Golf Course Report

March 2016

                This is my first Golf Course Report since early January.  I apologize for the infrequency.  We have weathered the storm of a record rainfall in January and a cold and damp February.  The sun has begun to shine and the winds of Spring are starting to dry out our property.  The warmer temperatures have kick started the growth of all of our playing surfaces.

                Over the last few weeks we hosted three of our Major tournaments, the Ladies Member/Guest, the Ladies 9 Hole Invitational and the Mens Invitational.  From all reports each tournament was a huge success.  The seamless cooperation between all of our departments helped produce an excellent experience for all involved.  We take great pride in giving you a product that will impress your guests.  The Club Championships are underway and we will focus on providing tournament conditions throughout the month. 

                On the agronomic side, the dryer weather will begin to show its ugly side in the form of wilting plants.  Supplemental hand watering will occur periodically to ensure the health of the entire property.  I am constantly searching to improve the golf course, with this in mind; I have consulted our golf course builder about the possibility of rebuilding the Driving Range tee.  Our current situation has a tee that does not drain properly and is elevated in relation to the artificial hitting area.  The idea is to lower and extend the tee, add drainage, “sand cap” the tee and re-grass.  This will provide a better suited practice area to withstand the heavy usage during Season.  Another innovation that I am excited to be involved with is the use of a digital camera to scope the drainage in the subsurface of our greens.  A Demo was performed on #15 and #17 greens recently and has pinpointed issues that can be rectified during summer maintenance.  All of our greens will be shot with this camera on a Tuesday in May.  Repairing these clogged drains will release built up gases and improve percolation.  Although a number of our greens are situated in hard to grow areas, this project will allow us to improve the viability of our putting surfaces.  We are looking forward to a transcendent Summer of maintenance and an eye-opening 2016-2017 golf season.

                Typically, a strong El Nino is followed by a La Nina.  This would call for a drier Spring and Summer with an above average chance of Tropical development.  Our plan for the turf is to increase our cultural practices and our plan for the community is to protect your assets.  Thank you for supporting our TEAM through this unpredictable season it has been a challenge but we will persevere.