Wind Storm- Update #2

The winds finally subsided on Monday evening.  Course clean-up is on schedule and the staff deserves much appreciation for their hard work and effort.  With a majority of the fallen trees cut up and debris clean-up following close behind, we intend to focus on addressing the bunkers on Thursday.  We have begun mowing the primary rough and will commence mowing tees, approaches, and fairways by late Thursday.  The coordination and organization of the clean up efforts are part of a large scale effort with efficiency in mind.  Thank you for your patience during this period.

Wind Storm Clean up Effort Update

As many of you are aware the golf course has experienced severe, high winds over the past several days.  The volume of debris and damage is significant.  We are putting forth the best effort possible at the present time to make the course playable.  We would anticipate the clean up efforts to take the better part of two weeks, if the current forecast for more wind over the next few days doesn't hold true.  Our priority is to  clean the feature areas first and work our way to the roughs and perimeters.


We understand the frustration associated with trying to play a "debris littered" course, but would appreciate your understanding and patience as we attempt to clean up after a "once in a decade" type storm event.


Thank you,
Jason and the Course Maintenance Staff

Bunker Rake - Out of Commission

The clutch in our nine year old John Deere bunker rake has failed.  Repair parts have been ordered and delivery is scheduled for tomorrow.  Hand raking has been implemented in the interim, but limited man-power this week has hindered our ability to reach every hazard prior to daily play.  The compromise to conditions is temporary and we anticipate having the machine operational by Friday.    

The Buzz surrounding Royal Melbourne

As many of you viewed the recent President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne in Australia, did you notice the “unique” color associated with the greens?  The rich, deep green, almost purple hue is distinctly similar to the pigment reflected in the greens here at Arrowhead Country Club.

The color that has had the golf industry a buzz is the result of a ferrous sulfate (iron) application.  "High" rates of ferrous sulfate, a salt based fertilizer/soil amendment, will refine the leaf blade if allowed to dry on the tissue.  This provides obvious playability benefits from a surface management standpoint.  Ferrous sulfate also provides mild fungicidal benefits, acts as a herbicide, and acidifies the very top layer of the soil with repeated applications.  As a salt, it can act as a desiccant to any recently germinated seedlings and effectively control immature poa annua.  Studies have shown positive effects on root growth, recovery from drought stress, and increased wear resistance.

Foliar applications of FeSO4 promote a quick response and increase in leaf chlorophyll, thus green pigment within the leaves.  The rates we utilize as part of our agronomic program produce a deep green, almost purple hue when left to dry on the plant tissue.  This is very similar to what was witnessed at Royal Melbourne.     

Royal Melbourne

#1 Green (Post FeSO4 application)

#9 Green (Post FeSO4 application)

"Glass Like" appearance of #12 green

Mowing Practices

Several members have inquired about our mowing practices and frequency.  The short answer is that our mowing frequency is dictated by clipping yield and varies based upon time of season.  This time of the year (July) we cut the bermudagrass fairways, tees, and approaches two to three times per week.  In the winter months, the Ryegrass is cut once or twice per week depending on growth rate.  Consuming fuel and "burning-in" mowing patterns for aesthetics is a strain on the diminished budget and limits the man hours and energy we can devote to improvements and detail work in addition to unnecessary wear and tear to equipment.  In this industry, mowing is a very under estimated mechanical stress that negatively impacts plant health.  

Vinyl Guard

Would you believe that the putting green flag sticks are as expensive as a normal size flagstick?  With our flagsticks looking a little worn and tired we searched for an economical solution to improve their appearance.  We purchased a product named vinyl guard and "sleeved" our original sticks.  They are holding up well and look brand new.  The process was quick and easy.  Clean the stick, measure the length of material required, slide the material over the stick, and heat via professional heat gun to "shrink" the vinyl around the pole. 

Old versus New (left to right)

Measure and Cut

Heat from bottom of stick upward and along creased edge

To Mow or To Roll?

Growth rates, seasonal climatic conditions, moisture, and desired green speed dictate the answer to the topic question.  Depending on the variables of these factors, we decide whether to cut the greens or roll the greens.  With a dominant monoculture of A4/T1 Bentgrass, we do not have to factor in the variance of two turfgrass growth habits. (ex. Bentgrass versus poa annua)  The decision is dictated by yield and performance.  Mowing is a form of mechanical stress to the plant and at certain times can be detrimental to plant health and density.  Why mow when you do not have to?  If water management and fertility are monitored closely, to the point of just creating enough growth to recover from the stress of play, mowing seven days a week or double cutting is not required.  


Many golfers say "We love fast greens!", but usually only a small percentage of Private Membership golfers demand these requirements and on the opposite end, speed can make rounds difficult and not fun for the majority.  Greens that are consistent, smooth, and true out-perform speed any day.  (In my opinion)  Without identifying courses or events, I believe most golfers feel the same way.  We do our best to maintain consistency throughout the various seasons that the Southern California climate may dictate.

Alfredo Tri-plexing #18 Green

Alfredo Rolling #16 Green