Golf Course Report

August 2016

The “Dogs Days of Summer” are upon us.  A cooler than normal May was followed by a hot and dry June.  The skies opened up in July to the tune of 16 inches of rain.  August has followed suit with another 5 inches of rain through the first 15 days.  All this activity is on the heels of a record breaking wet winter.  Mother Nature tends to write her own schedule and we are left to adapt.  The results of this can be seen in our saturation index.  This is measured by Volumetric Water Content.  This year’s weather pattern has kept our lakes full and our soil moist.  Typically, a dry winter and spring will lead to lower lake levels and dryer soil.  This allows us to soak up the summer rains.  In an effort to “play the hand dealt” we have continued to enhance our drainage system, incorporated organic soil conditioners and increased aerification.  All of these practices help move excess moisture away from the surface where it does the most damage. 

A few highlights since the last time we met include the landscape project on #11, Fraze mowing of the DR Tee and the Drill and Fill on #17 green.  The overall theme of the plantings on #11 has followed my original vision however a few changes still need to be made before season.  The Fraze mowing is a new cultural practice which involves removing the top ¾ inch of material.  This removes the built up thatch and provides a level, more aggressively growing teeing surface.  The drainage issue remains and we will attempt to minimize the effects as we look forward to a complete renovation of the Practice Tee next summer.  The Drill and Fill was an aggressive approach to solving the drainage issues with #17 green.  We are looking forward to a few sunny dry days to help speed the recovery.   Having a green situated within a preserve that receives little to no morning sun and even less air movement we have to rely on excellent subsurface drainage to move the moisture through the profile.  We are aiding this process by cleaning out the previously clogged lines and creating channels that will carry water through the soil profile.  Those members that have played this week will have noticed that we aerified the perimeter and filled the holes by hand with kiln dried sand.  Another tool we are using is an industrial blower to force air through the green via the subsurface drain lines.  We will leave no stone unturned in our quest for perfection. 

Our quagmire of a summer is neither normal nor abnormal.  SW Florida weather is unpredictable; the law of averages does not apply.  We accept what we are given and we adapt our programs to produce the desired results, no excuses.  We have a lot of work to complete before the end of summer.  There is magic involved in providing short term results on our way to long term goals.

 News and Notes from the Summer

View along #11 Tee

Backdrop behind #11 Green

#11 new Plantings

Newly installed aerators

As you can see, this summer was full of projects.  The eagerly anticipated landscape project on #11 has drawn rave reviews to this point.  We will continue to monitor and improve this area as the plants mature.

We have been busy adding to our collection of aerators in our lakes.  This helps reduce algae blooms and increases the health and viability of the lakes.  The new aerators are marked with a red "bobber" that aids in location an preventative maintenance.  Over time these markers will blend into the environment and will be less noticeable.

The turf quality of the golf course continues to improve.  We continue to work hard on our our most troublesome areas(#17 green).  The challenges presented with the adverse growing conditions have slowed the recovery after the Drill-n -Fill application.  Lack of sunlight, low air movement and minimal drainage have proved to be a challenge.  Over the next six weeks we will continue to aggressively treat these areas to provide the best possible playing conditions for the season to come.  Additional aerifications and topdressings will be in order to speed the recovery of the most effected areas.  As always, I want to thank you in advance for your patience as we work towards a better Stonebridge.  

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. 

A Busy Day had by All!

 Progress continues to be the main theme for the first week of this closure.  Below you we find a few pictures that will show you a glimpse of the work being done on the golf course.  The Fraze Mowing done on the Driving Range Tee removes the top 3/4" to provide a level playing surface and a healthier turf.  This is followed by aerification and a heavy topdressing.  The grass tee will be closed for close to three weeks following this treatment.  The Bulkhead repair on #5 tee went off without a hitch today.  The failing segment was removed and replaced.  Future plans include replacing the entire bulkhead to provide long-term usefulness.  Water depths and wall height, prevented us from a full scale replacement.  The last of the photos show the process of Drill-N-Fill on #17 green.  The 5/8" bits penetrate 8" into the soil profile, as they retract sand is deposited into the holes.  This is a great practice to improve drainage on the putting surface.  This company was in town treating the North course at Mediterra and they agreed to provide a Demo on one of our greens.  I am excited to see the effects of this operation.  If the reaction is as anticipated, I will contract this company to provide this service on our 4 remaining poorly draining greens. This closure is always our most Harsh.  I appreciate your patience as we provide a better playing surface for the years to come.

Fraze Mowing of the DR Tee

#5 Bulkhead Repair

Adding new Verticals

Finished Product

Loading Sand into the Drill-N-Fill

Drill bits exiting and sand filling

A great Cultural practice to aid in Drainage

It is a JUNGLE out there!

Progress is being made at a slow but sure pace. The contractors started around the tees on the first day and shifted their efforts behind the green on the second day.  Our goal is to be ready for plant material early next week.  I am excited about putting the puzzle pieces back together to create a whole new picture. 

Before the chaos

Out with the old

Day 1

A clean canvas

Progress

Day 2 - Attacking the Jungle behind the Green

Golf Course Report

July 2016

I apologize for being away for so long.  The maintenance team has continued to work hard to improve the golf course for the coming season.  I tend to get “tunnel vision” during the summer and focus on the job at hand.  This seems to result in infrequent Blog postings and less timely reports.   I promise to document the next few weeks with fervor never before seen on my Blog.  They may not be eloquent or “Hallmark” ready but I will include progression photos to update you on the chaos that is to ensue shortly.

All the normal cultural practices will be taking place during this closure; aerification, verti-cutting, and topdressing of all playable areas. To add to the FUN, we have the Landscape Project on #11, the bulkhead repair on #5, Fraze mowing of the Driving Range Tee and I just scheduled the “Kitchen Sink” for #17 green. 

The Landscape project has received quite a bit of advertising in the past few weeks.  We are looking forward to a fresh look on #11 and quite possibly, more playability for our members and guests.  This is a huge undertaking and will most likely extend past our closure.  This will be an ever-progressing project and we will add/delete where necessary.

The original plan for the bulkhead on #5 was to replace the entire wall along the back tees.  Due to the size of the wall and the depth of the water, it is advisable by our experts, to repair the damaged section and replace the entire wall at a later time.  There are options moving forward that will lessen the impact on the golf course.  We will consult with our Golf Course Architect before any final decision that is made.

We have a master plan for the Driving Range tee that is scheduled to be implemented next year.  This includes expansion and drainage.  In the meantime, I have contracted with a service that will Fraze mow our DR Tee.  This process will strip the upper 1 inch of the entire tee.  The turf will subsequently grow back through stolon and rhizome activity.  The grass portion off the tee will be closed for close to 3 weeks after the project.  Step by Step, we will improve every inch of Stonebridge.

The subsurface drainage is being cleaned and flushed on all of our greens.   #17 continues to have a slow percolation rate.  We will be sampling the “Gravel Layer” to determine if it is contributing the lack of drainage.  A USGA green that has a history of mismanagement, poor environmental conditions and/or construction related issues tends to react like a “Push up Green”.  A common practice on Push up Greens is a Drill and Fill, a form of aerification using a 1 inch drill bit to a depth of 10 inches on 5 inch centers that is subsequently filled with dry sand.  Lucky for us the contractor will be at Mediterra next week and has agreed to apply his trade to #17 during our closure.  I used the term “Kitchen Sink” earlier to express innovation, not desperation.  We are determined to solve this issue and produce a consistently quality golf course for everyone to enjoy.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.  We have the Membership, the Golf Course and the Management to be the BEST in all of SW Florida.  I will not stop fighting to provide those conditions.  Stonebridge can be: Relaxed, Elegant and THE BEST!

Golf Course Report

May 2016

Before the Month of May gets away from us, I would like to give a brief update on the progress that we have made and the plans for the remainder of the summer.  As you know, the golf course is closed every Tuesday from May through October.  This allows our team to accomplish our weekly cultural practices without disrupting member/guest play during the week.  In addition to these weekly practices the course is closed 3 times throughout the summer for our more aggressive programs.  Our first closure is schedule for May 31^st through June 10^th.  Our goal is to be sufficiently healed to provide excellent playing conditions once we open the course for play on June 11^th.

Last month we had the opportunity to have two of our greens (15, 17) probed with a camera.  This process allowed us to see what was happening beneath the surface as the camera is run through the sub-surface drain lines.   The results for #17 were eye opening.  The drain line was intact however, it was filled with dirt.  This clogged line was preventing proper drainage and increasing the gas build up beneath the green leading to wet conditions and poor turf quality.  During our first Tuesday in May we tackled this project by unearthing the clogged drain line, cleaning the pipe and reattaching it to the outfall.  Without proper drainage and venting, the greens complex can become saturated and gases can accumulate to the point where the gravel layer can get sealed from the bottom up.  With this in mind, all of the greens on property are equipped with vents (small green grates at the top and bottom end of the drainage system).  These vents allow the gases to be released on a regular basis and provide air movement below the green surface.  This leads us to the issue found on #15.  The drain lines were clear on the camera but the vent on the top end of the system was capped and buried.  Once aware of this we immediately uncovered and replaced the cap with a vent.  We then proceeded to locate and vent all the remaining greens.  Close to 75% of our vents were either capped and/or buried.  We are looking forward to have the remaining greens scoped in the next few weeks.

The following Tuesday, the drainage on the right of #13 was cleared of built up sediment.  Over the summer we will aerify and topdress this area to improve playing conditions.  Our project this week involved removing a saturated area near the cart path end near #3 green and improving the drainage.

We will continue to target areas of concern throughout the summer.  This approached, coupled with our aggressive cultural practices will lead to enhanced growing conditions that will give us the flexibility to provide the desired conditions.