Wrong use of pesticide leaves greens in bad shape

04/02/1998

JUST when things were shaping well at the Subang National Golf Club, the
venue for the US$300,000 Benson and Hedges Malaysian Open, the wrong use
of pesticide has resulted in several greens suffering ugly odd patches on
it.
Malaysian Golf Association president Thomas M.L. Lee said yesterday that
"some mistakes were made by the groundsmen that caused the problem."
"It was worse on Friday but it is better today," said Lee, who visited
the course to see for himself the damage to the greens, which came less
than a month after several greens were damaged in an alleged act of
sabotage over a labour dispute between the club and the Union.
The Union has also directed all employees not to do overtime. However,
the club have assured the MGA that there will no hitches despite the
dispute.
Lee said the second and eighth hole are most affected.
As for the rest of the greens there are odd patches here and there.
The only solution he said was for "solid turfing - where you take blocks
of grass from elsewhere and place it in the damaged areas."
Lee ruled out a change in venue as it involves "logistics and other
supporting services which are now in place."
"I admit having the tournament at KGNS is not an ideal situation. But we
must make do with it. We are left with no choice."
A tour of the course with KGNS general manager Gurmit Singh yesterday
showed that there is some progress made.
"We have also patched the greens at hole No 2 and 8 and the grass will
definitely grow before the Open," said Gurmit.
Holes No 2 and No 8 have about 4cm-deep cuts and the ugly patches are
noticeable from a distance.
Gurmit remains confident that the course will be in top shape come Feb
19 when the tournament tees off.
"What we have done is spray chemicals around the bunkers to check the
growth of grass.
"This is a normal practice because to trim them before the Malaysian
Open will be a messy business. That is why the grass is brown instead of
green."
The other greens showed a marked improvement compared to two weeks ago
and workers were seen trimming the fairways and perparing the bunkers.
The arch at the main entrance too is almost ready.
"We will prepare the greens before the Open and when we start trimming
it further you can come and watch the professionals play on the best
available course in the country."
(END)