Project Update - April 30

Work on the golf course project continues to progress. On Monday and Tuesday we accomplished:

• Installation of new irrigation on #9
• Rough shaping of bunkers on #9 and #16
• Sod removal from #16 and #7 greens

On Wednesday and Thursday rough shaping will continue on #16 as well as #7. Sod removal will take place surrounding #8 tee to allow for the addition of extra material to build new forward tee space. Irrigation work continues in these areas as well.

Late this week and early next week the final shaping of the new bunkers on all holes will take place. After that, drainage will be installed. Once the drainage is complete, a final smoothing of the surrounding grade will take place in preparation for sod.

Things will really begin to take shape over the next week. As things become easier to see, we will be able to better describe the planned changes and reasoning behind each change.

On #9 we have encountered a situation where we will be removing a an oak tree and replacing it with a new oak tree in a slightly different location. The tree on #9 has not been healthy for a few years as a result of girdled roots. It is evident by the color of the leaves and thinner branches that the tree isn't healthy. This will only compound as the tree ages. We decided this was an opportune time to replace the tree as it coincides with the location of current construction. We will also be planting two additional oak trees on the left side of #3 fairway where we lost several trees next to the condos to Hurricane Irma.

Unhealthy Tree on 9. Notice color of leaves and thin, spindly limbs.

A healthy oak of similar age with branches full of dark green leaves

Early stages of the bunker to the right of 16 green

Early stages of the bunker to the left of 16 green

Project Update - April 28

Friday wasn't a complete wash but work was slowed due to the rain that passed through. We were able to complete the irrigation installation on #2 and haul most of the remaining material from #2 to #4 tee.

Over the weekend, the renovated left greenside bunker on #9 began to take shape.

Early stages of the renovation of the left greenside bunker on #9

On Monday, new irrigation will be installed on #9 to accommodate the relocation of the right-side greenside bunker. Turf removal will begin on hole #16 around the green. Because of this, #16 will be played to a temporary green.

Project Update - April 25

Work continued on #2 today and things are beginning to take shape. Both of the old bunkers have been removed and rough shaping has begun on a new bunker to the front right of the green. Creation of new contours surrounding #2 green has produced excess soil which we are hauling to #4 to provide material to build the new tees. Friday's forecast doesn't look great but hopefully we can continue to make progress.

Left side of #2

#2 Approach

Right side #2

Material from #2 to be used for new tees on #4

Project Update - April 24

Another busy day today working on the project. Shaping work began on #2. The two old bunkers have been dismantled and a new bunker taking shape. Sod removal was completed on #9 and old turf was removed from #4 in preparation for tee construction. We were also able to transplant the trees from #14 Gold/Red tee area to along the wall by #13.

For the remainder of the week, these will be the only major areas affecting golf. Numbers 2 & 9 will continue to play to temporary greens. On these holes, players should post Par + their handicap. #4 Blue and White tees will continue to play from the normal tee. Green, Gold, and Red tees will play from a temporary tee location ahead of where the old tee was situated. Players should post actual scores on #4.

On Thursday, April 25th at 11:30am I will be giving a look at #2 via Facebook Live on the Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club Facebook page. If you are unable to watch live, you will be able to view the archive at a later time.

New bunker taking shape on 2.

 

 

#9 ready for shaping.

#4 forward tee space ready for fill to build new tee space.

Trees being moved to #13.

Project Update - April 23

The Isla Grounds Team finished clearing the old grass and began irrigation installation on #2 today. Shaping work on this hole will begin Wednesday.

Sod was removed from around #9 green slope today to prepare for shaping to take place later this week.

Arturo and Adam are cutting sod from around #9 green.

Yesterday, we removed grass behind the Red and Gold tees on #4. Today we were able to haul loose fill material to this area to practice with our laser grade box. This will help with efficiency when it comes time to level new tees.

Setting up and calibrating the laser grade equipment.

Tomorrow, the Red and Gold tees on #4 will be moved to temporary locations to allow for more sod removal around the forward tees. We will begin hauling material from #2 and #9 green slopes to #4 for the expansion of the forward tee space. Hauling this material directly to #4 from numbers 2 and 9 will save us from having to load and haul twice, resulting in greater efficiency. Stay tuned for more details on these new improvements!  

And So It Begins...

Today we officially began our 2019 golf course project starting on hole #2. We spent the day clearing old sod and preparing for irrigation and grading work to take place. On Tuesday, we will complete clean-up on #2 and install a new irrigation loop for the green. We will also begin removing sod from around #9 green in preparation for the bunker and grading work to take place there.

Holes 2 and 9 will both play to temporary greens. For posting purposes, post Par + handicap for the hole.

The Isla Grounds Employees Work to Finish Removing Old Turf on #2

On April 22nd the Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club Grounds Maintenance Department will begin working on golf course renovations planned for 2019. This year's renovations include the bunkers and green surrounds on holes 2, 7, 9 and 16. The renovations will also include all tee boxes on holes 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14. We will also be renovating forward tees on holes 4, 5, 9 and 16. All of the work scheduled this year will provide end results similar to work conducted during the 2018 project.

While we will maintain 18 holes open for play throughout the project, there will be the necessity for temporary greens and tees at times. The first of the temporary greens will be #2 starting on April 22nd. Additional temporaries will be put into play as it becomes necessary. Throughout the project, we will continue to communicate in a variety of ways including blog updates and Facebook Live in order to keep you well informed.

You will notice some preliminary work taking place over the next few weeks. This includes the installation of a geotube in the pond by 13 tee as well as various irrigation, drainage and tree work. We intend all of this work to have minimal effect on playability while we finish the 2019 winter golf season.

Geotube Installation by #13 Tee