Never Stop Improving

While we had a busy summer with golf course projects, the work hasn't stopped. You may have noticed a few things going on around the property.

First, a few weeks ago we started working on restoring another lake bank. This one wasn't originally planned for work this year. However, it was discovered that a 6-inch irrigation mainline had been exposed on number #17 as a result of significant erosion. In order to prevent a potential blowout of the irrigation, it was decided that we needed to immediately address this lake bank by using the same geotube method employed on other banks over the past few years. We will not only repair the area with the exposed pipe but also take the opportunity to restore the entire shoreline.


Notice the white pipe just above the water. That is a 6-inch irrigation main.


Arturo is guiding the hose to allow for the proper deposition of fill.

Another project worked on this week was at the practice putting green. Fernando and a crew of employees worked to install a brand new irrigation loop for the practice putting green and reroute the feed for the first hole. This work is being performed to allow for future expansion of a golf cart staging area.


Jason and Pedro are trenching a line for the new irrigation pipe while Fernando and Cristino work in the background.

Over the next few weeks you can also look forward to seeing new plantings installed along the fence by the first tee.

Project Update - September 28

We come to the end of another big week here at Isla. We continue to progress on multiple projects while also working to maintain the golf course and grounds.


The most exciting aspect for many is the new sand going into the bunkers. Early in the week we sprayed the grass on the bunker floors with RoundUp to minimize future issues of grass growing up through the sand. After the bunker floors were sprayed, we began hauling sand. The sand was spread to a consistent depth of six inches across the entire bunker floor, then compacted to approximately 4 inches using a plate compactor. We compact the sand to minimize the chances of having plugged or fried egg lies. Once compacted, the sand is then redistributed as necessary to maintain the proper depth and slope. Finally, the bunkers are hand-raked to perfection. The bunkers on holes 4, 5 and 14 are complete. You are to play them as you would any bunker. The bunkers on 6 and 13 will have sand installed next week. Once sand is installed, those bunkers will also be in play.


Fernando, Phil, Cristino and Glen are shoveling sand into place in the #14 greenside bunker.



Phil is using a plate compactor to pack the bunker sand.



The finished bunker on 14.


It is important to understand that these are new bunkers. New bunkers have the potential to get soft, especially without rain. Soft bunkers are prone to plugged and fried egg lies. While bunkers are a hazard, we do hope to minimize this extra penalty of a bad lie by keeping the sand compacted. I am happy to say that the shots witnessed so far have all had good lies and were very playable. I have even witnessed some excellent recovery shots by our members!


This shot was executed nicely to about 5 feet!


Many of you have asked about whether or not any of the sod is Ground Under Repair. At this time, only the bunkers on 6 and 13 are Ground Under Repair, along with #1 tee. All other locations are in play unless marked otherwise. This includes the paspalum sod around the greens. However, if your ball comes to rest in a seam between two pieces of sod, you may take relief without penalty. The first tee is coming along nicely and will be ready to open once it can be mowed without scalping.


Jason is mowing the new paspalum sod surrounding #14 green. This sod will be mowed as a collar throughout the upcoming winter. As the temperatures increase next spring, we will look to regain lost square footage from our greens where applicable.


Another major project kicked off this week. Construction of a new privacy fence between the first tee and the shopping center has begun. This is the first step in beautifying this area. Once the fence is complete, new landscaping will be installed to enhance the first impression of our golf course.


New fence along #1 tee.


Another major project nears completion. The lake bank project on #9 is in its final stages. We are ready to grade the soil and lay sod. This work is scheduled to take place the week of October 8th.


Looking at the 9th hole from the 18th fairway.

Project Update - September 14

After much delay, the teeing grounds on hole #1 are complete! We faced several delays due to rain at the sod farms, but were finally able to get the sod installed yesterday and today. While all the previous sod was installed by our employees by hand, the sod on number one was installed by a contractor. We used roll sod on the first tee. Almost like carpet, the sod comes in a big roll. A machine then rolls the sod out flat. While this is difficult to do on green slopes due to the bunkers, roll sod is ideal for a tee location. There are much fewer seams with the rolls which makes it easier to get the tee surface flat and smooth.

The new tees are quite remarkable in terms of making the golf hole feel more connected from tee to green. There is significantly more square footage which will be helpful in managing wear during the busy winter season.

Once the sod on #1 tee has sufficiently established roots, we will begin mowing it. It will take a few weeks to get it established, but we hope to be playing off the new tees by the first part of October.

The work completed on the rest of the golf course is maturing nicely. We continue to mow the new sod and will begin lowering the heights of cut next week. The bunkers and surrounding slopes are holding strong and we are also lowering mowing heights in these areas. You may notice some scalping of the grass in some areas. While not ideal, it is common to see some of this as we lower cutting heights.

We plan to open hole #15 later next week.

The bunker sand is scheduled to be installed in the new bunkers the the week of September 24th.


The newly completed first tee. Now with three tee boxes!


A machine is being used to unroll new sod onto the first tee.


As always, we get an early start in the morning.

Project Update - September 6

We continue to move towards the finish line on the bunker and tee project. The new forward tee on #15 was grassed today. This means the only sod installation remaining for the project is on #1 tee. We were scheduled to install the sod on Friday but heavy rain at the sod farm has delayed the installation date until this coming Monday. Fortunately, this gives our employees a little extra time to finalize irrigation installation and final grading.

We mowed the sod on holes 4, 5, 6, 13 and 14 yesterday. After further examination, our current plan is to reopen those holes to play beginning this weekend. The bunkers are marked and will be played as MANDATORY Ground Under Repair. We don't want anyone to walk on the bunker slopes at this time and ask that you do not remove the ropes or stakes for any reason. Because of this, the ground under repair will extend vertically to allow relief if your next shot might be interfered by the ropes and stakes. If your ball or stance lies within the marked area, if your swing is impacted by a rope or stake, or if your next shot might be impacted by the ropes and stakes you may take relief. To take relief you must drop within one club length of the nearest point of relief no closer to the hole. We will be restricting all cart traffic from the newly installed sod including those players with blue flags. This is important in minimizing the stress on the new grass. Thank you for following the restricted guidelines.


Chris can be seen leveling the new forward tee in the distance.


Phil, Cristino, Pedro and Placido work hard to install the new irrigation on #1 tee.


Ground Under Repair (GUR) has been clearly marked for all new bunkers. Please take relief from all marked areas.

Project Update - September 5

The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming clearer! We have had a good couple of days following the Labor Day holiday.

On #15 we completed installation of the sod surrounding the green today. The new forward tee on #15 has been final graded and will be grassed on Thursday.

The new tees on #1 are taking shape. It is immediately noticeable how much additional square footage is available for the forward tees. The final shaping and irrigation installation on #1 will be completed on Thursday. The tee will be grassed on Friday. For most of the project we have been using piece sod which comes stacked on pallets. Each piece has to be picked up and placed one at a time by a worker. Instead of this method, will be using roll sod for the 1st tee. This sod comes in a large roll and is installed using a machine. It's difficult to use roll sod in and around bunkers and green contours but it is ideal for the long, straight runs like the first tee area. This method is faster and will enable all three truckloads of sod to be installed on Friday.

The sod on holes 4, 5, 6, 13 and 14 was mowed for the first time today. It is mowed at a higher height to start. The mowing height will gradually be reduced until it matches the height of our normal fairways and surrounds. While the grass will not currently play as good as normal, I am hoping to open play back to the regular greens on all holes except #15 by the weekend. This decision will be based on health of the turf and safety for the golfers. I will keep you posted after further evaluation.


#15 green in the distance behind the new forward tee in the foreground.


New tees on #1 are taking shape.


Jason mows the sod on #4 for the first time.

Project Update - August 30

Early afternoon storms made today a little challenging. Progress slowed slightly but we were able to complete holes 6, 13 and 14 today. Work continued on hole 15 including the completion of new irrigation for the green. The severe storms prevented the installation of sod which will now begin on Friday.

I continue to remind you how hard our employees have worked throughout this project. The guys are tired but continue to push ahead, even in bad weather. If you have the chance, I encourage you to thank the employees for their efforts. 

Storms brought heavy rain this afternoon.

High winds were strong enough to snap this palm tree.

Cristino is a great example of our dedicated employees. Here he is after the storm standing up to his knees in water to get the job done.

Project Update - August 29

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Mother Nature has interfered with our project. Our work was interrupted the last two evenings by storms. Not only have we received storms, the sod farms have as well. When the sod fields are too wet, they can't cut the sod. We've experienced a few delays receiving sod this week. Even with the challenges presented by Mother Nature, we are still pressing on at a good pace. Progress and updates to note:

• Bunkers are constructed and drainage installed on holes 6 and 14.

• The sod installation on #14 is complete.

• Sod installation on holes 6 and 13 will be completed on Thursday.

• Work is underway on hole #15. The old grass has been removed.

• The old bunkers on #15 have been removed.

• A significant amount of grading has taken place on #15.

• New irrigation installation on #15 will be completed on Thursday.

• Sod installation will continue on #15 on Friday and will be complete early next week.

• The old grass has been cut and will be removed from the tee complex on hole #1 on Thursday.

• Additional soil will be hauled to the 1st tee throughout the remainder of the week.

• Shaping will take place on hole #1 throughout the weekend and into the first part of next week.

• Sod installation for the 1st tee is scheduled for next Thursday at which time the actual construction phase of our entire project will be complete except for bunker sand installation.

• Bunker sand installation is scheduled for the last week of September.

#6 Bunker and surrounds has been sodded. Installation will be completed on #6 on Thursday.



#14 sod installation is complete.



Work is underway on hole #15.



This photo shows where the front bunker used to be on #15 before being removed.

Project Update - August 26

Last night the golf course received nearly 3 inches of rain in a short amount of time. This was worrisome as that kind of rainfall has the potential to wash out freshly graded soil and new sod. This could have potentially added days for reconstruction of work already completed. Fortunately, all of the new green slopes and bunkers held up tremendously well!

On Monday we will finalize shaping and drainage on #6 and #14. We will also begin work on #15.

• Holes 4, 5, 13 and 15 will play to temporary greens beginning August 27th.

#13


#5


Left side of #4


Right side of #4

Project Update - August 24th

What a week it has been! We ended with a very long but successful day. The grounds department is exhausted and will have the weekend off to recuperate before getting after it again next week.

• The work on 4 and 5 is complete with the exception of a few minor items as well as the need to add sand to the bunkers next month.

• We began installing Seashore Paspalum around the greens. This is the same type of grass as our green surfaces. All the other grass on the golf course is bermudagrass. We are hoping to reclaim some of our lost square footage as well as create a barrier between the aggressive common bermudagrass and the green surfaces. Holes 4, 5, 6 and 14 all received new paspalum today. We will establish the new sod at "fringe" height for the winter and then begin lowering the height incrementally until it is at greens height. We plan to reclaim about 5 feet around each green and allow for a 3 foot "fringe" cut.

• The shaping changes on 13 are complete. Sod has been installed on most of the sloping terrain to guard against potential washouts. The remaining sod will be installed next week.

• Rough shaping has occurred on holes 6 and 14 and those holes will be completed next week.

• Work on #15 green surround begins Monday. This means that this hole will play to a temporary green. Holes 4, 5 and 13 will also continue playing to temporary greens. We should have a better idea of when we will be back on the normal greens early next week. It's our goal to be back on 4, 5, and 13 by Labor Day weekend and hole 15 the weekend after. I will keep you posted.

Paspalum sod going in around #6 green


Bunkers to the right of #13 green


Mound to the left of #13 green


Bunker to the left of #5 green


New sod is already putting down roots


Everyone is working hard to beat the storm and darkness on Friday night.

Project Update - August 21st

Wow! What a couple of days! Things are really beginning to take shape. It's been extremely hot but the rain has held off to allow us to remain on schedule.

The green surrounds on #4 are well on their way to completion. Sod was installed around and inside both bunkers. Yes, INSIDE both bunkers. No, these are not going to be grass bunkers. The sod serves as barrier to better stabilize and separate our very sandy native soil from the clean bunker sand. We actually will not install bunker sand until the end of September. We will allow the sod to take root now, then kill it in a few weeks before covering it with 6 inches of new bunker sand.

Here is a list of our current progress:

• 25,000 square feet of sod has been laid on #4 leaving approximately 2000 square feet remaining on that hole. All of this sod has been laid by hand by our grounds staff.

• Sod will be completed on #4 on Wednesday.

• #5 is shaped and bunker drainage installed.

• Sod installation will begin on #5 on Wednesday.

• Rough shaping is complete on holes 6, 13 and 14. Some finish shaping has taken place on #13. 

• Shaping on #13 is scheduled to be completed on Wednesday along with installation of bunker drainage.

Quietly working under the lights on #4 waiting for the sun to rise.


1st load of sod being unloaded.



Left bunker #4


Right bunker #4


#4 from where the fairway bunker used to sit 70 yards out from green


#5 Left greenside bunker


New grassy swale to the right of #5 green


Right side of #13 green

Project Update - August 17

Things continue to progress as the bunkers on 4 and 5 take shape. Drainage installation began on 4 and will continue on Saturday. Final grading and prep work will also take place in anticipation of the first two loads of sod scheduled for Monday.

Old grass was stripped away from the 13th green's surrounds yesterday. Irrigation lines were adjusted and the contractor began grading both the left and right sides.

We will cut sod around the bunker on #6 green tomorrow and we hope to start grading that hole on Sunday. However, the area required for construction on #6 is much smaller in size and we will be able to leave that green open for play. The area where the sod is cut will be marked as ground under repair.

The grounds maintenance employees are holding up well but they have had a lot of long days in the hot sun. If you see any of the guys on the golf course, thank them for all the effort.


Arturo is putting a final edge on the right greenside bunker on #4


The left bunker on 5 is taking shape


Golf course Architect, Richard Mandell and shaper, Brian Ross discuss the right side of #5


Pedro is connecting irrigation wires on #13 green


Demo day has come for the bunker left of #13 green

Project Update - August 15th

We continue to move along at a good pace with the renovation project and are still on schedule. The days have been long, but the Isla grounds employees have done a fantastic job.

I have had the opportunity to speak with many members as they pass by the work on 4 and 5. To most, the worksite looks like a pile of dirt. However, once we are able to converse they begin to see the vision and appreciate how much this project will affect the aesthetics and strategy of the golf course. Many have expressed surprise at how extensive the work is but it's important to realize that the work on 4 and 5 is much more significant than holes 6 and 14. We like to get the big ones out of the way!

I have heard questions about the proposed reduction of bunkers throughout the project and concerns that it will make the golf course too easy. I assure you, this will not be the case. One important aspect of this is the fact that while the number of bunkers may decrease, the total square footage of bunkers is not significantly affected. This is due to the fact that many bunkers will increase in size. The quantity of bunkers does not impact the difficulty, strategy or aesthetics nearly as much as the shape, size and locations of the bunkers. Think "quality over quantity."

There has been an overwhelming positive response to both the project itself as well as the communication through this blog and Facebook Live. I appreciate and ask for your continued questions and feedback. I also ask that you encourage your friends to sign up for this blog. There is no better way to see what is going on and gain understanding as we progress. You should also check out and "Like" the Isla Del Sol Facebook page. We have been doing Facebook Live conversations showing live video discussing the project. Our next Facebook Live event is scheduled for Friday, August 17th at 1:00. It would be great if you view it live. You can even add comment or ask questions to be answered live. However, if you miss it live you can still view the recording later from our Facebook page.

• Holes 4, 5 and 13 will have temporary greens beginning August 16th. These will be the only affected holes through the upcoming weekend. 

Cristino is installing a new irrigation line to match the new grade following the removal of the fairway bunker on #4.

While it's a little difficult to make out on camera, the new left greenside bunker on #4 takes shape.

Rough shaping has begun on the left side of #5.