Another Bermuda grass update

It is about time we deliver another update on the Bermuda grass. Lots of work and even more help from Mother Nature has the Bermuda grass performing at its best. We are not quite where we want to be, but the turf is trending in the right direction.

We have completed two seeding cycles thus far and will start our third this week. You can read about the process here. Each time, we added a bit more seed, sand and compost to the areas to promote more healing. The seeding has worked. We have seen several areas with new Bermuda grass growing in them. This third time around the course will most likely be our last as we will need to shift into Bermuda grass dormancy (!!) preparation.

Small Bermuda grass seedlings. 

While we have been pleased with the seeding efforts and results, nothing compares to the growth capabilities of healthy Bermuda grass and some warm weather. July was the hottest month on record, ever, and our region was no exception. While some of our turf can’t stand that kind of heat, the Bermuda grass thrives on it. Throw in some timely rain/irrigation and it’s off to the races in terms of growth. Many of the damaged areas have seen their healing aided from this growth. The surrounding Bermuda grass encroaches on these weak areas and fills them in on its own, with no help from the seed. We continue to fertilize the weak areas, and this too helps the Bermuda grass fill in.

Bermuda grass moving in from the outside. The
thick stalks that are pointing in towards
the sand are runners from surrounding turf.

We are slowly removing the small green and white stakes that denote the trouble spots. We are mowing more and more healthy fairway turf. With a warm August and possibly into Fall, we should near 100% healthy turf. We will continue to work hard on our end to get where we need to be.

Thank you for your patience.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes inside the bunker once you are finished.

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