The grass will be greener at this year’s New Zealand Open

Players and spectators at the Zealand Open in November will find the spectacular Gulf Harbour Country Club looking even better than ever - and it's thanks to a new technology that's producing less stressed grass.

A new generation biodegradable wetting agent and soil conditioner, Wet-Sol 99, is being used to create ideal turf growing conditions on the Whangaparaoa course, meaning the grass really is greener.

"Wet-Sol 99 is producing amazing results," said Tony Jonas, Course Superintendent for Golf Course Maintenance (GCM) at Gulf Harbour. "It's got really good dew reduction, which helps disease control, and good moisture retention on greens. Our turf is in really good condition and looking very healthy."
How does it work? The hi-tech surfactant blend makes water wetter by reducing its surface tension, causing it to spread more and penetrate the ground further. As a result, moisture retention is improved, soil compaction is reduced, and the performance of fertiliser and pesticides are enhanced. A wetting agent programme is now considered an integral part of managing a golf course and critical to maintaining a high quality year round playing surface.

Jonas describes Wet-Sol 99 as "part of our management tools". Since its introduction, he's been able to cut hand watering of greens by 90 per cent, prolong the life of fertiliser by up to 50 per cent, and significantly reduced the use of insecticide and fungicide on the course.

"Wet-Sol's very user friendly, affordable and helping us to prepare a better course," said Jonas. "Using it will make sure we present it in the best possible condition for the Open."

Imported and distributed in New Zealand exclusively by Schaeffer Pacific, Wet-Sol 99 is also producing excellent results for Huapai Golf Club and Peninsula Golf Club. Trials are currently being conducted by Ellerslie Race Course, Turfgrass Specialists Limited, on its Readylawn products and Excell Corporation, which manages and maintains parks and recreational facilities throughout New Zealand.

"Wet-Sol 99 is specially formulated to reduce turf stress by creating the best possible growing conditions - producing greener healthier grass with less disease," said Sharon Fitzgerald, General Manager, Schaeffer Pacific. "We're delighted with the great performance it's putting in at Gulf Harbour ahead of the New Zealand Open."


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ABOUT WET-SOL 99
Wet-Sol 99 spreader-sticker is a biodegradable, nonionic surfactant that aids irrigation and weed control. This multi-purpose wetting agent is made using a blend of surfactants. Its use provides quick wetting, more uniform coverage and increased penetration of sprays, as well as enhances the performance of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilisers. Further details are available on request.