Bermuda grass update

So far, the Bermuda grass is in better shape this year than last year, by a wide margin. However, that wide margin is still not fully healed from the winter and is not where we want conditions to be.

Last week, we raised the possibility that sod work would be done and briefly discussed some of the issues. You can read about it here.

Right now, we are in the early stages of planning some repairs. We will contract the work out as we have before and get it done as soon and as smoothly as possible. Not needing to do every tee and approach like last year will certainly help with minimizing the disruption. Like last year though, our work will have to be fit into already tight schedules, so there is not a specific date or timetable for the work.

Another concern is the availability of sod. We have already contacted our preferred source and the volume is ready, but the turf health is not. Though the sod producer is on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where it can sometimes be milder, their weather has been as difficult as everyone’s, and the sod is not in the condition necessary for a large harvest. Their expectation is that the Bermuda grass sod will be ready by the 1^st or 2nd week of June.

Our top priority will be holes 1, 11, 17, and 18. Hole #1 has some small areas starting about 75 yards out from the green and closer. These areas are highly visible as well as very much in play for the first hole. #11 has a medium sized area right in the approach, in high traffic area. The damage to #18 fairway is also in a high traffic, high playability location. It is also one of the larger areas of damage.

#17 was one of the holes that we were not able to repair last year after the damage of the 2017-2018 winter. The Bermuda grass did an ok job of healing itself, but it took far too long and was never fully healthy. Therefore, another cold, wet winter set the turf back again. There is a good portion of the main landing areas of #17 fairway that need to be repaired and we will be doing it this time around.

These are our top priority areas as of now. We will continue to do everything possible on our end to continue the recovery of the existing Bermuda grass and to shrink the areas that need repair.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please keep carts on cart paths for the entirety of par 3 holes.

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