Golf Course Report

May/June 2017

This report is aptly named May/June as it encompasses our first closure that began in May and will conclude this Friday, June 9^th.  That is, if we can get it to stop raining long enough to mow some grass.  As May begins, our team focuses on managing the excessive growth of our turf grasses through a multitude of aggressive cultural practices.  Aerification, verti-cutting and topdressing are all used to reduce and/or dilute Organic Matter and Thatch that accumulate in our turf. 

Our Tuesdays in May were spent verti cutting and topdressing.  Our new verti cut reels that accompanied our equipment package in October are the latest technology equipped with carbide tipped blades.  These vertical blades physically remove horizontal runners and decaying material below the canopy.  The benefits of this practice were reaped by those that played in the Memorial Day Scramble.  We will continue this program throughout the growing season with the goal of have firmer truer greens in the Fall.

On May 28^th we started the first of three 11 day closures.  We had a full slate of activities planned and nearly accomplished them all.  The summer annuals were installed during the first week.  They are typically installed at the beginning of May but we delayed planting due to the severe drought.  Needless to say, they are getting plenty of water now!  Our greens received a full treatment, DryJect application started the week, followed by topdressing, a core aerification, a verti-cutting, a brush/roll and finally a little fertility.  The tees, fairways, collars and approaches were all aerified.  The tees and approaches both received some topdressing and verti-cutting.  All this was wrapped up before Friday afternnon when the skies opened up to the tune of 1.6 inches.  Little did we know, that was just the tip of the Iceberg.  Saturday was somewhat dry which allowed us to get some mowing done and to fertilize the entire golf course.  As the weather turned for the worse at the beginning of this week we have had to adjust our plans.  As Mother Nature allows, we will get the course cleaned up, mowed and playable for our targeted opening. 

On a final note, the cart path project that consists of grassing over a majority of the soft paths and adding short extensions of concrete to existing paths is underway.  We are in the process of hauling fill dirt to the locations to be grassed.  Once this is in place we will install the sod.  I am working with a contractor regarding the concrete portion of the project with the goal of completing this during the July closure. 

Just for reference. I am posting this at 5 pm on Wednesday June 7^th. We have had over 11 inches of rain since Friday.  And it still Raining!

 Day 6 - Completion (almost)

Today was the adjusted target date for completion.  Unfortunately another equipment malfunction resulted in a slight delay.  The remainder of the work consists of sealing the transition from the new wall to the existing rock formation on the west side.  The steps completed today include installation of the "deadmen", inserting the tie-backs, nailing down the Cap piece and backfilling the soil.  

Once the loose ends are secured tomorrow, we will begin to clean and grade the disturbed area, re-install the irrigation and prep for sod.  The goal is to have the sod on the ground next week.  This will allow some time for the soil to settle and any addition fill dirt can be applied to achieve a seamless transition.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we "Make Stonebridge Great Again!"

Deadmen and tie-backs

Cap boards being installed

98% complete

 Day 5 - The Picture of Progress

Friday brought a full day of work.  The remainder of the verticals were installed,  an additional piling and whalers were set on the east end to help tie in with the existing grade and the liner was put in place to prevent erosion.  The plan is to set the deadmen, install the tie backs, cap the wall and back fill on Monday.  Once this process is completed our Stonebridge team will take over by re-installing the irrigation, adjusting the final grade, adding rip rap where needed and installing new sod.  

I can certainly sympathize with "you know who", building a Wall is easier said than done! 

Inner Soil Cloth Installed

Completed Verticals

 Day 4 "Slow and Steady Wins The Race"

And on the Fourth Day we installed the "whalers".  These are the horizontal pieces that are attached to the pilings.  They provide a base for the verticals that will make up the retaining portion of the wall.  Once the whalers were completed the crew started inserting the verticals and cutting them down to the proper height.  The next report should have a clearer definition on when this project will be completed.  Once all the hardware is assembled, we will begin the task of backfilling, grading and sodding; in an attempt to make it look like a golf hole again.  Stay Tuned!

Top and Bottom Whalers

inching closer to completion

Day 3 - Pilings Installation

Unfortunately we had to skip a "Day 2" update due to a mechanical issue with the equipment.  With the problem solved, our contractors installed the required amount of pilings that will be the framework for the new bulkhead.  This is an arduous process that is made even more cumbersome by the amount of rock that is lining our lakes.  I am quite impressed by the attention to detail that our contractors are employing during installation.  With the Member/Member events set to occur on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, we are hoping to have the "heavy lifting" done by Monday.  That would leave mostly cosmetic touch ups to finish the project.  I certainly appreciate the concessions made by our members and guests during this inopportune project.  We pride ourselves in completing our duties unnoticed,  the timing is not always optimal but the cooperation is impressive.  Thank you for being the best Membership in all of SW Florida!

Day One - Demolition

The first day of the project consisted of removal of the the damaged bulkhead.  After a few equipment mishaps, the contractors finished the removal and will move on to placing the pilings in the coming days.  I am quite impressed with the talents and dedication of the operators.  The construction of a bulkhead and the physics behind the plan are fascinating.  My goal was to align all of our major projects into one time frame to incur the least amount of disruption.  Unfortunately, degradation and previous short cuts have altered our plan.  We have an amazing property, the clubhouse is first rate, the golf course is gaining recognition and our location is enviable.  The bridges and bulkheads are an integral part of this formula.  This repair/replacement, although untimely, is our first opportunity to establish part of our long-term plan for the sustainability of Stonebridge.  I will do my best to keep you posted on this process.  

Bulkhead Replacement on #5

Last week we experienced a failure with the bulkhead that is located directly in front of the"V" Tee on hole #5.  Due to the extent of the damage and the overall decline of the entire wall, a complete replacement is set to occur this week.  The process of removal and replacement should be completed in 5-7 days.  The effected teeing area will be closed during this time.  We have created a temporary tee and will alternate play between the new tee and the back of the "drop area" tee until this project is complete.  Please use caution as there will be an influx of construction traffic along this route throughout the week.   Once the wall is in place, we will work diligently to restore the playing surface to proper conditions.  

I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.  If there any questions or concern please feel free to contact me at any time.

"V" Tee on #5