May Flooding Update

May 19th storm and flood update

The massive storm that took place on the 19th of May, deluged the golf course with trash and debris of epic proportions.  I have been the superintendent at Laurel Springs since 2003 and I have never seen the golf course flood at this level.  We have worked tirelessly over the past week and a half to not only get the course playable for normal levels of play but also for the Club Championship this weekend. 

Just to give you an idea of the extent of flooding we received, number seven green was under water by about five feet and number sixteen green saw at least two feet of water over its surface.  The water receded quickly, yet left tons of debris on the course. Fortunately, none of our infrastructure was damaged in regards to bridges so the golf course was reopened fairly quickly.

Number 16 fwy landing area

Number 7 from 150 yards out

16 green

18 fwy with two feet of silt and trash

16 fwy cleanup

18 bridge



Greens Project Update



As most of you know, the tree removal for the greens project was scheduled to start on May 1st.  Due to the inclement weather we have been dealt, the project start date has been pushed back to this Wednesday.  We will start removing trees in areas that are the driest available so we have minimal impact on the golf course turf.

Spring Dead Spot

Spring Dead Spot Update



Every year, with the onset of course green up, we encounter Spring Dead Spot or SDS as its called in the golf industry.  SDS is a turf disease that attacks the turf during the fall and is near impossible to detect. The timing of chemical applications seems to be critical in stopping the disease.  Without being to detect the problem then most chemical applications are needlessly wasted.  Also. the chemicals available are not cost effective when it comes to spraying acres of fairways. 

University professors have worked extensively to understand the problems associated with the onset of this disease.  One tactic, which we have employed for the past four years, is to apply at least one extra pound of potassium to the fairways in the fall.  This helps protect and invigorate the roots through the attack of the pathogen and helps build the plants resistance over the years.  Although we still contract the disease, it has become much less prevent throughout the course.

Wildlife Series: Red Tail Hawk

Red Tail Hawk

 

 

 

One of our many birds we see throughout the course is our resident Red Tail Hawks.  These birds can be seen throughout the golf course at any given time of day.  Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you can hear their cries as they hunt.  Evan Collins, our assistant superintendent and National ClubCorp Super Star award winner, snapped this series of pictures during a late afternoon on the course.  Stunning photos of the course in is natural state.

 

 

 

 

 

Practice Facility Drainage

 

Practice Facility Drainage

 

 

 

 

We just finished a project at the Practice Facility to help dry up the walk on area next to the cart path.  This area historically stays wet, and with the addition of the new tee has taken on more water than the low area collected in the past.  We added a drain basin to catch the majority of the water next to the cart path and also installed lateral lines to catch the runoff from the slopes.  These additions should keep the area in a drier state, allowing our members to better navigate the area.  

Clubhouse Parking Lot

      Before and During

  After the application

 

 

We are in the process of re-striping the clubhouse parking lot spaces.  The painting will be completed over the course of the next few weeks since the parking lot has to be empty in order for us to perform the work.  Mondays are the best days for us to accomplish this.  

Bunker Rake Renovation

Another one of our projects this winter was to renovate our bunker rakes.  We found a high quality, shrink wrap material that is UV resistant.  This material will eliminate the problem we experienced with the bunker rakes exposing their fiberglass lining.  The Shrink Wrap is a great solution and will  keep the bunker rakes looking great for years to come.