May 15, 2015
As the Lewis & Clark renovation moves into its final stretch, we thought it would be wise to answer some of the frequently asked questions we have been receiving lately. Of course, should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact the Green Committee at anytime.
Q: There appear to be a number of bunkers not completed on the front nine. How is the project progressing?
A: Due to an unexpected supply-chain disruption with our liner materials, Professional Golf Services (PGS) has not been able to complete holes 6 & 7 on the front nine. A decision was made to continue to demo and shape bunkers on the back nine (shaping is by far the most time-consuming element in the renovation process) so that the project timeline would not be affected. We are anticipating to see liner on property this weekend, and would expect to see the front nine completed by the end of next week (not withstanding impacts from adverse weather). As the illustration below details, there are only three holes that have yet to have demo/shaping initiated on the the Lewis and Clark course. Overall, we continue to target late June for the completion of Lewis and Clark. We are anticipating being able to start work on Tavern Creek in June as well.

Q: What is the current status of the bridges on Tavern Creek #18?
A: The board has authorized the commencement of creek studies, engineering and permitting for replacement of the current bridges. The results of the studies and engineering work will help us craft the ultimate approach to which we shall pursue with respect to the type of bridges that will be constructed later this summer. Because we are wanting to arrive with the most financially responsible solution, we thank you for your patience in this regard.
Q: What is the reasoning for zoysia strips being installed around the greens?
A: The zoysia strips being installed around the green are part of a periodic maintenance program that aims to restore clear delineation between bent grass and zoysia turf species. As we were already installing sod on the course, we inserted this task from an efficiency standpoint. The workflow issues related to the delayed liner delivery has somewhat impeded our ability to make these changes with minimal disruption for golfers.

Q: The poa-annua really stands out on the greens. Is this a new phenomenon?
A: Late spring is the time of the year when poa-annua can really stand out against the backdrop of “emerging” bent grass. As the summer takes hold, the poa-annua will be much less visible. Poa-annua is undesirable due to its unattractive yellow-green color and excessive seed head production during spring months, which disrupts turf grass appearance, uniformity, and playability.
The nearly 24 year old greens on Lewis and Clark are a lower-density variety of bent grass that is much more susceptible to infiltration by competing grasses like poa-annua. This is an issue Golf Course Maintenance (GCM) must continue to battle as poa-annua inherently has less drought and heat tolerance compared to creeping bent grass and therefore typically requires a more water during summer and fall months to maintain acceptable growth. GCM is working to mitigate this growing issue, but even at current levels, we believe the course will have very playable greens this summer.

Q: How have the new bunkers been performing to date - especially compared to expectations?
A: We have encountered a variety of weather events so far this spring, and we are excited to report that the bunkers have been performing at or even better than expectations. Moreover, when compared to our legacy bunkers, the delta between both playability and post-precipitation “recovery” could not be more wide.
TYPICAL NEW BUNKER PERFORMANCE (POST 4/7/2015 EVENT)
- 100% DRAINED (NOT INCLUDING TWO BREACHED BUNKERS)
- LIMITED WASHOUTS (LIGHT TO MODERATE HAND RAKING NEEDED TO RESTORE - SEE BLACK CIRCLE BELOW)
- 0% DOWNTIME (PLAYABLE IMMEDIATELY)
- RESTORATION DELTA (LABOR HOURS) WITH LEGACY BUNKERS AFTER 2” RAIN = 88% less labor needed for restoration
Best Regards,
The Country Club of St. Albans Green Committee
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