Before and After

When you stand in the approach to #4 green, it would be easy to think that there is a good deal more sand to avoid now than prior to the renovation.  Thus it may come as a surprise to many to learn that the square footage of greenside bunkers was actually reduced by exactly 50% on this hole.

Before

After

One of the constants we see in Andrew Green's design philosophy is improving the player's view of the hazards.  Clearly the bunkers do not need to be large to be effective.

Course Care Tips

We need your help!  Unfortunately, even with few outside golf events lately, we continue to see a large number of unrepaired ball marks on the greens.  Fixing your ball mark should be a habit.  To this end, here are a few suggestions:
--Go to your ball mark first when walking onto the green, then go to your ball.
--Repair your ball mark and one other on each and every green.
--Make sure those you play with repair their ball marks on each and every green.

Additional information on ball mark repair from the USGA can be found here:  Ball Mark Repair Quiz

Below are some step by step instructions:

In addition to unrepaired ball marks, as more players opt to wear shorts from early spring to late fall, we are seeing another turf problem:

What killed the grass, while leaving two spots unharmed?  No, this problem wasn't caused by some new turf disease.  Here's a clue:

In prior years there would have only been one cause we could point to:  Insect repellent applied while standing over turf.  However, some of today's aerosol, spray-on sun screen products also use alcohol or butane as propellants, and can do the same damage to the grass.  Please try to apply these products when standing on a cart path.

Your help with these issues will be appreciated by all!

Limited Light

Tournament prep is always a challenge, as we attempt to provide the best conditions for our members.  This time of year, an 8:30 shotgun becomes really tricky, since it doesn't get light until after 6:00. 

Here's a brief glimpse into greens mowing in the dark, on #9:

Even with lights, working in the dark has some risks.  It's difficult to thoroughly check the greens prior to mowing, observe the quality of cut, and be aware of potential fluid leaks on the turf.  Most importantly, we need to make sure the team is able to work safely with limited visibility.

The reward for the effort comes when the Sun rises and we can see the course looking good and ready for play.

A New Twist on the Turn

The work on the green surrounds has definitely created a few maintenance challenges.  For example, under normal circumstances, crew members are instructed to turn their mowers in the rough (not on the collar) when cutting greens each morning.  However, when the rough is now fresh sod that was just installed, we have to find other options.

A 2' X 8' piece of plastic lattice works well as a surface to turn on, as it protects the turf, is lightweight, and can easily be moved every few passes the mower makes.

 

We have now opened the bunkers on #8 for play.  However, #2 and 3 should still be considered GUR.  The lattice is being left in these bunkers as a reminder that they're still not to be played from.