Time For A Haircut

This week the grounds maintenance department started cutting back the ficus hedge that separates the golf course from the Bayway. As the hedge grows over time the bottom branches start to thin. Cutting back the ficus encourages the plants to fill in and maintain a thick hedge for separation from the outside traffic. While it may look drastic now it will prove beneficial once it recovers.

Also, please mark your calendars that there will be an 8:00 shotgun on Monday, April 27th. The golf course will be closed that afternoon for fertilization.

National Golf Day 2015 (and Cherry Blossoms!)

I had the opportunity to spend 3 days this week in Washington D.C. where on Monday and Tuesday I participated in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Government Relations Committee meeting. I have the privilege to be 1 of 10 superintendents from around the country who serve on this committee. During the meeting we discussed priority Government Relations issues affecting the golf industry. Some of these issues included the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS), pesticide and fertilizer regulations, water quality and quantity, the H2B visa program, ADA accessibility and the past exclusion of golf from disaster relief funds. 

Tuesday we had the opportunity to meet with the offices of Senator David Vitter (R-LA), Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS). These Senators all chair committees important to the GCSAA Government Relations Committee agenda. 

   GCSAA Government Relations Committee with Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)

On Wednesday, the Government Relations Committee and the GCSAA Board of Directors participated in National Golf Day, which is organized by WE ARE GOLF. GCSAA, along with the Club Managers Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association, the PGA of America and the World Golf Foundation are founding members of WE ARE GOLF. On National Golf Day participants divided and conquered "The Hill" meeting with many Senators, Representatives and their offices to discuss the benefits of golf and ask for help on golf related issues. I was privileged to have meetings with the offices of Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13th), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16th), and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25th). 

   Myself with Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13th) and Winter the Dolphin 

Founded in 2009, WE ARE GOLF was formed in part because it was evident the industry was misunderstood by too many elected officials. Perceptions of the game simply did not coincide with reality. By focusing on the nearly two million Americans whose livelihoods are tied to golf, WE ARE GOLF has leveled the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry. As a result, golf is no longer being excluded from important legislation and our elected officials have a better understanding of the myriad of benefits the game brings to their communities.

 

The nearly two million U.S. jobs generated by the nearly $69 billion golf industry, and its vast economic reach are at the core of WE ARE GOLF’S message. In addition to better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s health and wellness benefits, its unparalleled charitable giving, and its environmental sustainability initiatives.

We were also fortunate to be in Washington D.C. At the perfect time for cherry blossoms!

Fence Removal

Last week the grounds department started removal of the old fence and hibiscus hedge along the cartpath on #18. The old fence and hedge were originally installed to provide separation between the driving range and #18. Two years ago we planted a row of bamboo which will provide us the same separation but at an even higher height. Most of the bamboo has reached a size and density that the old fence and hedge are no longer needed. They are being removed to provide more space and sunlight for the bamboo. We will be able to widen the cartpath making it easier for carts to pass when heading to #10 tee. Finally, a small barrier is planned for the inside of the driving range to keep practice balls from rolling through the bamboo. 

We recognize that the old fence used to serve as Out-Of-Bounds. We are working with Fred Curtis to determine how and where to mark this area and will pass along this information. 

Mole Cricket? What The Heck is a Mole Cricket?

My favorite time to be on the golf course is just before sunset. Things are quiet and peaceful. The low angle of the sun casts long shadows adding a unique perspective not experienced during the middle of the day. It's a great opportunity for reflection.

   #3 Green in the Evening

I spent Monday evening on the grounds at Isla treating for mole crickets. Not a lot of time for reflection on Monday but still enjoyable. What's a mole cricket you ask? The best answer I can give is it's a really nasty insect. My son describes it as the spawn of the devil. Either way, mole crickets are not welcome guests on the golf course. They damage turfgrass through tunneling as well as eating the grass itself. If left untreated, mole crickets will destroy a large area of grass in very little time. Fortunately, we preventatlvely treat for mole crickets each spring which minimizes the damage throughout the year. This time of year we get adult mole crickets that fly in from elsewhere as last year's preventative application wears off. As we scout mole cricket activity, we selectively treat those areas before problems arise. Since mole crickets are primarily active at night we apply our treatments late in the day to increase the effectiveness.

   This is a Mole Cricket

   Early Stages of Mole Cricket Activity

   Long Shadows on #8

Spring Has Sprung!

Turning the calendar to March brought with it a significant change in the weather. Temperatures have been in the high 70's and low 80's for most of the past 10 days, and we have seen a lot of sunshine. This weather is welcome following a cool, wet February. The grass certainly has noticed the change in weather as well. With the warmer temperatures the grass has started actively growing again. This is most noticeable in green speed and grass clippings. 

Healthy Growing Grass on 15

During the winter months a conservative maintenance program for the greens is implemented to ensure their health and ability to withstand traffic. Because the grass is not actively growing in the winter, it is easy to achieve faster green speeds at a higher height of cut simply by mowing and rolling without any additional cultural practices. As the temperatures and daylight increases, the grass growth also increases causing green speed to decrease. To maintain faster ball roll we adjust our maintenance program by lowering the height of cut, altering the chemical and fertilizer program and increasing mowing, brushing, grooming and verticutting practices. Yes, we do mow the greens everyday and have even started double-cutting on select days. We make small adjustments to the program every couple of days to ease the greens into the more aggressive warm-weather management program in order to protect the health of the grass. While slightly slower speeds may have been experienced, the ball continues to roll true and roll out.

14 Green

The wet winter weather experienced in January and February encouraged weed germination and growth. Fortunately, most of these weeds were located on the outskirts of the golf holes. The grounds maintenance department has been actively spraying weeds. Recently you may have noticed some of the them turning yellow. These weeds should wither and die quickly. The actively growing bermudagrass should quickly fill in where the weeds have died. 

Dollar Weed on the Right of #16

The front of #1 white tee and the back of #1 red and gold tees have fallen casualty to a lack of sunshine. The grass has thinned due to shaded conditions along with increased dampness and traffic during the winter season. Sod will be delivered on Thursday to repair these areas. We won't be able to play off the sod until established, but there is plenty of quality grass remaining on these tees and the sod should greatly enhance their appearance. Sod will also be laid on the newly extended slope on the lake on #15.

#1 Tee

#15 Lake Bank

GCSAA Golf Industry Conference and Show

This week over 15,000 golf course superintendents, professors, students, owners and suppliers came together for the 2015 Golf Industry Show held in San Antonio, Texas. The week provided over 385 hours of available education, a 2-day trade show and many other opportunities for superintendents to strengthen their network and exchange ideas. 

I had the honor to serve the Florida Golf Course Superintendents as their voting delegate at the GCSAA Annual Meeting and Election.

The trade show offered many opportunities to learn about new products for golf course maintenance. 

Our closing ceremony was headlined by the very entertaining David Feherty. 

While in San Antonio Melani and I had to squeeze in time to visit the Alamo.

Chip Shots

A quick update on a few things happening on the grounds.

The calendar says that winter is almost over. I hope the calendar is right! The weather hasn't been very "Floridian" lately and we even dipped into the 30's Friday morning. This obviously causes the grass to slow down it's growth and recovery process. The entire golf course has handled the weather and golf traffic well this winter but I'd love some warm sunny days to get the grass to start growing after it's semi-slumber. 

The driving range tee has taken a beating this winter. A healthy membership means a lot of people using the club including the range. The plentiful divots indicate that you've all been practicing so I expect to see some really good golf out there! We are giving the tee a short break to aid recovery by setting the hitting area in front. Obviously, with the tees in front some of you may be able to hit balls over the bamboo onto the 18th hole. We ask if you find yourself you doing this that you club down to create a safer environment for those playing or working on #18.

   Driving Range Tee

You may have noticed piles of soil being added to the lake bank on #15. The bank has eroded several feet over many years recently exposing our irrigation mainline. We are in the process of restoring the bank in order to protect the irrigation system and prevent any "blow-outs." Once graded, we will sod this area.

   #15 Lake Bank Reclamation 

Recently, bollards were installed on the cartpath just west of Sun Boulevard heading towards the new bridge. These bollards are intended to discourage vehicles from driving up the path. Please use caution when traveling this path as it is commonly trafficked by golf carts, walkers and bicycles.

   Newly Installed Bollards

Contractor work on both sides of the Bayway continues as Duke energy continues to install new power lines on the north side and the bike path installation work continues on the south side. I will keep you posted of any developments.