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.