Course Update 9.29.16

North wind blowing across #10 Green on 9.29.16

Fall is finally here! I apologize for another long lapse in blog updates. The past few months have been a little crazy, but fortunately things are finally starting to return to "normal". A lot has gone on since my last post but hopefully today's update will bring you up to speed on course happenings and conditions. I have added several links to the right side of the page that will provide additional information about major course work that has gone on over the last two months.

FAQ and Golf Course Update

How are the newly seeded greens doing?

#16 Green on 9.6.16

All of our newly seeded greens are doing great. We planted six weeks ago and are certainly pleased with the progress so far. The exceptionally warm weather in August and September slowed progress a bit, but at this point I would say that we are definitely on schedule for a mid-November opening. You will also notice that #1 green was increased in size. We were able to increase the green by about 15% and resolve surface drainage issues at the same.

#1 Green on 9.29.16

What's up with #9 and the Practice Putting Green?

Practice putting green on 9.29.16

Courses with bentgrass greens across the entire state struggled over the last couple of months due to the exceptionally hot and humid weather in August and September. Under tough conditions, greens that are already stressed from other environmental factors (shade, traffic, air movement, compaction, etc) are hit much harder. Both the practice putting green and #9 green struggle every year as a direct result of poor air circulation and concentrated foot traffic – making them prime examples of the aforementioned scenario. In order to help expedite recovery, we have been treating these greens different than the rest on the course. As a result, these two greens have and will continue to putt comparatively slower . We closed the putting green for one week in order to minimize traffic stress, and will continue to monitor moisture closely, maintain a rigorous fungicide program, and limit traffic as much as possible. The good news is that these greens are getting better everyday. The combination of special maintenance practices and cooler weather should help bring these greens back to normal over the next two to three weeks. In the future, we may consider adding additional fans to the putting green and #9 green. Please follow the following link to learn more:Golf Course Update 9.8.16.

A box fan was used on #9 to help with air movement. 

How about the rest of the greens?

Overall, the rest of the greens are doing fine. For the same reasons listed above, we have been forced to remain conservative with our maintenance practices – resulting in slower putting speeds. Now that the weather is changing - we are rapidly adjusting our maintenance practices to focus more on performance and less on survival. We expect putting speeds and firmness to increase substantially over the next 7 to 10 days.

Roxy keeping a close eye on the #13 Green

What's the plan for holes 15 and 16?

Ridgewood has been working together with United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and a local engineering firm to determine possible repair solutions. Survey work to determine property boundaries is almost complete and one potential repair solution is undergoing cost analysis. We are hoping to have more definitive costs and possible solutions in the next 60 days.

Damaged cart path on behind #15 Green on 8.25.16

What's the long term plan for #1 Green?

Similar to holes 15 and 16, long term plans for relocating or rebuilding #1 green hinge upon property boundaries and flowage easement lines. Survey work is nearing completion and property negotiations with the USACE are scheduled to begin in October. After this important step is complete, the multitude of ideas and suggestions that have been brought to the golf committee over the last couple of years will be reviewed and evaluated. A golf course architect will likely be solicited to aid in this process. To learn more check out the following links: 

Information on #1 Green Flood Statistics August 2016   Illustrations of Possible Solutions

Why is the rough so tough and what can we do about it?

The same weather pattern that negatively affected out bentgrass greens has greatly benefited the bermudagrass on the course. We are mowing the rough at the same height as years past and are typically able to mow most areas two times per week. The late summer and fall rain has caused the rough to be much denser than it typically is this time of year - resulting in more difficult playing conditions. The positive side is that we will enter the fall and winter with great definition, and with healthy turfgrass that can better tolerate winter cart traffic. Please take a moment to read more about why the roughs are so tough and to learn about the challenges involved with changing it: Why is the Rough So Tough   

Hybrid (left) vs Common (right) bermuda mowed same height

Where did the sand buckets go on the Par 3’s?

We have decided to remove the sand buckets on the par 3 tee boxes for a couple of reasons. The first is that we feel like we can actually save labor and be more efficient with our operations. Each day we must fill the buckets and relocate them to that day’s teeing location. The sand buckets are heavy and cumbersome to move and we feel that we will actually use less labor by filling the divots ourselves versues moving the buckets everyday. The second reason is that the tee boxes have an overall cleaner appearance without the sand buckets distracting from the view of the shot.  

What else is going on?

• Trimming of important trees
• Mowing patterns and aligning tees
• #17 Green flood damage repaired
• Major cart path repairs scheduled to begin in October
• Overseeding of driving range tees scheduled for mid-October
• Planting of tall fescue in shaded areas scheduled to begin next week
• Re-grassing of flood damaged areas on holes 17 and 18 scheduled to begin next week
• Fall preventative weed control for entire course scheduled to begin in next two weeks
• Fall flower change out set to begin in next two weeks
• Maintenance Facility renovation plans undergoing review with USACE
• Changes to our irrigation transfer pump in order to obtain USACE compliance
• More than 50 acres treated for fall armyworms
• More than 20 acres treated for weeds
• Plumbing repairs to the bathroom on #14 completed
• Minor tree trimming on many holes underway
• Planet Air procedure scheduled for mid-October

Aligning the gold tees on hole #15

Root pruning on the right side of #2 Fairway

Sod work on #17 Green

Mowing and Edging Bunkers on #5

Course Update 7.21.16

Putting the Pieces Back Together

General Manager, David Garder and I check out the shop via boat!

It has certainly been another crazy weather year in Central Texas. After cleaning up from major flooding in April and May we received more rain and even more flooding. The second round of flooding in June and July caused Lake Waco to reach its third highest flood stage in history (484.5ft or about 22.5ft above normal). We have been quite busy on the course attempting to get things back to normal. Here is brief update on where we currently stand:

Plan for Damaged Greens

Crewmember, Andrew more removing the algae and silt off of #1 Green

1. Remove bermudagrass contamination and fix any drainage issues
2. Prepare surfaces for seeding
3. Plant seed August 15th
4. Have the greens open and putting well by November 15th

Additional Flood Damage and Repairs

Greenside Bunker on #17 after the flooding

1. Brush piles have burned
2. Repair all bunkers by August 1st
3. Remove dead sod on #18 and replant to tall fescue by September 1st
4. Irrigation system has been repaired and is fully operational

Cart Path on #15 and #16

Major damage sustained to the path behind #15 green

1. Survey work is currently underway that will help determine possible solutions
2. Clarify property boundaries
3. Develop plan and cost estimates for repairs
4. Goal is to complete all work by end of the year

Golf Course Maintenance Facility

1. Facility has been restored to operational state - for the time being
2. Currently working to develop permanent solution
3. Goal is to have firm plans in place by September 1st

Water in maintenance facility in June

Our irrigation computer was the first thing we hooked back up once the water receded.

Cart Path Repairs

1. Several minor repairs are needed throughout the course
2. Work is scheduled to begin in August

Tree Work

1. Tree trimming has been scheduled for holes 5,8,9,15,16, and 17
2. Work will begin in next two weeks
3. RCC staff will be trimming low limbs on all holes over next 30 days

Additional Items

1. Greens handling summer heat well
2. Clean up of erosion materials on #11 and #13
3. Trimming of all ponds and water features
4. Planning fall cultural practices for greens
5. Adjusting mowing patterns for tees and fairways. 

For more information and photos o course happenings over the last two months please take a moment to view the following links:

Golf Course Update 7.12.16
Golf Course Update 6.16.16
Flood Photos and Video

Course Update 5.21.16

Here we go again......

#1 One Green on 5.9.16. The first day out from underwater in three weeks.

We have spent the last several weeks working hard to get the course back in shape from another round of flooding. The lake peaked at 478ft (compared to 479ft last year). Similar to last year, we have been working hard to clean up all the flood debris, repair damaged bunkers, and help grass survive that spent weeks submerged underwater. The biggest areas damaged include number one green and around the green and tee complexes on holes fifteen and sixteen. Even with all the hassle and inconvenience caused by the heavy rains and flooding - we are happy to start the summer with plenty of water in the lake. Most areas of the course are doing well and have actually benefited from all the rain. We should be in great shape going into our busy season and look forward to upcoming events such as the RWGA President's Cup, Men's Member/Guest, and Starburst Junior Golf Tournament. Thank you for visiting the blog. Continue reading to learn more about the damages sustained in the flood, our efforts to get things back in shape, and other work being done on the course. Also please check out additional photos and video of the flooding by clicking this link: Photos and Video of Flooding or 2016 Flood Photos.

Number One Green

Ruby keeping a watchful eye on #1 Green on 5.21.16

Our first green spent right at 21 days underwater. The green is still alive and we are optimistic that replanting will not be necessary. The green was littered with flood debris, and the entire surface had a layer of algae and “lake scum”. Our goal over the last 10 days has been to remove as much of this material as possible without causing additional injury to the grass. We have been using a combination of washing, scrubbing, brushing, mowing, and aerating in order to help complete this delicate task. An additional challenge is that the grass grew to a height of about 2 inches. We typically mow our greens closer to a 1/8 of an inch, and it will take us two to three weeks to get this green back closer to a normal height of cut. It is also important to keep in mind that disease is one of our biggest threats when discussing recovery. We have already completed preventative fungicide applications and will continue to do everything possible to avoid disease outbreak.  Another major concern is whether or not the root system will be healthy enough to make it throught the summer months. Time will tell whether or not replanting will be necessary. Currently we are expecting to open the green for play by June 1st. This decision will be made only if the green is healthy enough to tolerate traffic. For more information on #1 Green please CLICK HERE. 

Damage on Holes 15 and 16

Aerial imagery showing the damage on holes 15/16.

The combination of high lake level and strong north winds caused major damage to the path behind on 15 green and the retaining wall around 16 tee. The tee box is safe to play and we do not anticipate any rapid increase in erosion. The cart path is closed due to safety concerns and carts are currently routed to the left of 15 green. As the water recedes we will have a better idea of the overall extent of the damage. Based on the proximity of this area to the Lake Waco – we must work with the USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) in order to develop a solution. We have held multiple meetings and have also enlisted the help of a civil engineering firm - Walker Partners. We are all working together to develop a permanent fix to this area. Check out the video below to see the waves crashing into the bank. 

Flood Debris

The right side of hole #17 was one of several areas littered with debris. 

The crew has done an excellent job of removing the tremendous amount of flood debris. We began by collecting all of the “man-made trash” from the course, maintenance area, and marina. The remaining “organic” debris has been accumulated into several large piles. We have applied for a “Controlled Burn Permit” with the Waco Fire Department. Under the permit we will be able to legally burn the debris piles for a thirty day period. We are hoping to begin burning next week.  

The burn piles located to the right of 17 fairway

Additional Flood Damage

The bunkers on #1 and #16 will require repairs from the flood. We are working to remove the contaminated sand and repair any damages to the liners and drain pipes. The front bunker on 16 sustained the worst damage and we will likely have to rework the entire liner before putting it back into play. The flooding also killed the tall fescue that was recently planted on the right side of 18 (about 75yds from the green). We are planning to sod this area with zoysia in the next couple of weeks. Our nursery green was also damaged in the flood but it looks like it is going to survive. Our stock piles of bunker sand and mulch were also submerged and much of this material was lost. 

The front bunker near #16 Green

Oak Wilt Diagnosed on #15 Fairway

We have two large Live Oak trees right of the cart path on 15 that have been diagnosed with Oak Wilt. We have solicited the help of the Texas A&M Forestry service in order to make every effort possible to prevent the spread of the disease. Our staff will receive hands on training from Renee Burk (Extension Agent with Texas A&M Forestry) on properly treating trees with Oak Wilt. We will be treating many of the trees in the surrounding area with preventative fungicide and utilizing cultural practices such as root pruning and painting of wounds. The infected trees will not be removed, as removal can actually increase the spread of the disease. We will actively monitoring this issue and doing everything possible to prevent the spread of Oak Wilt.

Landscape Improvements

 We recently completed our spring annual flower change out. We have also decided to use a landscape contractor to redesign the flower beds at the entrance to the Ballroom and along the path that leads to the 19^th hole. These changes are being made not only to improve aesthetics, but to increase visibility and safety. The goal is to provide a safer walking and cart area around the putting green and 19^th hole without exposing the dumpster and service entrance. The area will also be lighted to improve safety. Work will begin today and should be completed by middle of next week.

Work in progress on the path around the 19th hole and practice putting green. 

Other Course Happenings

• Completed Planet Air Procedure on 5/16. 
• Bunker Work - edging and depth checks
• Sod Work - driving range tee and number 18
• Cart Path Edging
• Adjusting Mowing Patterns and aligning tees
• Broadcast applications for fertility and fire ants
• Landscape improvements on 12
• Drainage improvements on 10 and near the old basketball court
• Sod on #13 is now ready for play
• The small white hole location flags have been put back into use
• The power issue at the bathroom on #14 has been resolved. 

Course Update 4.22.16

Number 1 Green on 4.22.16

Flooding again...For the third time in two years we are experiencing major flooding on the course. Information on #1 Green can be found by following the link on the right side of the page or by clicking here: Information on #1 Green . The areas of the course that are not underwater have drained well and we are no longer cart path only. The course is being played as follows:

• All Rounds will begin on #10
• Hole #1 - Closed
• Hole #2 - Tee off from Fairway
• Holes 16,17,18 - Several areas flooded, but these holes are playable. 

The image below should give you a reference of the flooding near the maintenance faclity and dry dock. The lake is currently at 476.5ft and we are expecting it to go up to around 478ft. or 480ft. Last year the lake peaked at 479ft. 

You can also check out these links to monitor the changes in lake level:

Waco Lake Home

USACE Hydrologic

Live Reports on River Flows and Flooding

Course Update 4.15.16

Early Green Up! Number 8 Fairway on March 16th

Once again, I apologize for the long lapse in blog updates. The exceptionally short and warm winter has resulted in an early start to the busy spring season. Spring is always the busiest time of year for maintenance operations. We have been working hard to get the course in shape, clean up leaves and debris, finish winter projects, and complete critical agronomic practices. We are also in the process of hiring and training several new employees. Overall things are going well and we are set to have a great spring and summer on the course.

Course Conditions

Greens: The greens are loving the spring time conditions and we are currently in great shape to begin entering the warmer months. We completed our first "Planet Air" procedure on March 21st. The process went great and the greens are once again putting smooth. Our next scheduled procedure is tentatively planned for May 2nd. Number 1 green is coming along nicely and is finally starting to catch up with the rest of the greens. We recently completed repairs to both of our nursery greens that will allow us to use these greens by early summer.

A large aerator is used as part of our "Planet Air" Procedure on 3.21.16

Tees and Fairways: Overall the bermudagrass on our tees and fairways is doing great. We experienced a much earlier green up than in years pasts. While we are experiencing some growth, temperatures have not been warm enough for any of our bermudagrass to begin actively growing. A good rule of thumb when discussing warm season turf growth is the "150 Rule". Basically when we add the daytime high with the nighttime low we are looking for a sum of 150 degrees or more. Once we experience consistent temperatures in this range our tees and fairways will be actively growing - and recovering from stresses such as cart traffic and divots. This same rule applies to our roughs and driving range tees. While we prefer a long cool spring for our greens, the warmer temperatures are certainly needed to help our bermudagrass perform well with the busy spring golf schedule.

Impact of cart traffic on #7 fairway

Roughs and Other: The common bermudagrass in our roughs is typically the slowest to break winter dormancy. It is also the most susceptible to cart traffic. As soil temperatures increase the common will start to thicken up providing better playing conditions. We have also re-seeeded the tall fescue in many of our shaded areas. Like our greens, tall fescue prefers cooler temperatures. It is thriving right now, however as temperatures increase it will slowly start to thin. Please limit cart traffic in any shaded areas. We have also repaired several weak areas in the rough by planting sod. Our plans are to continue this practice throughout the season.

Ruby and Roxy check out the new sod on #13

Bunkers: We are constantly working to keep our bunkers playing great. One of our usual winter projects is to complete thorough checks for sand depth. We have done our best to stay on top of this practice, but have been exceptionally busy keeping up with other areas of the course. Recently we added sand to several bunkers including 2, 4, 9, 15, and others. In addition, we have attempted to cover up some of the exposed black liner by adding sand to the faces. We will be trying other practices to cover up these liners in coming weeks.

Jacob, Joe, and Jacob H repairing the fairway bunker on #2

The crew completes the labor intensive task of edging bunkers

Driving Range: The new tee boxes are performing well for the high amount of winter play. The lower tee is certainly taking the brunt of the use, but we confident that the Celebration bermuda will come in great once we experience warmer temperatures. The upper tees are not receiving as much use and are in better condition. If you plan on practicing irons, I encourage you to try out the other tees. Also the new driving rage bunkers are completed.

View of the new bunkers from the main driving range tee

GPS Loggers: Thank you for taking the time to participate in our collaborative efforts with the USGA to monitor golfer's use of the course. The data will be used to help us make course management decisions based which areas of the course get the most use or play. Our study will be concluded on Sunday April 17th. We will be analyzing the data next week, so stay tuned for the results.

Additional Course Work and Happenings

New irrigation and grass added to the fire pit area. 

• Fire pit landscaping and irrigation completed
• Repaired sand and liner on #2 Fairway bunker
• Sprayed all areas of course with preventative weed control
• Completed sod work on left side of 13
• Driving range bunkers completed
• Planet Air completed on greens on 3.21
• Aerated, fertilized, and sprayed driving range tees
• Completed repairs to nursery greens
• Trimming, thinning, and general cleanup of landscaping near putting green. Dumpsters have also been moved
• Preventative maintenace and major repairs completed on most equipment
• New course accessories - including flags and sicks put in play
• Irrigation repairs and audit are still in progress
• Implementation of new moisture management technology
• Implementation of new mapping and labor management tools
• Additional weather station added at Fish Pond - thanks to Hack Branch and John Davis
• Chemical applications for weeds in roughs and around greens
• Bunker depth checks, spraying, edging, and mowing
• Edging greens
• Preventative fungicide applications to greens

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS OF COURSE WORK

Upcoming Work

• Ferilizer application to tees, fairways, and roughs scheduled for 4.18
• Trimming of trees at tennis
• Possible installation of drainage on 10 fairway
• Drainage improvments near the old basketball court
• Aligning of tees and mowing patterns
• Fire ant bait applications
• Aeration and vertical mowing of tees and fairways
• Additional sod work in roughs

Projects and Plans

• Maintenance Facility plans are still progressing
• Transfer Pump plans are being finalized
• Repairs to the Marina Road
• Major drainage and erosion improvements on the left side of #9
• Erosion control and improvements for #11, including dredging of ponds
• Cart path repairs on several holes

Course Update 2.5.16

I apologize for the extra long lapse in blog updates. I will return to monthly updates beginning immediately. We have had a busy last couple of months - Check out the photos and information below to see a few of the items that we have been working on:

#1 Green: We finally opened #1 Green for play the day before Thanksgiving. Unfortunately the rains continued and by that Saturday we were back under water. The flooding did not cause major damage, but did set us back in terms of improving putting quality. We have now been open for more than two months and the grass is handling traffic well. As spring approaches we will adjust our cultural practices and be able to get this green putting as well as the rest of the greens.

#1 Green on 2.5.16

Driving Range Update: In 2015, RCC completed several improvements to the driving range practice tees. All of the tees were resurfaced, enlarged, and planted to an improved variety of bermudagrass (Celebration) that recovers quickly from divots. However, our teeing areas are still relatively small compared to the amount of use they receive. You can help keep the grass looking good by minimizing the amount surface area damaged by divots. Check out the image below for a quick and simple tip that can make a big difference.

Proper divot patterns will help keep the grass looking good.
Photo credit: http://www.golfledger.com

In other driving range news, we have been busy improving drainage and are currently in the process of renovating the driving range bunkers. They will match the look of the bunkers on the course, and help with maintenance practices such as mowing and collecting range balls.

Jack Johnson of Johnson Golf Services works with our crew to reshape the bunkers on the range.

Irrigation Work: Our crew has remained busy working to improve our irrigation system. One of our main goals this winter is to complete leveling of the green-side sprinkler heads. Completing this labor intensive task will increase irrigation efficiency while improving play-ability around the greens. We will replace the turf around the sprinklers within the next month.

Many of our green side sprinkler heads are more than six inches below grade.

The crew working to "level the heads" around 13 green. 

Ruby and Roxy check out the finished product.

We are also fixing several leaks as the soils have gone from saturated to dry again. Irrigation technicians - Jacob Nava and Jaime Guerra have done a great job.

Jacob and Jaime repair a valve near 11 green. 

Safety Training and Compliance: One of our biggest goals for 2016 is to provide a structured safety training program for our golf course maintenance staff. Our program will help reduce work related injuries and ensure compliance with OSHA and other government agencies. We have a spend a considerable amount of time working to update all of our records and inventory to reflect the changes in the Globally Harmonized System. We printed, filed, and organized more than 800 pages of Safety Data Sheets. In addition, we have started requiring all employees to watch a series of safety training videos that specifically focus on golf course maintenance. The videos cover such topics as "chainsaw safety", "eye protection", "safe mower operation", and more. For information visit www.mccordgolf.com.

Our new time clock area has all required signage and provides employees with access to Safety Data Sheets. 

The crew takes advantage of a cold morning to watch a training video on working around hazard chemicals.

Course Accessories: Every year we spend time refurbishing and replacing many of our course accessories. Items such as tee markers, yardage plates, cups, and more are brought to the shop for cleaning and painting. We are currently working on a plan to replace all of the ball washer on the course.

Several crew members painting tee markers in January.

Tree Work: We removed several damaged trees over the last couple of months. Many of these trees presented safety and liability concerns. Each year we contract with Ted Crews (Crews Service Company) to grind any stumps resulting from tree removals. This year he completed 28 stump removals for RCC.

This Cedar Elm located to the right of 15 tee box was almost completely rotten in the center - posing a major safety concern.

Ted removing a large Arizona Ash stump near #7 fairway. Photo by Duane Kemp.

Winter Sod Work: We decided to repair the damaged areas on #6 and #9 Greens by using sod taken from the chipping green. Typically, we use our nursery greens to complete this task, however the flooding in 2015 caused our nurseries to be unusable. By early summer we hope to have our nurseries back in great shape.

Joe Nava and Sergio Zapata work on #6 Green.

The crew removed the sod from the location of the new fire pit prior to construction. This sod was transplanted to the front of the clubhouse.

On the Horizon: Several areas of the course on are in need of repairs in 2016. We are currently planning for repairs to the wall near #7 green, erosion and drainage improvements on #9 and #11, repairs to the Marina road, and changes to our irrigation transfer pump.

This conceptual image shows the required changes to our transfer pump in order to be in compliance with new USACE regulations.