Washington Spirit

The soccer fields have had quite the vacation lately. During the pandemic, the fields have received little to no use and are looking good. Recently, the women’s professional team, the Washington Spirit, have used the upper field for a few days as they wait for their primary field to reopen.

The spring has been kind to most cool season turf. Warmth, but not too hot. Cool overnight, but only a few really cold nights. Adequate rain, but not over-saturated. This combination of factors has led to good conditions on the upper soccer field.

Photo of the Spirit practicing

As for the Bermuda grass field, the winter was mild. This allowed a vast majority of the Bermuda grass to survive and it came back nicely. However, April and May were cold to downright very cold at times (relative to favorable Bermuda grass temperatures) and this stunted the progress of the turf. However, now the field is back in gear and we are expecting an early June reopening.

Not having soccer matches contested on the surface makes for good turfgrass health as well. The concentrated foot traffic of the game is one of the biggest stressors to the turfgrass. Without it, the grass can grow virtually stress-free. Healthy areas continue to thrive, and weaker areas strengthen.

Items set up for more drills

But we do prefer people to use the golf course, soccer field, or facilities in general, even though it makes growing turfgrass harder! This past week (and possibly for 1 or 2 more weeks) the Washington Spirit have been training at Bretton Woods. Adhering to proper guidelines they can practice in small groups and use proper social distancing. It is good to see the fields back in use and fun to see some high-quality soccer, even if it is just drills.

A view of the lower field

The time off has been a positive thing for the soccer fields. At some point, soccer will be allowed again, and our fields should be ready to go.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not climb up the steep face of the bunkers.

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