Project Update #3

West Coast Turf began to install sod on Monday (7/27). As of today, we have grassed the fairways through the third hole and are on schedule to finish Friday afternoon. A few areas in the rough (i.e. #2) will be finished by the end of the week as well. Completed holes are being watered twice during the day and once at night to keep moisture readily available to the new roots. Expect to see the new sod go a little off color for a short period of time as it acclimates to its new growing environment. I am already seeing some rooting and expect the sod to be fairly well tacked in by this time next week.

New (white) roots showing after 3 days

Project Update #2

We are in the third day of phase 1 of our Fairway Project and everything is progressing very well. Below is a photo log of the progress thus far.

Putting the final touches on #1, almost ready for sod

Hand work complete on #2 , ready for amendments

Final few passes on #3, hand work is next

Pre-strip aerification on #5

Tree #64

We removed tree #64 on Monday; a big Eucalyptus near the front right corner of the second green. It was leaning and unhealthy, and several Arborists had recommended that we have it taken out before it fell. When our Golf Course Architect, Jim Urbina, suggested that we remove it as well, we decided to make our move. Although I had some initial apprehension, I think it is a much better hole without it.

Project Update #1

Phase 1 of our Fairway Project began yesterday. The first hole is nearly complete and ready for sod, as we begin stripping the second hole. Although we have had a few minor bumps in the road, things are progressing well and I see know reason at this time that we will not be on schedule to sod next week.

Pre-strip aerification to loosen the soil

Initial pass to calibrate our working depth

1st hole nearly complete

Loose Ends

We are wrapping up a lot of loose ends this week before we get into our fairway project next week. One of our main objectives was to prep historically bad areas on holes 6-9 for sod patchwork. Where possible, we have been transplanting good Bermuda from areas that will be stripped; trying to minimize waste. However, once I calculate the labor required, I think we might be better off installing new sod.

If there is any question about Bermuda's ability to survive on less water, I think this picture is worth a thousand words. Note the completely dead cool season grass (mostly poa) surrounding the completely healthy Bermuda.

The Bermuda continues to thrive, yet it only receives water 1-2 days per week

Yes, with the current water restrictions, Bermuda is our only real option!

Drought

With July came another reduction in our water allotment. Up until now, we have been able to maintain the rough areas by watering 3 days a week. Unfortunately, to be able to maintain quality greens, tees and fairways, we must sacrifice the roughs even more. Starting July 1st we reduced our watering schedule on the roughs to 1 day per week. Hopefully this is enough to at least keep some of our warm season grasses alive.

Bye bye Kikuyu

Last week we made our first application of dimethylamine, a selective herbicide that kills Kikuyu. The Kikuyu is obviously struggling, while the other grasses (Bermuda, Rye, Poa) are relatively unaffected. A second application is scheduled for July 13th to ensure that we have a successful kill prior to starting phase 1 of our turf conversion plan.