tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15175704642838184542023-11-15T23:11:34.423-08:00 Bernardo Heights Country Club Turf PageJim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-54167360301668512132017-10-13T15:19:00.000-07:002017-10-13T15:19:41.784-07:00Fall Maintenance and Paspalum RemovalFall maintenance has nearly wrapped up for 2017. We aerified greens less than two weeks ago and they are healing nicely. For this round, we went with larger tines than usual and punched as deep as we could. The greens will appreciate all that oxygen and fresh sand and we appreciate your patience and support during this process.<br />
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We still have some select seeding to accomplish in the rough, but all tees and collars are finished. Soon these areas will be a carpet of dark green. The fairways will also be greening up soon, with the help of our winter pigment that provides the color golfers enjoy without destroying the bermudagrass base we worked so hard to build.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcHJ5M20uyRZPbsdYYJJnOgHGeziCBlm04fTUsdDrZG6KEaDtBcYJljiehXvyXIhHIMkDdf6KCLgIfIVS170M8himm45XfZEsJwLB7wyVIvqQVu1o1kIhtOpfCBXRhSbL1rle0qxwbNY/s1600/IMG_6151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcHJ5M20uyRZPbsdYYJJnOgHGeziCBlm04fTUsdDrZG6KEaDtBcYJljiehXvyXIhHIMkDdf6KCLgIfIVS170M8himm45XfZEsJwLB7wyVIvqQVu1o1kIhtOpfCBXRhSbL1rle0qxwbNY/s320/IMG_6151.JPG" width="240" /></a>Finally, a project we planned months ago is the removal of any remaining paspalum in the greens. We timed a herbicide application to coincide with aerification, so all the ugliness happens at once. The herbicide works great this time of year and produced the results we were looking for, dead paspalum.<br />
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Most greens have some brown paspalum around the edge. The majority is less than a few inches wide, but some is larger. Our Assistant Superintendent, Heather, has been leading the sodding effort on the green edges. We pull the sod from our nursery green that we rebuilt two years ago and replace the dead paspalum while coring out any remaining roots and stolons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmB5jin39_xkpjKseGn1RgK_tZgg5PREKf7u2Qf5V8XQGWkQQtRtFywuw8c2xtuF1Vej7qQxyj8hCIALSdRQ-oVNNUxYPI-M6X1PI7ulQipYSIALbuClfK4L5SwLlXmZqGwpoFrWjQGk/s1600/IMG_6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmB5jin39_xkpjKseGn1RgK_tZgg5PREKf7u2Qf5V8XQGWkQQtRtFywuw8c2xtuF1Vej7qQxyj8hCIALSdRQ-oVNNUxYPI-M6X1PI7ulQipYSIALbuClfK4L5SwLlXmZqGwpoFrWjQGk/s320/IMG_6159.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF8dS-7tVezzQnOGPGh0usHfZ6ujOLAwu7eb9fxDj6bkUaYhsO6A9OwUvjjP2XbGUPdbw7W921qz4q1KEqslX9xfnegl7ic6WCJYMZsrw6BVJFbhApfrslSf3_hRdFQTyv5pVCVwa6EI/s1600/IMG_6156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKF8dS-7tVezzQnOGPGh0usHfZ6ujOLAwu7eb9fxDj6bkUaYhsO6A9OwUvjjP2XbGUPdbw7W921qz4q1KEqslX9xfnegl7ic6WCJYMZsrw6BVJFbhApfrslSf3_hRdFQTyv5pVCVwa6EI/s320/IMG_6156.JPG" width="240" /></a>The sodding project should wrap up next week. Any small spots that remain will heal on their own and we will finally be paspalum free. Thanks to all the members who complimented the crew during the last few busy weeks. I've had many reports from my staff of the encouragement and thanks they receive from passing golfers. They notice when you notice, so thank you.<br />
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-15483665930384777112017-04-29T12:14:00.001-07:002017-05-04T22:01:10.940-07:00Shades of Bermuda<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY51O-r_P8TlNifRIObDc_H5vLFVjrUwehOjRWbMBPaBoA_DX7Z9G0zezzhI044Fo7DPvHI39t0xlZ2d4-zqZkvcNrTTFM_UKObXABWyzvLC6FQVeJVeb5mpFI7uD7RJGwqebUYrQbl8/s1600/IMG_4155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY51O-r_P8TlNifRIObDc_H5vLFVjrUwehOjRWbMBPaBoA_DX7Z9G0zezzhI044Fo7DPvHI39t0xlZ2d4-zqZkvcNrTTFM_UKObXABWyzvLC6FQVeJVeb5mpFI7uD7RJGwqebUYrQbl8/s320/IMG_4155.JPG" width="320" /></a>Bermuda is a fantastic turf for golf. It can take all sorts of abuse, drought, traffic, and maintenance practices and bounce back quickly. Recently, we've really put bermuda to the test, with some scalping in new low-cut areas and aerification of the fairways. Below is a good example of recovery from scalping. The green surround on the par-3 9th hole was trimmed down and went brown for a couple weeks. It's now green, heathy and smoother than ever. These new areas are giving our members more shots to consider and helping to eliminate undesired grasses.<br />
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Over the past two weeks, Bernardo Heights has installed 62,000 square feet of new bermuda grass. This new turf replaces half an acre on the 18th hole, all the collars, a long strip along the range tee, and many locations in the fairways.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b6Wdoxa8sw9JUk6h_ypwgAu-JsbHDO-gE1oy2X3B503WEYUvfPbgMucoYCt4-uXPILfyaR_X6EYiHfj94n4cgRJ-kAbowh4pvPnpzOCRi3eYqMvz4ZtTvL3RmWbPvqbO74fV5C6mTag/s1600/IMG_4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b6Wdoxa8sw9JUk6h_ypwgAu-JsbHDO-gE1oy2X3B503WEYUvfPbgMucoYCt4-uXPILfyaR_X6EYiHfj94n4cgRJ-kAbowh4pvPnpzOCRi3eYqMvz4ZtTvL3RmWbPvqbO74fV5C6mTag/s320/IMG_4397.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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I've had many questions about the project and the new turf, so here are some of the most common:<br />
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<b>Will the new collars go dormant?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCYA1fwzfUCCLP23uKHAPYFs1P8gMiqsT-k8VnnKcNGHv6CEICHZxMMlCfGQx43Dp0vJoJMSjfgF4x13zWjO31TDU1-CenKONNnPSwd6K4HX42Sn45bxnncSuE7NDbQn1VdDXjR-Cies/s1600/IMG_4386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCYA1fwzfUCCLP23uKHAPYFs1P8gMiqsT-k8VnnKcNGHv6CEICHZxMMlCfGQx43Dp0vJoJMSjfgF4x13zWjO31TDU1-CenKONNnPSwd6K4HX42Sn45bxnncSuE7NDbQn1VdDXjR-Cies/s320/IMG_4386.JPG" width="240" /></a>The collars are Tifgreen 328, a fine leaf, hybrid bermuda. This was chosen for a few reasons. It can be mowed very short, it moves laterally less than other warm season grasses, we can overseed it, and it plays well. Yes, it will go dormant, but not like the paspalum we've been dealing with. Also, we will seed in winter with Poa trivialis, which provides a green cover in the cool months, but transitions quickly and dies when it warms. </div>
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<b>Is the sod OK, it looks a little brown?</b><br />
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Whenever we lay bermuda sod, it is very common or standard that the sod goes off color, sometimes solid brown. This is the turf going into a defense stage. It puts all its effort into sending down roots and the leaf tissue above will turn brown. It will green up soon and already has roots down 4 inches in about 10 days. Please don't going looking for roots like this yourself, you'll have to take my word for it.<br />
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<b>Why do some fairways look better than others after aerification?</b><br />
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I've always felt that the fairways that get torn up the most are the ones that need the most work. This past week, we have been solid tining (not pulling a core) the fairways with our big tractor-mounted aerifier. Hybrid bermuda sections show very little damage. This includes most of #5 and #17. It almost looks like we didn't do anything, but there are many, many holes to get oxygen into the soil, improve infiltration of irrigation, and relieve compaction. Where we have common bermuda, most of holes 4, 7, and 10, the turf gets ripped up. Lateral runners of 4-6 inches are severed and pulled up during the process. We drag the fairway with a large mat and then mow off the plants above our cutting height. This is excellent for bermuda. It might turn brown for a few days, but where the bermuda is cut, new growth is stimulated and fresh, healthy leaves replace old tired stems.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqjxUX2GDvjTbQzEfh0SKQIe4TALw08flXDYGdegcL3vfjxesS1hpZBV8AiFhiXAtfNFYOkpEtB2JlimuzCUcVwU_auy41Kduk2_O0QrbLOXWoMdo6EaG5eXBAq6QDmNo17j4ctzR88/s1600/IMG_4391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JqjxUX2GDvjTbQzEfh0SKQIe4TALw08flXDYGdegcL3vfjxesS1hpZBV8AiFhiXAtfNFYOkpEtB2JlimuzCUcVwU_auy41Kduk2_O0QrbLOXWoMdo6EaG5eXBAq6QDmNo17j4ctzR88/s320/IMG_4391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b> Why did we renovate #18?</b><br />
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This area is shaped like a bowl. Insufficient drainage caused sodium from our irrigation to pile up and turf to thin and die. Instead of continuing to core out and replace patches, we spent some money and did it all the right way. The root zone is deeper and healthier with quality sand blended into the existing topsoil. There is 1000 feet of new drain lines which will prevent the sodium from building up again. Irrigation heads have been moved and added to improve coverage. Finally, 3 to 4 types of bermudagrass is now one uniform variety.<br />
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I love the strength and durability of bermudagrass. I appreciate the many shades, and this summer, I'm sure you'll all be seeing more green than ever before. </div>
Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-66582815008659827582017-04-11T12:10:00.000-07:002017-04-11T12:10:01.361-07:00New Collars are Coming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXwPrzYslQYHxSbkS-H46b19I4KXA5V8CSz9dhxmfI34luxtmaadyyCFV4nNuSY_iNfYmXqP_vMvxZ-hxBpm-mpYRkpw-lgVv6Y_LGs68PErgGXZ463JTM4yPym4t1QdrAyR1JV49E9s/s1600/IMG_4197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXwPrzYslQYHxSbkS-H46b19I4KXA5V8CSz9dhxmfI34luxtmaadyyCFV4nNuSY_iNfYmXqP_vMvxZ-hxBpm-mpYRkpw-lgVv6Y_LGs68PErgGXZ463JTM4yPym4t1QdrAyR1JV49E9s/s320/IMG_4197.JPG" width="240" /></a>Paspalum has been a dirty word around Bernardo Heights for a very long time. The green collars, installed about ten years ago, have never been enjoyed by the membership. This turf is a bit sticky, nicknamed velcro by many players. The winter conditions have been poor, overseeding unsuccessful, and even when it looks good, it doesn't play particularly well.<br />
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Over the next few weeks, the collars will be removed and replaced with bermuda 328. This surface will blend nicely with the fairways and green surrounds and new collection/low cut areas. Overseeding will take place in the winter to maintain year-round playability and aesthetics.<br />
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The first step in this process is removal of existing sod and a portion of the soil below. USGA sand will be installed, compacted and graded before sod is laid down. While the crew is completing their tasks, we will have temporary greens in place. Speaking with some members today, I apologized for the inconvenience of temporary greens and the response was an emphatic, "do whatever you gotta do!!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4OsmR2m09K7uGJ0ow9w-dQaCOPinN0w5pScPdya3kovgtOLz2FcQrvRjMnWNYNuVqEpXC27wHziNw5she2dCMXJE6ZYvnz-Ybi4rvETInuDnSUeXh75tzBaYAT0rfUHK71EEfo5-6Uw/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4OsmR2m09K7uGJ0ow9w-dQaCOPinN0w5pScPdya3kovgtOLz2FcQrvRjMnWNYNuVqEpXC27wHziNw5she2dCMXJE6ZYvnz-Ybi4rvETInuDnSUeXh75tzBaYAT0rfUHK71EEfo5-6Uw/s320/IMG_4198.JPG" width="320" /></a>Another project, that actually is well underway, is the renovation of #18 fairway. We've battled this section for years, with many aerifications, topdressings, tons of soil amendments and conditioners. It has improved, but not nearly to the standards we expect for our members. The problem is dense clay soil below the 4 inch sand profile of the fairways. Drainage is not sufficient to drain excess water and salts, we are unable to flush the soil like we do on the greens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQMAjIywPq032OCXtoOemVcbt4yysO0PRatYLURPGtMUdLOgP-gU19VmvF9HH2vrh1sEY8yYYzMl9L83_3qEVXc3l7VgKu7rCFdfeK9xJJKrFs6uFi9LBqBDv8NPgYJuuLTTQbz0cOmQ/s1600/IMG_4199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQMAjIywPq032OCXtoOemVcbt4yysO0PRatYLURPGtMUdLOgP-gU19VmvF9HH2vrh1sEY8yYYzMl9L83_3qEVXc3l7VgKu7rCFdfeK9xJJKrFs6uFi9LBqBDv8NPgYJuuLTTQbz0cOmQ/s320/IMG_4199.JPG" width="320" /></a>Long time members may remember a similar situation on the 17th fairway. This area was a "salt bath" and plagued by the ill effects of bad water, even though it was potable water at that time. Now, our well water, with three times the sodium we used to battle is finding new areas that need a little help. Just like the front half of 17 fairway, we will install drainage and sand to give new hybrid sod some breathing room. And, just like the front of 17, your closing hole is about to be gorgeous.<br />
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To make the most of this project, much of the sod coming off of 18 is quite good and will be relocated in other areas. Our staff installed about 2000 square feet on the range floor yesterday and they are busy prepping locations today to use as much as we can. <br />
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The excitement around the club is obvious. The grand opening for the reinvented clubhouse was just weeks ago and now new collars are coming. As a bonus, the 18th hole is getting a facelift. Things have never looked better and we still have a very long ways to go. <br />
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-79693925795448222462017-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:002017-02-09T13:16:45.929-08:00Coyotes, ropes, and fencesFor years, Bernardo Heights has been the site of a mystery, a frustrating whodunit and why would they do it anyway. The nylon rope we use for traffic control was repeatedly cut, over and over again. Many times the rope would be cut on either side of the green, plastic stakes that serve as fenceposts. The cut is too perfect to be made by anything other than a very sharp knife or a pair of scissors, or so we thought.<br />
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The crew had their guesses of who was responsible. A certain member that complained more than his fair share or the school kids walking home or causing mischief at night. Many ideas were shared to catch the perpetrator such as trail cams, or placing rope outside the homes of members serving as our neighborhood watch. This was a case of senseless vandalism, and somebody was going to pay for it. </div>
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Neighboring superintendents suggested coyotes, but the cut was too perfect. I ventured onto the TurfNet forum and read a long thread about this issue and many people swore the cut from a coyote's teeth is as clean as a knife. Finally, I got smart and escorted Izzo, our resident canine detective, to a recent site of "vandalism." She smelled the rope and the hair stood on her back. She darted around sniffing more pieces of rope and a tree and stopped to mark multiple spots. I could replicate this at every new location. </div>
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So, mystery solved, we are no longer searching for Edward Scissorhands, which was the criminal nickname the club awarded to our suspect. The problem, however, still exists. Many nights the rope is cut, sometimes across the entire course. Traffic control, unfortunately, is a necessary tool to manage turf conditions.</div>
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Our solution is a split rail fence that is dyed to match the color of the mulched areas. The photo above is the 4th fairway, our longest current stretch of fence. I have much more in the shop that will be installed later this year to eliminate daily repair of coyote damage and provide a cleaner look than rope and stakes. </div>
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-50263135745042471622017-01-12T10:56:00.001-08:002017-01-12T10:56:47.308-08:00The woes of winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cart Path Only<br />
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These three words are more feared than "you're still away." Unfortunately, you've all been hearing "cart path only" for a few weeks straight. With another inch about to come down, we won't be driving on the course any time soon.<br />
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This year's rain total, now up to 6.13 inches since October 1st, has been excellent for the course, but not so great for playing conditions. Slow, soaking rains have saturated the soil and we need a stretch of dry weather to firm up. Hopefully, we get some dry days after the next storm.<br />
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Weeds<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2e2CmiS8WQs7sTlJk4EhhAE4i5Nye2iy0hecjtl5YcfejkHZGDfEJe1BmBmku9JjZAo3YZTEkllMYdaigSytLxk9NPWd3Nq-vyu4lmcSpvYS917dSYCNhhlJ_EHUQtMFAGPnVLdmZf8/s1600/IMG_3139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2e2CmiS8WQs7sTlJk4EhhAE4i5Nye2iy0hecjtl5YcfejkHZGDfEJe1BmBmku9JjZAo3YZTEkllMYdaigSytLxk9NPWd3Nq-vyu4lmcSpvYS917dSYCNhhlJ_EHUQtMFAGPnVLdmZf8/s320/IMG_3139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A very high maintenance priority for the next four months will be weed control throughout the course. We lost a very effective weed barrier when we removed 35 acres of turfgrass and replaced it all with mulch and decomposed granite. This year, we are training additional staff to spray weeds and we'll be experimenting with some pre-emergent herbicides. You'll see a lot of little weeds peeking through the mulch. We go hole-by-hole in a continuous loop to keep the landscape as clean as possible.<br />
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Frost Delays<br />
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To end on a positive note, we only had a single frost delay this year and I don't expect to have another as days lengthen and temperatures begin to climb. This has been good for the members, but it has been especially good for the bermuda. Normally, we spend March just waiting for the bermuda to green up, but this year, we didn't lose much color in the first place. The growing season is longer thanks to the mild conditions and we will take full advantage.<br />
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Everybody knows that California needs every drop of this moisture to make up for too many dry years. Let's appreciate our good fortune even when we are cleaning mud off our spikes.Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-31672290318027795382016-12-30T08:34:00.001-08:002016-12-30T08:34:29.668-08:00This is supposed to be the dry winter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzvM5vgROz5IxTbw-_oEcltHlhMsUWfec9VkQ7TkeWsCGBvIolls1mPccWm8reHoKPMvN8rDOYreagEYXUtPmK8SZk1lwTYGYlnWAJhUDQFnbsuM35cs63HH05PBQbtfMVZbDSoubtUE/s1600/IMG_2066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzvM5vgROz5IxTbw-_oEcltHlhMsUWfec9VkQ7TkeWsCGBvIolls1mPccWm8reHoKPMvN8rDOYreagEYXUtPmK8SZk1lwTYGYlnWAJhUDQFnbsuM35cs63HH05PBQbtfMVZbDSoubtUE/s320/IMG_2066.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
La Niña, they call it. It's the positive phase of the El Niño system and it is associated with cooler than average temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, these cooler sea temperatures are sure to bring less rain to drought stricken California. Right?<br />
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Here we are, late December, and the weather station at Bernardo Heights has recorded 3.46 inches of rain in this month alone with more to come this weekend. Last year, we picked up 1.6 inches in December. Then the skies opened up and the biblical rains came down and washed away mulch and DG and bunkers and did very little good. It was all at once, 4.29 inches in 3 days and 2.6 inches in 5 hours. It all ran off and made one hell of a mess.<br />
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This year's rains have been slow and steady. There is some cleanup work to do, but nothing like last year. More importantly, these rains were useful in pushing through our soils and flushing out two years of sodium that's accumulated from our well water. There is no substitute for rain like this.<br />
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Hopefully you've noticed that the many acres of decomposed granite and mulch have held up pretty well this year. We spent a lot of time and money spraying stabilizers on our major runoff areas. I'd say we are about halfway done and we continue to learn as we go. We still need to install more drains and reroute some rain water, but we're making progress.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXM4RXKBIiY6Oc8TbZgjX23Xv9H7Pa8-R2-BlY2jbD_aQY0bKc_xoKQhp_towiE7moajgDD9iJI335_u8FK_Nhz5gGwkhZvzzeOeC3fLkh6i51xz9xC3ysum2znO8ZzfSYCvbADCjIILM/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXM4RXKBIiY6Oc8TbZgjX23Xv9H7Pa8-R2-BlY2jbD_aQY0bKc_xoKQhp_towiE7moajgDD9iJI335_u8FK_Nhz5gGwkhZvzzeOeC3fLkh6i51xz9xC3ysum2znO8ZzfSYCvbADCjIILM/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" width="240" /></a>Another positive I see right now is green bermuda. We just passed the shortest day of the year and the bermuda in most fairways is still green. We have used some colorants, but they have been mowed off and you're looking at grass that is still growing. One reason is a healthier stand of bermuda after all the fairways have enjoyed their first full year of bermuda-only growth. Another is the warm temperatures and lack of frost with only two minor frost events on the year.<br />
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We are in a really good spot right now. The fairways will get back to growing in late March, the mulch and decomposed granite will be groomed and stable, and the greens will be refreshed and ready for another summer after all this amazing rain. All of this points towards excellent conditions in 2017 and that prognostication is far more reliable than a weather report.<br />
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-81890598787729944492016-11-21T09:40:00.000-08:002016-11-21T09:40:22.047-08:00Paspalum CollarsCollars are rarely a topic of conversation at golf courses. The main purpose of a collar or fringe cut is to create a transition between the higher cut green surround and the putting surface. In fact, before Bernardo Heights, I've never heard, "the collars are amazing" or "the collars are terrible." They rarely enter the golfer's mind and they do not need to be thoughtfully played or navigated. If the collars are in decent shape, you'll never hear a word about them.<br />
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We have a different situation here. The collars are Seashore paspalum and they were installed with a five foot width. During most of the year, they look great, but the grain is so extreme that a shot into the collar, even a low chip, will check up hard and stop quickly. If you land down grain, the ball shoots forward. Each chip or pitch requires a decision on how to play the collar. It's a great defense for the golf course, but it's not an enjoyable challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59MsgICIl5G-yCCRyplBIXMjHFhe-gaUsC2fSJL8lSP4WyUv17n7KYh9cUU2qqfIzrJ-cRSVG4sJs1yqCcbI9V6G46kPJ83A3VkShmQNrRguDWNeKeuscIB1KFMSMRyXUnWumTgrsypM/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59MsgICIl5G-yCCRyplBIXMjHFhe-gaUsC2fSJL8lSP4WyUv17n7KYh9cUU2qqfIzrJ-cRSVG4sJs1yqCcbI9V6G46kPJ83A3VkShmQNrRguDWNeKeuscIB1KFMSMRyXUnWumTgrsypM/s320/IMG_1541.JPG" width="320" /></a>When winter rolls around with cool temps and short days, the collars lose their color and density. Some areas thin out completely and we are left to putt on soil around the greens. At least this surface is smooth and predictable. Overseeding is nearly impossible and past attempts have resulted in tufts of cool season turf. Putting on this surface was like Plinko on the Price is Right. Once again, not an enjoyable challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno3Mg_eMgYdzM20mZS4KpXGlN-cfkUqVCL0eZB8bMjeVIYsvvp_E-gWVs-hRudc2nbgd7jtas1kwjwT46CAx6TSEtZEr_VFENm9SVCaL9SFgUu1kbWqnpimd0KtQND7c2eucsIULKI2c/s1600/IMG_2748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno3Mg_eMgYdzM20mZS4KpXGlN-cfkUqVCL0eZB8bMjeVIYsvvp_E-gWVs-hRudc2nbgd7jtas1kwjwT46CAx6TSEtZEr_VFENm9SVCaL9SFgUu1kbWqnpimd0KtQND7c2eucsIULKI2c/s320/IMG_2748.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Our goal is to replace these collars and expand the greens. We have been making progress the last few years, but it may look like the opposite. I get a lot of comments about the paspalum creeping into the greens. We are actually cutting into the collars and expanding the greens. The crew members have been very aggressive, mowing into the collars during the cleanup pass. We then spray the paspalum with a herbicide that does not kill the bentgrass or Poa annua. The photo above is an example of this application. The light, six inch band next to the collar has been sprayed and most of this paspalum will die. The photo to the right shows a collar that has been scalped down to green height. The collar is now only three feet wide in this section, but the reclaimed green will need to be converted or sodded to the proper turf type.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKJ7nW8k8yqbjodX3opSZEbUpxdy_gJRmFGrYS7x2_WoTl7FutP68-czoPwctEOQop6Hx-zQpQRlZ24WfWeE-_Rd7mectTP2rKRTyfMwbHnsQpMUcvlyKinBO9pElKdHhD1yNfJ3tsIY/s1600/IMG_2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKJ7nW8k8yqbjodX3opSZEbUpxdy_gJRmFGrYS7x2_WoTl7FutP68-czoPwctEOQop6Hx-zQpQRlZ24WfWeE-_Rd7mectTP2rKRTyfMwbHnsQpMUcvlyKinBO9pElKdHhD1yNfJ3tsIY/s320/IMG_2749.JPG" width="240" /></a>We have shrunk many collars down to 3 feet, but some are still very wide. Eventually, we would like to reduce the collar to 18 inches and return the rest of the area to putting green. We may complete this task with one major project, installing bentgrass sod that will transition to a blend of bent and Poa like the rest of our greens. If this does not happen, we will continue to convert this turf using our current methods, plus sodding from our nursery green. Some sections are transitioning on their own, like the front of #15, shown here, where Poa annua has filled in most the collar which is half the size it once was. The paspalum will still need to be removed or killed because it will come back during the summer.<br />
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We have made progress and I assure you that the paspalum's days are numbered. I look forward to the day that nobody mentions collars when discussing course conditions. Usually, no word is the good word.Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-46375113634542430432016-11-08T14:32:00.000-08:002016-11-08T14:32:14.418-08:00Check out our new equipment<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWUYWdSfZ3mQr1HbRV_NGPfOEhU8-ChtoXjR9fdcr3lJq0lTtpJsVYk1fOfNTfdpalt7HBjObzG8dux3ubyCrScygTfRKme0zXM9DnhkPwIfFELR6eYEKCFlDBUXG-3bUGzix1e4Xrdk/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWUYWdSfZ3mQr1HbRV_NGPfOEhU8-ChtoXjR9fdcr3lJq0lTtpJsVYk1fOfNTfdpalt7HBjObzG8dux3ubyCrScygTfRKme0zXM9DnhkPwIfFELR6eYEKCFlDBUXG-3bUGzix1e4Xrdk/s320/IMG_2268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFQIQX55OKixS7mB7kICrWWZ1IPmiTlIYfppi6nR5js0CUO5o-Wax9XejRmHXvkPDoQ7vY5czc3JrASiCSXZEXBzPSH12yMRUFwvo-xXsEeXFL63AxLVUiCo17GcTx30Ugga3huI8fCY/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFQIQX55OKixS7mB7kICrWWZ1IPmiTlIYfppi6nR5js0CUO5o-Wax9XejRmHXvkPDoQ7vY5czc3JrASiCSXZEXBzPSH12yMRUFwvo-xXsEeXFL63AxLVUiCo17GcTx30Ugga3huI8fCY/s320/IMG_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a>We've finally broken in all the new toys we got last spring. Most were put to use right away, like our new fairway mower, new rough mower, and large utility vehicle. A new shipment of equipment is exciting for all of us. A vehicle or mower that drives smoothly and is comfortable makes for a happy operator. It's really a big deal when you ask somebody to spend the majority of a day on the same machine. Giving them a brand new mower with a comfy seat, tight steering, ergonomic controls, and a quiet, yet powerful engine will make them more productive.<br />
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The new rough mower replaced a pull behind unit that was 12 years old and wearing down quickly. I was really getting tired of the constant repairs, down time, inconsistent cut, and Jorge complaining daily. Now his only complaint is the fan on the canopy is too strong and makes him cold, so he leaves it off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks4u-0dubO-jEPHx3L_WyrhFJ60cnFRFmU1LLd_9a1R6lRfSHyDAvwscb7HcgT7cBb9xB8mjQfwgTI3x8sBpTFTcsHlQjPbjRD2PHNr1LqzecA5leq5w19Ngejn8oTKqz4IMy-Lqz2KA/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks4u-0dubO-jEPHx3L_WyrhFJ60cnFRFmU1LLd_9a1R6lRfSHyDAvwscb7HcgT7cBb9xB8mjQfwgTI3x8sBpTFTcsHlQjPbjRD2PHNr1LqzecA5leq5w19Ngejn8oTKqz4IMy-Lqz2KA/s320/IMG_2269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our new aerifier replaces two 12 year old units that had their limitations. First off, they were slow, which is why two could be replaced by one. The Toro unit can also be adjusted to go deeper in the soil profile. Just a few weeks ago, we pulled the deepest cores in years, breaking through a layer that formed after too many aerifications at the same shallow depth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEfyDA3H6WEmFKAtom704Kfz2TIRYwiqS4HdI2ESb-mJtLjSxh8cWVpEk5pzi_IIZaTP0Cbi_5ZrDiadOvxMHfsWeyuvC9G4TQsJCRpbl2YYKjvLWqL3BoTii1pxEzWkimlRJgvHjnrI/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEfyDA3H6WEmFKAtom704Kfz2TIRYwiqS4HdI2ESb-mJtLjSxh8cWVpEk5pzi_IIZaTP0Cbi_5ZrDiadOvxMHfsWeyuvC9G4TQsJCRpbl2YYKjvLWqL3BoTii1pxEzWkimlRJgvHjnrI/s320/IMG_1792.JPG" width="320" /></a>We have a backhoe now, which attaches to our largest tractor. We've used this machine many times in a short period, installing drain lines, digging up bad cart path, and exposing irrigation pipe for multiple repairs. The native soil at Bernardo Heights resembles concrete. Hand digging for main line repairs is a two day affair with a couple of employees. Now it's a two hour job. We save time and no one has a sore back.<br />
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Our sweeper has already saved countless hours of labor. Last year, we gathered leaves in piles and then bundled them in burlap tarps to be piled into carts. We didn't have a better option, but now it seems crazy that we were doing that, what a waste of time.<br />
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Lastly, we have a new verticutter that replaces a very old unit that had been used and abused for well beyond it's useful life. This one is simple and powerful. That's all we really need and the overseed result on the driving range tee is proof. Can you see the rows of ryegrass? Without a verticutter, it is very difficult to get the seed established into the dense hybrid bermuda that makes up the majority of this tee. Next year, we will use this unit to control thatch in the fairways and push density in our relatively young stand of bermuda.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFqV4d_MbG7bux6gPbd9AYbWEqrKhFEHU5CfTGKypiPYr-cKpQrqmdM12hiq2_9FMB2txBHcd9Nz2zbBKQFZ71FdeZAagFMEQmc179qOjUq84wTzRtB3jDmUblFrQWX1ejNHYGMHlbDA/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFqV4d_MbG7bux6gPbd9AYbWEqrKhFEHU5CfTGKypiPYr-cKpQrqmdM12hiq2_9FMB2txBHcd9Nz2zbBKQFZ71FdeZAagFMEQmc179qOjUq84wTzRtB3jDmUblFrQWX1ejNHYGMHlbDA/s640/IMG_2603.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I can still think of 20 more machines I would love to have. Trade shows are an endless parade of dream equipment, a candy store for any turf geek. I'll keep asking for more, but I'll admit that we are better off now than I've ever been, at any course.Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-22143324096338939952016-09-29T15:27:00.000-07:002016-09-29T15:27:30.011-07:00The greens are great!! Must be time to aerify. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxf2hxiW4Yh7RcBmFCN1_XmgrlwCtGH4uc8_1PQ5Q1w5NT3ws7VEgo_WjKb_23lVNEexsDwm02FDzeWLqO128CvZe5ZqVLwxkqhayLfA7IlGM4-2asv7voKwZNbsB4hvQxkO4bxNuBr4/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxf2hxiW4Yh7RcBmFCN1_XmgrlwCtGH4uc8_1PQ5Q1w5NT3ws7VEgo_WjKb_23lVNEexsDwm02FDzeWLqO128CvZe5ZqVLwxkqhayLfA7IlGM4-2asv7voKwZNbsB4hvQxkO4bxNuBr4/s400/IMG_2244.JPG" width="300" /></a>Aerification time is here again and just when the greens are healthy and rolling true, we're about to tear them up. I know it seems strange to punch thousands of holes into a surface that is smooth, green, and dense. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?<br />
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I subscribe to this thought regularly, but not with greens. We need to be out in front of the problems and complete all the mandatory preventative maintenance that keeps our greens in the best shape possible. The fact is, they are not perfect. They need an injection of oxygen after a long season of traffic and poor quality water. Sodium has piled up in the soil and air porosity has decreased. We are not seeing any symptoms from these problems and we don't want to. So we punch some holes and make it breath again.<br />
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Fall aerification is my favorite of the year. There is little chance of rain to spoil the day and soil temps are very high. This promotes excellent growth and quick healing. We are always healed up in fall in a week's time. Spring is another story, sometimes needing up to 3 weeks to fully recover, especially in shady locations.<br />
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So next week, expect some sand on the greens and a few more maintenance workers getting in your way. We send staff out to make sure that each and every aerification hole is filled with sand. The crew will be working with buckets and brooms to fill the holes and to remove any excess material. The topdress will be pretty heavy in order to "cap" each hole. This makes for a smoother surface later on and prevents the dimple pattern that most golfers know all too well.<br />
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Nearly all the holes will be healed in a week and the greens will be firmed up and sped up within two weeks. This time of year, working in the predictable San Diego climate, we know what to expect and how the greens will respond. By late October, you'll be playing greens that are smoother, greener, and healthier than what you see today.<br />
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Thank you for your patience during the next couple weeks. We enjoy making a mess every once in a while and you'll enjoy the results when we clean things up.<br />
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-61050953782627188842016-06-24T11:13:00.000-07:002016-06-24T11:13:13.749-07:00Course Condition Update: Fairways<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0MWgyj6_pEQNyoPwMyoNJBJXG2nQOZ4pe7076zKGprvMP2RX-GloxdRBgDyLWuDk9XAVipsH3h9H5Z6DJ7CK3nSglpMPZnYgfZt5BdjXOaIt7i4cJRt3o2FxR17zonKdSSIIvTnXzfU/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0MWgyj6_pEQNyoPwMyoNJBJXG2nQOZ4pe7076zKGprvMP2RX-GloxdRBgDyLWuDk9XAVipsH3h9H5Z6DJ7CK3nSglpMPZnYgfZt5BdjXOaIt7i4cJRt3o2FxR17zonKdSSIIvTnXzfU/s400/IMG_1292.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#5 fairway</span></td></tr>
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I'll start by saying that the fairways at Bernardo Heights are in the best condition they've been for a long time. Gone are the clumps of ryegrass from many years of overseeding that hung around summer after summer, creating tough lies and poor looks. Over the last few years, we've sprayed out nearly all of this rye grass. That was step number one. Late last summer, we were still spraying holes 1, 13, and 15. All three of these have filled in nicely besides a few sections that have other problems.<br />
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These fairways have a host of problems that the staff are working to overcome. The main issue was the wrong type of grass, which has now been corrected. Another obstacle is the sodium found in our well water. This is causing the majority of the thin spots on holes 13, 15, and 18. You can see the sodium quite easily when it wicks to the top of the profile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT6psTU7v1xJO2Gf0OP7HNuSwBWUzeWazV3Z67ytAgEiKNcknrZvi5TAqRVFSVWi16yI_eN4xEy7h4yz78p6XxhRhUwoXwYHSR-3_ZrDrT_lW9-dUZ4zZHUY131O9mtadlasflOT_DGo/s1600/IMG_1333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT6psTU7v1xJO2Gf0OP7HNuSwBWUzeWazV3Z67ytAgEiKNcknrZvi5TAqRVFSVWi16yI_eN4xEy7h4yz78p6XxhRhUwoXwYHSR-3_ZrDrT_lW9-dUZ4zZHUY131O9mtadlasflOT_DGo/s320/IMG_1333.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sodium at surface of #18 fairway</span></td></tr>
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The dark green stripes are drain lines where the sodium can leach out of the soil. Unfortunately, the native soil is so thick that the drain line has little affect just outside of the drain itself. We have no choice but to sod these locations and have been doing so 1500 square feet at a time. This is as much as our staff can handle and install before it burns up in the summer heat. We have already replaced over 6000 sq feet of bermuda sod this year, most of it in traffic zones and fairways. I ordered more today for next week.<br />
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I'm happy to say that the major trouble locations are limited. We have a great stand of bermuda out there that is filling it very well with the first full summer of good growing. Last year, only a few fairways were already clear of ryegrass and they had to endure a 5 month construction program that required heavy traffic, intermittent irrigation, and an unusually cool August. This year, warm temperatures just showed up a few days ago and the change is certainly noticeable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2MSNPip0dOlUJSCFV7-Opv2EH5dPQvhLJtESVaRmBP0MRcdmkXSB2l9R4jg1KH9NZ5mBz8hWE-rKBRzipOct0LIyNfIf8sMci7CNmONf5FT87Dx5katyuPeeHISM0SMLAX6_PGhnSIU/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2MSNPip0dOlUJSCFV7-Opv2EH5dPQvhLJtESVaRmBP0MRcdmkXSB2l9R4jg1KH9NZ5mBz8hWE-rKBRzipOct0LIyNfIf8sMci7CNmONf5FT87Dx5katyuPeeHISM0SMLAX6_PGhnSIU/s400/IMG_0387.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#6 fairway</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZLM1uGo4UjcP6Q2Rie6D0rBhMdcgLsDfagLuviJWGO4Tot3DGZju1cbqdoCxC85uSga3ldHl_VT1R7QvyupHXWXihl5VOLs4Fehds9uHtUP_1VPVelSDiZqcQtIXWQk033omNBFSs7k/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZLM1uGo4UjcP6Q2Rie6D0rBhMdcgLsDfagLuviJWGO4Tot3DGZju1cbqdoCxC85uSga3ldHl_VT1R7QvyupHXWXihl5VOLs4Fehds9uHtUP_1VPVelSDiZqcQtIXWQk033omNBFSs7k/s400/IMG_1369.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#1 fairway</span></td></tr>
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Young bermuda in the sections that were previously thick with ryegrass, are being treated as a grow-in, getting bi-weekly shots of fertilizer. Wetting agents, which make the most of our precious irrigation source, are being applied monthly. It's expensive, but an increased budget is making this possible. We are spot aerifying where necessary and sodding any areas that do not show progress. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#11 fairway</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPspd5h6mnVfvPIUR_riM8qyMquJefg6jQrUCRvgpCSnfP0q0g1N8sHQzSBIB6yrStWp8nF5_q1iw5H0jG7qX6dsuSLP3ayJEslrzWtQ6bhgcP1KmrWGRa9T849MDz-xnWlSAFQlQU4Bo/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPspd5h6mnVfvPIUR_riM8qyMquJefg6jQrUCRvgpCSnfP0q0g1N8sHQzSBIB6yrStWp8nF5_q1iw5H0jG7qX6dsuSLP3ayJEslrzWtQ6bhgcP1KmrWGRa9T849MDz-xnWlSAFQlQU4Bo/s400/IMG_1406.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#8 fairway</span></td></tr>
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The hard working staff will continue to improve the fairways and the entire course every single day. This course hardly resembles itself compared to 3 years ago. We have 12,000 new plants, 35 less acres of turf, bermuda fairways, bermuda tees, and greens that are healthy and rolling beautifully. We can always make it better and we will, one day at a time.</div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt0DiU3mCK0k_Pa_mSkXIq4Tw6HSk0QTjpzTOCTELahRZ1cy7VWcJQ5kooJ89O0fkpj8Kg20nNWzY3mV8FCq5RYmh6imkPVWNUreeP4s8SqzDakXXCUClsGOekfx0I5LbScCrCaSPvGg/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt0DiU3mCK0k_Pa_mSkXIq4Tw6HSk0QTjpzTOCTELahRZ1cy7VWcJQ5kooJ89O0fkpj8Kg20nNWzY3mV8FCq5RYmh6imkPVWNUreeP4s8SqzDakXXCUClsGOekfx0I5LbScCrCaSPvGg/s640/IMG_1442.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#14 fairway</span></td></tr>
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-55797384654452876992016-03-25T14:23:00.002-07:002016-03-25T14:23:53.610-07:00Bunker Renovation is Complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Conditions are improving at a rapid pace. Every bunker on the course has now been renovated with proper sub-surface shaping, new drainage, and new sand. The bermudagrass is waking up, the cool season turf is fading away, and our new drought-tolerant landscape is starting to pop with color. </div>
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We've turned our attention to cart path repairs and spreading out some new mulch. Green aerification went well and tees are up next, this coming Monday. After a long winter, the crew is anxious to get back to converting this course to dense, excellent bermudagrass. </div>
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Below is our before/after shot of the left green side bunker on the 10th hole. There was nearly 2 feet of compacted, old sand in this bunker. Now there is 6 inches of firm, new sand that is consistent and drains well. I hope you enjoy the change as much as I do!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-CrnGsl74lB33IbEChX90LSavT1SPt5_vsUCZuk1dF16HwpauYQnSVogC_7a348jx3KtO5t0-DPujHPyZmjDtw2ZLNl3nCbu9qanDDGYu4QxBDpN765hsiYq9PAbRhvEIHZSGkuTFx8/s1600/10-4a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-CrnGsl74lB33IbEChX90LSavT1SPt5_vsUCZuk1dF16HwpauYQnSVogC_7a348jx3KtO5t0-DPujHPyZmjDtw2ZLNl3nCbu9qanDDGYu4QxBDpN765hsiYq9PAbRhvEIHZSGkuTFx8/s640/10-4a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A1xpI0WQgZCUXwaG38LwitJumAGpGLqdVtxIiGk2UjbWIM0KyYT2yL7Lwyh7x_4WSOGXj6CiHY9EE6bQwReUQEzvTLAjegBHQDDg_x3jA_55kNjF3s0-rHD_E_nuiSSxEBxQgDh5xNU/s1600/10-3b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A1xpI0WQgZCUXwaG38LwitJumAGpGLqdVtxIiGk2UjbWIM0KyYT2yL7Lwyh7x_4WSOGXj6CiHY9EE6bQwReUQEzvTLAjegBHQDDg_x3jA_55kNjF3s0-rHD_E_nuiSSxEBxQgDh5xNU/s640/10-3b.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-55099056509127361072016-02-23T11:02:00.001-08:002016-02-23T11:02:48.729-08:00Bunker RenovationOur friends from United GLI are back on site to continue with bunker renovation. We will be finishing all greenside and fairway bunkers throughout the course, a total of 28 bunkers remaining from our previous renovations. So far, 11 of the 28 bunkers are fully completed with new edges, sand, and most importantly, drainage. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ8Dn06Ob8AT7Zllz4cvAha-ir0LvghyOc16VSee_WpqzBx4P65S5sXFf_yAv240CJA6CbCbiIVZI4p2v498U-TBmgR71ciH3fbjbRV3_sDw0aZJyvfrlTcn2ELpc6LqCrKfzzf4-5EE/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ8Dn06Ob8AT7Zllz4cvAha-ir0LvghyOc16VSee_WpqzBx4P65S5sXFf_yAv240CJA6CbCbiIVZI4p2v498U-TBmgR71ciH3fbjbRV3_sDw0aZJyvfrlTcn2ELpc6LqCrKfzzf4-5EE/s400/IMG_0121.jpg" width="300" /></a>Bunkers need sand replaced every 5-7 years because of contamination. Soil from trimming edges, dust from winds, and washouts from rain can bring silt and clay into the sand. Eventually the bunker will turn into concrete. Adding a few inches of sand every year is not a solution to this problem. The common saying, "there is no sand in the bunkers" is not correct. There is way too much sand in these bunkers and it is all old, contaminated, and unplayable. <br />
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The most important component of a bunker, and maybe an entire golf course, is proper drainage. When water does not leave the bunker and forms a lake, all the silt rises to the top and contaminates the sand. This is the beginning of the end for good, playable bunkers. Covering the contaminated sand with fresh, expensive sand will only result in deeper, useless sand. <br />
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So, it should be no surprise that the #1 goal of this renovation is to install proper drainage in all the bunkers. We are checking and double-checking all drain outlets to make sure they have proper fall and are not clogged or damaged. Yesterday, the BHCC staff installed a new stretch of outlet drainage from the fairway bunker on #2, across the fairway to an existing drain. The previous outlet fell into a gravel bed which did not allow for effective drainage. Other drainage problems we have encountered include crushed pipes, tree root clogs, improper slopes, and high spots that cause water to back up. We are being very careful to get this drainage installed just right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3uzmJQYHDgh4p5-8Cv_g6AgfZLD5NP0mlmZ3zOAjkK1KjH6tBjeydUWSfJmCHhC5832IMuHoL2FNfdh0Q1jMArnejW5mY4lJiNHs_TuIQ2ajf-OSaRno6rYgbZyNadWX9dh8juJ5qSM/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3uzmJQYHDgh4p5-8Cv_g6AgfZLD5NP0mlmZ3zOAjkK1KjH6tBjeydUWSfJmCHhC5832IMuHoL2FNfdh0Q1jMArnejW5mY4lJiNHs_TuIQ2ajf-OSaRno6rYgbZyNadWX9dh8juJ5qSM/s400/IMG_0044.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Another priority with this renovation is returning bunker edges closer to the original design. Of course, the original might not always make sense, so we are making some adjustments to fit our players and the bunker's location. For instance, on the fairway bunker on the par 5, 4th hole, we eliminated a lobe of the bunker that pinned the golfer behind trees. You're already in trouble, so why make it that much harder? Also, we are raising some floors and lowering some lips to provide a better view and a more reasonable shot. Many bunker faces, especially in the fairways, have grown much larger than originally intended. We are cutting these back and expanding the view of the course.<br />
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Finally, I'm sure you noticed the nice brown sod we are laying around the bunkers. We do not want to introduce more Rye grass that I will have to kill in a few months. The dormant bermuda sod will root down and green up in a few weeks, matching our end goal of solid bermuda coverage.<br />
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Thank you for your patience during this construction period. More improvements are on the way!!<br />
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-21310370112323100842016-01-20T14:13:00.000-08:002016-01-20T14:13:00.041-08:00El Niño CleanupA few weeks ago, Bernardo Heights Country Club recorded 4.35" of rain over a 72 hour period. Much of that rain came down in a few short hours and made quite a mess throughout the golf course. Our average annual rainfall is just over 10 inches, so collecting over a third of that amount in three days created some problems for the entire region.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 8th, #7 Fairway after 4.3 inches of rain</td></tr>
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There is some good news, of course. The mulch zones faired very well and require little cleanup. Also, the greens received the flush of salts we've been waiting for since last winter. We have been flushing the greens with well water into the first week of December to try to buy time until the rain started to fall. The sodium is now back to manageable levels and should stay that way until mid-summer when we will have to start the flushing process once again.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 20th, #7 Fairway</td></tr>
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Our cleanup duties will continue for the next couple of weeks and I am very pleased with the efforts of our staff, working day in and day out with sore backs and shovels in hand. Our first point of attention was cleaning the cartpaths from mud and sand so golfers could get around safely. We then turned to bunker repair and completed that task in a week's time.</div>
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A few fairways became rivers during the storm after large drains were plugged with debris. We have examined each drainage location and installed barriers to protect the drains from future problems. The fairways that took on some sand are not severely damaged, just consider this an unscheduled topdressing. We will continue to clean them and encourage the grass to peak through. You can see how much better they are two weeks after the storm. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaqXf1LExpg6eAfWZzkNXOYSif85OWYPRH0HVy4j7slyFRwUEDo480xBYd2Hqn79rFq41osDM-xeJKbWJzxQ5lHZoRE6RIzSx79RamVLQX4Z36e9jEZNOoXMc_T4LkEFj9Bxd490mQNs/s1600/IMG_9678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxaqXf1LExpg6eAfWZzkNXOYSif85OWYPRH0HVy4j7slyFRwUEDo480xBYd2Hqn79rFq41osDM-xeJKbWJzxQ5lHZoRE6RIzSx79RamVLQX4Z36e9jEZNOoXMc_T4LkEFj9Bxd490mQNs/s320/IMG_9678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New French drains on #5</td></tr>
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We are now turning our attention towards the decomposed granite areas that need the sand redistributed and raked. Nothing is broken out there, it just needs to be cleaned up. We'll go spot by spot and day by day to get everything back in order. </div>
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We will continue adding drainage wherever it is needed and I suspect we'll never run out of locations that could use more drainage. We also will work with some soil stabilizers in areas we expect channels of water to form to prevent new erosion.</div>
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A little cleanup is to be expected every winter and a storm of this magnitude has the whole county using shovels, rakes, and brooms to tidy up. The rain is certainly worth the trouble.</div>
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-13418627847165930352015-11-16T10:45:00.000-08:002015-11-16T10:45:52.927-08:00Driving Range Tee Improvements<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6ysmkPtqBBi8MOEyt12b9OYA4mzjZA6R-wD4rZ0FHdVKznNS_UC2ZEO4tetM8c9AohjhtHmcIBeiuxV5vhxpbnAAorFUVd1XzS6WDFRRN9n5Bq5HcYSVJXhb5lgSfB0nhWIaXnL5FWA/s1600/DJI_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6ysmkPtqBBi8MOEyt12b9OYA4mzjZA6R-wD4rZ0FHdVKznNS_UC2ZEO4tetM8c9AohjhtHmcIBeiuxV5vhxpbnAAorFUVd1XzS6WDFRRN9n5Bq5HcYSVJXhb5lgSfB0nhWIaXnL5FWA/s400/DJI_0599.JPG" width="400" /></a>The back tier of the driving range tee has been shrinking for years. The usable practice area was limited by a landscaped bed at the back of the tee, costing us nearly a week of playable turf. In early August, we removed the palms in that bed and started to prepare the tee for new sod. <br />
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The Tifway hybrid bermuda has been down for over a month and players have enjoyed the tee for the last two weeks. Playable surface area increased from 4700 square feet to 7400 square feet, a 60% increase. We should get three weeks of practice time on the upper tee alone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a-VPBs0tWP9aH5nCN_MyLVdw4qbntDsnUD3mJGQAF-pqFIsthHDHhokBwjoW0XUg9DDe2xKSYT0PQMZUdQpDgqD6jhFuLnzCySGk00AOQgLggQW51EGjhGBqvnnF-w169Ooh-PhiABc/s1600/IMG_9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_a-VPBs0tWP9aH5nCN_MyLVdw4qbntDsnUD3mJGQAF-pqFIsthHDHhokBwjoW0XUg9DDe2xKSYT0PQMZUdQpDgqD6jhFuLnzCySGk00AOQgLggQW51EGjhGBqvnnF-w169Ooh-PhiABc/s320/IMG_9236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wQ0BkbuHGEPT-RcTw9JKtfuAD6TqmBPk9vv8ZvlynMUH7JoqC5atUSo-Ki_yrfx-2UozpIeGgdUW_w2vNoBAJ-RhukFT3eJt-ykDfRCQw4F7yWQg-6NWc-2Lvy7i6tQdPvRN1s5n5Sk/s1600/IMG_9311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wQ0BkbuHGEPT-RcTw9JKtfuAD6TqmBPk9vv8ZvlynMUH7JoqC5atUSo-Ki_yrfx-2UozpIeGgdUW_w2vNoBAJ-RhukFT3eJt-ykDfRCQw4F7yWQg-6NWc-2Lvy7i6tQdPvRN1s5n5Sk/s640/IMG_9311.JPG" width="640" /></a>Further improvements to the area include the renovation of the space between the driving range and the tee complex for the first hole. We removed some large and overgrown birds of paradise bushes and will be planting over fifty drought tolerant plants matching the rest of our new landscape. Decomposed granite will replace the turf that used to cover this area, providing a clean look and multiple access points between practice area and the first tee. <br />
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This small project increases our turf reduction total by another 3500 square feet to nearly 40 acres in the last three years. Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-38663102095260338422015-09-01T14:42:00.000-07:002015-09-01T14:42:03.384-07:00New Tool, New ToyI recently submitted a video to a contest hosted by TurfNet and Aquatrols on the topic of Smart Water Management. Our Turf Reduction Program offered some great material and saving water has been our focus for a number of years. Doug Ayers of Corral de Tierra, one of the most innovative superintendents I've ever known, took first place leaving me with a very cool second place prize. You can see the top three videos by following this link: <a href="http://www.turfnet.com/page/turfnet-tv.html/_/aquatrols-smart-water-video-challenge/">TurfNet Videos</a><br />
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We now have a tool in our arsenal that does much more than entertain, which it does quite well. The DJI Phantom 3 Advanced drone is the most exciting toy I've ever owned. It reaches speeds over 30 mph, comes with a very good camera, and can capture photos and videos I've always wanted at a golf course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcWiO_BHx6jx4dMGUNA1GEOur4vMjKAqtLqr4STe59id9LXXE7W1oNoVIiSU7AP4-UDHOriOQ_vFAZEgBVPrKcX-sn2sbouwhZqUbcUnS9EA4PninmbatXYXpXO-brzdczSBiBrY3JHE/s1600/DJI_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZcWiO_BHx6jx4dMGUNA1GEOur4vMjKAqtLqr4STe59id9LXXE7W1oNoVIiSU7AP4-UDHOriOQ_vFAZEgBVPrKcX-sn2sbouwhZqUbcUnS9EA4PninmbatXYXpXO-brzdczSBiBrY3JHE/s400/DJI_0121.JPG" width="400" /></a>So, how is this useful to the course? First off, the obvious answer is the marketing potential, shooting excellent photos at no additional cost. Aerial photographs have always been attractive to a golf course, but the price tag made it hard to justify. You'll be seeing many new photos on the website, blog, and newsletter as I pick out the best and share with the other departments. <br />
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From a turf standpoint, the overhead view is very useful to investigate problems that are hard to see at ground level. Drainage issues, irrigation uniformity, soil inefficiencies, fertilizer applications, and shade patterns are just some of the issues we face everyday. A quick flyover by the drone will produce many photos I can share with our staff as we work to make the course as good as it can be.<br />
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Project planning and documentation are also made easy with wide angle pics achieved with altitude. Before I would draw out plans on the shop's dry erase board and point to old maps in the shop along with a trip to the job site. Having a actually photo of the area in question with sketches right on the photo takes out any guess work and allows the staff to accomplish exactly what I'm looking for without extra supervision.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87qIJJIkg5PdgVlI3b_GpGqTijboGVhJwJI6gE5xP7QlLsEi-H-NOQ66HgRwlR8R1bmAAPxza-OXO7uoTl5STwqvAb8tCIUBVu8osjb3DX80IlZC1ieHPFttQHM7sPluB1ob8ltwL_7s/s1600/DJI_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87qIJJIkg5PdgVlI3b_GpGqTijboGVhJwJI6gE5xP7QlLsEi-H-NOQ66HgRwlR8R1bmAAPxza-OXO7uoTl5STwqvAb8tCIUBVu8osjb3DX80IlZC1ieHPFttQHM7sPluB1ob8ltwL_7s/s400/DJI_0198.JPG" width="400" /></a> Last night, I was trying to get some sunset photos on the par 3 12th hole. The sunset was a little disappointing with much of the color lost in a distant marine layer. <br />
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I'm still learning to fly the drone, but I can't help to get a little overconfident and fly too close to potential hazards, for example, the the ash tree next to 12 green. The video of the crash is great, but the blogger site is not liking it right now. I'll try again later.<br />
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The good news is the drone is OK and was back in the sky after I dusted off the leaf debris and bunker sand. <br />
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In case you were wondering, my dog, Izzo, hates the drone. When she is around, I have to land it on top of a golf cart. I'll post a good example in the near future.<br />
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-9745106174531347922015-08-07T14:18:00.000-07:002015-08-07T14:18:04.116-07:00Things you'll see this weekendEach weekend, members are treated to the first look of some new scenery. Closing the back nine during the week allows our contractors and the BHCC staff to accomplish so much more while remaining safe from errant shots. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this very important project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKdqsIDxUPxVCOW7c-wVskm_tH9oTTMhwC0GSSqu00J4TvmKq6dyK487HGc68tpLmWzEe_FinffOaztm9sgbpznIpHm7IhOspyMmmuedvsLBonWl8R_7bNd0XmNpdEPk26DJ-dpoo_cI/s1600/IMG_8512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKdqsIDxUPxVCOW7c-wVskm_tH9oTTMhwC0GSSqu00J4TvmKq6dyK487HGc68tpLmWzEe_FinffOaztm9sgbpznIpHm7IhOspyMmmuedvsLBonWl8R_7bNd0XmNpdEPk26DJ-dpoo_cI/s320/IMG_8512.JPG" width="320" /></a> In 3 weeks, United GLI has finished holes 12, 13, 14, and 15 and the 16th hole is being planted today. All turf to be removed is stripped off number 17 which will be irrigated with drip emitters next week. The tee complexes on #'s 11, and 18 are also ready for new plantings and then it's on to holes 10 and 11.<br />
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If you haven't been to the club recently, there are changes to be seen from the moment you pull up the driveway. For 3 years, I've wanted to remove the grass that struggled under the ficus trees and dress up our entry with drought tolerant plants that look good year round. I'm pretty happy with the new look as are many of the club's visitors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15AAjND27GkkuK1ZRtG7PrkCL5FOA26qWofwRezxubWHYho6BakjeYvHG8-Kt20q7d5-JWw5JIdcDhuzoYz0ftUxGu3M5BZuFZkHuYyYmCK9OuavFkOEKIWgcbdzBhyphenhyphenu3TbnQuhxi7m8/s1600/IMG_8493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15AAjND27GkkuK1ZRtG7PrkCL5FOA26qWofwRezxubWHYho6BakjeYvHG8-Kt20q7d5-JWw5JIdcDhuzoYz0ftUxGu3M5BZuFZkHuYyYmCK9OuavFkOEKIWgcbdzBhyphenhyphenu3TbnQuhxi7m8/s320/IMG_8493.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG1NYGsKtMCvHpAI9kfsCFO7NdEG_UjybW4_X98GgpS1GD08aiTL4fuzRsLinDD0c2Jm-ldTZgJH3l80d7VacF9j6QRl5bvyN4PUGKn4EbFyTkmfnswJsIaJdQN153ZO5hKcWnvTi0TQ/s1600/IMG_8472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYG1NYGsKtMCvHpAI9kfsCFO7NdEG_UjybW4_X98GgpS1GD08aiTL4fuzRsLinDD0c2Jm-ldTZgJH3l80d7VacF9j6QRl5bvyN4PUGKn4EbFyTkmfnswJsIaJdQN153ZO5hKcWnvTi0TQ/s320/IMG_8472.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The driving range is missing a few plants that divided the pavement from the back tee. We are transplanting the palms and ornamental garlic to make room for more tee space. The back tee of the range will be renovated in-house over the next month and this is step number one. We should gain about 5 days worth of practice, all of which will be on level bermudagrass. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVS834mdbTiE0rqwqzKzJ9aI8f9PolEMCS8ORppJXTmcZZtMnA2qP6WhW39wukjvrMs-EyErPB6itddtjw1GZqTHF0hqmrZfZ-Tt1766NmrrAoUoGyKikG4DdddirGMuhlunyMvKhKDk/s1600/IMG_8507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVS834mdbTiE0rqwqzKzJ9aI8f9PolEMCS8ORppJXTmcZZtMnA2qP6WhW39wukjvrMs-EyErPB6itddtjw1GZqTHF0hqmrZfZ-Tt1766NmrrAoUoGyKikG4DdddirGMuhlunyMvKhKDk/s320/IMG_8507.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
The fairway on #13 has finally been sprayed out with Monument herbicide which eliminates cool season grass, leaving only bermuda behind. This is the last fairway, besides some of the par 3's. I'm pretty happy with the amount of bermuda that we have to work with. Most areas will fill in the small voids and we will sod any large sections. As intended, we will have 100% bermuda fairways by the end of this summer, 3 years after beginning this campaign and 5 years post-overseeding.<br />
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New turf on a reshaped, combo tee for #'s 11 and 18 looks a little brown, but don't worry. Bermuda sod will often turn brown if it becomes stressed out as a defense mechanism to limit carbohydrate reserves until there are better conditions. As you can see, there are many new white roots already 3 inches into the soil. This sod will be solid green in no time.<br />
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-7502278019061989262015-07-21T13:42:00.001-07:002015-07-21T13:42:41.956-07:00Rain in July<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLNHcqk2kLcmJ0ipVPQs5UnVwDDpBvxPZpqFs2QKkL9yVfevtldbXO5c0rDW16YOEDFLprZymvJJe0BYo31hlud9TWU3rS9eqMHGWCn-0YVT674843tOOZ8EJCBBq_EJ3kzYoXPkkYc/s1600/IMG_8370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJLNHcqk2kLcmJ0ipVPQs5UnVwDDpBvxPZpqFs2QKkL9yVfevtldbXO5c0rDW16YOEDFLprZymvJJe0BYo31hlud9TWU3rS9eqMHGWCn-0YVT674843tOOZ8EJCBBq_EJ3kzYoXPkkYc/s400/IMG_8370.jpg" width="300" /></a>This past weekend, the course accumulated 1.4 inches of rain over 48 hours, most of it came down in 5 hours with heavy downpours. I came to the course early Sunday morning expecting the worst in our new mulched and sanded turf removal zones. I knew the mulch would be fine, it always is. The steepest, mulched portion is around the tee box on the fourth hole which suffered no erosion at all.<br />
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I was relieved to find that most sections of the sand held up very well like this portion of number 3 (below), there was no cleanup needed.<br />
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Portions of sand that did erode highlighted the need for drainage improvements. In the photo below and left is the area between the tee and fairway on the third hole. This tracking was a result of a plugged cart path drain that sent water across the sands. Cleaning up of this area took about 20 minutes using a mechanical rake, so it was a quick fix.<br />
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A more troubling problem was along the path by the fifth hole where sands were eroded badly. We have reviewed this area and will install some new drainage to divert the flow of water. This rain was a wonderful test of our new design. Problem areas were identified, stability was tested, and cleanup efforts were put through a trial run. <br />
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Of course, the best part of this unexpected rain was the impact to our turf. The rough, fairways, tees, and trees received the most uniform irrigation in months. Our out-dated irrigation system and even the newest irrigation system is a poor substitute for real rain. Also, rain is not heavily polluted by salts, so the flushing power can clean out the garbage that's piled up in our soils. The putting greens looked refreshed on Sunday and our handheld EC meter, which records salinity content, was proof that the rain worked wonders.</div>
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-80554134238865043752015-06-24T18:15:00.000-07:002015-06-24T18:15:26.029-07:00First Hole is Complete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A month after this project began, we have the first hole finished. The par-4 Fifth hole is now completely landscaped with over 1000 new plants. All the turf surrounding the tees has been removed and replaced with sand. Border areas and slopes on both sides of the hole have been dressed with 3-4 inches of dark brown mulch. There's a new path around the back tee that leads to the restroom, a often requested addition using more compacted sand in an area which used to be water-loving grass. This project is moving along nicely and it feels good to have an area complete.<br />
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The crews spreading mulch and sand are now busy on the sixth hole and soon will head to #4 where irrigation is ready and planting is nearly finished. Ahead of the planting crew are irrigation installers and ahead of them are a handful of guys running trenches for the hard pipe portion of the drip line. <br />
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The project is on track to complete holes 3 thru 8 in the second week of July. We will then move on to the back nine for approximately six weeks. <br />
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You may notice some dried out sections and some traffic zones that have turned brown during this project. This is an expected result of a construction project and these areas will recover very quickly. A little water, fertilizer, and some venting with an aerifier can get bermuda to green up and bounce back. <br />
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When you get to play these completed holes this coming weekend, we'd like you to keep your carts out of the new areas as much as possible. There are a couple zones where carts can cross through the sands to get to the fairway, so feel free to do so. However, if your ball lands in the mulch, please walk to that location and leave the carts behind. <br />
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More updates coming soon.<br />
<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-55969340552293832832015-06-11T16:08:00.000-07:002015-06-11T16:28:25.158-07:00Nearing a finished product (on one hole)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Number five is where this process started and that hole will be the first to be completed. We are actually pretty close, just a few weeks since the project began. All the old turf has been removed, the soil has been rototilled and then compacted, flags have been placed to designate locations of plant material and now the crew is installing irrigation.<br />
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The drip system uses sub service delivery in 3/4 inch pipe. The only part that comes above ground is the emitter to water each plant. Trees will get soaker hoses in a couple of rings, but besides that, we will not have any hoses above ground. This allows us to use a bunker rake to dress up the area periodically without damaging any drip line. Also, players will not encounter drip lines when playing out of the native zones.<br />
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There are many hundreds of feet of drip line trenches on each hole. This is a pretty time consuming task, but with 4 trenchers going at once, it's moving faster than I had expected. Once the irrigation is installed, the plants will go in and the compacted sands and mulch will be spread as a final piece. The sand will be compacted with hand and mechanical rollers and the area will be finished. </div>
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The first shipment of plant material came in today, mostly larger items like 36" box sycamore trees, 24" box <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaleuca_nesophila">pink malaleucas</a>, and some 15 gallon 'after dark' peppermint tree. It's going to look pretty sharp out there. </div>
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-20889071075766579432015-06-08T13:06:00.001-07:002015-06-11T15:54:37.200-07:00Update and artist rendering<div>
Below, is a representation of our finished product. One of the priorities of our plant selections was to bring some color into our landscape. This isn't an official plant map, so don't be too concerned about the specifics. More than likely, we will have thinner plantings between tee and fairway, heavier plantings as you move towards the OB lines and homes. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;"><b>Baccharis pilularis</b></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;">, called </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;">Coyote Bru</b><b style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22px; text-align: start;">sh</b></span></h3>
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Notice the contrast provided by the grass against the compacted sands bordering the mulch on the slopes. Within the mulch areas are thick ground covers like acacia and baccharis pilularis, or coyote brush. We are considering 22 different plants to be used in the plan including a variety of trees, bushes, ground covers, and grasses. I will share the complete list when we've confirmed availability of all plant types. As you may suspect, getting drought tolerant plants is fairly difficult with all these projects occurring at the same time.</div>
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Today, some flags are being placed on hole number 5, to mark plant locations and the dividing line between mulch and sand. Turf removal on holes 4 thru 8 will be completed in the next couple of days and soon we will be digging up heads on the rest of the course which was sprayed with herbicide one week ago. You can already see the effects of the treatment on this large portion of turf between the 9th tee, 2nd fairway, and the driving range. This is a great example of useless turf that will be replaced by much more attractive low-water plantings.<br />
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Finally, last week BHCC hosted the Women's Member-Guest Tournament in the middle of a very messy project. Instead of complaining about the dust and less than perfect conditions, our members used the opportunity to showcase our efforts to reduce water usage and beautify the club. The staff and I received so much praise for our work in making the course as presentable as possible. Of course, everything was mowed, the bunkers were raked, detail areas trimmed, and the greens cut and rolled. However, the unusual work was plentiful, like a new walk path to the 3rd tee box. It had been rototilled the day before to a depth of 8 inches and walking to the tee box would have been very difficult. We shoveled up the mess, lined the path with some shredded bark, and marked the entrance with some cobble stone. </div>
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In just a few weeks, the entrance to this tee box will take on another design... attractive, permanent, and drought tolerant. </div>
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-19952629371861861682015-05-29T15:26:00.001-07:002015-05-29T15:26:47.260-07:00Turf Removal Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3f4TBRqZWLfVsFIwBB7F2wjbbT0BymuLOZhPrkGRxLRyZUWVMU8D29NBO5OpA_2_MJ91qioDC6E-1-h8pRJHDVgGgO_jb1jYSzoLwE0d6ysmIsBVHodnZEegGtHKSayP3KYuIGSWi4I/s1600/IMG_7853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3f4TBRqZWLfVsFIwBB7F2wjbbT0BymuLOZhPrkGRxLRyZUWVMU8D29NBO5OpA_2_MJ91qioDC6E-1-h8pRJHDVgGgO_jb1jYSzoLwE0d6ysmIsBVHodnZEegGtHKSayP3KYuIGSWi4I/s400/IMG_7853.JPG" width="400" /></a>The demo portion of the turf removal project is well underway. Holes 3 to 8 have been sprayed out two times and the turf is being stripped. The first cut is completed with two passes of a sod cutter followed by a crew with shovels and a skid steer pulling the mess away from the grass that will remain. <br />
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Other workers are digging up sprinkler heads and pipes, preparing to shrink our irrigated area. When we finish up, there will be 33% less turf on the golf course. <br />
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To the left is a photo of a sample of the sand that will replace some of the turf coming out. It isn't a granite-based product, so we can stop calling it DG. Until we think of a more clever name, we'll just call it sand. This product compacts well, has great color, and is free of rocks, so no dings in your clubs. <br />
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We will also be using mulch in many locations. The material is a dark brown stained mulch, very similar to the landscaping on the 11th hole around the pump house. I will place samples of both products outside the proshop to give you a better look.<br />
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So far, one of my favorite changes is the par four 6th hole. This is a fairly short and simple dogleg right that has always seemed a little bland off the tee. You can punch a hybrid or 3 wood out to the left side and not think twice about it. I hope the new shape makes you think as it looks like more of a carry than it is. The fairway is well defined and the left side will become more than a pasture of turf. Simply put, this hole looks more interesting than it ever has. Wait till we get some plants in the ground. <br />
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I'll have some examples of plant types in a future post.<br />
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-79666814148414458852015-05-18T16:34:00.001-07:002015-05-18T16:34:37.516-07:00Turf Reduction Project Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WYFRWb6q0kUX_PmxRrJ9tnCX3o65NoG2KQ-30IuKL5ZQ5nWlnvPE9KHBRpwwrSZ9cg7WySPWetuMYpfiWhw4JSAiooXAKDXGk3yc04bB-jJsaUGcKBCmgPhdVVxpUT-lVyZ3jyE54XI/s1600/IMG_7812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WYFRWb6q0kUX_PmxRrJ9tnCX3o65NoG2KQ-30IuKL5ZQ5nWlnvPE9KHBRpwwrSZ9cg7WySPWetuMYpfiWhw4JSAiooXAKDXGk3yc04bB-jJsaUGcKBCmgPhdVVxpUT-lVyZ3jyE54XI/s320/IMG_7812.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
On May 4th, Bernardo Heights Country Club received official notice of approval for the Turf Rebate Program funded by Metropolitan Water District. We will be removing 33.42 acres of turf over the next few months, greatly reducing our water needs while beautifying the course during the same period. <br />
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Since our initial approval, we have sprayed herbicide on 10 acres on holes 3-8. This is the first portion of the course we will renovate while the other holes remain open for play. Weekend play will continue as normal and major tournaments will go on as planned. However, a project of this size does require some concessions from all parties involved. There are days our contractor will have take the day off, and there are days the members will not be able to play all 18 holes. Each golf group will be impacted, but at the end of this summer, we will have a much better golf course.<br />
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I've received many questions about the grass we intend to remove, mainly, "Aren't you going to remove the sod to plant in an area of rough that needs grass?" This does make sense, and we will do this when possible, but it is important to kill the plant completely. If we cut sod right before renovation, we will have bermuda popping up in our new landscape for years. We want to reduce maintenance on the course, so the herbicide application is very important. <br />
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Since we are starting on 6 holes, we will cut sod from some sections of the other twelve holes and spray them later on. The sod will begin to grow again in 2 weeks, giving us enough time to cut, regrow, and then spray. <br />
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The first herbicide application was applied by our spray tech Abel and me. It's a little uncomfortable rolling around the course with a tank of glyphosate (roundup), but we are pretty happy with the results. Take a look at the third hole and imagine the new look we will have. <br />
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The brown grass will be replaced with a sandy mix, like decomposed granite, but more sandy in nature. I'll put a sample in the Golf Shop when it comes in. The sand areas will be planted with grasses and native plants. The cart path will be hidden from view. The hillsides, which always struggle due to the slope and a lack of fertilizer and weed control will be well landscaped, attractive, and sustainable. <br />
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It's time to get excited because there are some big changes coming to BHCC. Many updates coming up. Check the Twitter feed as well <a href="https://twitter.com/alwinejr">@alwinejr</a>Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-13310796499200353942015-03-04T07:37:00.000-08:002015-03-04T07:37:26.257-08:00Say Goodbye to RyegrassAs we continue our transition to bermudagrass, the importance of removing competition cannot be overstated. We do not want ryegrass hanging around, stealing valuable nutrients, water, and space in the root zone. It also grows at a different rate making for bad lies and poor aesthetics. A full stand of ryegrass is beautiful, but a bunch of clumpy rye in a stand of bermuda is an unsightly mess. <br />
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The problem is, ryegrass is stronger than you may think. Sure, in the middle of the desert it will naturally succumb to high temperatures and fade away, but in San Diego, it will survive year-round even with water cutbacks, high sodium soils, and bermuda competition. We've opted for a very quick transition using herbicides that will wipe the slate clean. No more clumpy ryegrass or Poa annua in the fairways and most of the rough (some cool season grass will remain under trees). Even the kikuyu grass is getting beaten back along with any weeds that came up with the winter rains.<br />
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Below is a before/after of some clumpy rye in a hybrid bermuda portion of #15 fairway:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2f15rEGGcl5scOPKltI8xdYgahMTYRlQ0e9pWes_La_ZU2teecIdd2N1YhP0JAvNG7wz5zBP9aRAC5wRkl_WhyreTlkZHwbF3bkBm9vz-FFNV6EiAfHGNSHXXeL8WEtTtm3co8hXZXo/s1600/IMG_7356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2f15rEGGcl5scOPKltI8xdYgahMTYRlQ0e9pWes_La_ZU2teecIdd2N1YhP0JAvNG7wz5zBP9aRAC5wRkl_WhyreTlkZHwbF3bkBm9vz-FFNV6EiAfHGNSHXXeL8WEtTtm3co8hXZXo/s1600/IMG_7356.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>These clumps of ryegrass look insignificant after they are sprayed. There will be no void remaining, like a divot that needs to be filled. The bermuda will fill the space as the ryegrass decomposes. If the whole fairway looked like this, I would have sprayed all of it back on February 2nd. However, the south portion of this fairway is shaded with some trees and hosts a higher population of ryegrass. It will not be spared, but we will wait until we are ready to pull some sod from other areas to replace thin spots. The results shown in this post take a month and the turf is still playable, just off color. We will spray the rest of the fairway soon and map out areas to be sodded. </div>
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In the photo to the left, our application zone is obvious and you can see the darker ryegrass in the background near the trees. There is plenty of bermuda here as well, but sod will be used in any areas that will not fill in quickly.<br />
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This program to eradicate cool season grasses is not limited to the fairways, in fact, this year the main focus will be the rough because the fairways are nearly finished. Below, you can easily see the ryegrass that remains around the green and bunker on #3. I was not comfortable spraying any closer to the green, I wasn't even comfortable spraying this close to the green. I am happy with the results. There was no tracking onto the putting surface and the bermuda under all that rye looks as good as we expected. </div>
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These locations were thoroughly mapped out last summer before any cools season grasses could take over. We have already sprayed over 6 acres of rough and will continue through the warmer seasons. A mono stand of bermuda looks so much better than a Heinz 57 mix of grasses. Playability and consistency will improve and summer heat will not be an issue. </div>
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Stay tuned for more notes about killing and growing grass. One is nearly as important as the other.</div>
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<br />Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-3698969990468910232015-02-06T19:02:00.000-08:002015-02-06T19:02:32.335-08:00Office Hour NotesLast Saturday, the club hosted a session we call Office Hours, which is a short presentation followed by a Q&A dealing with course conditions and maintenance. Today, I'd like to share a summary of the topics discussed for those of you who were not able to attend.<br />
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For the new subscribers, this post is many times longer than a normal post. We covered a massive amount of information, much of it fairly technical. I'll try to keep this as short as possible.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Fairways</span></h2>
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Yes, this is the main topic of debate at Bernardo Heights Country Club and for obvious reasons. There are many thin lies in the fairways since bermuda is not growing well during the winter months. We just passed the worst of it with five days of heavy frost near New Years Day. Some members are wondering why the fairways look this way however I'd like to explain why the fairways have never been better positioned for the future.</div>
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The bermuda fairways are young; some have only been pure bermuda for four months. By pure bermuda, I mean that there is no other grass growing in the fairway. There is no perennial ryegrass leftover from our overseeding days and there is no Poa annua that has been allowed in during winter months. Most of our fairways are pure bermuda and will only get better as temperatures increase. </div>
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The par 3's and holes 13 and 15 have not been sprayed to eliminate the cool season grasses, but they will very shortly. By the end of this summer, we will have 100% bermuda fairways. We have made it past the ugly conversion stage and can now enjoy the maturing process that will produce the carpet-like bermuda we've been waiting for. I've been smiling lately because it's closer than you think.</div>
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Take a look at this picture of the fairway on #2 that I took this morning:</div>
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Now compare it to a photo taken on the 14th of January just a few weeks ago:</div>
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Hopefully you see a difference and an improvement. We've moved from a two grass cycle to bermuda year-round. Overseeding is really successful in Palm Springs, but we are not Palm Springs. We do not receive a return on a ryegrass investment. It is much better to suffer for a month or two and enjoy excellent conditions the rest of the time. Once the bermuda is matured and filled in, by the end of this summer, next winter will not be so bad at all. We originally promoted the fairway conversion as a three year process back in 2012 and we are right on time. Get ready for some beautiful fairways this year.</div>
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Just like the majority of golf courses in San Diego, our greens are mostly Poa annua. This includes Torrey Pines, Rancho Sante Fe, and San Diego Country Club. I would love to play those greens on a daily basis. Stop being afraid of Poa because it is truly a remarkable putting surface. </div>
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The greens at Bernardo Heights are starting to roll very well with the bentgrass waking up with warmer temperatures. We have a blend of bentgrass and Poa, and they are really starting to even out and blend together. Soon, we will begin light topdressing to fill slight imperfections and the occasional verticut to control puffiness. This morning, greens were rolling around 10.5, a bit faster than they've been in previous weeks. We plan on keeping the greens between 10.5 and 11 on the stimp meter, a very reasonable speed for our greens.</div>
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Sodium issues that come about from our irrigation water are under control, especially with the nice rains we received in December. We need more of those rains to flush salts through the root zone. Toward the end of last summer, we changed the way we flush greens and now feel we have a good handle on this practice. Read about that and some changes to the fertilizer program in this previous blog post: <a href="http://bhccturf.blogspot.com/2014/11/adjustments-to-greens-program.html">Adjustments to the Greens Program</a></div>
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Another major topic at Saturday's meeting was the condition of the collars around the greens. We have paspalum collars and have to live with that grass type for now. In the winter, this turf will go dormant and lose a lot of it's leaf tissue. This results in a very thin stand of turf, sometimes right down to the soil. Last year, we scalped the collars down to the soil and overseeded with ryegrass. This made the collars look nice, but they did not play very well at all. There are varying opinions on this year's strategy of using colorants and no seeding, but the overall consensus is the collars play better this way. The paspalum is beginning to green up again and we are mowing it low to knock down the tufts of ryegrass leftover from last year's seeding. </div>
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The collars just passed the center of winter and low point of growth potential. Like the bermuda fairways, they will only get greener and smoother as temperatures warm. </div>
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We've been tracking the water level of our new well since last May and readings have been very positive. In May of 2014, the water sat 310 feet below the ground. The fracture from which we pull water sits at 980 feet. Our pump sits at 600 feet below ground. The last reading, taken on January 30th was up to 307 feet below the surface, three feet higher than May of last year. </div>
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We are committed to maintaining this source of water in a sustainable fashion. Without overseeding, we will be using very little water throughout the cooler months. We have and will continue to remove turf from areas out of play. Over five acres were removed from the irrigation grid over the last two years and we are exploring a turf reduction program to remove up to an additional 15 acres. </div>
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Water quality is not excellent, but it is manageable. Regular water tests have shown the well water to have the same amount of sodium and bicarbonates (bad things for turf) as when we first started drawing water. We expect the levels of salts to remain constant and we have found the proper maintenance practices to grow turf in spite of less than perfect water.</div>
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Since the time the well was put into operation, the club has saved over $560,000 minus electricity costs. We also have saved the City of San Diego over 90 million gallons of water by utilizing an untapped source of water that would not be useful in most situations. I think we can be proud of this investment, both for the dollar savings and the reduction of the draw on our drinking supply. Water is a precious resource and we are dedicated to using every drop as efficiently as possible.</div>
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Now that the rough is back on the fertilizer program and undesirable grasses are being removed, we are getting very close to where we want to be. Last Monday, I sprayed over two acres of rough with a product that will eliminate ryegrass tufts. We will continue to spot fertilize thin spots and push our bermuda stand. Once we eliminate the tufts that cause most of the bad lies, we will have nothing standing in our way.</div>
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You may be hearing a common theme in most of these sections: ryegrass is in our way. Overseeding has caused us many pains. The bermuda was weak, bare spots emerged in late summer, and a huge cost was imposed on the club for good winter conditions. San Diego's winter is so short, it kinda blends with the other seasons and today, it was 80 degrees. </div>
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We have direction now. The fairways will be bermuda. The rough will be bermuda. The green surrounds will be….. you guessed it, bermuda. This grass type takes less water, handles sodium, and can provide excellent playing conditions year round. </div>
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For the last two years, half of my job has been killing turf. I'm good at it. If we never get rid of the ryegrass and poa that have starved the bermudagrass, the conversion can never take place. Well, we are almost out of grass to kill. </div>
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To wrap up the longest blog post I've written in five years, I like where we are sitting right now. We have a stable water source that saves us money. We've converted to a grass that wants to grow here. We have a fantastic layout and some members who really love being here. And shame on me for not mentioning my wonderful staff last Saturday or until the final section of the blog. They care about this course, they are really excited about the bermuda fairways, and they are the best Turf Maintenance Soccer Team in San Diego.</div>
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Thanks for reading. </div>
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Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517570464283818454.post-42580767969747988912015-01-21T15:01:00.001-08:002015-01-21T15:01:42.278-08:00Bermuda Fairways During WinterWell, it's winter time. The coots are here doing what they do, the trees have finished dropping their leaves, and the bermuda is as sleepy as it will get. The weather is not too bad, but it's far from what we expect in San Diego, 80 degrees and sunny day in and day out. This time of year is the least hospitable to the game of golf in our location. Isn't it crazy to think how Bernardo Heights used to spend well over $50,000 to achieve the best conditions of the year in the middle of winter? In addition to the expense, overseeding would practically ruin the month of October with soft, wet fairways and strict cart restrictions. To top it off, that overseed would punish any existing bermudagrass, resulting in thin and bare fairways by August. The month of September would be spent dreaming of another seeding followed by another wasted October. It didn't make sense then, and it certainly doesn't now.<br />
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Here we are, three years out of overseeding and most of the fairways are 100% bermudagrass. Even better, the grass is still green. Here are a couple of photos of the fairway on #2:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe38XvODakZI1WTRVMLvTe3h2WdhM847dyw9JQ_q9Zji7lp2qz-ljnHDXE9eaOXSAgqvwze3gkYJTvSnryaWb_KFug65AKhDq8W1-Wobe8WNMqZE-2r3Iq5U3VQdmzrj6M6KKhGn45nF0/s1600/IMG_7030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe38XvODakZI1WTRVMLvTe3h2WdhM847dyw9JQ_q9Zji7lp2qz-ljnHDXE9eaOXSAgqvwze3gkYJTvSnryaWb_KFug65AKhDq8W1-Wobe8WNMqZE-2r3Iq5U3VQdmzrj6M6KKhGn45nF0/s1600/IMG_7030.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6oSaqXXQfZzRV2e2Eu30MVSBE3qIu0fvJyc5dwmF8tkJjIU5y3oQ_Swqwe8QRee1v6X50Axjrdntq2thzzxhv3R2w4eKrd8BtBaE5D_jCpc9uBcTGOaAn6_muPIcxCYaLb8QQCaWLZs/s1600/IMG_6924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6oSaqXXQfZzRV2e2Eu30MVSBE3qIu0fvJyc5dwmF8tkJjIU5y3oQ_Swqwe8QRee1v6X50Axjrdntq2thzzxhv3R2w4eKrd8BtBaE5D_jCpc9uBcTGOaAn6_muPIcxCYaLb8QQCaWLZs/s1600/IMG_6924.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The photo on the left was taken on December 29th, days before a cold system moved into San Diego. The grass was still green and growing. Above, this photo was taken on January 14th after five straight days of frost. The green patches are some hybrid bermuda varieties that faired very well during the cold snap. Most of #2 is common bermuda and more susceptible to frost induced dormancy. Below is a pic of #2 that I took today. The green is making a comeback, just a week since the white leaves greatly outnumbered the green ones. My point is, bermuda does not remain dormant for very long in San Diego. We can have our green grass nearly year round without wasting a bunch of money, sacrificing playability in the fall, and running out of turf in the dead of summer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnPYAMXU1LjwKpNeor6YieJBVJF1MCntjgzk-3SXbuBq5DIbxYTf1zIkBwxBtliTv4XpJkSbB4E_Vo3WrLXzwtWeJIwvNK0yM5lIlSS78qiY8rela2sl3mhC3p2cAXeqh1qad19ExBdk/s1600/IMG_7056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnPYAMXU1LjwKpNeor6YieJBVJF1MCntjgzk-3SXbuBq5DIbxYTf1zIkBwxBtliTv4XpJkSbB4E_Vo3WrLXzwtWeJIwvNK0yM5lIlSS78qiY8rela2sl3mhC3p2cAXeqh1qad19ExBdk/s1600/IMG_7056.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The grass you see in the photo is all bermudagrass and when the summer heat arrives this grass excels. There is no high temperature that is too high. It does not mind the sodium in our water and the tight soils are not much of a problem. Tomorrow will be 1 minute and 30 seconds longer than today and I'd bet we are done with frost. So this turf is just going to get better. Also, next year we will have a thicker stand going into the winter, better lies, and more green.<br />
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The transition to all bermuda has been a multi-year campaign which we have promoted as much as possible. We had to eliminate the other grasses and improve the health and population of existing bermudagrass. We did that with additional fertilizer, herbicides, and a very effective pre-emergent that would keep our new stand of bermuda free from invading winter annuals. <br />
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When bermuda grows free from competition, it doesn't take long to fill in thin spots and improve density. Historically, the grass will really green up by the end of February, measurable growth begins towards the end of March, and we are off and rolling by late April, requiring a couple of mowings a week. By mid summer we won't be able to put the fairway mower away and all fairways, include #13, #15, and the par 3's will be converted to bermudagrass.<br />
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To sum up the winter fairway analysis in one sentence: The fairways at Bernardo Heights Country Club have never been in better shape for the future.Jim Alwinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11290113297312742775noreply@blogger.com0