Golf is played on turf and golf courses spend most of their
resources maintaining the turf to the highest quality possible. But part of the
experience of being out on a golf course is the aesthetic value not just of the
turf but of the entire surroundings. Continuing the work we have been doing
recently to improve our aesthetics, we are gradually adding some new mulch
areas.
We don’t have unlimited labor and funds to manage every
aspect of the property to the highest standards. Sometimes we must find ways to
make things easier to manage, without compromising on quality. Similarly, we
are also looking for ways to make the peripheral aspects of the course look
better- the areas outside the main corridors of play. The stone
work we discussed recently is a big part of this process. But we are also
adding or extending new mulch areas to improve visuals also.
Many of the areas that we will be changing already have
mulch in some capacity, either nearby that we are connecting to, or in the same
place that we are just increasing. The mulch provides a nice contrast to the
turfgrass, and this contrast is pleasing to the eye. We are also strategically
adding mulch to locations that benefit our operation as well. Mulch beds are
less labor intensive than grass. We only mulch once a season and managing the
weeds in the mulch is very quick and easy. Comparatively, mowing rough is done
at least twice per week, and takes labor and fuel. Not to mention, most of the
areas that we are altering have poor grass coverage, lots of tree roots and are
therefore very tough on our machines, which increases repairs. By reducing
marginal areas that we must mow, we are gaining visual appeal and saving wear
and tear on our machines. We have added other new mulch areas over the last
couple of years. In particular, we added several
to #6. This next phase of additions is a similar process but will focus a
bit more around tee areas since we are working on stone nearby at the same
time.
The new mulch areas provide a nice contrast to the turf. But
they are also a benefit to our operation, saving us time mowing and machine
repairs. Improving the aesthetics of our course and benefiting the Grounds
department at the same time is a win-win.
Etiquette Reminder of the Month
Golf carts are capable of a very tight turning radius, but
please don’t turn that sharply in the grass because it can tear the turf.
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
See you on the course!
Joe
jvillegas@bwrc.org
