Sunday, April 22, 2012

End of one season and the start of another

As the 2012 winter golfing season comes to an end, I wanted to thank the many members that have complimented my staff and I for the condition of the course.

The maintenance staff have worked tirelessly to prepare and present the course to a high standard on a daily basis. There have been many golf events over the past months and the staff always seemed to dig a little deeper to complete the many details that help to set our course above many others in the area.



The view down hole 18



Bunker work on hole 5




Green on hole 12


The weather conditions this year have played an important role in keeping our grass green and healthy. Fortunately, we have been receiving some rain when it was needed that has helped sustain the turf and shrubs. The wild flowers, that had struggled earlier in the year due to the warmer weather have now bloomed and look fantastic.


Wild Flowers on hole 16


There have also been many cultural practices performed behind the scenes to promote turf health. These include bi-weekly spiking of greens, top dressing tees and greens, rolling of greens, spoon feeding of fertilizer and the use of soil wetting agents to name but a few. The roots on our turf have been excellent all season long and that has proven to be critical in keeping quality turf conditions considering the lack of rain, high temperatures, windy conditions and record rounds of play.




Roots on hole 4


I can't thank all of my staff enough, in particular Riaan Potgieter, our Assistant Superintendent, our mechanics, Luis and Pedro, Mike Terrill, our Integrated Pest Manager and Neil Johnson, our Irrigation Technician. Please, thank all of my staff as you see them out on the course.

by David Dore-Smith
Director if Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance
Copperleaf Golf Club

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Rock Wall

As the summer weather approaches, so does the preparations for our summer golf course enhancements.
This year, the most significant project will be the construction of a rock wall along the lake bank of the chipping green and putting green.



The current view of the rock wall location from hole 18


A modification to our lake system permit is currently being submitted to the South Water Management District, as well as The Brooks Community Development District.

Once these approvals have been received, work will commence on transferring the rocks, currently held at the maintenance facility, to the area between the two practice greens. A large wheel loader will be rented to move these heavy boulders.
The rocks will be put into place using a rented excavator capable of positioning the rocks in their desired location.

The completed rock wall will then be back filled with soil to level the current practice area and provide increased area for all members to enjoy.

The rock wall will be visible from hole 18 as well as the club house and help contribute to improving the overall appearance of the area.

I will keep you informed as the project gets underway some time in May. Please be careful around the construction area as there will be heavy equipment and unstable conditions during the approximately 2 week construction timeline.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

David Dore-Smith


Posted by David Dore-Smith
Director if Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance
Copperleaf Golf Club

Location:Copperleaf Golf Club