Spring projects

March 4th!

Spring hasn’t officially started yet but it would be hard to know that based on the weather. The warm temperatures have sent the Grounds department into a flurry of projects. Here is a quick update on all of the things that are currently going on and those that will be starting shortly.

We completed aeration of greens the first week of March and the greens are healing well. We were able to get 1 week of pure healing time ahead of our first seed head suppression chemical application. Here you can read more about how that 1 week can mean a lot to the condition of the greens as spring progresses.

If you have been to the club this week you have seen the excavation of one of the grass areas out behind the clubhouse. This is the site of a new patio that we are having built. While the masonry work is being done by professionals, the Grounds department has been handling all of the excavation work and site preparation. The patio floor will be pavers that are similar to the bench pads on the course and at the DR tee. Also, a stone wall that matches several locations around the club will be built around 2/3 of the patio perimeter. Not only will the new patio be functional and provide an amazing venue, but the design and materials will also match other aspects of the property.

Cutting the cement pad at the DR tee

Another project that will be starting soon is the renovation of the DR tee mat hitting surface. Instead of individual hitting mats, a new, continuous mat will be laid across the entire cement pad. We are again hiring professionals to do the detailed work; however, the Grounds department will be actively involved with this project as well. The cement has already been cut to fit the new mat exactly. Once the excess cement has been removed, we will help in back-filling with soil, and re-sodding a large portion of the back side of the DR tee pad. When finished, the hitting area as well as the surrounding sod will be new.

We are also trying to balance these projects with our duties on the course. We are still working to complete our cleanup from the tree trimming over the winter. Any available labor and time is being directed to stick cleanup. We anticipate this being finished by the end of the week or the start of the next. The weather has also necessitated the start of our pre-emergent weed control program. This consists of protecting the tees, fairways, rough, green surrounds, soccer, and several other select areas around the property from common weeds such as crabgrass. Timing is critical to this process and missing the window can lead to weed-related issues all year.

Bermuda grass emerging on #12 fairway

Bermuda grass emerging on #10 fairway

One final note, in relation to the warm weather, has to do with the fairways. We have seen the first emergence of Bermuda grass already this year. Currently we are about 20 days ahead of last year in terms of accumulated growing degree days as well as visible green-up. This is a great start. We cannot make any rash judgments regarding when full dormancy will break, but starting this early does bode well for spring and beyond.

As a side note, we have purchased new trash/recycling combination units for the golf course this year. They are currently in production and we will put them out as soon as possible. Until then, please bear with us and use the trash cans at the water cooler stations. Thank you

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Carts are to remain on cart paths only until the Bermuda grass resumes normal growth.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org