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Now that the rains have subsided and the regrading of several holes due to the massive rains and washouts has been completed, many of the holes have been sodded and greens sprigged. The front nine greens to date that have been sprigged are all but #5 and #9 and the greens on the back nine that have been sprigged are #10, & #15 with #12, #13,#14 and #16 to be sprigged next week. Most of the fairways have sod on them and they are coming in better than expected. The grass we are using is “Celebration” and we are finding that it is actually taking root in 2 to 3 days which is unheard of. Because of the early rooting , most fairways have already been mowed several times to get them use to fairway heights and if you see a little discoloring, don’t worry as they get their dark blue/green color back in a few days. I invite everyone to come out and see how the new practice surface is looking next to the clubhouse and that will give you a better idea of what the fairways will look like after about a month of the sod being laid. Grass on the course is about two weeks behind what is on the practice tee, so keep that in mind. Irrigation is up and running on all of the sodded holes and the only holes left to do for irrigation are #16 and #17. The majority of the “natural areas” will receive a “dry” hydromulch over seed to help retain moisture and keep the soil from washing. It is applied in a pellet form once wet; it expands and takes on characteristics of normal sprayed mulch. In the next few weeks, Fred Leonard (Golf Course Agronomist) and his crew will start “finishing” clean-up of holes by edging cart paths, mulching, weeding, etc. from tee to green. By working on the “punch list” as they go into October there will not be a massive amount of “clean-up “and “dress up” left to do before opening. At this time everyone keep your fingers crossed that we get no more big rains and the rest of the holes can get sodded and sprigged and the grow in phase can continue. Please click here to see our most recent videos and pictures of the golf course and check back periodically for updates.
New Golf Course Expectations
With the opening of the new Chet Williams Signature Course will come some expectations and different golf course rules. Below are some of what you can expect with the new course and some rules that everyone will need to adhere to:
· In the beginning, the golf course will play fast and firm. So that means the ball will roll more in the fairways and the greens will not hold shots as well for the first year or so until the greens soften up. This is important to note when playing as you will not want to be aggressive with shots to the flag. Instead, leave allow for a little roll-out on approach shots. Safe to say that hitting to the middle of greens and leaving yourself full shots into greens will be the way to play, try not to leave yourself half shots..
· Carts will remain on cart paths every hole until at least June of 2017 to allow full grow-in and maturity of the grass. After our Agronomist has allowed us to let carts out onto the fairways, we will ask that everyone observe the 90 degree rule (carts on paths until you reach your ball, then turn 90 degrees to your ball and then 90 degrees back to the cart path. Carts must then never get closer than 50 yards to the putting surface and always on the paths near tee boxes and 3 pars. Remember to not cut corners.
· Golfers will need to remember to take their sand bottles to the fairway and fill-in their divots so the “Celebration” grass can fill back in over a smooth surface. Larger sand bottles will be placed in heavy used landing areas to be more convenient for the golfers as well.
· These are just some of our expectations for the new course and please always remember that this is your new golf course and we need everyone to be mindful of keeping the course in the best shape possible for all. Our greens staff is going from 23 to 43 employees. This is what it takes to have a world class course. Please do your part to help the grow in and protect the major investment by your club.
Thank you for your patients during the construction process and it is our hope that we will have a course that all of you can be proud of.
Be on the lookout for frequent updates on the course progress. A “NEW” video format e-blast will be sent to all members, as well as updated drone videos on the website regularly which will keep everyone informed as the latest happenings at the club. A sneak preview of the first show will highlight Renowned Architect Chet Williams informing us all on the course progress. Be looking for our first show.
Keep it simple,
Darren Howard
Director of Golf
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