From the Golf Course Superintendent . . .

Summer has officially arrived on the calendar, and we have certainly had our first taste of heat and humidity. I really don’t mind the high temperatures, but have never been too fond of the humidity that often accompanies them. It is the humid conditions that cause the most problems for the turfgrass on the golf course, promoting various fungal diseases that can do a lot of damage in a very short period of time. Hopefully as summer proceeds, the weather conditions will be pleasant, promoting both healthy turf and many opportunities for enjoyable golf. Following are a few updates of information from the Grounds Department:

Course Status: The golf course continues in good playing condition. The creeping bentgrass tees and fairways took a bit of a hit recently during the warm, humid period in late June. A combination of the warm, humid weather, and an ill-timed heavy rain event caused an outbreak of a fungal disease commonly called “Brown Patch”. A fungicide treatment was made as soon as the course was dry enough to mow and spray, however, some damage had already occurred. Most areas have responded to the more seasonable weather conditions that followed and are recovering and growing out very nicely.

Course Projects: (#12 Bridge) The backfill and grading around the new bridge on hole #12 is in progress.

(Cart Path Construction Areas) The cart path construction areas have generally grown in fairly well, with all ropes and stakes removed several weeks ago. We will continue to work on isolated areas that require additional attention throughout the remainder of the year. All of the construction areas will also be over seeded in late summer to improve the turf cover and playability. The bare dirt haul rode across the 15th fairway was re-graded and re-sodded a few weeks ago and is growing in very nicely.

(Championship Tees) The contractor recently returned to complete some additional grading work on the new championship tees. We will soon begin the final preparation and grassing of these tees, with the goal of having them in play sometime this fall.

(Briar Hill Staging Area) The last remaining waste material is currently being hauled away from the staging area left of the 18th hole. The earthen berm will soon be re-constructed, and the gravel path that carried some cart traffic from Briar Hill Drive to the 18th hole bridge will be restored.

Maintenance Activities: As the weather conditions have begun to stabilize, with less frequent rainfall, the grounds staff continues to catch up with many maintenance projects and course detail work. I will apologize, however, as we still have considerable ground to make up from the many delays and setbacks that were caused by the unusually wet spring weather.

Course Etiquette: I would like to everyone for all of your efforts to properly repair ball marks, fill divots, and rake bunkers. Your help is much appreciated by the grounds department, as well as your fellow members.

Smart Cart Program: As I mentioned in last months newsletter, the “Smart Cart Program” information has been distributed and hopefully everyone has had a chance to become familiar with it. I would again encourage all cart operators to adopt all suggested “Smart Cart Program” guidelines. I would particularly point out the specific guidelines that follow, as these continue as trouble spots within the program and are being ignored by many cart operators. - Remain on paths at all times on all Par Threes. - Remain on paths at all times at tee and green locations. - When leaving the teeing areas, remain on the path until exiting onto the turf at an appropriate location. Avoid exiting onto the turf at the first turn of the path, but rather proceed down toward the landing area and vary your exit point. - Return to the path at an appropriate location before proceeding to the putting green area. Entry back onto the path at the conclusion of your approach shots is appreciated as opposed to continuing down the fairway and returning to the path at the last possible location.

Again, as discussed last month, by following these guidelines, the turf areas can be protected to maintain the highest levels of playability and aesthetics, without the need for unsightly rope, stakes, and signs. The placement of these ropes, stakes, and signs not only detracts from the golf course, but also takes labor from other important maintenance projects. In closing, I would like to thank all of you for your questions, suggestions, and input concerning the golf course and club grounds. It is this type of feedback from the membership, whether delivered to myself or any member of the Grounds Committee that drives committee discussion and often leads to new programs and practices within the Grounds Department.

Sincerely,

Scott Werner, CGCS

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