Winter Project Update

The above average temps we've had this winter have allowed to make great progress on the golf course. Our main focus this year was clearing undergrowth and saplings in key areas to increase sunlight and air flow for better turf health.

9 post cleanup

We rented a chipper in January and began on the hillside to the left and behind of 9 green. We were able to remove a large amount of the vines, thistle, saplings and scrub brush in this area. The left side of 9 green previously saw very little sun October thru April and this caused poor turf conditions and thinning in the green and surrounding rough. Considering this is one of the only pinniable locations on the green

having healthy turf is a top priority.

White House post cleanout

Once we completed 9 we moved over to clear out around the historic white house that sits on 8. We will be mulching around the house with wood chips this spring to create a better aesthetic look. We will also be removing the piles and wood chips and leaves that are around the house and will refrain from using this areas a dump site in the future. We also cleared out between 18 and 10 tee, our work there should allow the Bermuda on that tee to be healthier throughout the season. We are going to try to reclaim some of the native area as rough this year to help with pace of play.

We spent the rest of our time across the road clearing the stream line on 5, especially around the green, and the stream lines along 13 and 14. We plan to push the Rough line closer to the stream this year on 13 and 14, our cleanout will help with air flow on those two fairways, helping the dry out faster after rain, and hopefully help with pace of play since there will no longer be any doubt if your ball went in the hazard. We finished our time with the chipper on 12 clearing out along that stream bank. We got about 75% of what we wanted done this year and plan to continue our cleanout project next winter.

Practice Divots, Please refrain

With the wonderful weather we've obviously seen an uptick in winter rounds. We've also noticed that there seems to be a large number of "practice" shots taken on the course. All of the fairways have locations where 3, 4, or even 5 shots were taken in the same location. Sadly, the divots were not replaced, and often found within a few yards, nor sand put back in the divots. Just a friendly reminder, this type of practice should not be conducted on the course and especially not in winter. Even though its been warm the turf still isn't growing, these divots will be scars well into May. When you take a divot, you reveal the roots of the turf, removing the insolating turf above them. During the winter these roots become susceptible to the cold and die, not only in the divot area, but also around the divot. During winter, its most appropriate to replace your divot to re-insulate the roots, if the divot cant be found, filling with sand is appropriate. However, leaving a divot without tending to it is completely unacceptable and is hurting the progress we've made the last 2 years. Taking care of the course during the off season is how we have great conditions in season.

Tee Marker refurbishment

When the weather hasn't been conducive to working on the course, we've been in the shop preparing our course accessories for summer. Tee markers are being sand blasted, ground smooth, and repainted. Flag sticks, course direction signs, and Driving Range boxes are being sanded smooth and sealed with teak oil. Our mechanic team has been grinding reels, and servicing all our equipment for spring. This offseason has been a busy one for us, whenever the weather is above 50 we've been able to roll greens and rake bunkers. Its been nice to be able to make such great progress to the course this winter and we're all looking forward to hitting the ground running in spring.