Fresh bunker sand

Now that the Master plan has been completed, one of our main goals is to maintain the course in this new form. This includes: re-edging bunkers, Bermuda grass weed control, and adding new bunker sand.

In the past couple of weeks, we have continued this process by adding new bunker sand to the right greenside bunker on #9 as well as both fairway bunkers on #8. When planning to add new sand to a bunker, we first decide whether we can simply add new sand on top of the existing sand or if we need to remove the old sand and start fresh. The post above about bunker sand goes into more detail regarding how sand can be lost from a bunker and how it can become contaminated. Luckily, all of the bunkers we did this fall were draining properly and only needed to be refreshed.

Since the Master plan was completed in stages, the new bunkers, etc. will age in stages as well. We keep records and a timeline for when each feature of the course was built. This allows us to plan what needs to be updated and when. With this schedule we can align our bunker sand supply, labor, and weather to allow for the most efficient completion of the task. The schedule also helps us to keep track of the maintenance and help prevent a bunker from being neglected and affecting play.

If we are able to stay on top of the required maintenance of the course, we will avoid slipping into the deferred maintenance slide that preceded the Master plan in the first place.

Please note we have switched to once per month posts for November and running through February. Thank you.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please place your broken tee into the broken tee box near the tee markers whenever possible.

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:

Divot Repair

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org

New rough sprinkler

As we integrate the new elements of the golf course construction into our everyday maintenance, sometimes we have to make adjustments. Last week we made an adjustment to a small section of our irrigation system near the first fairway bunker on #3.

There is a large silver maple tree just to the right of the first fairway bunker on #3, right along the cart path. This tree has been out-competing the turf around it for nutrients, light, and especially water. When this area of #3 was rebuilt in the summer of 2014, the problem was not obvious. 2015 was a marginally cooler and wetter year than normal so the issue was manageable. Then, in 2016 and this past year, we struggled to keep the area in shape. Since this is a common area for tee shots to end up, we decided to add a new sprinkler to help solve the problem.

We had been managing the problem by running sprinklers that were nearby, but it was inefficient. The sprinklers that we were using were too far away to adequately water the area in need, so we had to run them more frequently and for more time than we would have liked. This led to a slight increase in water use as well as water in areas that did not need it. After this season, we felt that by adding an additional sprinkler closer to the tree, we could reduce the run time of two other sprinklers by 75%.

First, we determined the exact spacing we needed for the new sprinkler. Then we removed the sod and dug a trench for the new pipe. Next, we installed new pipe and wires in the trench and placed the new sprinkler at its location. Back-filling, tamping, and the replacing of the sod were the last steps.

We have to wait until next year to see the full potential of the new sprinkler. However, by not having to use the ill-suited sprinklers that didn’t cover the area well, we already know we will be more accurately and efficiently applying water to this zone.

Also, here is a link to a post regarding the poor areas in the rough around the greens: http://teeoffwithjoe.blogspot.com/2017/09/update-on-green-surround-rough.html. We are fully aware of the problem and have devoted much time and resources to solving the issue. We have not corrected the problem and have not given up. Thank you.

Lastly, please note we have switched to once per month posts for November and running through February. Thank you.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not use your putter to scrape leaves or other debris off the greens. 

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:

Divot Repair

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org

New trees on holes 11, 12, 13

Trees and turf grass can coexist. They do need their own space and attention, but when selected and placed correctly, the benefits shine through.

Magnolia on #11

We recently added 3 new trees to Bretton Woods. As you are out you will notice them: on the hill above and left of the fairway bunker on #11, to the right of #12 gold tee, and to the right of #13 fairway. Each tree was placed specifically and we used two species that we don’t have anywhere else on the course to add more variety.

First, the tree on #11 was used to break up the large open area above the bunker. When construction removed the bunkers up on the hill and lowered the remaining bunker down near the fairway, a large grass area was left. While not all large open areas immediately need to be filled with trees, this particular spot allowed for the selection of a large tree that can really become a focal point from the tee. Also, this tree will help to shape the inside corner of the dogleg. In consultation with our tree vendor, we selected a Southern magnolia for this location.

Willow oak on #12

Next, we planted a tree to the right of #12 gold tee box. There are currently two locust trees near where we added this new tree. One of the locust trees is very close to the line of play from 12 tee. We decided not to remove it during construction, but rather to limb it back. We also know that as it continues to grow we will have to continually trim it to prevent it from encroaching towards 12 tee. As we repeatedly trim this tree, it may gradually become less and less attractive, or even decline in health. So, we are preemptively planting a replacement tree just behind it. We selected a Willow oak for this location. This is a slow growing tree that will allow the locust trees to continue their growth.

Black tupelo on #13

Finally, we planted a tree to the right of #13 fairway, just passed the new fairway bunkers. This tree is a replacement for an oak that died and was removed last year. The previous tree stuck out towards the fairway and blocked some of the right hand side of the green. After construction, and with the new location of the fairway bunkers, we decided that putting a tree back in the same location did not make as much sense. Instead, we used the new tree to accomplish similar things as the other tree, but in different ways. First, the tree helps separate the 12^th hole from the 13^th hole by providing a screen. The previous tree helped with this, but the new tree is in a more open area and therefore is actually a better divider. Second, this new tree works with the fairway bunkers to shape a slight dogleg, but not to over penalize shots that are missed just marginally right. Previously, a ball could have been in the fairway, but nearly completely blocked from hitting a shot towards the green by the original tree. Now, the hole still has a shape and there is a penalty for missing to the right, just not as penalizing as it used to be. For this position, we chose a Black tupelo tree.

While this wasn’t a large scale planting, we did select very specific locations to enhance the holes to which the new trees were added, while balancing the needs of the turf grass. We also deliberately selected trees that will add to the diversity and visual interest of Bretton Woods’ overall tree stand.

Also, here is a link to a post regarding the poor areas in the rough around the greens: http://teeoffwithjoe.blogspot.com/2017/09/update-on-green-surround-rough.html. We are fully aware of the problem and have devoted much time and resources to solving the issue. We have not corrected the problem and have not given up. Thank you.

Lastly, please note we will be switching to once per month posts starting in November and running through February. Thank you.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be patient with our leaf cleanup process. Thank you.

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

Halloween Harvest

As we turn towards fall, another task for the Grounds department is helping with the club’s Halloween Harvest event. While this is an event that requires all departments to execute, the Grounds department manages the wagon rides and pumpkin patch portions of the activities.

Each year we host a large event for families centered on Halloween. There are many things for families to do including the wagon rides and pumpkin patch. Leading up to the occasion, we mow a trail out through the back field for the wagons to follow. This loop winds through some interesting terrain and fall colors.

We also mow a large area for our pumpkin patch. We purchase pumpkins and spread them throughout this open area. As part of the wagon ride, we stop at the pumpkin patch; everyone gets out, picks a pumpkin and then finishes the ride back to the clubhouse.

In addition to the mowing and prep work, Grounds staff employees are also the wagon drivers. We rent 2 hay wagons and use our tractors to pull them. The two tractors run pretty much non-stop for a few hours, giving everyone a chance to ride to the pumpkin patch.

One of the unique challenges at Bretton Woods is being able to handle different tasks that can be completely unrelated to turf maintenance. Driving wagons and setting up a pumpkin patch is just one of those instances. So, on the day of Halloween Harvest, the Grounds department’s day is not finished after the morning course setup.

Also, please note, we will be switching to once per month posts starting in November and running through February. Thank you.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be conscious not to scuff your feet or drag your putter along the surface of the putting green. This can adversely affect other people’s putts and can damage the turf grass.

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

#10 black tee renovation

The black tee on #10 has always been somewhat of an afterthought. It is very rarely used, and many people don’t even realize it is there. Due to this low profile, the renovation of this tee was done as a minor project rather like the full scale Master Plan construction.

By examining the number of rounds recorded from the black tees, weighing the cost of different scopes of work, and consulting with the golf committee, we agreed that the best solution was a small renovation. Previously, this tee was a mix of several types of grasses and didn’t match any other tees on the golf course. It was never a major issue due to so few rounds being played from there. However, no one wanted to complete construction on every other tee box on the course, except the black tee on ten. We decided a facelift for this tee would be the best option; meaning we would convert the grass species and reshape the tee, but not do any earth-moving.

First, we needed to reshape the tee from an oval to a rectangle to match the other renovated tees. By finding the center point and measuring to each corner, we were able to establish the back edge of the new rectangular tee. Then, by squaring the corners and painting an outline, the new tee shape was formed. Once the outline was drawn, we cut and disposed of the old sod. We readjusted a small amount of soil to make sure the base was level and then brought in new Bermuda grass sod from our nursery that is to the left of hole #6.

Our final step will be to topdress this new sod with sand to make it level and fill in any low spots. Slowly, the grass around the new tee will grow and the new tee will be more defined. Next year, when we start to maintain this new tee similar to all other tees, it will blend in and look exactly the same.

As part of this project, we also cleared two trees that were in the sight line from this back tee. In the mulch bed down near the main #10 tee boxes, there were trees on each side of the cart path. We removed the trees to the right. You can see in the progression of pictures the trees that were taken out. Moving forward, if the trees on the left are deemed to be in the line of play, or eventually grow into the line of play, we will also remove those trees.

Completed tee

While the usage of the tee may not dramatically increase, its maintenance and appearance will now match the other tees.

Also, please note, we will be switching to once per month posts starting in November and running through February. Thank you.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be conscious not to scuff your feet or drag your putter along the surface of the putting green. This can adversely affect other people’s putts and can damage the turf grass.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included a link to a video teaching the proper technique for fixing a ball mark. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org