Removing Bermuda grass from collars

As promised, we took ryegrass sod previously on #11 approach and moved it to various other collar locations. We are working on removing as much Bermuda grass from the collars as we can and using repurposed grass is a huge benefit.

There is Bermuda grass that has worked its way into the collars and even the greens on several holes. Some of the Bermuda grass is creeping in from the fairways or approaches that are already Bermuda grass. But there is also some Bermuda grass that has found its way into the rough around the greens. From there, it has worked its way into the collar. We are working on removing the Bermuda grass from both instances. Here is some more background information on the problem and some steps we have already taken towards a solution.

As construction was just getting under way, we used some sod from #13 tee to tackle a few small areas of Bermuda grass. You can read more about that here. We wanted to wait until construction work was near 11 approach before we removed the sod we wanted to use. This way it wasn’t a disturbed area all by itself and then the construction crew would be laying new sod on the approach soon. The time quickly came when we needed to take the sod. Not only did we have staff and time to work on the project, but the progress of the construction was getting close enough that if we didn’t take the sod it would be scrapped and lost forever. We also didn’t want to hold up construction progress just for the sod.

Over the last week we have laid new sod on 2, 4, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, PG, and CG collars. It looks pretty new and patchwork now, but it will heal in soon and be indistinguishable. This finishes all of the major Bermuda grass areas in the collars around greens. Nearly every approach still has Bermuda grass creeping in to the collar from the front. Those are the next areas that we will be targeting. We still have sod left over that will allow us to finish one or two of these areas in the front of the greens.

We have accomplished this work so far in stages and the remainder of the work will be done in stages as well. But being able to time this particular stage of work with construction has saved us time and money.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes IN the bunkers when you are finished.

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org