Next steps after sod

As the Bermuda grass sod project continues, the course is improving. We will not sod everything that was damaged from the past winter. You can read the past blog post here about the priority areas on which we focused. So, what do we do next after the sod?

We have already seen progress from the cores/sprigs that we did two weeks ago. Most of the cores have “turned up,” meaning they have arranged themselves so that their leaves are growing up and their roots down. This is an important step because if this process doesn’t happen, then the sprig won’t grow properly. Over the next couple of weeks, the cores will continue to grow and begin to gradually fill in the thin areas. Due to this positive result and the fact that the sod will not stretch infinitely, we will start another phase of sprigging in the coming weeks. We will focus on the large areas that we originally skipped: in front of #4 tee, 2 large areas in #5 fairway, 2 large areas in #15 fairway, and 3 large areas in #17 fairway.

Then, following that round of sprigging, we will begin to seed, most likely in early August. The plan is to continue to force the healthy Bermuda grass to grow as vigorously as possible and continue to heal. We then seed any areas that are still not satisfactory or are not showing signs of healing quickly enough. This may include areas on any holes but will almost certainly also include the large areas previously mentioned. Since those areas are so large, the sprigs that we introduce will need some help to fully fill in. Once those sprigs set and begin to grow, then we seed. Between the sprigs, and newly germinated seed, this should provide the coverage necessary to fully heal in the worst areas.

Unfortunately, if you have followed the timeline, you will conclude that the worst areas may not be fully healed until near the end of summer. We will continue to push the turf, take any help we can get from Mother Nature, and use all tools available, but after a winter and spring like the last, we need time to recover.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please limit hitting extra shots on the course, especially if taking large divots or making ball marks.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org