Gas spill

Last week there was gas spilled in #12 fairway. We don’t know exactly what happened, but it doesn’t matter at this point anyway.

In a previous post, we explained that gas and diesel kill grass. Anything from a small drop to large spills will kill whatever grass it touches within 36-48 hours. And that was exactly the case in #12 fairway, including some footprints made by whomever was at the sight when the spill occurred.

The spill 24 hours after it occurred

Repair of fuel leaks can vary greatly depending on the substance spilled, the amount spilled, the location of the spill and other factors. For example, hydraulic oil leaks can sometimes be mitigated with dish soap, copious amounts of water and a little fertilizer in the next few days after the spill. Gas and diesel are not managed with soap and water, but factors such as amount of fuel and location still play a role.  In the linked post, the gas spill was directly in front of the green in the approach. Not only is that an area that sees a lot of play, but also a lot of traffic. We immediately sodded out the worst section in that instance.

48 hours after it occurred

The situation in #12 fairway is a little different. Although the volume spilled was very large, its location makes it less of a candidate for sod. Very few shots will end up directly in the dead area, and if one did, it wouldn’t play any different than the healthy turf. And, though highly visible, it is not a section of the fairway that everyone will traverse. Lastly, the turf around the dead area is some of the healthiest and most vigorous Bermuda grass on the entire property. With some cooperative weather and some fertilizer, new grass will repair the area quickly.

We work every day to make sure the turf on the course is as close to perfect as possible. An accident like this, even though it was out of our control, is still discouraging. But we will keep working to correct any issues that arise.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

After filling your divot with sand, either on a tee or fairway, please smooth the sand pile out so our mowers don’t cut through the sand.

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

Golf Cart tips

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org