VEGETATION MASTER PLAN
Posted on: 19 April
Kruse Golf Appointed as the Club’s new Landscape Architect
Vegetation Master Plan
Over the past five years Yarra Yarra Golf Club has undergone a major renovation program under the guidance and direction of Renaissance Golf Design. This work has not yet finished. We still have six to seven greens to be lifted and their “wings” flattened along with other areas of change that will require Renaissance’s input e.g. practice area and practice fairway. The presentation of a consistent vegetation theme across the property, that respects the use of plants that are indigenous to the site, remains to be completed.
Additionally, many areas of the course boundary vegetation are now in significant decline – mainly as a result of the planting of inappropriate trees, including species which are too tall and/or have several decay and fungus problems.
The Golf Sub-Committee with guidance from our Course Superintendent, Clint Raven, is eager to see the implementation of a consistent vegetation scheme across the course that features indigenous vegetation, and highlights the course restoration works that have been completed.
Therefore we have sought to appoint experts in Golf Course Vegetation to develop a Vegetation Management Plan that aspires to reflect the look, feel and charm of the restoration works and to reflect the original Sandbelt heritage of the golf course, whilst improving the condition and playability of its surfaces. It is the Club’s desire to deliver a Vegetation Master Plan through the planting of an array of indigenous heathland and grassy woodland species around the course and along its boundaries. In time, the course and boundary vegetation will bring a range of benefits to golfers, whilst also encouraging local fauna to return to the course.
Appointment of Kruse Golf
We are pleased to announce that the club has appointed Kruse Golf, led by Harley Kruse working in collaboration with Mike Clayton, to develop and assist in the implementation of a Vegetation Master Plan. The combination of Harley and Mike brings together a very deep understanding of Melbourne Sandbelt golf, golf course landscape design, horticultural expertise and the game itself.
During the selection process Harley, Mike and their offsider Lukas Michel spoke knowledgably about the Sandbelt and in particular Yarra Yarra. Both Harley and Mike are seen as exceptional in their knowledge of the Sandbelt and both having a passion for Yarra Yarra. Harley Kruse is a leading Australian Golf Course Architect with over 30 years’ experience in the design and delivery of highly regarded and successful golf course projects throughout Asia and Australia. Mike Clayton is one of the southern hemisphere’s most highly rated architects, whose work in Australia has received critical acclaim on a worldwide basis.
We look forward to the delivery of the Vegetation Master Plan and the impact the implementation of this plan will have on our course in the next 5-10 years.
David Meagher | Club Captain