Here we go again......
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| #1 One Green on 5.9.16. The first day out from underwater in three weeks. |
Number One Green
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 19th
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 19th 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.
