Progress on the 1st and 14th Greens
Dear Members,
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving playability, sustainability, and long-term course health, we’re pleased to share a detailed update on the masterplan works currently underway on the 1st and 14th holes.
1st Hole – A New Chapter Begins
Major earthworks on the 1st are now complete, with final shaping of the new green well underway. The redesigned green will span 452m², featuring elegant movement and a variety of pin locations to challenge and delight. With bunkers guarding both sides and a steep slope at the rear, straight accuracy will be key on approach.
This week, the Kustombind bunker drainage system is being installed, followed by sand placement. Turf begins arriving Thursday, and the green will be planted with TifEagle next Tuesday, 16 September.
What’s become clear during excavation is just how vital these works are. The original green base revealed significant drainage failures — water pooling, clay-clogged ag pipes, and a sand profile unable to shed moisture. These findings have reinforced the importance of our masterplan: not just to enhance play, but to future-proof the course against long-standing infrastructure issues.
Additional surface and subsoil drainage has now been installed in front and to the RHS of the green. Excess fill from the 1st has been repurposed to begin shaping future works near the 11th tee. Despite recent rain delays, we remain on track to reopen the 1st green before Christmas, thanks to a new planting technique and support from specialist turf farmers.
A new practice range tee is also being added on the 1st fairway. Featuring seven bays on a concrete slab with artificial turf and teeing mats, this upgrade will offer members a more consistent and enjoyable driving range experience.
14th Hole – Rebuilding with Purpose
The 14th green is being rebuilt with a modest expansion to approx. 490m². Like the 1st, excavation revealed deeper issues than anticipated — a sand layer nearly double the USGA spec and drainage blocked with clay. These discoveries have led to design refinements and reinforced the decision to prioritize this green in the masterplan.
Overburden sourced from the 14th fairway has allowed us to raise the base profile and improve shaping for water movement. A new surface drainage pit has been added to the right-hand side surround, and the final green height will closely match the original.
Drainage and gravel layers are now installed, with sand profile arriving this week. Pending weather, contouring will be completed early next week, and planting will follow shortly after the 1st green.
Drainage from the 14th now connects to a pit near the 15th tee, with further extensions planned post-club championships to route water off-course entirely. Spoil from the 14th is being repurposed to create native garden beds behind the 9th green and to fill bunkers on the 11th and 17th — aligning with our goal to reduce maintenance and improve fairness for shorter hitters.
These works are more than cosmetic upgrades — they’re essential steps in addressing legacy issues and building a course that performs beautifully year-round. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we bring this vision to life.
Kind regards,
Andrew Porter
General Manager
Ballina Golf & Sports Club
