I want to start by apologizing for my long layoff. With my focus being on course conditions, I have failed to keep my membership up to date on my thoughts and observations. The last time I posted we were planting new sod on #2 fairway. This “test plot” proved revealing in more ways than one. The Bimini bermuda grass far exceeded the performance of the TifTuff. Our number one concern is traffic resistance, and Bimini stood tall. Bimini has held true and the feedback from fellow Superintendents have supported our findings.
Moving on to the Fall and early winter. We had to deal with some very odd weather conditions. We spent 3 weeks in December under heavy FOG. These moist, warm conditions led to some disease pressure. This pressure led to weak turf on some of our most vulnerable greens. We maintained them well on a supplemental program but they were not up to our standards. We finished the season strong. We successfully hosted all of our Member/Guest events in February and March.
This summer we will be preparing for Major tournaments in the Fall and Life Changing renovations in the Spring. I have been often asked, ” Why do we need to close so often in the Summer if we are renovating next year.” The answer is two-fold. We must maintain superior conditions for the Fall tournaments and the member play to follow. We also have to prep for a proper eradication of turf. Aerifying, verti-cutting, topdressing, fertilizing, soil-amending, rolling and many more will add to an actively growing turf. Contrary to popular thinking, actively growing turf is the easiest to eradicate.
I am striving for perfection because our membership deserves this effort. This golf course renovation, if done properly, will change perception. This new golf course will be more playable, more maintainable and will meet the needs of every member and future member .
With a new set of soil conditions and a pure planting of turfgrass, I am quite certain that you will be amazed at the possibilities of your property. My team and I have discussed the future, they have all bought in to building a better Stonebridge. I have so much pride in representing my team. They are my lifeblood and my heroes. Our pride in Stonebridge knows no bounds.
Just know that we are here for all of our members.
I will be posting on a more regular basis. Opinions are my own. I will answers questions with facts I know.