Working on Bunker Drainage

Pumping bunkers after heavy rains can be time consuming.

We start by investigating the cause of the issue.

Bunker drainage was greatly improved with completion of the Better Billy Bunker project two years ago. Some of the fairway bunkers that were not a part of the project still have poor drainage. This fall, before we reach full scale project season, we will be making the rounds to investigate issues with these bunker drains. This will not only improve play ability in these bunkers for the membership, but will also allow us to spend more labor in other areas of the course, that would have otherwise had to have been diverted to pumping out bunkers.

The issue causing poor drainage in the two fairway bunkers on #1 was not surprising. Severe root intrusion.

By cutting out the sections of pipe that were clogged or smashed by roots, we were able to restore working drainage to the two fairway bunkers on #1. We will continue to make our way around the course until we have no more bunkers that hold water after large rain events. Next stop....#2 fairway bunker.

Drainage on #18

Throughout the course, there is no shortage of drainage work to be done. Every project we complete in house, or with contractors, can make a huge difference. Here are some photos of the work completed by contractors last week to the left of #18 green.

Area before project

Area before project

Area before project

Trench with gravel and pipe cuts off the water seeping out of the slope and take it to existing drains

Area is dried out and graded

Fresh sod to the affected area wraps up the project

Sand on Hand

One the of the most important aspects of maintaining our recently renovated green side bunkers is keeping the gravel liner covered with sand. This will not only keep the bunkers playable, but will also provide a layer of protection for the gravel liner. Last week, after finishing a string trim edge to our bunkers, my diligent crew compiled a list of bunkers where sand either needed to be added, or simply just pushed up from the bottom of the bunker to the face. We keep bunker sand on hand, in one of our bays at all times for this very reason. We have also received information about thin areas in bunkers from members. No matter where the information comes from, we are appreciative of it, because keeping adequate sand depths will ensure the longevity of our newly renovated bunkers.

Sectional Cart Path Repairs Complete

Over the weekend, work to repair four sections of cart path on hole #1 was completed. If you have not made it out to the course since then, here are some before and after photos.

Paying Attention to Paths

There aren't a lot of positive things I can say about all the rain we have had at Greenbrier CC this spring, but sometimes challenges can be looked at as opportunities. In this case, the rain provided us with the opportunity to give our cart paths some much needed attention. We have spent a little more time this year blowing off cart paths, edging paths, and have scheduled some sectional repairs in the coming months to make the unfortunate days of cart path only a little more tolerable.

Edging

Blowing

Curb Detail

Improving Tee Health

Our overall tee box health at GCC continues to improve. Our annual aeration program really seems to be making a difference. As we move forward on tee boxes, there are still a few that we are working to improve. This week the focus is on topdressing, some by hand, and others will receive a light topdressing to whole tee. We are also making supplemental fertility applications to bring these tees up to our standards. Please also notice, that all par 3 tees have brand new divot sand boxes, which will allow members to fill in divots on par 3’s.

Brand new divot sand boxes for par 3 tees.

Many members will recall that we kept traffic off of #14 Red Tee this winter. IT did better than it has in the past, but was still a little thin coming out of spring. This aggressive hand topdressing, along with warmer weather and additional fertility will bring this tee up to our standards. Once irrigation water knocks the sand down, it will not be as noticeable.

The topdresser in action on #10 tee. The brush will work sand in behind it.

#7, Flower Planting Party, Keeping Poa in its Place

                       #7

The seam topdressing completed last week was a big part of why
#7 can now re-open as a par 4

We are pleased to announce that starting tomorrow #7 will re-open as a Par 4! The hole will remain Cart Path Only for a few more to weeks to allow the area to get to full strength. The area looks great overall, but there are still a few seams that need time to heal in. Until then, any golfer that hits a shot in the newly sodded area will be allowed to lift, clean and place their golf ball. 

Flower Planting Party

On Wednesday night we hosted our third annual member flower planting party.While attendance was at an all time low, those who did attend showed incredible planting prowess, and dedication to Greenbrier Country Club. They did so with such gusto that I believe they deserve individual acknowledgement. Assistant Superintendent Mike Nazzaro, Debbie Adamson and Ken and Susan Clark, all came out and overcame my shortcomings to lead us to a successful event. Five people in total planted all of the flowers that are now on the course. Bravo!

Getting it done!


Poa's Demise

Poa annua is a grass type that in most settings is considered a weed. Due to its prolific seed head production and ability to survive low mowing heights, it is a common weed on bentgrass putting greens. This year was unfortunately a good year for the troublesome weed. Thinned areas from a tough summer, the timing of the hurricane and Nor'easter last fall, and a mild winter helped Poa spread this winter. Lucky for us we have a multi-pronged approach to keep Poa in check. Some of the chemicals we spray, if timed correctly can sting the Poa, and provide an opportunity for bentgrass to reclaim lost ground. The photo below shows Poa that has been negatively affected by a growth regulator/fungicide combination, and healthy bentgrass crowding out the nuisance putting green weed. The more bentgrass we can keep on our greens, the smoother and healthier they will stay for golfers.