

Club manager Jane Bell said using environmentally friendly features at the golf course had been a priority from day one. "We are effectively self-sufficient with regards to water needed for irrigation without the need to tap into the community's water supplies. "

Settlers Run Golf & Country Club will also be part of a world first study into golf course carbon emissions being undertaken by the clubs manager Troon Golf.
The case study will be used as an enviromental benchmark on a global level. It is Troon Golf course's aim to make their courses the most environmentally friendly in the world.

The golf course is now fully grass-covered and the greens are progressing nicely, with a good putting surface already in place. A bit of spring weather should be all it takes to live up to its full, lush potential. Likewise for the bunkers, which are currently stabilized by boards and pickets and will be fully settled by spring.

One of the special features of the course is that it incorporates a bit of history alongside its modernity and science. A number of historical features have been added to reflect the site’s former grazing past, including a windmill on the third hole and a hay bailing machine on the second.

Golf Superintendant John O’Neill, says that Settlers Run is in what he feels is the most interesting phase of golf course development.

“Watching a golf course essentially being born is a really fascinating process,” he says. “The design kicks things off, then come the earthworks and stabilisation. Now we focus on the grasses and seeding to ensure the best possible foundation for playing.”

Now that the wetlands have all been fully planted, the area has attracted significant native and exotic bird life, well beyond what was already there due to the proximity of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Not only is this a sign that the natural beauty of the site has been maintained, it also offers residents a lovely chorus to accompany their day to day activities.

For more details contact Troy Eichelberger on 9785 6072 or email teichelberger@settlersrungcc.com.au

Read more articles in Golf, by Editor or from October 2007.