Bermuda grass removal

Before new sod on #18

Bermuda grass is a very good turfgrass and it is an excellent choice for Bretton Woods. However, it is not perfect. Part of our recovery program this year included identifying areas where the Bermuda grass has performed poorly, and evaluating what is the best option moving forward. In a select few of those areas, the best option is to remove Bermuda grass and replace it with tall fescue rough grass.

Two of the areas that we recently sodded have struggled in each of the past 5 years, possibly more, not solely this past winter. In the past, the recovery was slower than other Bermuda grass, but it always recovered. This year, because the damage was so severe, recovery is still not complete. When we were originally assessing and developing the plan for healing this year, we identified several areas that needed Bermuda grass removed.

Before new sod on #18

This past week we re-sodded 3 of those areas: In the shade of a maple tree to the left of #4 fairway about 160 yards from the green; in the shade of maple tree to the left of #8 fairway at the corner of the dogleg; the left side of #18 approach.

The areas on #4 and #8 are chronically poor areas. The Bermuda grass does bad there in good winters and terrible in a terrible winter. Instead of continuing to struggle, we decided to switch species. Neither of these changes will greatly affect the design of the hole or how it plays, but will improve the conditions of the playing surface.

After new sod on #18

The area at #18 approach was a double-whammy of poor conditions. First, the area does not get near enough light to sustain healthy Bermuda grass. Some early morning sun shines on it, but by mid to late morning the sun is behind trees and remains that way for the rest of the day. On its own, the shade weakens the Bermuda grass, but may have been survivable. But, combined with the second factor, the Bermuda grass starts to die.

New sod on #8

A great deal of water travels down the cart path to the left of 18 green, then enters the approach and heads for the drain we installed at construction. Everything functions extremely well. The only problem is the excessive water really hurts the Bermuda grass, especially over the winter. Then, in the spring, which is also a wet time, the Bermuda grass never gets a chance to dry out and start to grow. This area may collect a few shots that are short and left of 18 green. However, those shots will now be chipped from tall fescue rough grass instead of thin or absent Bermuda grass.

Overall, we only laid 2,000 square feet of sod, 4 pallets, so not a great deal of Bermuda removal. But in the long run, we will have less difficulty with the turf conditions in these areas moving forward.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please enter and exit all bunkers on the low side. While this may result in slightly more distance to rake, it will keep the sod on the face of the bunker from tearing. It is also much safer! Thank you.

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