#7 bunker

With some left over sod from prior projects we fixed the bunker edge on the #7 right green side bunker.

Bermuda grass removal

On the 4th green you will see some areas where we plugged Bermuda grass that infiltrated our bent grass putting surface.

Plug and Fill

You will see some areas on a couple of the greens that we are implementing a technique that introduces new sand nutrients into high traffic areas.  This practice is in preparation for next summer.

Bunker Project

The bunkers have been sprayed and we will start installing sand this week.

Tall grass

On the heels of the recent U.S. Open at Merion last week and recent conversations leading up to the Member/Guest, I wanted to address the tall grass around multiple areas of the course.  In 2007 when the course was renovated the environmental governing bodies who helped us mitigate the project, wanted to see some of our property used to become more environmentally conscious using native areas that would be designed with a limited environmental impact.

Golf course architect Tim Liddy felt the tall fescue grass areas would enhance his design and incorporated them into out of play areas around bunkers, tee boxes and under tree lines.  After the project there were other areas that fit into the design and were added in accordance with Mr. Liddy’s vision.  These areas currently receive limited pesticides, fertilizer applications and weekly maintenance that decrease our environmental footprint.

It is important to note that there are multiple high end clubs around this country and Europe that integrate this classic natural look into their design and maintenance regime.   Clubs ranked in the Top 25 of Golf Digest such Shinnecock Hills (#4), Merion East (#6), Sand Hills Golf Club (#9), National Golf Links (#11) and Prairie Dunes (#25) have a similar look, and have hosted multiple Major Championships.

I realize we create our own identity, but please be assured this topic has been discussed at multiple Board of Directors, Greens Committee and Golf Committee Meetings, and I have the support of the Club leadership to continue our current efforts.  Please be assured we are at the height of the cool season grass season and these areas will eventually thin out and become more manageable if a ball is hit into these low maintenance areas.

Respectfully Submitted,

Matt Boyce

Golf Course Superintendent

The Princess Anne Country Club

Geese patrol

We've noticed a few lingering geese on the course. Please be assured our geese removal program is in full operation!

Spring has sprung!

The warmer weather has finally arrived and our fairways are enjoying the heat. The areas that receive more sun are starting to green up.

New walkway

Please use the new walkway to our practice facility. We also added some fence and another brick walkway to the lower parking lot.

#6 tee

We are procuring the new sod on #6 tee with topdressing and soil amendments. The tee should be open soon!

Fairway Drainage

We installed drainage on #14 fairway last week and this week we are installing drainage in the landing area on #6 near the new bunker. Our work will continue through the week as we appreciate your patience!

#6 tee

Prior to re-grassing a portion of the sixth tee, we are amending the soil to increase drainage and oxygen to the plant. We will add sand, till in the new material and add sod. It will take a few weeks for the sod to mend, but our plans are to open for Masters weekend. Thank you for your patience!

Aerification

There's no doubt the aerification process is a menace to golfers and we understand your frustration. The good news is that your persistence with aerification and topdressing has allowed the greens to be in the ideal range for organic matter. This means there is enough "cushion" to allow for holding shots, but not too much, enabling the greens to get "puffy" and soft. I salute your patience and please be assured our efforts are paying off. As a reminder we will be closed for aerification on Monday and Tuesday next week when we will using the medium sized tines and filling all the holes with sand. We appreciate your patience during this necessary evil.

Winter Weeds

We've had some winter weeds break through our Pre-emergent program sprayed in the fall. Please be assured we have taken steps to eradicate any lingering weeds. The effectiveness of the application is hindered by cold weather, but once the weather breaks, increased temperatures will cause the plants to slowly desiccate.

Fairway Divots

We have completed filling all the fairway divots throughout the course. The addition of sand in these areas will enable the grass to fill in for spring play.

New Natural Area

The new Natural area on #13 is complete. This should be an improved aesthetic look and should play more consistent than the previous surface of mulch.

Vines

We going through all the trees on the property and eliminating any vine that could be detrimental to the health of our trees. This will protect the integrity of the tree for years to come.

Natural area #13

With the positive response to #2, we are starting a new natural area on #13. The mulch area to the right of #13 will become an area similar to #2 with sand, plantings and a natural look. We just started the project yesterday and I will keep the blog updated with our progress.

Probe and fill

In the areas around the greens that got a little thin last summer we have taken pro active steps by making a stencil and probing out the existing material and adding a new mixture that contains slow release potassium, slow release magnesium and a moisture control material. These tedious steps in the winter will hopefully pay off in the heat of summer. We started on #3 and will eventually get to #12 and #15.

Natural area

In early December we finished the new natural area on #2. During the process we stripped the sod, made drainage adjustments, added drainage pipe, added sand and installed native plant material.