Silver Springs Golf & Country Club Calgary, Alberta

Transcription

1 Silver Springs Glf & Cuntry Club Calgary, Alberta Visit Date: July 21, 2016 Present: Mr. Paul Ddsn, Superintendent Mr. Jn Fisher, General Manager Mr. Travis Matijevich, Assistant Superintendent Mr. Fred Pynn, Green Chair Mr. Larry Gilhuly, USGA United States Glf Assciatin Larry Gilhuly, Agrnmist Green Sectin West Regin 5610 Old Stump Drive Gig Harbr, WA (O) (C) The USGA Green Sectin develps and disseminates sustainable management practices that prduce better playing cnditins fr better glf. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 1

2 It was a pleasure t visit Silver Springs Glf & Cuntry Club n July 21, 2016, n behalf f the USGA Green Sectin. This was the first visit back t Silver Springs since a visit by USGA agrnmist Matt Nelsn in At that time, the main tpic f discussin was winter damage t the putting surfaces and methds t imprve verall stand density and playing quality. This was nt the case during this visit, as the putting surfaces were in utstanding summer cnditin while being dminated by creeping bentgrass and minr amunts f Pa annua. The main fcus f this visit was n the fairways, with severe damage n a few fairways nted this past spring due t severe desiccatin. In additin t fairway issues, all f the ther main playing areas dwn the middle" were discussed including greens, green surrunds, tees and rughs. Als, a significant amunt f time was spent discussing trees, the maintenance facility, equipment, and ther miscellaneus tpics. Shuld yu have any questins cncerning this visit r reprt, please d nt hesitate t cntact ur ffice. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The fllwing brief summary prvides a nn-explanatry list f tpics discussed that can be fund within the main framewrk f this reprt in the same rder. Each tpic is discussed in greater detail including bservatins and recmmendatins. Fairways - Resdding is nly needed n a prtin f N Upgrade yur fairway verseeder. - Cnsider the use f pregerminated seed fr divt repair and when using the dimpling machine. - Sme fairways need assistance fr Kentucky bluegrass grwth. - Add a deep vertical mwing unit t the peratin. Greens - Cntinue the tree remval prcess. - Add regular light tpdressing t the putting green maintenance prgram. - Slid tine r pen tine aeratin which is best? - Add reverse-rtatin brushes with upgraded mwers. Green surrunds - Imprve the firmness f the appraches. - Cnsider the Aussie methd f raking. Tees - Remve the red clr frm the frward markers. - With yur glf curse architect, create a cmplete set f frward tees. - Cnsider resurfacing and recnstructin f selected tees. Trees - Purchase an effective rt pruner. - Address trees t imprve visibility and playing cnditins n several hles. Misc. tpics - Minimize labr in rughs and landscape beds. - Address tree rts n yur cart paths. - Slightly increase the size f the maintenance building. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 2

3 FAIRWAYS Observatins. As mentined in the intrductin, the main fcus f this visit was the fairways and the damage inflicted during the past winter mnths. This was primarily due t the lack f snw cver and severe desiccatin, with the lack f water causing turf lss n several hles. Specifically, thse hles with mre Pa annua displayed the greatest damage, with mst assciated with either t many trees, pr drainage r bth. The fairways at Silver Springs were resdded with Kentucky bluegrass during 1999 t In additin, Ns. 3 and 4 were sdded slightly earlier in The purpse fr the resdding was t reintrduce a grass (Kentucky bluegrass) that is nt as susceptible t winter damage as invading annual bluegrass (Pa annua). During the ensuing 17 t 20 years, Pa annua has invaded many fairways; hwever, Kentucky bluegrass cntinues t dminate mst f the fairways at this time. The key questin during this visit was, D the fairways need t be resdded again at a cnsiderable expense, r can seeding have enugh impact t reestablish Kentucky bluegrass dminatin fr mst f the glf curse?" Based n a tur f the entire glf curse and understanding the reasns why weaknesses ccur in sme areas, the verwhelming answer is that seeding can be dne, with sdding suggested fr ne nly particular fairway area. Recmmendatins. While the fairways certainly went thrugh a difficult time during the spring due t lack f water and snw cver, virtually all f the fairways have recvered and were displaying very gd fairway playing cnditins. Based n cnversatins with thse in attendance and reviewing each hle where weakness ccurred, the fllwing recmmendatins were made fr the fairways: Resdding is nly needed n a prtin f N. 11. It was mentined that a significant prtin f this fairway was destryed despite adequate sunlight frm the start f the fairway t the rise nted in the white area in the pht t the right. Since this area has issues histrically and annually, it wuld be best t simply remve the existing sd, imprve the nature f the sil with a sand/sil cmbinatin, and resd with Kentucky bluegrass. It was estimated that this wuld be apprximately 1 acre f sd and shuld cst apprximately $5000 fr this imprvement. Other than this single area, mst f the ther turf lss situatins are directly assciated with the lack f sunlight. Rather than immediately sdding these areas, each area was reviewed using the Sun Seeker app t assist in determining tree remval fr imprved Kentucky bluegrass grwth at the expense shade-lving Pa annua. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 3

4 Upgrade yur fairway verseeder. While there is nthing wrng with the Bannerman dimple device, it is imprtant t place Kentucky bluegrass seed in a prtective slit fr sil/seed cntact and retentin f misture during germinatin. Als, newer types f slicer/seeders can allw seed t germinate and survive in lines n mre than 1 inch apart. When this peratin is cmpleted in tw directins, utstanding turfgrass establishment can be accmplished while giving Kentucky bluegrass the chance t evenly establish in existing turf. Several different units that can d a gd jb are available; hwever, a recent visit t a glf curse in Western Washingtn shwed excellent results with the Redexim slicer/seeder shwn in the right pht. Regardless f the type f slicer/seeder purchased, be sure t demnstrate varius mdels and select the ne that has the mst effective spacing and psitive results when using Kentucky bluegrass. As a final cmment cncerning use f an verseeder, it was mentined that seeding is currently dne at a rate f apprximately 100 punds per acre in selected areas. Yu may wish t use this unit n all f the fairways, which wuld result in an annual expense fr seed f apprximately $10,000, which is cnsiderably less than the cst fr sd. While the fairways will nt immediately cnvert t Kentucky bluegrass, the chance f severe damage in many areas will be reduced as Kentucky bluegrass ppulatins are increased. Patience will be needed, as it is very difficult t establish Kentucky bluegrass in existing stands f grass due t the slw nature f germinatin. In this regard, yu may wish t experiment with the fllwing. Cnsider the use f pregerminated seed fr divt repair and when using the dimpling machine. Very gd results have been nted at ther glf curses where pregerminatin f seed is practiced. This is especially true with Kentucky bluegrass, which is knwn fr its slw germinatin time that allws ther grasses t dminate when Kentucky bluegrass is in the seedling stage. This extra 7 t 10 days f grwth will make the Kentucky bluegrass mre cmpetitive with germinating Pa annua seedlings. Sme fairways need assistance fr Kentucky bluegrass grwth. As mentined earlier, mst f the prblems assciated with the fairways can be directly attributed t either pr drainage r trees. While drainage is certainly an issue n lwer-lying hles such as Ns. 3 and 4, alng with the weak prtin f N. 11 mentined earlier, it is truly the excess trees that are a majr issue. With this in mind, the fllwing cmments were made fr thse hles where extra steps are needed t imprve Kentucky bluegrass survival and cmpetitin: Hle N. 1. While trees d nt need t be remved fr the purpse f imprving fairway grwth, this is ne f several fairways that wuld benefit frm regular tpdressing with a gd sand. Frequency and amunt are the mst imprtant factrs, as nted in Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 4

5 Tpdressing Fairways: Mre Is Better. Thse glf curses in similar climates that have practiced regular tpdressing prduce healthier grass with deeper rts t assist in cmpetitin with Pa annua invasin. In additin, firmer playing surfaces will be prduced and the negative impact f thatch, minimized. Since there have been drainage issues n N. 1 in the past and drainage has been installed, this wuld be a fairway where regular tpdressing wuld be beneficial. Fr mre detailed infrmatin, see Anther Decade f Piling it On. Hle N. 3. This entire fairway was resdded in 1995 and has a histry f retaining excess water. As with N. 1, regular sand tpdressing wuld be beneficial. Hle N. 4. This hle has similar issues t the previus tw hles and wuld benefit frm regular fairway tpdressing. Hle N. 11. As mentined earlier, the first half f this fairway suffered severe turf lss and has had histrical prblems. In additin t adding new Kentucky bluegrass sd fr the first half f the fairway and imprving the sil structure, this fairway wuld als benefit frm regular tpdressing fllwing sd replacement. In additin, all f the previusly mentined fairways and N. 11, alng with thers that will be discussed, wuld benefit frm deep tine aeratin t prmte deeper rting while minimizing verall water use. Water use is a majr cmpnent f Pa annua survival. Any steps that will make this grass weaker during the summer mnths will benefit Kentucky bluegrass. Hle N. 14. It was mentined that severe turf lss was nted n the slpe in frnt f the green n this severe dgleg par 4. This is a perfect example f the negative impact f trees t the east and suth f this fairway area. The pht t the right was taken when the sun angle is very high, yet shade cvered the left half f this fairway during mst f the mrning hurs. Several cttnwds and spruce in this area shuld be remved as nted in the lwer pht t the right. As yu view the fllwing phts taken with the Sun Seeker app, keep in mind that the blue line dentes the sun track during the middle f the winter, and the green line, the sun track during the fall and Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 5

6 spring equinx (September 19/March 19). The area n bth sides f the green line is f mst interest, as this is when frst ccurs and shade can severely impact regrwth that is desired during the spring mnths. It is als the same time that imprtant carbhydrates are created heading int the winter t strengthen the stress assciated with the winter mnths. As nted in the pht fr N. 14, virtually all f the mrning sunlight is cmpletely blcked frm this fairway until nn, resulting in a cmpetitive grwing advantage fr shade-lving Pa annua. T truly grw healthy turf n this bank, several pplars and pssibly all f the spruce trees t the left f the fairway need t be remved. In additin t these trees that impact fairway grwth, it was als mentined that turf grwth n this green is still a prblem. This was mentined by Mr. Nelsn in 2005, with the nly difference being that the remaining trees have simply grwn with time. The pht t the right again shws the damage inflicted during key mnths f the year by the three spruce trees t the back, left f this green. All three f these trees were recmmended fr remval, as this is ne f a few greens that still have severe frst issues due t nearby trees. Hle N. 15. The right side f the fairway at the tp f the bank, extending at least 100 yards was mentined as anther area where severe damage had ccurred. Several pplars t the right f this fairway are the main culprits (shwn in the middle pht), with remval suggested. This was anther area where even at 11 a.m. n the day f this visit, shade was prevalent n the entire right side f the damaged area. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 6

7 In additin t this lcatin, the main traffic area near the green wuld benefit frm spruce remval as nted in the pht at the bttm f the previus page. Als, a large spruce near the green n the right side (arrw) culd be remved t further imprve turf in the main walking traffic area right f this green. Hle N. 16. In an effrt t narrw the fairway n this hle, spruce trees were planted inside the pplars several years ag. Unfrtunately, these spruce trees are a majr negative and are creating turf damage with excess shade n the left side f the fairway, as can be nted in the lwer right pht. Tw grupings f spruce were recmmended fr cmplete remval t imprve Kentucky bluegrass stand density in these weakened areas. In additin, trees n the right side need t have their lwer limbs raised t prvide a cmplete view f the fairway bunker n the right side. Hle N. 17. While the tw pplars t the back, left f this green d nt impact the fairway, they d impact sunlight n the putting surface as nted in the right pht. These trees are recmmended fr remval. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 7

8 Add a deep vertical mwing unit t the peratin. There are many types f deep vertical mwing units that can be tested t reduce verall thatch in the fairways. As can be nted in the pht t the right, this much thatch can have a severe impact n water retentin and irrigatin practices. In turn, Kentucky bluegrass with excess thatch will have less chance f germinating and surviving, thus sme frm f thatch reductin equipment needs t be added. Many units that have shwn gd results are available. Hwever, the real key t remving excess thatch is t find a unit that can bth vertical mw and clean up the debris in the same peratin. While Tr, 1st Prducts, SISIS and Graden units are all wrthy f demnstratin, ne f the best units nted in the western United States has been the Wiedenmann 600 nted in the pht t the right. Regardless f the unit chsen, sme frm f deep thatching unit is needed as anther way t enhance Kentucky bluegrass establishment. Summary. While it is understd that the lss f significant amunts f fairway turf was certainly nt psitive, in reality, the turf that was lst was primarily Pa annua. This allwed fr the reestablishment f mre Kentucky bluegrass in these areas. Hwever, it is nt recmmended t cnsider the csts assciated with resdding all f the fairways at this time, as they can be addressed in a far mre cst-effective manner, with pssible resdding f areas in the future shuld weather patterns result in turf lss. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 8

9 GREENS Observatins and recmmendatins. Since the time f the last USGA visit in 2005, significant imprvements have bviusly been made n the putting surfaces. Due t the riginal cnstructin methd used n the greens, it is very cmmn t have ice damage and turf lss despite the dminance f creeping bentgrass. Thrugh several years f hard wrk by the maintenance staff with drainage installatin and basic prgrams f aeratin and tpdressing, the greens are still dminated by creeping bentgrass and in much better health. Hwever, ne f the mst imprtant aspects fr imprvement has been the remval f selected trees arund many f the greens. Lking t the future, several tpics were discussed fr the greens, with the fllwing recmmendatins ffered: Cntinue the tree remval prcess. While mst f the greens n lnger suffer frm trees causing excess shade, a few hles were still suggested fr tree remval. These included: N. 1 green. Three trees t the back, left f this green were suggested fr remval including the spruce and tw black ash trees shwn in the upper right pht. N. 14 green. The three spruce trees t the back, left f this green were suggested fr remval as discussed in the previus sectin f this reprt. N. 17 green. Three pplars t the back, left f this green were suggested fr remval as discussed earlier and shwn with the arrw abve. Add regular light tpdressing t the putting green maintenance prgram. It was mentined that the greens at Silver Springs are aerated in the spring and fall with enugh sand at this time t fill the aeratin hles. Hwever, regular light sand tpdressing is nt cmpleted during the grwing seasn due t damage t mwers and the lack f time prvided fr the maintenance staff. In regard t damage t the mwers, it was suggested t cnsider the technique described in the USGA web update Tpdress With Less Stress. Applying sand at apprximately 1/3 cubic yard per 5,000 square feet n a mnthly basis will imprve the dilutin f thatch and its negative effects while smthing the putting surfaces. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 9

10 In regard t creating time fr the staff t cmplete this needed peratin, it was suggested t cnsider starting tee times at least ne hur later n Mndays (9:00 a.m.) due t the nise abatement restrictin f yur cmmunity. If this is nt pssible, the gap in tee times n Wednesdays is a perfect time fr light sand tpdressing and ther peratins while the greens are dry. Slid tine r pen tine aeratin which is best? In reality, glf curses have been aerated with pen tines fr years in the belief that this methd f aeratin remves excess rganic material and helps relieve cmpactin. Hwever, many have prven that the use f slid tines is ttally acceptable when extra sand is applied as described abve. In cnjunctin with the tpdressing applicatins, a regular mnthly venting prgram is suggested t further imprve the greens. This will assist in sand mvement int the prfile. Many glf curses have gne well beynd ten years withut remving cres with very psitive results when fllwing this type f venting and tpdressing prgram. Again, t cmplete this type f prgram will require the maintenance staff t have uninterrupted time withut players. Add reverse-rtatin brushes with upgraded mwers. As the putting green mwers are upgraded, newer units nw allw the additin f a reverse-rtatin brush apprximately 3 t 4 inches in frnt f the cutting unit t dramatically reduce grain and Pa annua seedheads. As yu upgrade yur mwing fleet in the future, make sure t add this feature despite the extra cst. GREEN SURROUNDS Observatins and recmmendatins. While the putting surfaces are always the highest pririty, in reality, the secnd highest pririty shuld the areas that surrund the greens. This includes the appraches, cllars, chipping areas, nearby rugh and bunkers. It was gd t see the amunt f wrk dne n the bunkers and the quality f turf in mst f the green surrunds areas. Several recmmendatins were made t further imprve these imprtant areas including the fllwing: Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 10

11 Imprve the firmness f the appraches. While the appraches are very impressive with creeping bentgrass dminatin, ne f the negatives f this grass is the excessive amunt f rganic material it prduces as nted in the pht at the bttm f the previus page. While a deep vertical mwer will certainly benefit this area when used n an annual basis, regular light sand tpdressing is als needed at duble the rate f the putting surfaces. In reality, there is n mre difficult sht in the game than a firm putting surface and a sft apprach when the hle is lcated at the frnt f the green. All players shuld have the ptin f a bump-and-run sht, thus simply firming the appraches thrugh regular maintenance prgrams will be very beneficial and appreciated by yur membership Cnsider the Aussie methd f raking. As can be nted in the pht t the right, this methd f raking invlves nly raking the bunker bttms while leaving the slpes much firmer. Many use the back side f a bunker rake, paint rller r squeegee t virtually eliminate fried egg lies when raking the bunker faces. While the negative f mre weed establishment can ccur, thse using this raking methd reprt very high acceptance frm players, thus it was recmmendatin fr demnstratin at Silver Springs this year. TEES Observatins and recmmendatins. While many may believe that the fairways are the main tpic fr discussin at Silver Springs, the trees are a much bigger issue and will be discussed later in this reprt. Right behind trees is a tpic that has significantly changed the game in a psitive manner in regard t pace f play, fun and mre ptins fr players with less distance. Specifically, the additin f frward tees is definitely needed at a distance far less than the current 5,612 yards. In the article Mve Frward, Nt Back!, a simple frmula is used based n the fact that the average wman player hits a glf ball apprximately 75 percent as far as the average male player. Using this frmula, any distance can be divided by 0.75 t prvide a cmparable distance between male and female players. Fr example, the current frward (red) tees measure 5,612 yards. This prduces a whpping 7,483 yards in cmparable yards! After bserving many f yur wmen players n the day f this visit, the tees are simply t lng fr their ability, and this needs t be addressed. Specific recmmendatins fr the tees included the fllwing: Remve the red clr frm the frward markers. Unfrtunately this clr represents the ladies tees t many. Fr this reasn, many with less distance will nt play these tees due t eg issues. Frtunately, during the past tw years, a vast majrity f glf curses have Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 11

12 remved the clr cmpletely r placed it at the back f the sequence t remve this unfair stigma. As a n-cst starting pint, remve the clr frm the frward tees by using a sequence f black, blue, silver and gld, r any clr ther than red. With yur glf curse architect, create a cmplete set f frward tees. The chart belw shws the current distance f the frward tees, the cmparative distance, a recmmended playing distance, its cmparative distance, and the current distance f the silver tees used by many players. This chart is nly t be used as a starting pint and shuld be cmbined with input frm yur glf curse architect t create a set f frward tee markers that prvides a cmparable distance fr wmen and shrter hitters with thse playing the silver tees. Hle N. SILVER SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Recmmendatins fr Frward Tees Cmparable Recmmended Distance Distance Current Frward Tee Distance Recmmended Cmparable Distance Current Silver Tee Distance Overall 5,612 7,482 4,575 6,103 6,099 The entire purpse f adding lw-cst frward tees is t prvide even mre ptins fr players with limited distance capabilities. This idea has been viewed at many glf curses during the past five years with very psitive acceptance and a minimal investment. In regard t cnstructin f the tees, they need t be at least 750 t 1,000 square feet and can ften be fund n the fairways. In many cases, nly 6 t 8 inches f rise is needed t allw the fairway mwers fr ease f mwing withut scalping. Als, the tees shuld be cnstructed f the cmpst sil material yu have created alng with sand t allw easy tee penetratin. In sme cases, the tees may be lcated n fairways. In thers, they will be fund in rughs. Due t yur tpgraphy, several hles simply cannt be at the recmmended distances, but yu d have sme very gd ptential tee lcatins such as N. 3 shwn in the tp pht n the fllwing page. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 12

13 Cnsider resurfacing and recnstructin f selected tees. While the bentgrassdminated teeing surfaces are a unique feature and prvide high quality fr yur glf curse, sme f the tees are simply having issues with tree rt invasin, surface levelness, and verall utilizatin. During the tur f the curse, three tees were nted that can begin the prcess f upgrading the teeing surfaces. These included: Hle N. 2. Tw f the main tees n this hle suffer frm unlevelness. Further, the impact f tree rts n the blue tee is severe and needs t be addressed. In additin t remving trees next t the tee (nte right pht), the tee itself shuld be recnstructed with all rts remved. A bi barrier system shuld be placed next t the tee, with regular pruning as shall be discussed in the next sectin f this reprt. Als, the tee can be resurfaced with T-1 creeping bentgrass frm Magic Valley Bentgrass, if desired. Finally, as this tee is recnstructed, it shuld be cmpletely leveled t maximize square ftage. The same shuld be dne with the silver tee in frnt f the larger tee, where mre size is needed fr this par-3 hle. Hle N. 7. The blue tee n this hle had disease issues this past year and has struggled in the past. This wuld be anther tee where the existing sd can be remved and replaced with T-1 fr experimental purpses. It was estimated that the cst fr sd wuld be apprximately $3,000. This culd be cmbined with N. 2 as a test fr future use f this grass n the teeing surfaces. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 13

14 Hle N. 13. Due t the trees n the left side, this tee is effectively smaller than it appears. It was suggested t remve the left side f the tee that is unused and utilize the sd fr a tee expansin f equal size n the right side. It will be difficult t match the cnturs exactly, but the right side f this tee has a significant amunt f area that can be utilized t expand the usable prtin f this tee. TREES Observatins and recmmendatins. As mentined earlier, while the fairways were certainly an issue this past spring, the trees are a bigger issue impacting turf grwth and playing cnditins at Silver Springs. While many f the cttnwds/pplars impart t much shade in fine-turf areas, they are als very negative in regard t rt prductin n the surface, causing damage t mwers and ptentially, players. In additin, debris frm the deciduus trees must be remved in the fall, and the cttn frm the female cttnwds is a majr prblem in the spring. Finally, many trees have vergrwn areas and are blcking visual characteristics f hles r making hles t narrw. In additin t the trees recmmended fr remval earlier fr shade reasns, ther suggestins cncerning trees included the fllwing: Purchase an effective rt pruner. During the visit, the Imants rt pruner was discussed. This unit has been used with success at ther glf curses in Canada. This clean and effective pruner is slw; hwever, due t the amunt f rts fund n yur glf curse, it will prvide a simple and effective way t minimize the negative effects f the cttnwd, pplar, and spruce tree rts. In sme cases, the rts are s bad that the trees shuld simply be remved, such as the spruce in the left rugh f N. 6 (upper right pht). In ther cases, rt pruning will assist in imprving turf quality next t fairways (lwer pht, N. 6). Regardless, the additin f a rt pruner will have a majr psitive impact, as it can be used extensively in many areas n an annual basis at Silver Springs. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 14

15 Address trees t imprve visibility and playing cnditins n several hles. While tree rts and shade are certainly an issue, there are many hles where the subtle visual interference by trees has a definite impact n the visual characteristics f the hle and, in sme cases, hw the hle plays. With this in mind, recmmendatins fr tree/brush remval included the fllwing: Hle N. 1. As can be nted in the upper right pht, the spruce trees n the left frce players t hit shts t the right n this dgleg right pening hle, thus virtually ne-third t ne-half f this tee is unusable. The remval f trees n the left prtin f this fairway will allw fr use f the entire teeing surface withut cmprmising safety fr nearby hmes. When discussing safety, it is imprtant t understand that the remval f trees must be dne in a very careful and thughtful manner. Specifically, trees that prvide safety shuld nt be remved! In additin, trees that are strategic t the play f a hle shuld be discussed with yur glf curse architect prir t remval, as shuld thse that are imprtant t the visual characteristics f a hle. There are, hwever, trees that are unsafe, have vergrwn their lcatin t negatively impact play, r blck vistas that have shuld be remved. Hle N. 3. As can be nted in the middle right pht, smaller shrub trees are blcking sme f the visual characteristics f Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 15

16 the fairway bunker frm the blue tee. While remval f all f the trees and shrubs in this area is nt feasible, the higher trees shuld be remved fr cmplete visibility f this bunker. Hle N. 8. As with N. 1, a large limb (bttm pht, previus page) is fund n the left side, which players try t avid. The tree must remain fr safety reasns, but the remval f this limb was recmmended. In additin, the spruce trees belw this limb visually blck the fairway bunker and culd be cnsidered fr remval. Since there are ample cttnwds in the area, the remval f these trees shuld nt pse an issue fr the safety f the nearby hmes. As a final tree recmmendatin fr this hle, a single spruce frms a duble hazard in frnt f the bunker (tp right pht) and shuld be remved. Hle N. 10. A small shrubby bush (middle right pht) that has n impact n play can be remved as it blcks a small prtin f the landing zne. Als, the birch and spruce t the frnt, right f the hle serve n purpse and culd be remved withut any impact n the play f the glf curse. In the case f these tw trees, they are perfect examples f extra labr being wasted that shuld be fcused n the dwn the middle prtin f the glf curse. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 16

17 Hle N. 11. A large amunt f brush and smaller trees n the left side f this hle (bttm pht, previus page) shuld be remved due t the pace f play issue n this hle. Remval f these plants will help players find errant shts in the area withut making the hle any easier, while greatly imprving visibility frm the tee. Hle N. 12. The clearing f trees near the lake n this hle has greatly imprved visual characteristics. It was recmmended t cntinue clearing the brush frm the edge f the lake and the shrub nted in the upper right pht (nte arrw) that blcks the view f the left side f the fairway bunker frm this tee. In additin, yu may als wish t remve the single spruce n the inside f the cttnwds apprximately 50 yards in frnt f the green. Hle N. 18. It was agreed that the tw remaining spruce trees n the left side shrt f the green can be remved t widen and imprve the visual characteristics f the finishing hle as was recmmended by the USGA in At the same time, it is even mre critical t remve several spruce trees n the right side, as they cmpletely blck the beautiful view f the greenside bunkers. MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS Minimize labr in the rughs and landscape beds. The fcus f every glf curse shuld be dwn the middle f the glf curse. Unfrtunately, with the number f trees and landscape beds fund at Silver Springs, a cnsiderable amunt f valuable labr is being wasted n areas that have nthing t d with the play f the glf curse. Over the past decade, many glf curses have either scaled back r cmpletely eliminated landscaping beds, with the exceptin f the first tee, clubhuse and 18 th green. It was highly recmmended t give a clse lk at the many high-maintenance and high-cst landscape beds n the glf curse and greatly reduce their number. Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 17

18 In additin, there are many acres f rugh that are simply nt in play. It was recmmended t change the mwing and maintenance schedule fr these areas, with mwing n a nce-perweek basis at a higher height such as 3 t 4 inches. These lcatins must be selected carefully. Gd examples are fund in the areas t the right f N. 11 and right f N. 15. Anther gd lcatin was nted n the drive between Ns. 5 and 6, where a cnsiderable amunt f rugh des nt deserve t be maintained in a manner similar t rugh that is in play n the glf curse. Address tree rts n yur cart paths. In additin t using the Imants rt pruner next t cart paths t reduce future issues, it was gd t learn that Mr. Tdd Creightn f Flat Paths will be used t address the many bumpy areas n the glf curse. This is anther area where trees are negatively impacting the entire experience, with sme trees nt in play simply destrying cart paths. Slightly increase the size f the maintenance building. While certain aspects f the maintenance building are utstanding (mechanic s wrk area and new chemical strage building), the verall size f the facility is lacking. In particular, the lunchrm is wefully small and needs t be expanded, as d the lcker rms. By expanding the building apprximately 25 feet frm the existing superintendent s ffice/lunchrm, needed area can be added fr yur staff. It wuld als be helpful t extend the ther end f the building, if pssible, t increase equipment strage area. Thank yu again fr yur supprt f the USGA Green Sectin thrugh the use f ur Curse Cnsulting Service. It is hped that the recmmendatins fund in this reprt shall be helpful as yu mve int the future in several areas. Again, shuld yu have any questins cncerning this visit r reprt, please d nt hesitate t cntact ur ffice. As a final cmment, wuld yu like t receive the Green Sectin's electrnic versin f the Green Sectin Recrd? It's free, infrmative, and shrt. All yu have t d is click the link: Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 18

19 Yu may als visit USGA Reginal Updates fr current findings frm the West and all the Green Sectin Regins. Respectfully submitted; Larry Gilhuly, Agrnmist USGA Green Sectin Distributin: Mr. Paul Ddsn, Superintendent Curse Cnsulting Service Reprt Page 19