Important Reminder! Aerification scheduled for September 2-5

The golf course will be closed September 2-5 for aerification. Greens, tees and walk-up areas will be aerified using large, hollow-tines. The rest of the golf course will be verticut. While these activities cause short-term disruption to the golf course, they are necessary to provide the quality conditions provided throughout the year. It is always our objective to get the work completed and the golf course back in order as fast as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

   The work done during closures makes it possible to provide beauty like this.

Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me!

Our ficus hedges have taken a hit over the past couple of weeks. They are being attacked by the ficus whitefly. This tiny insect pest spends most of its time on the underside of leaves sucking juices from the plant. As a result, leaves begin to curl, turn yellow and fall off. Severe infestations can leave a plant completely defoliated and possibly cause the plant to die. We identified the infestation a couple of weeks ago and have treated with a systemic insecticide. Once the whitefly are under control the hedge should begin to recover.

   Ficus hedge dropping leaves

   Immature stages of whitefly on underside of leaves

#13 Bunker Update

Fortunately, we were able to repair the bunker on #13 without any major reconstruction. The sod on the top side will be marked as ground under repair until it is ready for play.

#13 Bunker Collapse

An irrigation head broke beside #13 green last night resulting in the caving in of the front right greenside bunker. The immediate area will be played as ground under repair. While this presents a brief setback, this may be a blessing in disguise. It is my intention to improve upon the right side of this green complex. I will keep you posted with the latest plans and updates. 

Butterfly Garden

In June we had the opportunity to spruce up the gazebo beside the putting green and first tee by putting in a butterfly garden. The garden was donated in memory of John and Rosemary Healy by her children.

 

    

A Fresh Start(ing) Hole

The forward tee box on #1 has been a perennial issue. A combination of not enough space and too little sun in the winter has made this tee an underachiever. This week we hauled soil recovered during last month's drainage project to the first hole. The soil was used to extend the tee forward about 30 feet, significantly adding to the square footage. The soil was graded and sod placed on the new portion of the tee. The original portion of the tee will remain in use while the new sod is getting established. I expect the entire tee to be ready by mid-September.

 Soil placed in front of #1 forward tee.

Freshly laid sod on the new portion of the tee.

Feed Me!

We are taking advantage of the closed day today to fertilize the golf course. This wall-to-wall fertilization is typically applied four times per year. Using controlled-release fertilizer allows us to make an application today that releases a small amount of fertilizer each week. This results in the grass being provided the proper amount of nutrition on a constant basis resulting in healthier turf.

Over the next few days you may notice a few tire tracks resulting from the fertilizer spreader truck. If you find your ball in one of these tracks, my recommendation is to take a drop without penalty.

New Drainage for Isla

In an effort to reduce the amount of time spent with cart path only restrictions, we spent this summer installing about 3/4 of a mile of new drain lines. Focusing on various wet areas on holes 5, 6, 12, 13, 14 and 16 the work is intended to reduce the number of holes that remain cart path only following rain events.

            

   

           Sod removal.

    

       Excavation for drain installation.

First, sod was removed in the areas to receive drainage. Next, the trenches were excavated and spoils hauled away. The drainage material was then placed in the trenches, the trenches back-filled and sod replaced. 

It was a big project taking about 4 weeks to complete. While there haven't been any monumental rains since the drainage has been installed, we've had a few smaller tests including this past Saturday.

   This photo was taken about 30 minutes following the downpour.

   Same location 10 minutes later. No more water!

Shelter From the Storm

I found refuge from a pop-up shower this morning under the new bay way bridge. Took a moment to enjoy the architecture.

 

Welcome to Isla!

We took the opportunity to change the landscaping at the front sign. More color and a cleaner design. Can't wait to see it grow!