Brian Beckner and Tour #1

December Tours

During the month of December we conducted tours of the course centered around our involvement with Audubon International.  Our guide on these tours is Brian Beckner.  Brian is the owner and operator of Native Bird Boxes, a company that builds, installs, maintains and monitors bird boxes for the purpose of providing a habitat for our cavity dwelling birds.  Each box is "species specific" and situated in the proper location for nesting.  Brian's knowledge and energy provided for an informative and entertaining session.  We have hosted three tours to date and close to 60 members have participated.  Brian's passion for the outdoors goes well beyond wildlife.  He has done a wonderful job of educating our members on our entire ecosystem and how it impacts our property.  There are six categories that are required by Audubon International for Stonebridge to maintain certification and Brian covers all six: Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management and Outreach and Education.   

I hope everyone will get a chance to participate in a tour or attend the presentation scheduled for January 27, 2015 in the clubhouse.  Stonebridge is a unique property that provides habitats for a wide variety of living creatures.  We take great ownership in our responsibility to maintain a healthy environment for our Members and "ALL" of our guests.

Wood Stork in flight

Great Egret 

Great Blue Heron

Golf Course Report

December 2014

Some of us at Stonebridge like to refer to this time of year as the “Pre-Season”.  This is especially true this year.  With record rounds in October and a very busy November we have a glimpse of what lies ahead for the remainder of the season.  December usually gives us a chance to catch our breath before the onslaught of the New Year.  Typically, during the Holiday Season, the golf course sees a little less traffic and a few more open tee times.  The golf course maintenance staff will take full advantage of any opportunity to improve the playing conditions.

During this month we will employ a strict protocol to push the growth of our improving weak areas.  The greens will receive multiple “needle tine” aerifications to infuse oxygen into the root zone.  This will be followed by supplemental fertility to enhance growing conditions and light topdressing to maintain surface playability.  The entire course will be treated with liquid fertigation and the tees and fairways are scheduled to receive an application of foliar spray before the end of the month.  The entire course will be scouted and monitored for any remaining pest issues.  We are looking forward to a very productive December. 

From all accounts, we had a great November. I would like to thank the entire Stonebridge team for an excellent representation during the Stonebridge Cup.  We always take a lot of pride in hosting guests at our course.  It is nice to see “The Cup” stay in Naples for another year.  We will take this drive and determination and put it towards our upcoming member events.  Thank you for a great 2014 and we are looking forward to a better than ever 2015. 

#13 bunkers

Melbourne Method

 What's New on the Course!

Just a short note to point out a few changes that are happening at Stonebridge.  November brought some cooler temperatures, the golf course was extremely busy and some of our feathered friends are returning, just in time for our Audubon tours.   

We had a couple of rain events during November, followed by unusually cold temperatures.  This tends to increase this disease pressure on our turfgrass.  Thanks to our strict preventative measures, we avoided most fungal activity.  The greens continue to improve and we are looking forward to a successful season.  

After some concerns regarding plugged lies in our bunkers faces, we have adopted a new raking regimen.   This "Melbourne Method" is directly pulled from Melbourne Country Club in Australia, the host of the Australian Masters.  This club is widely known as one of the most well conditioned courses in the world.  The goal of this method is to firm up the bunker faces and hand rake the playable center.  We have started to train our staff this week and we hope to provide improved bunker play ability this season. 

Below you will find a picture of a "Common Gallinue" just in time for our first Audubon Tour.  We are excited to have Brian Beckner lead a series of tours throughout the course over the next few weeks.  The wildlife is beginning to return and it should be an entertaining and informative session.  

Common Gallinule

Golf Course Report

November 2014

November brings the change of season.  Our main focus turns to playability and member satisfaction.  Every summer we tend to make progress with our cultural practices.  This year is no different.  The aerification, verti-cutting and topdressing that were accomplished this summer will help provide an enhanced playing surface for all our members and guests throughout the winter season. 

We continue to work diligently on our most challenging playing surfaces.  The greens on #15 and #17 are responding well to the programs put in place.  The fairways are equipped to withstand the rigors of the traffic that is anticipated and the tees are being pushed every week to allow a great starting point to every hole. 

As we look forward, our focus will be on liquid fertilization and non-intrusive maintenance practices.  This includes fertigation, supplemental tee and fairway applications and focusing on perimeter areas that will improve playability.  As our traffic increases, we will start to encourage a “Road Less Traveled” by posting signs and stakes to reduce the damage of incessant traffic.  Our goal is to keep these at a minimum to allow the course an unfettered appearance. 

I do not like to “Wax Poetic”, but it is hard to put into print the heart and soul that I feel for Stonebridge.  Not just the golf course but the entire property.  I believe we can be the Standard Bearer for all of Southwest Florida.  I am blessed with an incredible staff that has bought into our goal of achieving perfection.  We have identified our challenges and we have a clear plan to correct our deficiencies.   The playing surfaces remain in excellent condition and will continue to improve.   We are looking forward to presenting an outstanding challenge for the Stonebridge Cup and for the member events that follow.  

Winter Annuals

Blooming Muhly Grass

Signs of Season!

The last two weeks of October are always a busy time for the Grounds staff as we make the final preparations for the upcoming Winter Season.  A fresh coat of Pine Straw was installed last week, the winter annuals are being planted this week and the Muhly Grasses throughout the course are in full bloom.  We are looking forward to a great season with a new Clubhouse and a  golf course and grounds to make you proud to be at Stonebridge.  

We have completed a Wall to Wall fertilization that was coated with a pre-emergent herbicide.  This application will prevent the germination of our winter annual weeds.  This program is followed closely by a liquid fertility regimen that will provide superior color and playability.  Our most troublesome areas are enjoying the increased sunlight from the southern sunrise that is prevalent during the Fall and Winter.  We have recognized and began to correct some of our deficiencies.  This is an ongoing program that will lead to consistency throughout the year.   The poor weather in September may have put a damper on our summer progress, but we are not discouraged.  A  fine playing surface will be presented for our deserving members and guests.  Our staff takes a lot of pride in the work that they do and they go above and beyond that of what I ask.  

My entire department values our Tuesdays during the Summer and with only one remaining we plan to use it to its fullest.  This past Tuesday we improved the transition from the 18th green to the clubhouse by replacing the asphalt path with concrete.  In the future we anticipate the new concrete extending to Winding Oaks Way.  

I am excited about the future of Stonebridge.  We have a great Membership, great leadership(Tim Jones) and a dedicated staff.  In short time; YOUR PLACE will be recognized as the BEST PLACE.  That's our goal and that's what drives us.

New Concrete Cart Path

Golf Course Report

October 2014

The October Report tends to be a re-cap of the summer maintenance.  This one is a tale of two summers.  June, July and August were kind to the golf course.  They provided plenty of sun and an adequate amount of rain.  This allowed us to perform all of our cultural practices and provided normal growing conditions.  Great progress was made during this time.  September was a totally different animal, 20 days of rain and an addition 8 days with no sun.  The effects of a month without seeing the sun include longer internodes, shorter roots and little to no lateral movement.  This results in slower green speeds, less stress resistance and turf that is ripe for disease.  There is some good that came from September, we completed our final greens aerification and squeezed in the first ever DryJect application at Stonebridge.  The DryJect machine works like an aerifier except it injects dry sand into the green as opposed to removing a core.  This process allowed us to insert a Profile soil amendment that will help provide consistency throughout our putting surfaces.  Over time this material will dilute our heavy soils and provide moisture retention in our sandy soils.

The October Report usually has a glimpse of the future included.  I am confident the work completed this summer will benefit the long term health of the golf course.  A few tasks were delayed by the September washout, including our final weed control application and our nematicide for the greens.  Both of these tasks will be completed in early October to allow for proper recovery.  The rising sun has shifted to the south and is providing more exposure to our weaker areas on the course.  This will speed recovery and enhance the growing conditions.  As the turf rebounds from the cloudy conditions we will increase our grooming and the greens speeds will improve.  A fresh coat of Pine Straw will be applied this month and our winter annuals should be in place before the Fall Classic on the 24^th.  I am looking forward to a great season at Stonebridge.

I would like to thank the entire golf maintenance staff for taking PRIDE in their work and going above and beyond to make Stonebridge a special place.

DryJect on Chipping Green

Bin and Hoses to fill holes

 Final Closing of the Summer Season

On September 9th we began the process of our final greens aerification for our annual summer maintenance.  The step by step program began with double verti-cutting, removing the access thatch, an application of organic slow release fertilizer, topdressing and finally the core aerification.  The 3/8 inch tines used during this week are barely noticeable.  I want to thank Jeff Ratthe, our Golf Course Superintendent, for completing this process during a very wet Tuesday and Wednesday.  I felt very comfortable taking two days to enjoy the golf course at Black Diamond Ranch with our Pro Shop Staff and 18 of our members.  I am sure the stories from that trip will last until next year's trip.  

Following the standard aerification a series of rolling and brushing took place to ensure the surface was consistent for the DryJect application.  This contracted service takes dry sand and soil amendments and injects them into the soil profile.  A high powered water jet opens a hole in the turf and creates a vacuum type suction that pulls the material into the hole.  The pictures included show the machine in operation and the results of the injection.  The bin is hand filled with bagged material and the hose is hooked to our irrigation supply.  Close to 20 tons of dry material was injected into our putting surfaces.  I am excited about the long term benefits of this operation and the overall health of our putting surfaces.  

I have had a lot of questions regarding the status of #15 and #17.  We are on the right track and the soil abnormalities are beginning to show signs of improvement.  Our goal is to always provide a course that is playable, presentable and pleasurable.  With that in mind we will do everything in our power to make this season the best on record.   

Cross section of DryJect

2 days following DryJect

Letter From Audubon International

Dear Mark,

Thank you for your continuing efforts to enhance wildlife habitat and protect environmental quality through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program! Your commitment and positive attitude places you at the forefront of golf management.  Your experience is a valuable asset to others, and we hope you will share it as your schedule allows. 

Matt Taylor, Director of Golf Course Operations at Royal Poinciana Golf Club and Audubon Steward, was impressed with your golf course and facilities during his site visit this past June. He thought the course was an excellent example of how a golf course can provide wildlife habitat, and was especially impressed by native areas on the course. As a result of his helpful comments and observations during his site visit, we are pleased to recertify Stonebridge Country Club as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Mr. Taylor was impressed with your continuing efforts to create naturalized areas on the golf course, which provide valuable water, food and habitat for local and migratory wildlife in the area. In particular, he noted that you supply plenty of native plant material in habitat areas and around water features. We were also pleased to hear that you plan to resurrect your nest box program with help from a local expert. You will find tips for nest box placement and construction in A Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course, 2nd edition, which can access by logging on to your profile at www.auduboninternational.org. Let us know if you need additional assistance with this project.

Adding colorful wildflowers to natural areas is a great way to make these areas more aesthetically pleasing while also adding wildlife value to the course. We recommend visiting the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (http://www.wildflower.org/explore.php) and searching the Native Plant Database by “Florida” and then by the particular habits (i.e., shrub, tree, vine, etc.): http://www.wildflower.org/collections/collection.php?all=true. From there, you can learn about each native plant’s bloom information, growing conditions, and wildlife benefit. You can also find local seed or plant nurseries using this site.

You have done a good job of providing wide (25’) no-spray zones around water features. Creating vegetative buffers around water features is a critical habitat component, especially for aquatic wildlife which use these areas for food, nesting, and cover from predation. Vegetative buffers are also valuable from a water quality perspective as they reduce erosion and filter runoff, minimizing impacts from golf course management practices. Where shorelines are directly in play, research has shown that 25’ bands of dense turf mowed to at least three inches high will help slow runoff, trap particles, and utilize excess fertilizer before it reaches the water. These filter strips should be maintained as no-spray zones, meaning no pesticides are sprayed and fertilizers are spoon-fed. Obviously, if a green lies within 25’ of a water feature, these guidelines will not be able to be followed. Every property is unique and we want to work with you to enhance your environmental program given your constraints.

Your pest management methods are good, and we applaud your use of scouting and setting thresholds for turf diseases and pests. This is a critical component of integrated pest management and contributes heavily to enhanced water quality and the beauty of the course. Mr. Taylor noted that you use cultural practices as part of your regular golf course maintenance, including reducing compaction and turf stress and adjusting mowing heights as needed. The reviewer also noted that you are working toward installing a new recycled wash water system, which we were very pleased to hear! Mr. Taylor reported that you have also budgeted for additional aerators for your water features, which create oxygen and reduce algae growth. Keep up the great work!

Mr. Taylor noted that your efforts to use water more efficiently are enhanced by your careful attention to weather patterns, targeted irrigation heads, and routine irrigation system maintenance. Water consumption may be further reduced or eliminated through the use of moisture meters that indicate the specific areas where additional irrigation is needed.

We applaud your efforts to engage club members, employees, and the community through your ACSP display and signs in the clubhouse and on the property. Mr. Taylor reported that you have a number of projects planned, including creating a new display after the clubhouse’s renovations are finished and providing wildlife walks in conjunction with members. We were also thrilled to hear that employees are trained on Best Management Practices for golf courses.  You may be interested in purchasing one of our brand-new official Audubon International Certified Property signs, available for a low introductory price at our online store: https://www.auduboninternational.org/promotions-products. 

Other ideas for increasing your outreach and education efforts include installing educational signage around natural areas. These signs can simply say that the area is an environmentally sensitive zone, or it can detail a particular native species found in the naturalized area. Other members have had success with providing displays about ACSP activities, brochures of their involvement with the program, and newsletter articles to membership that describe projects. We have also seen members provide binders of ACSP recommended golf course management practices, such as the benefits of tall grass naturalization, the importance of protecting water quality, and more. These recommendations can all be found in fact sheets in our online resource library at: www.auduboninternational.org/factsheets. You can find additional ideas on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AudubonInternational. You can also draw inspiration from our quarterly online publication of Stewardship News, and from our Success Stories section on our website: https://www.auduboninternational.org/success-stories. 

Information on a variety of topics, including how to implement environmental projects and species information is provided in the Resources section of the member-only website and in A Guide to Environmental Stewardship on the Golf Course, 2nd edition, which was sent to you previously. Log in to the member-only website from our website at www.auduboninternational.org using your email address. You can also upload digital documents and photos, saving both paper and postage.

There are now over 2,200 golf courses enrolled in the program and 906 are currently designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.  Thanks for setting such a fine example for others to follow! We look forward to another successful year and are glad to know that Stonebridge Country Club will continue to be part of that success.

Sincerely,

Laura

Laura K. Karosic

Audubon International 

http://www.auduboninternational.org

Golf Course Report

August  2014

The month of August gives us a chance to give the golf course a rest in between aerifications.  The July closure was very intense.  A full double verti-cutting was performed on the fairways.  More than 200 cubic yards of thatch was removed from the fairways.  This was followed by 550 tons of topdressing.  This process will help remove the grain and lay the ground work for a more consistent playing surface throughout the course.  The added sand will provide for a more stress resistant stand of turf.   The fairways also received an aerification prior to topdressing.  The increased soil porosity will aid in drainage and compaction relief. 

The greens and tees were treated to the same aggressive practices.  The tees are responding well and the greens are poised to be better than ever for the winter season.  The eye test tends to misleading, what lies beneath is the most important improvement.  As the weak areas on our greens slowly grow in, the soil structure is light years ahead of the game.  I am encouraged by the progress and look forward to the long term benefits of our cultural practices. 

A couple of minor projects were also completed during the July closure.  We have extended the cart path ends on holes #4 and #15; this will give golfers more exit options and reduce wear through season.  It is important to remember to avoid wear areas and “Take the Road LESS traveled”.  We have also redesigned the Oak Tree bed on hole #1.  A couple of trees were removed and sod was installed to open up the playing surface.  This is a subtle change but may prove valuable for those who play the right side of this hole. 

As we look forward to the September closure, I feel confident that we can accomplish our goals in a shorter amount of time.  The original closure dates were September 9^th through the 19^th.  I have altered the dates to open on the 17^th.  This reflects the success of our first two closures and takes into consideration the timing of the clubhouse opening.  We will continue to work hard to provide the best possible conditions for our members and guests. 

                

 

Friendly Reminder

Thunderstorms in Southwest Florida can be very dangerous.  This picture is from a local club and shows the result of a lightning strike in the middle of their first fairway. These storms can be very unpredictable, please use caution when you are on the course. 

#1 Tee area

#1 Fairway

 Flashback to the Summer of 2013

These pictures were taken at the tail end of a 3 inch downpour that washed our our Monday afternoon.  Other parts of Naples received closer to 6 inches of rain during this storm.  The standing water receded overnight and the course has recovered nicely.  The extensive drainage that was added over the last two summers and the aggressive aerifications during our first two closures have aided in the quick turn-around.  Our goal is to absorb these weather events and have the course open and playable as soon as possible, with little to no restrictions.

#6 approaching Tee

#15 Fairway

Great Crested Flycatcher Box

Eastern Bluebird Box

 New Additions!

Just a quick note on a few "new additions" for the golf course.  Brian Beckner from Native Bird Boxes was here Monday to install 20 new bird boxes.  The variety of boxes are species specific for our environment.  We are now equipped to attract Eastern Bluebirds, Red Breasted Woodpeckers, Screech Owls, Carolina Wrens and Great Crested Flycatchers.  Our existing Purple Martin houses will be refurbished and relocated to enhance their population.  We have two Osprey poles located on #9 and #16, we will attempt to add some nesting material to enhance the habitat.  One surprising find during the visit was the activity in the Wood Duck box located in the lake left of #7 tee behind #8 green.  It is nice to be a part of a project that encourages our wildlife population.  All of the boxes were installed with nesting material to attract the proper species.  Brian will monitor the boxes and report the activity.  He is looking forward to giving guided tours this Fall that will encompass our role in wildlife management.

Below are a couple of pictures showing the cart path extensions on #4 and #15.  The additional cart path will provide for more exit points and reduce the wear and tear that was prevalent on these holes.   We are in the process of re-grading a few other cart path ends to improve wear resistance and functionality.   

Thank you for patience during these summertime closures.  The cultural practices being employed during this time will have a long lasting impact on the quality of our playing surfaces.  

#15 Cart Path addition

#4 Cart Path addition

Fairway aerificarion

Fairway verti-cutting

 Getting our Ducks in a row!

 After a couple of downpours to start the week, Mother Nature has given us clear skies to complete our work.  It all started on Tuesday.  The greens received a heavy vert-cutting followed by an ample amount of topdressing.  Once this was completed we aerified greens with 1/2 inch coring tines.  The cores that were removed are being re-used to fortify lake banks and grow in a new nursery green.  Our nursery green was over used in the past and had become contaminated with off type bermuda grass.  Over the last few weeks we have killed of the old grass, removed the top 4 inches, added fresh greens mix and incorporated the cores from our on-course greens.  This type of grow-in should take 3-5 weeks for a new green to appear.

Wednesday we brought our army to the tees.  Verti-cut followed by the process of removing the access thatch.  This process includes hand raking and a mechanical sweeper that acts as a vacuum to remove the debris.  This is followed by topdressing and aerification.

On to Thursday and the four day War with our Fairways.  Cricle cut, aerification, verti-cut in two directions, vacuum, topdress and drag.  One simple sentence to re-cap a mountain of work.  Close to 500 tons of sand was applied to the fairways and more than 250 yards (9 Dump trucks) of thatch was removed from the golf course.

I am unbelievably PROUD of the accomplishments of our team.  The ability to adapt to changing conditions, the dedication to completing the job and the pride they have in the product they are presenting makes my job a lot easier.

On tap for next week is recovery of the playing surfaces, collar re-grading, wall to wall fertility, cart path repair and some MINOR tree trimming.  

As you can see by the picture below, the ducks are in a row.

#13 Fairway Topdressed

#13 after dragging

New Nursery Green

Ducks in a row #12

Air2G2

Air2G2 Demo

 Space Age Equipment at Stonebridge

Today we had the pleasure to experience a  demonstration from the new Air2G2 air injection machine.  This service is designed to relieve compaction and infuse oxygen into the root zone.  This is accomplished by the three rods that insert an 8 inch tine into the ground where compressed air is injected into the soil profile.  The effective area for each tine is between 18 to 36 inches based on the soil conditions.  During our "demo" you could see the turf lift briefly as the air was injected below the surface. The benefits of this type of machine are catching on quickly, many courses are using this service in conjunction with normal aerification and some courses are purchasing this machine to use on a regular basis.  I was quite impressed with the process and I will monitor the results. 

Demo on #11

Air2G2 air injection tine

Fairway stripes

The photo above shows the "stripes" in the fairways that occurred during our last mowing on Monday.  The cause of theses stripes is the overwhelming amount of grain in our fairways.  The greener areas are produced when we are mowing with the grain.  The browner, more scalped, areas are the result of a cut against the grain.  Changing directions and circle cutting helps reduce this affect.  The most prudent way to reduce grain is to verti-cut, which we have schedule for our next closing.  The current process of an incremental lowering in the height of cut will aid in the effectiveness of the vertical mowing.  The appearance may not be ideal but the health of the turf and the playability remains our focus.  

Please feel free to e-mail with any questions or concerns at mmetzger@stonebridgecountryclub.com.  Happy 4th of July and I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Dry Turf #15

Lightning Strike #7

  "Wild Life"  

The one thing I love most about my responsibilities here at Stonebridge is there will never be a dull moment.  From the golf course to the common grounds, no two days are ever the same.  Thankfully, we have a great team in place that rises to each and every challenge.

As the golf course was healing from our first closure, we ran into a very odd stretch of weather.  An eight day span of high pressure from June 18 through June 25.  I can't remember the last time we had this pseudo cold front arrive during this time of year.  There are more advantageous than disadvantageous to this type of weather pattern.  There is plenty of sunlight to enhance carbohydrate production, lower disease pressure and no weather delays for golf or maintenance.  One of the drawbacks to this dry weather is that our underdeveloped areas of turf tend to lose moisture at a higher rate as evident by the sodded areas on the putting surface of #15.  This can and did happen overnight.  We have combated these areas with extra "hand watering" and a healthy dose of wetting agents.  They are quickly recovering and will continue to get stronger throughout the summer.

I also included is a picture of a lightning strike on #7 fairway.  We have returned to the usual pattern of hit or miss afternoon storms.  Our sea-breeze tends to keep the majority of the rain just East of Stonebridge, however, when a storm does reach our area it packs a punch.  Please use caution at all times, these storms can be very unpredictable.  

Finally, I have included a few pictures of our resident wildlife.  We just completed the steps necessary to maintain our certification with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Courses.  We take great pride in providing a healthy habitat for all of our residents, both indoor and outdoor.

   

Topdressing

Deep Tine Aerification

 Aerification vs. Mother Nature

Aerification of Collars

Fairway Circle Cutting

                                                                         







The trials and tribulations of competing for time on the golf course with Mother Nature.  She has decided to open up the skies each of the last three days at the most inopportune time.  The current tally is 3.4 inches all coming in the one o'clock hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The good news is we are on schedule to complete the majority of the work through the weekend, with a little cooperation from "you know who".  This should give us time next week to clean up and heal up.

A great deal off work was accomplished since my last post.  The first video shows the process of topdressing the greens.  This fresh greens mix will fill the holes left by aerification and dilute the organic matter that forms throughout the year.  This same program is being applied to the tees.  I included a clip of the tractors equipped with the Deep Tine aerifiers.  This is another first at Stonebridge.  The benefits of this application is the depth of these tines(8 inches) provide increased control over our soil profile.   Our standard aerification is limited to 3-5 inches.  This will lead to a stronger more resilient  turf.  We are taking a more aggressive approach to aerifying the collars with the goal of improving the surface drainage off the greens.  The final video shows the practice of circle cutting.  Following aerification and dethatching the turf stands up the the point where circle cutting will help reduce grain.  It can be a dizzying task, but well worth it.

Once again, I have to recognize the efforts of my staff.  They have adapted to the changing conditions and exceeded my expectations.  They will all be here through the weekend to "fight the good fight".  Maybe we can win a few rounds against our formidable foe.

Roughs Aerification

Greens Aerification

Fairway Aerification

 A quick update of the early proceedings of our first course closure.  The videos included in this post reflect a glimpse of the work being accomplished in the first few days.

Aerification of the roughs were completed Wednesday morning.

The putting surface  received a verti-cutting, aerification and core removal on Tuesday.  The topdressing of the greens was halted by 1.5 inches of rain on Wednesday afternoon.  The rain is a welcome sight but the timing is not always advantageous.  We will completed the topdressing on Thursday in preparation for our Deep Tine aerification on Friday morning.

The one project I am most excited about, is the fairway aerification.  This is the first time this machine is being employed on a wide scales basis. The one inch tines will provide superior compaction relief and the increased porosity will enhance the root system.  The end result will be a stronger more stress resistant turf.  With good weather and no mechanical issue this process will take at least five days to complete.  

Tee Verti cutting

The tees will be following the same program as the greens - verti-cut, aerify and topdress.  I posted this video of the tee verti-cutting to show the "rooster tail" of thatch being removed from the turf.      This is a favorite of every superintendent that is           maintaining Bermuda grass. 

     This is my first attempt with video presentation,           not quite Oscar worthy but it is a start.   Stay             tuned for more updates.                                                                                                                                                                   

Plugs on Putting Green

Dry area #18

Preparing for the Summer Madness

This time of year we tend to focus on the activities that will enhance our Summer Maintenance program.  Our first goal is to remove any and all encroachment onto the putting surfaces.  This includes edging the greens and plugging the contaminated areas with fresh turf from the Nursery Green. Two other major efforts are thatch control and weed management.  Thatch is controlled by vertical mowing and topdressing.  The vertical blades sever the the lateral growth and the sand dilutes the organic material that produces thatch.  This is followed by an aggressive aerification program that helps provide a consistent soil profile throughout our putting surfaces.  The weed management program started with our Pre-emergent application in early Spring.  This prevented most weeds from germinating.  The follow up plan is to hand pull or spot spray the remaining weeds.  A clean course is paramount for aerification.  

As most of you have noticed, the golf course is starting to show signs of the hot and dry weather.  Isolated dry areas are being treated with hand watering and wetting agent.  This will allow the soil to hold more moisture for the plant.  Our lake levels are maintaining and I do not expect any harsh water restrictions.  We will manage these areas until Mother Nature decides it is time to start the "Rainy Season".

As a quick reminder, the golf course will be closed from May 27th until June 6th.  This extended closing will provide great conditions for our re-opening date of Saturday, June 7th.  Thank you for your patience as we transform the golf course into "Our little slice of Heaven".

Vertical Mowing to remove thatch