We have been undertaking a number of construction projects
this summer to improve the golf courses.
Cart path renovation has been taking place at Forest Creek for the last
several years. Our original asphalt
cart paths on the South course were built in 1995 and are thus 18 years
old. They were constructed of two inches of asphalt over a clay/sand base. These paths have been compromised over the years by tree
roots and are disintegrating in certain areas due to their age. We are removing this asphalt and replacing it
with sand. This has been a satisfactory
solution in most areas but we will still need to resurface with asphalt in areas
which wash out because of their steep slopes. We are spending a lot of time and effort repairing these steep sloped areas after heavy rains. It is our feeling that the sand
cart paths are more aesthetically pleasing and create a more natural Sandhills look in the places which are flat. We are realigning the paths in some
areas. We recently did this on hole # 7
South and hole # 9 South. Dave L’Italien
has changed his area of responsibility and is heading up this effort as well as
our bermuda grass greens projects. As
part of this management responsibility realignment, Chris Noll has moved to the
North golf course as superintendent and Graham Purcell has been promoted from assistant to
superintendent of the South golf course.
The sprigging of the
practice green in development section 17 took place as scheduled on June 5. The sprigs were transported in a refrigerated
truck from Texas and spread by hand on the surface of the green. The work was done by a crew from Champion Turf
Farms. Approximately 150 bushels were used.
These sprigs were pushed into the sandy green surface with a roller and
we are now watering them regularly. These
sprigs of Champion ultradwarf bermuda grass will develop their own root system
over the next several weeks. We will be
fertilizing regularly and topdressing often in order to develop a solid canopy
of bermuda grass. We hope to have this
green ready for play in 60 days.
Removal of the sod from the
chipping green area has been taking place this week also. We are using this sod
for various patch and renovation projects on both golf courses. The greens mix
will be removed from the current green as soon as the weather permits. Unfortunately we have a tropical storm headed
this way. We will also remove the subsurface drainage and disconnect the
irrigation system to allow for shaping of the new green complex. If all goes
well by the end of next week we should be able to see a new and more versital
practice area developing. This green will be sprigged to Minverde ultradwarf
bermuda grass.
