Fri Feb 1 2013Flood recovery work underway at Palmer Colonial
AFTER surveying the condition of Palmer Colonial following last weekend’s downpour, Palmer Golf Managing Director Angie Ison believes the Robina-based course is likely to be reopened to golfers by the middle of next week.
As ex-tropical cyclone Oswald settled in over the Gold Coast, Palmer Colonial took a direct hit and was subjected to the full force of nature’s fury.
Gale-force winds and relentless driving rain took their toll on the course that had been in pristine condition after hosting the Greg Norman Junior Masters golf tournament in December. By Monday morning (28 Jan) the immaculate course was almost entirely under water.
“For our Course Superintendent Mark Hauff and his team it was a heartbreaking sight to see the course flooded after working so hard to get it in such magnificent condition,” Mrs Ison said.
“Thankfully, around 80% of the water has receded which is great news and allows our staff to make a start on repairs. We are expecting the lakes to be back at normal capacity over the weekend and we plan to have the mowing equipment working overtime from Monday onwards.
“There are fallen trees to deal with, the bunkers to repair and lots of debris to clear away, so it’s a big undertaking.
“Our maintenance crew did a fantastic job to get Palmer Gold Coast operational again within a few days and their commitment will ensure that Palmer Colonial is open again as soon as possible - we are aiming for the middle of next week.”
Mrs Ison added that the clean-up job could have been greater had it not been for the mitigation steps taken by Hauff’s team in anticipation of the impending deluge.
“We were aware the weather was likely to be severe with flooding rain, so Mark (Hauff) ensured preventative steps were taken to prepare as much as he could. Things like draining the lakes and using a spray that reduces the growth speed of the grass all make a huge difference to the recovery effort and the pace at which that can happen,” said Mrs Ison.
“Mark has been through flooding before at Palmer Colonial, so he is aware of which areas of the course suffer most and which areas hold up well.
“With that knowledge they can focus their efforts and commit resources to where it’s needed most, which results in a highly efficient exercise and will have the course up and running again as soon as possible.”
During the work to restore the golf course for play, Palmer Colonial’s bars, dining facilities and pro shop will function as normal. Sister course Palmer Gold Coast was reopened for business yesterday (Thursday) following work to clear the fairways and greens of debris and ensure the safety of patrons.
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