Week review

Here is a roundup of some of the things happening this past week at the course:

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1.        Because last season was so difficult due to heat and rain, the turf suffered. Weeds have taken advantage of the grass being knocked down and have increased in prevalence. We make an annual herbicide application in the spring to manage this outbreak. In an attempt to try something new and possibly improve control of weeds in spring and beyond, we tried a new product this year. Unfortunately, the results were horrible. The chemical was very injurious to the desired turf. It did not kill the grass, but the aesthetics and overall harm to the grass was more than we can accept. Although it did work in killing the weeds, it was not what we expected or hoped for. We have returned that chemical and a replacement will be delivered. Unfortunately, we have suspended the treatment of the weeds while this swap occurs. So, the weeds will be present a little longer than normal.
2.      The Bermuda grass is off to a much better start than last year. Last year’s discussions can be read here and here. However, we are nowhere near satisfied with the current Bermuda grass conditions. Several of the worst areas are areas that we were unable to repair last year and therefore, were never fully healthy headed into this past winter. Weak Bermuda grass will always struggle through winter. Several other areas are located where there is poor drainage or where water sits as it waits to drain. With the amount of rain we received last year, including during the winter, these areas are also showing damage. We are formulating a plan to repair the worst areas and more details will come. We will also be doing everything possible on our end to make sure that all areas heal as much as possible.
3.       New rule signs have been mounted on the hole signs at #1 and #10 tees. The signs remind players of the adoption of the local rule for the alternative to stroke and distance. This will add a visual reminder for everyone going out to play.
4.       We had a storm come through last Thursday as well as several windy days over the last week. We lost a couple of trees. More significantly though, has been the general debris around the course. Sticks, maple samaras, and other tree litter has been scattered about. We have been and will continue to be out with our blowers keeping things clean.
5.       We moved to cart scatter rules last week. We are now making a daily determination for carts leaving the cart path. We also make a separate, daily determination for Handicap flag accessibility.
6.       We purposely let the rough around the greens grow extra this spring. We were allowing for as much filling in and growth as possible before the heat of the summer comes. Also, our mowers are a significant source of traffic stress on the grass. By waiting, we bought time before the grass was subjected to our machines driving over it. We have now started our regular mowing routine and will do so for the remainder of the season.

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