First Rain of the Season and Course Update

I sit and write this morning with a smile on my face that has not been seen for 5 months. Yes, it's been FIVE long months since the last significant rainfall and if there is anything that can put a smile on the face of the California Superintendent, it's the first rain of the season. While I'm happy to see the rain for now, we hope to get a break over the next few weeks so we can finish the tournament season strong and complete our fall cultural maintenance on the course. Below is a schedule for the next few weeks:

RIX Invitational - October 25 to 27

Greens Aeration - October 29 & 31 (Back Nine Closed For Play 10/31)

Tee and Fairway Aeration - November 1 to 9

Rough Aeration - November 1 to 9

**THESE DATES ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**    

Upcoming Practice Green Renovation 

Beginning October 31 we will be renovating the practice putting green at the clubhouse/1st tee area. As we have all seen over the last two seasons, this greens continues to be the most problematic in both the winter and summer seasons due to poor draining soils, irrigation inconsistencies, tree shade and root competition and high levels of foot traffic. All of these issues together have resulted in poor turf quality on the most visible green on the property. With this project, we will address as many of the issues as possible. Work is to be performed as follows:

• Existing turf will be removed and stored on site
• Good sand/soil (greens mix) will be removed and stockpiled on site
• Poor soils and clay removed and a "greens cavity" shaped into the sub-grade
• Extensive drainage system installed into the sub-grade
• 75 tons of new sand blended with our greens mix to fill cavity, compact and finish grade
• Replace sod and grow-in the renovated putting green!

The result here will be a practice green that drains well during and after heavy rain events and performs to our expectation throughout the long growing season that is typical here in California. Please plan on the construction to take at least two weeks and then another 4 to 6 weeks to grow in to the point that it will hold up to maintenance and member  traffic. Again, the timing here will depend greatly on the weather. Also, do not hesitate to contact me at jclev66@msn.com if you have any questions on the upcoming project.

Thanks and we'll see you on the course!