Storms

Last Monday we endured some eventful storms. We received 4.25” of rain, 3.75” of those fell in 1 hour and 23 minutes. We also had a close call with lightning in a second storm.

When we receive that amount of rain in a short period of time, there are a few things that always occur. First, all the bunker sand washes down off the edges and dirt collects in the sand. Second, the creek that runs through the property, down at the bottom of the hill near tennis, overflows its banks. Both issues were on display again with this storm.

The creek was so bloated and powerful that it made the road impassable. It knocked over the fence near the playground, moved a great deal of mulch, and flooded the tennis bubble.

The creek flowing through the
playground.

Another shot of the creek going
through the playground. The damaged fence
can be seen here.

On the far side are the dumpsters at the
Maintenance facility. 

The creek coming right up to the
tennis bubble.

The bunkers on the course were all washed out. We spent an entire day just removing silt that contaminated the sand, and then pushing the sand back to where it was supposed to be.

A picture of #2 pond overflowing and a
contaminated bunker in the foreground.

A better view of the contaminated bunkers.

A picture of #9 pond overflowing its banks.

Far in the background, #15 fairway is covered in water.

Water flowing near #2 tee.

Another view of water near #2 tee.

We also had a great deal of flooding on lower soccer field again, eerily reminiscent of last year. We will again be spending a great deal of time on cleanup down at soccer

The creek flooding the lower soccer field. The
water covered over half of the field.

A view of the creek leaving is banks
and moving across the soccer field.

Overall, the course held up well. Grass faced bunkers, and ample drainage have paid off. However, one of the results of the storm is our inability to mow. We are still trying to catch up, even a week later. When things are too wet, they can’t be cut at all. Once we resume mowing, we must start somewhere, so something else must wait, meaning some things continue to get longer, even after we manage to get back on the course. Please be patient as we try to get back to our normal routine.

Lastly, though not part of the heavy rain producing storm, we did have a lightning strike on the course as part of another storm a few days later. There was some obvious damage to the immediate turf as well as some damage to our irrigation system. It appears the current hopped onto our irrigation control wires, short-circuited a few individual sprinklers, started a small fire in one of our irrigation satellite boxes (the gray boxes), and damaged a hardware component in the satellite as well. Despite all of this, we are back to 99 percent operating capacity. It could have been much worse. This also is a good reminder to head inside when our lightning detection system blows the horn.

Location of lightning strike on #7 fairway.

Up-close view of the fire damage in one
of the irrigation control boxes.

The Grounds staff has done a great job tackling the work. We keep rolling with the punches that Mother Nature throws, but some hit us harder than others!

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please remember to keep your cart on the cart path when we are “Cart Path Only.”

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