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The Kingswood HOA has been in control of the golf course maintenance for about three months now, since finalising the acquisition at the end of October 2020.
Investment in course maintenance
In the last issue of the Kingswood BUZZard, mention was made of the new machinery to be purchased and various projects and challenges facing us on the course and its surrounds. When we took the course over, there was virtually no machinery in a suitable condition to assist in restoring the golf course to its previous standard, at which it was considered an iconic destination for golfers from South Africa and further afield.
We are excited to announce that we have spent approximately R2.8 million on new machinery and equipment over the past three months. For those interested in some details, these are some of the major items acquired:
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- Workman HDX-D (spray rig and various attachments to top dress greens, etc.)
- Toro Greensmaster TriFlex greens mower
- Kubota L5040 four-wheel-drive hydrostatic tractor
- Turfco edge trimmer
- Four John Deere turf gators
- Hyundai bakkie
- Toro 3500 sidewinder
The advantages of good management
With the exception of the Toro 3500, all the assets acquired were brand new, so replacements should not be required for a number of years, and maintenance on them should be minimal.
It is indeed pleasing to note we were able to pay cash for all of the above assets out of our reserves prudently provided over the years for major capital and other eventualities. This enabled us to negotiate favourable prices, and also avoid the punitive finance charges usually associated with third-party finance.
Under the guidance of CEO Willem Jacobs, Danie Obermeyer and Ivan van Heerden, we are actively managing the operations around the course and estate in general. Their expertise, together with the new equipment and its capabilities, have already resulted in a major improvement in the course and manicuring thereof.
Progress and ongoing maintenance
Unfortunately, George is experiencing very little rainfall at the moment and, together with exceptionally high temperatures, the course is reflective at present of these weather conditions. This, hopefully, will change for the better soon. Danie believes that, with favourable weather conditions in the next two or three months, we will see the benefits of the ongoing input into the course.
Looking forward, Willem is pursuing a proactive preventative maintenance plan on the course to ensure timeous identification of potential problems. Work has already been done on all the dams to remove much of the excess growth around them, and when water levels are restored, they will once again be a beautiful feature at Kingswood.
It should be remembered that the course condition, including dams and surrounds, is for the benefit of not only golfers but all residents of our beautiful estate. The value of property will naturally also be enhanced as the various projects reach conclusion.
We remain committed to ensure that home owners see the benefits of the additional course levy imposed, and the value added to their lifestyle here at Kingswood.
