November wrap-up

The Grounds department has been busy the last several weeks. Leaf cleanup, drainage installation, and bunker renovations have been ongoing since the middle of October.

New drains were installed in several locations. Getting water off the surface is one of the best ways to ensure good turf quality as well as improve the playability of the course. This year we added new drains in #1 approach, #15 approach, and 3 different locations on #17 fairway. We installed just shy of 1000 linear feet of new drains which will be great long-term improvements.

We have also been slowly working on our annual bunker renovation work. We started on #5 and have completed all those bunkers. Then we moved on to #6, with work ongoing on that hole. Time and weather permitting, we will move to #7 next, and lastly to #2. Especially on #6, we have seen severe buildup of bunker sand on the lip, which we have removed, and reshaped the edge back to its original design.

Lastly, we hit high gear on leaf cleanup over the last couple of weeks. The leaf season started slow, but in the 2 weeks prior to Thanksgiving, the leaves seemingly all dropped at once. Our blowers and vacuum were out in full force, and we took care of nearly every leaf. While it can be bothersome to hear or see the machines out all the time, we must work our entire shift in order to keep up.

Some old sod sloughing of the edge
of the front bunker on #6. The grass was rooted in splashed bunker
sand only and was no longer stable. The perfect example of why we
do the bunker renovations every 5-7 years.

We should have another few weeks of workable weather to get as far as we can on our remaining bunker work. If so, then this next stretch should be as productive as the last.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Winter cart path rules are now in effect to protect the dormant Bermuda grass- we will scatter less and be more restrictive with blue flags.

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

 Golf Cart tips

 

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org