Head Greens Keeper
Clayton Wood 9th Green
November 2008
As the summer continues to wind down, the golf maintenance department is gearing up for a very active fall. We will complete fall pre-emergence program on greens, tees and fairways in mid-October.
We will complete retaining wall project on #4 by the end of October.
For the next two months we will be working on extensive tree trimming, concentrating around greens, tees and fairways to increase sunlight to the turf.
The entrance fountain on #12 has been repaired
Fall fertilization has been completed
Dead tree removal will begin in mid November
Lime has been applied to the greens to neutralize soil ph
During December lime will be applied to fairways and tee boxes
The bermuda grass will slowly begin to enter dormancy. As the turf sets into total dormancy a post emergent herbicide will be applied to the winter weeds.
I would like to thank Dave, Delbert, Gary and Arnest for their support throughout the year. We appreciate the support of the members, Board of Directors, and the Administration for all their help through 2008.
Respectfully,
Clayton Wood
August 2008
Summer is upon us and the golf course is well on its way to recovery from spring transition; although May with lows in the 40's were much cooler than normal through the night, the Bermuda grass is responding. The Bermuda grass has really responded with aerification, fertilization, but mostly the hot temperatures at night.
Members have asked me why we verticut. Well one way to explain; that verticutting is the same as pruning at your home. You all prune trees and shrubs at your home; cutting the dead growth and excessive growth that may limit your plant from reaching full potential. That is exactly why we verticut greens; to make the plants healthier and stronger. So we really are “green pruning” Agronomically we are allowing the plant sunlight infiltration, thatch reduction, nutrient fertilization availability. We verticut two times a month for this benefit. We also top dress every week when the course is available.
I want you to say goodbye to Jeffery if you see him. He is completing his internship at Boeing Aviation for his Bachelors degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Texas A&M. Jeffery is a talented young man who will be missed. Jordan Stephens and Alex Reyes have joined our team for a couple of months this summer.
The bahia grass, crab grass and goose grass have been sprayed on the entire course. Continual post-emergence spraying as new plants emerge.
Lime has been applied to tees, fairways and greens to neutralize the soil ph.
Driving range mounds have been shaped and seeded and are beginning to germinate.
#5 & #6 cart path have been graded for drainage
Numerous irrigation heads have been replaced
The Greens committee has instituted a program for golf rules which should benefit the course.
The greens have been aerified 3 times the past month
Fertilization of entire golf course completed
Irrigation controller work has been completed on holes 2, 5 & 9
Our doors at golf maintenance are open to all. Thank you for your continued support of Holly Lake Golf Course.
May 2008
The golf course Maintenance Department has spent the last few months gearing up for the rapidly approaching “growing season”. As most everyone knows from experience with their own landscaping, there is much to be done in the springtime to get everything in shape. The weather always has the final say, but with proper agronomic cultivation the turf will begin to respond. The Master's began today which really is the official start of “Golf Season”.
I would like to introduce a new addition to the golf maintenance staff; Kevin Yandle has been hired as head mechanic. He replaces Robert W. Hughes III; this guy will be missed as he serves our country.
A few members have asked me why do we verticut? Well one way to explain it that all will understand, is like tree pruning. As a homeowner you always try to trim the limbs from your trees and shrubs, some that are dead but also to thin the plants. That is exactly what we are doing when you verticut greens. So we can say we are “pruning the greens”. The benefits are just like with your shrubs to make them grow stronger and healthier. Agronomically “green pruning” allows for sunlight infiltration, fertilizer infiltration, and thatch reduction in the soil profile. We verticut at least one time a month during growing season April to September; sometimes 3 times a month.
Other golfers have asked why do you plow up the greens? This cultivation procedure is called aerification. The soil is a living breathing dynamic entity separate from the turf itself. I know as a homeowner; if you look at your plants or turf that are in an area where the soil is black or doesn't drain the plants/turf suffers. The reason for this is because there is a lack of oxygen in the soil profile. The biggest misinformation about turf growth is that nitrogen is the most important nutrient for you lawn. Although it is an essential nutrient just like potassium, phosphorous, and calcium it is secondary to the success of your lawn. The number one essential element is oxygen. Just like us the turf needs oxygen to survive. That is where the aerification process comes into play. The only place the plant/turf can draw this oxygen is from the soil. The oxygen also increases microbial activity which synergizes with the carbon to nitrogen cycle allowing for thatch reduction, less disease, and less nutrient and less water demand. There are many beneficial microorganisms such as actionomycetes, bacteria and protozoa found in a healthy soil and all of the organisms need oxygen to survive. These organisms break down fertilizers that the plant will uptake. They fight pathogens and other harmful organisms such as nematodes, fungus, and algae in the soil. The oxidation process also reduces thatch and aids in re-mineralization for a healthy soil. Balancing soil chemistry with oxygen is the most beneficial cultivation process for any agronomic situation including your flower beds.
Next time you see Gary Fox, wish him well in his retirement. Gary was a valuable asset while he was at Holly Lake Ranch. I also want to welcome Dave Grover; maintenance supervisor, to our team at Holly Lake Ranch. We have already worked together on projects and I know we will both benefit helping each other when needed.
Projects and Cultural Practices since January:
#14 Cart path railing has been replaced
#13 Cart path erosion repair & drainage
#8 False front green replacements
#10 Drainage on cart path by tee area
#11 Tree trimming on fairway
#6 150 yard post placement
#6 Waste bunker replacement on dogleg
#5 Drainage erosion fence placement
68 dead tree removal
Greens aerification completed
Pre and post emergent summer application completed
Lime application on green & tees completed
Fire and application completed
#8 Cart path/drainage replacement completed
Stump spikes have been cut
Cart path dirt additions
#10 Relocation of drain to Lake Greenbriar
Transition of Tees/fairways have begun with herbicide treatment
Driving range mounds will be built in June
#1 Gold tee box will be built in June
#6 & #7 Road drainage will start April 14th
All mowers for greens, fairways and roughs have been ground and height adjusted
Preventative maintenance has been completed on all equipment
Debris cleaned between golf cart barn and wall has been completed
#9 Drainage has been completed
Fairy Ring chemical applications on greens completed
Fire ant bait treatment throughout the course
Brown Patch fungicide application April 15th
Top dressing begins April 7 & 8th through September
Slow release fertilizer applications April 7th for continuous feeding
Fairway fertilizer application in late April
Rebuilding of “Rhino” the ball picker
Irrigation head trimming late April
Painting of 50 yd from green strip April 14th
POA and ryegrass has been sprayed & will be transitioning out within next 6 weeks
Also, I want to thank Rob James and the Board for approval for new aerification unit this will be a valuable tool for the golf course!
Finally, we certainly appreciate your support as we maintain the Holly Lake Ranch golf course in the best possible condition.
Respectfully,
Clayton Wood
Feb 2008
As I write this article, winter is beginning to show signs of arriving as Tuesday night and Wednesday, we could have a little snow. A white landscape would be enjoyed by all, at least temporarily.
I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to all who made last year productive. Without the support of the Board, Administration, Pro Shop Staff, Greens Committee, and Membership my job would be a lot harder.
Also, I would like to recognize and thank my staff for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to Holly Lake Ranch as they strive to maintain the golf course in the best possible condition. Thanks John, Tony, Jacob, Carlos, Gilbert, Raphael, Roul, Jeffery, and Jordan.
Also, as everyone has noticed, the waste bunker on #6 is underway. Please bear with the inconvenience during this time. The sand and grass is scheduled to arrive in February.
Finally, I want to say Thank you to Billy Coyle, Ian Finch, and Missy Coyle because all three helped our staff tremendously. All three will be missed.
Thank you,
Clayton Wood
October 2007
As I write this article, fall is beginning to show signs of arriving at Holly Lake Ranch as a cool north breeze blows this morning. I am writing this on 9-11 and I am thankful for the great country in which we live.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the support given to the Golf Maintenance Staff. Thanks go out to the Board, Administration, Pro Shop, Greens Committee, and the Membership.
Also, I would like to recognize and thank my staff; John, Tony, Gilberto, Carlos, and Jacob, for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to Holly Lake Ranch. The rains this year have definitely helped the grass grow, but your hard work has kept the golf course maintained in the best possible condition. A job well done guys!!
In August, we had many repair projects due to lighting strikes. We repaired the fountain on #12 which was hit the same time as Security. Irrigation controllers on #2, 8, 7, and 4 were all hit and repaired. Sprinklers on #8 and #2 were also repaired.
Other projects completed over the past month:
Repaired #5 greenside and fairway erosion
Continued valve box replacement
Removal of all brush piles on the course
Sprayed herbicides on all ponds
Multiple spraying application for army worm control
Application of fungicides for fairy ring fungus
Lowering of height of cut for the roughs
At this time also widening approaches for a few of the greens, and a couple of the fairways. These areas will turn brown for a couple of weeks, but they will turn back green soon.
Again, thank you to all for your support, as we strive to maintain the Golf Course in the best possible condition.
Clayton Wood
