Storms in a tee cup for PGA staff

New year rain presents new challenge for City Golf Club ground staff and greener pastures for players.

City Golf Club course superintendent John Halter checking out the condition of the Queensland PGA Championship 10th fairway yesterday. Picture: Bev Lacey

GOLF :After months of planning and preparing for a drought-affected Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship, the wheel has turned 180 degrees for City Golf Club ground staff.

The 2020 championship hits off tomorrow morning with the 156-player field touted as the best yet assembled since the tournament became an annual Toowoomba event in 2009.

Defending champion Daniel Nisbet scorched his way around the par-70 City layout last year in 24-under-par to set up a six-shot win.

But 12 months down the track players will be faced with a vastly different course to negotiate after more than 200mm of new-year rain has returned City fairways to moist, lush conditions.

Course superintendent John Halter and his staff are now working with PGA officials around the clock to ensure the layout is in prime nick for its four-day golf test.

Halter said the timely soaking – with the threat of more rain to come before tomorrow’s 6.30am tournament launch – has brought with it a welcome challenge for staff and a different ball game for players.

“We started irrigating a bit earlier last year – around September – for what was predicted to be a very dry PGA this year,” Halter said.

“We needed to work to a plan at that stage, given the summer forecast.

“But when we received the first lot of 100mm rainfall last month our priorities completely changed.

“The greens are our first priority and we’ll be working with Broc (Greenhalgh) and the PGA on how we can best set the course up for the tournament start on Thursday.

“Around 10-20mm of rain was predicted for last weekend and we got 105mm.

“Trying to anticipate what’s going to happen next has given us a lot to think about, but it’s a wonderful thing to be thinking about.”

City has won high praise from players during the championship’s 11-year stint at the club for the quality of its greens.

Halter said it’s a reputation staff are keen to enhance this week.

“With the wet we need to be vigilant about disease creeping into greens but the feedback I’m getting on them remains good,” Halter said.

“They are running true and holding firm.

“I think the fairways will be a bit slower this year with the amount of moisture and the 90 per cent-plus humidity we are experiencing.

“The rough will be left virtually untouched and will be a little tougher for players this year which the PGA is happy going with.

“This year is certainly a different ball game for everyone, but the club staff, volunteers and course committee had all been fantastic helping to ensure we present the best course and conditions possible for the tournament and players.

“It’s another terrific field this year and I hope the players and spectators get to enjoy another great PGA Championship.”

2020 QUEENSLAND

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

CITY GOLF CLUB

Thursday, February 13

to Sunday, February 16

Spectator Entry Free