A Long Hard Wet Closure!

 The July closure is usually our most disruptive.  This year is no different.  The multitude of projects scheduled during this closure added to the chaos that comes with cultural practices.

  The bulkhead repair on #5 is complete and new sod was installed today.  I am happy to report that the effective playing area will remain the same during establishment.  

    The Fraze mowing on the DR Tee has produced the desired results.  We will remain on the mats until further notice as the grass portion of the tee recovers.  Next summer we have budgeted a complete renovation of the practice tee.  This will include proper drainage and expansion of the hitting surface. 

   The landscape project on #11 should be near completion at the time of opening on Saturday morning.  As with any major change, this will be a work in progress.  As the plant material matures we will re-evaluate placement, spacing and maintenance practices.  Additional sod was added to the hole to improve play-ability.   With any major change to the buffer and/or landscape of your property, patience becomes an overwhelming attribute.  It is our goal to accomplish all the necessary requirements to satisfy all members effected by each project.  My hope is that we all have the fortitude to follow the process and embrace the improvements.

   The golf course will be a bit different upon re-opening.  The height of cut on the Roughs was lowered to enhance density.  This will result in some off color sections due to scalping.  This is normal and healthy, we will lower the height one more time before we prepare for season.  The greens received the most aggressive aerification of the summer.  The machines were equipped with   5/8" tine and the process was done in two directions.  As a result they may not heal as quick as the first closure, but we had the opportunity to effect a greater surface area and this should provide superior conditions in the Fall.  Speaking of greens, #17 will be lagging behind in this recovery period.  The Drill -n-Fill has improved the drainage and will undoubtedly help as we prepare for the coming golf demand.  Until then, we will treat #17 as a separate entity.  More sand will be used, a different mower will be used and an enhanced fertility program will be employed.  This may lead to a different playable surface of the next few weeks.  Thank you for your support and patience, we are on the right track to provide 18 healthy and consistent greens throughout the year.

  On a closing note, a few alterations have been made to the golf course.  After discussions with Gordon Lewis, some mowing patterns have changed.  A few Fairways have decreased in size, a few have increased and a few have shifted.  In addition, the approaches have changed on a selection of holes.  As these areas adjust to their new height of cut, some off colored turf may be present.  Presenting different options around the green and improving play-ability was the main focus.

   The month of July is our "get down and dirty" month.  We effect the most change during this closure.  I absolutely LOVE my team and their dedication to provide the best possible experience for all of our Members and Guests.  They have endured more than 15" of rain that has halted every operation.  They have eased my my anxiety by going above and beyond their duties.  Each and everyone of them have adopted my vision for a property that exceeds expectations.  When you have a group of individuals working towards a common goal, the journey is almost more enjoyable than the accomplishment.