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.  

June Gloom

June gloom is in full effect. The low clouds and fog have really helped us conserve water this year. To date, our water use has been reduced by over 9 million gallons compared to last year. While this weather pattern is really beneficial to saving water, it does create a headache when it comes to disease pressure. Long periods of moisture make for the perfect breeding ground for disease. We are currently seeing disease on many of our tees and greens. Curative fungicide applications have been made this week and it appears that we have the pathogen in check.

Greens Update

The greens have rebounded fairly well from the recent aerification. Considering the size of the tines and the amount of sand we put down, I am pleased with where we stand at this point in time. With an aggressive spring aerification I think we should be able to ease off a bit when aerifying this fall. Unfortunately, as the greens began to heal, we started to notice disease (Rapid Blight) on many of the perimeters. Saticoy has long battled Rapid Blight, as it is often initiated when soil salts are high; something we fight throughout the year. Just this week a new fungicide has been registered in California which finally gives us an effective tool to control this disease. The product is on order and will go down as soon as we get it.