Data Based Decisions

 

Often times we are asked how fast the greens are or how firm they are.  With the new USGA GS3 ball and Deacon app, we can now provide numbers for how fast, firm and true they are.  The USGA determines numbers for each matrix so we know how we are doing on a daily basis.  With moisture meters that sync with this app and apps that provide growth regulation data, we can now have more control over our inputs daily and are able to make more data based decisions every day.

GS3: A Look at How to Use the USGA's New Smart Ball

Entrance Improvement

 

The entrance is getting a much needed facelift with some tree removals and the installation of new plants.  This will greatly improve the appearance of the Club.  While we are at it, it was decided to widen the curb lines as much as possible to allow for safer entry and exiting for cars and trucks.  Stay tuned for more pictures when the project is complete.

Wildflower Area Transforming

 

The picture above is the wildflower area along the driveway last year.  At this time last year, annuals were filling the area with color.

The photo below shows the same area this year, with a few annuals growing from the over seed this past winter, but this area will be mainly perennials for the next few years.  The key to establishing wildflowers is to not disturb the soil over and over when introducing new seeds.  By doing so you limit the amount of weed invasion.

Making Progress!

 

While the picture above may not look very pretty, it is a thing of beauty for the grounds staff.  The dreaded 11th green has been a thorn in our side since it was built in 2011.  After fighting to keep bentgrass thriving on it, a battle we were slowly losing, we opted to transition it over to poa to match our other greens.  This variety of bentgrass could not tolerate our aggressive management practices and would thin out every year.  Finally, 2 years ago we decided to start working poa into the green every chance we could.  Each aeration we took small plugs from our other greens and spread them on top and then punched them into the soil.  By the looks of this green, we are more than 85% poa now and will continue to encourage poa.  Allowing the poa to go to seed allows more poa to spread in the spring and being the bentgrass is not waking up, the poa will out-compete it right now.  I feel confident enough when the green is rebuilt this fall, we can strip the green sod and reuse again.

A Little Facelift

 

The staff provided a much needed facelift to the overgrown landscaping around the clubhouse.  In a matter of 2 days, much of the landscaping around the building and patios were replaced with simple, yet elegant plants.  It is imperative to stay on top of maintaining all the new plants with proper pruning, fertilizing and watering.

Its Getting Real!

 All the planning for the past few years is starting to become a reality as the irrigation materials are starting to arrive for a July start.  10 truckloads of pipe in total will be delivered and you can see how quickly the area by the houses is filling up after only 5 truckloads.  This will be the irrigation hub for the installation contractor and it was the only area on the property that could handle the amount of materials and not be seen by members.