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Willow Oaks Country Club Golf Course Updates

Our goal is to keep the membership informed about projects, agronomic practices, and upcoming events on the golf course.

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Navigating this Webpage

Maintenance Calendar, Follow us via Email or Social Media, and ways to find more information

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Spring Aeration

Golf Course Closed March 27-31

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February Golf Course Update

Winter Projects, Bunker Maintenance, and Greens Aeration Schedule

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Air Movement and Fan Video

I took this video to show the efficacy and performance of our new Turf Breeze portable 50" Fan.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

A Busy Few Weeks

Our team has been busy in June.  Greens have been lightly top dressed, sod installed in various locations, and cart paths and irrigation heads edged to name a few.  

A light topdressing promotes health and playabilty with upright plant growth allowing for a better quality of cut and ball roll.  The application of sand also smooths the playing surface by filling imperfections or voids left behind by ball marks, foot traffic, and mechanical traffic.  




Push spreading sand on #11 green


Sod was installed on several greens collars, #2 black/blue tee, #11 blue/green tee, and in the rough on #12.  All of these newly sodded areas will be mowed next week.  The collar and tee sod will scalp, this is a normal part of lowering the mowing height, and will quickly recover.  We will continue to top dress these areas to level the surface.  Remember these areas play as 'Ground Under Repair'.   Take relief if your ball lands on a freshly sodded area.




Sod prep on #9 collar.  This collar was sodded with Zoysiagrass to evaluate if it will perform better than Bermudagrass in this environment.

Sod on #1 collar ready to mow.


Cart Path edging - finished product



I will do an entire post devoted to proper practice techniques in the future.  I was on the driving range tee earlier this week and took these two photos of a bad practice routine.  When divots are taken in large patches, it takes longer for the turf to recover. When practicing, please use a linear divot pattern.  This simple change will allow tee divots to recover faster and provide a better surface for practice.


Notice both of the practice sessions have taken divots in a concentrated pattern.  Recovery will take most of the golf season.


Another example of a divot pattern that will recover slowly.




This picture demonstrates the difference between divot patterns on the driving range tee.  The linear pattern will recover fastest.




Monday, May 25, 2020

Golf Course Question & Answer

WHY WERE THE GREENS AERIFIED IN EARLY MAY?


Earlier this month, the team performed deep-tine aeration on the greens. This was completed to improve air and water filtration to the deeper part of the green profile During Spring aerification in March; rain prevented the contractors from performing Drill & Fill. While we were able to perform other aeration processes during that time, a Deep-tine was also performed to help replace the benefits missed from Drill & Fill. Both the Drill & Fill and deep-tine aerations open channels 7-8” deep in the green. These channels provide better water inflation and air movement deep in the green profile, while typical aeration only disturb the top 4” of the profile. This deep-tine aeration will be very beneficial for continued root growth this Spring.


THERE ARE SEVERAL LARGE CIRCLES AND PATCHES ON THE TEES AND

FAIRWAYS. WHAT IS THE CAUSE AND WILL THERE BE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE TURF?


If you have played over the last couple of weeks, you have noticed the large rings or circles on many fairways and tees. These areas are a Bermudagrass turf disease known as Large Patch. This disease is evident during cool and wet conditions in the spring, and occasionally the fall; and rarely causes damage to Bermudagrass. The rings are more prevalent this year due to early spring transition or “greened up” and the cool, wet, and cloudy conditions. The rings are more visual than destructive on Bermudagrass. We experience this almost every spring, and as in past years, the grass will recover quickly as temperatures increase.


SOME OF THE BERMUDAGRASS COLLARS ON THE COURSE ARE BARE AND THIN. WHEN WILL THESE AREAS RECOVER?


Some collars are bare, while some are thin. The thin areas will recover quickly when temperatures increase. When the collars recover, the turf is healthier and provides a better long-term playing surface. Our team will begin sodding the bare collars next week. We have been waiting until quality sod is available. The cool nights and cloudy days we have experienced have also created challenges for the sod farms. Sodding collars is a difficult process, and quality sod is essential for it to be successful. This process will go throughout the week, beginning with the removal of dead areas on Tuesday. Our team will be sodding during play on Wednesday and Thursday. Areas around the greens where sod has been removed, or sod has been laid will play as “ground under repair”. Thank you in advance as this will require patience on the part of the golfer and our team.

A reminder of club rules, Pull carts may not be taken within 5 feet of greens, tees and bunkers.


WHY IS THE TURF THIN AND NOT RECOVERING FROM DIVOTS ON THE BACK TEE ON #2 AND THE BACK TWO TEES ON #11? WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?



The Black/Blue tees on #2 and #11 will also be sodded in the coming weeks. Both of these tees are shaded by trees that cannot be removed and struggle to recover from the amount of divots they receive. Once these tees are sodded, the tee markers on these holes will be moved forward until the sod is ready for traffic.


SOME GOLFERS LIKE FASTER GREENS, WHILE OTHER GOLFERS PREFER

A SLOWER SPEED. WHAT HAS THE GREEN COMMITTEE DONE TO ADDRESS THIS TOPIC?


This year the Green Committee has worked with the Director of Agronomy to establish a green speed standard. This standard will ensure a consistent green speed is maintained. Below is the language that was approved by the committee at the May meeting.

The benchmark for Willow Oaks greens speed is USGA Stimpmeter speed range from 9 to 11 with a daily greens speed between 10 and 11 in favorable climatic conditions. During periods of intense heat or drought, or other dramatic weather conditions, agronomic practices may be altered to protect the health of the greens. Agronomic practices should result in consistency in greens speed throughout the course and the golf week.


WEEDS ARE BEGINNING TO EMERGE AROUND THE COURSE. WHAT IS BEING DONE TO REMOVE THEM?


You are probably noticing some Poa annua and Nutsedge on the course this spring. The cooler wet conditions we have experienced this spring provide a great environment for these weeds to thrive. Our team has been unable to make the applications needed to kill these weeds due to the cooler temperatures that increase the risk of damage to the Bermudagrass. The Bermudagrass is green; however it is not actively growing due to the cooler nighttime temperatures. The course received frost only 12 days ago, slowing the growth of the Bermudagrass even more. As temperatures increase over the next two weeks, and the risk of damage to the Bermudagrass diminishes, our team will make the needed applications.


WHY ARE THE AREAS FILLED WITH SAND BETWEEN THE FORWARD TEE ON #12 AND THE FAIRWAY?


The holes exist due to a failing drainage line that crosses the hole, leading from #10 approach to the drainage inlet located in the rough on the right of #12. The pipe has started to separate at several connections across #12 rough. We have explored various options for repair, and have determined that the best solution is to excavate and replace the entire pipe from the cart path on the left of #12 to the drainage inlet on the right side of #12. Due to the disruption this project will create, repairs will be scheduled during the fall/winter.


WHY ARE TREES AROUND THE COURSE BEING TRIMMED?


Over the past several weeks, the golf course maintenance team has removed lower limbs from several trees around the course. These limbs were removed to allow more sunlight to reach the turf and improve quality in the area around the tree. Some limb removals were recommendations from our golf course architect, Andrew Green to improve playability of the hole.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Deeptine Greens and Large Patch

Yesterday, our team completed the second deeptine aeration this Spring.  During Spring aerification in March, rain prevented the contractors from performing Drill & Fill.  While we were able to perform one deeptine aeration during that time, a second was also performed to help replace the benefits missed from Drill & Fill.  Both the Drill & Fill and deeptine aeration open channels 7-8" deep in the green.  These channels provide better water inflation and air movement deep in the green profile, while typical aeration only disturb the top 4" of the profile.  Both of these deeptine aerations will be very beneficial for continued root growth this Spring.




Deeptine on #1 Green



Hole size of the deeptine. 


If you have played over the last couple of weeks, you have noticed the large rings or circles in many fairways.  These areas are a Bermudagrass turf disease known as Large Patch.  This disease is evident during cool and wet conditions in the Spring, and occasionally the Fall; and rarely causes damage to Bermudagrass.   The rings are more prevalent this year due to early spring transition or "greened up" and the cool, wet, and cloudy conditions.  The rings are more visual than destructive on Bermudagrass. We experience this almost every Spring, and as in past years, the grass will recovery quickly as temperatures increase.




Large Patch on #10 fairway






Large Patch on #6



Large Patch on #11

Friday, May 1, 2020

A few projects around the course

Yesterday, the course received 1.9 inches of rainfall, bringing the April rain total to almost 5 inches.  The forecast for the James River is to crest at 13 feet.  At this level, the course will experience higher water levels in the canals that could lead to the bridges on #17 being under water.  The golf pro shop will let you know about any changes on #17 at the start of your round. 

Our team has completed several projects around the course and on the driving range .  On the driving range, additional drainage has been added, irrigation heads around the tees have been leveled, and topdressing has been applied on the tees and short game practice area.  On the course, concrete has been poured to repair the cart path on #12, removing the lower limbs on the trees between #9/#18 and #16/#17, and the initial mowing most various surfaces.


The trees between #9 and #18 after the lower limbs were removed.
Cart path repair on #12

Spring has arrived as flowers are blooming all around campus.  Paul's hard work continues to make the landscape around the club great. The installation of "Victory Gardens" this year are highlighting how vegetables and herbs can be included in the landscape to provide both great visual interest and food.


Daffodils blooming near the Clubhouse
Spring flower bloom

The beginnings of the Victory Garden 
Chives growing in the landscape

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

James River Forecast

Following the storms that moved across the state yesterday, the James River forecast is for a 14.9' crest.  The course begins to take on water from the river around the 15.5'; with the current forecast, water will not come over the river bank.  We continue to monitor the river level and will take any action needed if the forecast changes.  Currently both the walking and cart bridges on hole #17 are under water.

James River Westham gauge  at 12:30 on Tuesday




Click on this link to see current updates on the James River level at the Richmond - Westham Gauge

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Greens Aeration Wrap-up



This week our team focused on greens aeration.  Rain on Monday and Wednesday prevented the completion of all the planned processes.  Core aeration was completed on all greens, while Graden was completed on greens #9-#18, the on-deck putting green, and the nursery green.  The contractors that perform the Graden work will be back on Monday April 6th to finish greens #1-#8 and the short game practice area greens.  



Beginning 1/2" core aeration.

Collecting cores behind the aerifier.


Brushing greens after topdressing.

Using the Graden.



Cleaning greens after Graden.

Rolling greens after aeration and Graden are completed.

Completed aeration and Graden on left, only aeration on right.

Aeration and Graden completed.





Friday, March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Safety on the course

Golf Play will resume tomorrow following a successful spring greens aeration.  When members come back to play, you will notice some changes that have been put in place to help protect your safety while on the course.  These changes are based on recommendations from the PGA and USGA.

  • Bunker rakes have been removed.  Please be mindful of the groups following you and limit your disruption of the bunker.

  • Water coolers will be unavailable.  Members are welcome to bring their own drinking water.

  • PVC rings have been installed in the cups to prevent your ball from falling to the bottom of the cup.  This allows the golfer to remove the ball without touching the flag stick.  If you feel the need to remove the flag stick, we ask that you use your gloved hand.
The PVC ring prevents the ball from falling to the bottom of the cup.

Remove the ball without touching the flag stick.

Friday, March 20, 2020

Drainage, Edging Greens, and Tree work

The Golf Maintenance Team has completed several projects over the two weeks.  Each of these projects will have a positive impact on the course throughout the season. A post-emergent herbicide was applied to treat any winter weeds around the course.  These weeds will have a yellow/bronze color as the herbicide begins to affect the plant.  We continue to add cobble around cart path edges were needed; this will be ongoing for the next several weeks.  Drainage was installed between #13 green and #14 tee.

Drainage between #13 Green and #14 Tees

Drainage between #13 Green and #14 Tees

Drainage between #13 Green and #14 Tees

Cobble stone drain at #2 Tee
Monday, our team began two projects, edging greens and removing dead and low hanging limbs from trees.  Greens edging is an important process to remove any Bermudagrass that has encroached into the green.  If  you see our team using a lift to remove limbs from trees or edging greens, please be sure the staff can see you before you hit your shot.

Staff removing Bermudagrass encroachment from the green. 


Edge that defines green and Bermudagrass collar.

Arborscapes performing preventative maintenance on one of  the parking lot trees.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Equipment maintenance, soil samples, and cobble stone



Each winter our Equipment Manager, John Anderson, performs routine maintenance and completes any major repairs to the equipment fleet.  This winter, one of his larger repairs was replacing the clutch in the Ford tractor.  As you can see from the pictures below, the tractor was separated to allow access to the clutch.  The ability to make these type of repairs in-house is a great benefit to our department and the club.











Our team is working on several other projects around the course.  Stone was added along the cart path edge between #1 green and #2 tee, conduit was installed around the on-deck putting green for the new fan location, and soil samples were taken on all greens.



Placing stones along the cart path edge behind #1 green.
Mixing and adding mortar to lock the stones in place.
Finished.  The cones will stay in place for the next week to keep traffic away from the new concrete.

You might notice these sand filled holes on the greens.  Core samples were taken from these areas and back filled with sand.  The results of the soil tests will help determine what nutrients need to be added during greens aeration.

I am standing at the new location of the on-deck putting green fan.  Our team installed conduit in the trench to protect the electrical feed to the new fan location.

The new location of the on-deck putting green fan.











Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Amenities and Pre-emergent

The last post highlighted drainage projects our team has completed this winter.  Refurbishing amenities is another winter project that takes many man hours to complete.  Each winter our team will sand and paint each of the tee markers and exit posts.  The benches and divot boxes are coated with oil to protect the wood while creating a richer finish.  All of these amenities will be returned to the course in late March/early April ready for the 2020 golf season.

Benches during oil treatment

Divot Boxes after oil treatment

Freshly painted exit posts

Tee markers after stain and before the ends are painted to identify the tee location

This week we are applying a pre-emergent product for Spring and Summer weeds.  The application should be completed by early next week. 

Most areas are applied by tractor
Walk spreading in wet areas

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