FYI 11/29/19

11/29/19

Golf Maintenance FYI

·         David Forrey is the manager on duty this weekend.

·         The golf course was fertilized with a granular product last Thursday to help maintain the color and health of the turf.

·         All Tees were sprayed with a liquid fertilizer and natural fungicide today, Friday, to help with their recovery from the disease we experienced several weeks ago. Fairways will be sprayed on Monday.

·         All greens were fertilized with a granular potassium product on Tuesday after the morning shotgun. The potassium helps with plant strength and minimizes drought stress. Our greens are in excellent condition and have been receiving many compliments. I appreciate the efforts of our mechanic, Roman Gomez, for his extra attention in keeping the mowers adjusted and sharp daily.

·         Our Tee and Approach mowers have had smooth rollers installed on them, replacing the grooved rollers used during the growing months. The smooth rollers help protect the turf especially where the mowers turn and can potentially dig in. In January our fairway mowers will have smooth rollers installed on them.

·         We have been concentrating on detailing the golf course with trimming, edging and cleaning. Everything from flagsticks to Out-Of-Bounds stakes and Street signs have been sprayed and wiped down. As the saying goes; “The difference is in the details!”

·         Thank you to Tina Fry for her suggestion on cleaning the white Out-Of-Bounds stakes that were showing signs of Algae forming on them.

·         Thank you to Ricardo Gomez for repairing an erosion area near the Blue Tee on Hole 16. The soil had washed away creating a dangerous and unsightly area. The soil was pulled back and riprap installed to prevent future issues.

·         Thank you to Carlos Martinez for trimming Palm Trees throughout the course to provide more sunlight to the turf under them. All Palm trees are scheduled to be trimmed in July next year.

·         There are going to be many of our staff enjoying their remaining vacation days over the next 5 weeks. With turf growth slowing down substantially, it is a good time of year for our staff to take a much-deserved break.

·         Overall, the golf course remains in good condition. There is some cooler weather forecast for the coming week which will have a negative effect on our warm season grass. I encourage all members to respect the golf course by filling divots, repairing ball marks, keeping 4 wheels on the path around Tees and Greens and driving in the Fairways and not the rough. With your help, the turf will remain in great condition for all to enjoy.

Get the Rock out of here

Over the past month, the Copperleaf Maintenance Department has been tirelessly working to remove buried rocks and other debris from beneath the turf surface on our tees and now fairways.

Our machine in action on Hole 7 using solid tines to find rocks

Rocks identified on Hole 17 Tee

Rocks being removed on Hole 12

There have always been several problematic areas throughout the course where the turf grass simply does not perform as well as the grass surrounding it. These areas are maintained the same way with regard to irrigation, fertilization and mowing, however, they show signs of stress and discoloration throughout the year.

Several years ago, a machine was contracted in an attempt to relieve the compaction in these areas to allow for increased water and fertilizer penetration and improve oxygen exchange in an attempt to provide a consistent and healthy playing surface. Unfortunately this machine discovered areas of buried rocks that would need to be physically removed to improve the area.

This machine is called "The Beast" and it struggled to penetrate into our fairway on Hole 6

The task of identifying and removing the rocks has been on the "to do list" for many years but due to the demand of completing other projects such as building rock walls as well as landscaping and irrigation projects, this task has always been postponed.

The rocks have always been under the surface since the course was built back in 1999/2000. Please remember that the construction work performed last year consisted of a "no till" grassing process where the new grass was installed into the existing fairway contours and teeing grounds. There were modifications made to the greens complexes only. A rock the size of a softball or even a basketball is not felt by the heavy equipment used to move the soil, however, it is noticed by our smaller specialty equipment used to improve soil conditions. Several rocks have been quite large and have simply been buried by 3 inches of soil making them impossible to see from above.

Although this is a tedious, time consuming, labor intensive process the effort will be well worth it. It should be no secret that buried rocks in the soil where you are trying to grow manicured turf makes it very challenging to provide the a quality playing surface.

Large rocks were found in the same location "The Beast" was used back in 2014 on Hole 6

Not surprisingly, it is difficult to grow quality grass in these conditions

Providing a consistent growing media for our turf grass roots to grow in will allow for a high quality and uniform playing surface for our members and guests to enjoy. Compaction will be reduced, water infiltration will increase and turf health will improve. When we begin the aerification process later in the year, the removal of these rocks will reduce the damage to our expensive machines and help to make the process more efficient. Looking at our tee surfaces today, you can clearly see the improvement to the turf quality making the project worthwhile.

I appreciate your patience during this process and please know that this will take several months and possibly into next summer to complete. I can't thank our staff members enough for been persistent during this hard work and repairing the damage to the turf areas where the rocks have been removed to a high standard.

This beauty was found on Hole 1 Gold Tee

Tireless work during golf play to rid the area of buried rocks on Hole 6

With any questions or comments, please email me at davidd@copperleafgc.com

Golf Course Renovation Update

We are now entering the 7th week of the golf course renovation and almost reaching the halfway point of the construction phase. Landirr, Inc. has been extremely busy and has some sort of construction happening on 14 of the 18 Holes as well as the practice area.

Over the next couple of weeks construction efforts will focus on completing some of the finer details to the impacted golf Holes as they prepare for sod and sprigs to be installed. This includes irrigation, bunker modifications, fairway shaping and tee leveling. By mid-June, 10 of the golf holes will be planted with grass and the grow-in portion of the project will commence in earnest.

The rock wall at the practice greens has already been modified and expanded to allow for the construction of an improved Chipping green. Soil generated on Hole 1 will be used over the next 10 days to make the necessary changes to provide an improved practice facility.

The rock wall at the practice area has been expanded to allow for an improved Chipping Green

Hole 1 has seen the green elevated by over 2 feet and some re-working of the right side fairway bunker. A large bunker to the left of the green will create an intimidating approach shot.

Hole 1 greens complex has been elevated and a more appealing bunker installed to the left side

Hole 2 has had the addition of a beautiful rock wall to the greens complex completed. The green has been brought forward with bunkers placed at the front left and rear of the green. The risk/reward shot will become a tough decision for the longer hitters on this Hole.

The new green and rock wall have been completed on Hole 2

Hole 3 has had the green elevated by 3 feet and extended toward the fairway. A bunker to the front right of the green will play an integral part in the shot making decision on this long Par 4.

Hole 3 green has been completed by elevating it by over 3 feet

Hole 4 has had the green elevated by around 1.5 feet and a new green-side bunker installed along the right edge of the putting green. The mound that was to the right of the fairway for the second shot has been lowered creating a visual effect that the area around the Green has been widened. The Coquina cart path that crossed in front of the green has been eliminated.

Hole 4 approach looks wider by simply lowering an existing mound and removing the Coquina cart path

Hole 5 has seen some of the most dramatic changes to the original layout with a substantial lake modification to the left of the Hole. The soil generated by this excavation was used to elevate Hole 4 greens complex as well as elevate the tees and green on Hole 5.

Hole 5 has seen substantial changes with a large lake modification to the left of green

A look down Hole 5 from the Back Tee

Hole 6 green has been elevated by over a foot and positioned closer to the rock wall that was created last year. Large mounds at the back of the green help to hide the structures from the neighboring community. Bunkers surrounding the green have been strategically placed and will create a visually pleasing approach.

The new rock wall is now more prominent on Hole 6

Hole 7 green is under construction with the greens drainage currently being installed. The putting surface has been elevated and the back right portion of the green widened to be more receptive to incoming shots. The bunker that was in front of the green will remain and will have some of the "Kipp Shulties" design work completed on it to make it more visible from the fairway.

Hole 7 greens complex is getting drainage installed

Hole 8 is also under construction. The placement of the green has been established and is now awaiting approval from Kipp Shulties this week as to the actual undulations for the putting surface. The green has moved forward by at least 25 yards creating a substantially larger area behind the green. Bunkers have been strategically placed around the new green and will provide a stunning new greens complex.

Hole 8 will be a new Hole with a change in both tee and Green locations

Hole 9 has had the green elevated by over 3 feet to make it the prominent feature of the Hole. It is now visible from the tee and also from the Dining Room of the Clubhouse. A lake modification along the left side was used to create soil to make the changes and creates a more challenging approach to the green. Large bunkers to the left and right of the putting surface will provide an intimidating second shot.

The lake to the left of Hole 9 was enlarged to create the necessary soil to elevate the green

Hole 11 has had the modification to the existing rock wall completed. This has allowed for a greater approach area in front of the green to be created. Mounds will be placed behind, and to the left, of the green to create an impressive greens complex.

The rock wall modification is completed on Hole 11 and looks fantastic

Hole 14 has seen the construction of the rock wall in front of the green commence this week. The wall will stretch for over 300 feet and become a prominent feature of this long Par 5.

A new rock wall on Hole 14 commenced this week and will look impressive

Hole 18 has had the green elevated by over 2 feet and the greens complex enhanced to provide for an outstanding finishing Hole. Fairway bunkers are being enhanced and the cart path removed from crossing the Hole. A large bunker to the right of the green will be provide intimidation for the second shot and the mounds behind the green will remain an excellent viewing area for our feature Member tournaments.

Hole 18 is still under construction, however, within 3 weeks grass will be installed on the entire Hole

Construction will continue in earnest over the next 2 months on the remaining Holes 10, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17. The guided tours of the course will continue throughout the summer for those members remaining on property. The tours have been extremely popular and have been an excellent method to communicate progress and also educate the membership on the construction process.

As always, with any questions, please do not hesitate to contact David Dore-Smith at davidd@copperleafgc.com.

Golf Course Renovation Update

The golf course renovation began on April 13 and has moved along at a rapid pace. The project began in March with the application of Round Up to eliminate the existing turf grass. The application was performed by an outside contractor using GPS technology and sophisticated equipment to accurately apply the product.

Round Up being applied to Hole 6

The application was extremely successful with the green grass soon turning to a straw-brown color as the herbicide took effect. The golf course remained open as the grass continued to die and provided some interesting comments from our golfers as they enjoyed the firm conditions, The greens remained alive until the closing day to provide a quality putting surface and a stark contrast to the surrounding turf grass.

Hole 2 Fairway treated with Round Up

The putting greens remained alive to provide an interesting contrast

Landirr, Inc, our construction contractor will be completing the golf course renovation in stages. It is simply not feasible to work on every hole of the golf course at the same time. The first holes that will be impacted are Holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 18 and the practice greens. These holes are grouped together and makes it possible to move the heavy equipment from hole to hole. Once completed, the next holes to undergo construction will be 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Work commenced quickly on the practice area and Hole 18

If the weather continues to cooperate, all construction work will be completed at the beginning of August allowing sufficient time for the new turf grass to establish and mature. The golf course is scheduled to open in mid November.

For those members that call Copperleaf home for the summer, guided tours of the golf course will be held every two weeks to highlight the changes and help educate members on the construction process.

Over 50 people attended the golf course tour to get an education of the progress

I will continue to update progress of the renovation with photos and videos highlighting the changes to the golf course. It is exciting to see the Master Plan approved by the members being implemented and transform the golf course. Our architect, Kipp Schulties, has been on property weekly to oversee the construction progress and continues to fine tune his plan.

With questions or comments, please contact David Dore-Smith at davidd@copperleafgc.com

Round Up Application Update

Round Up Application Update    The golf course renovation starts March 16 with the application by professional contractors of the herbicide Round Up to all turf grass on the tees, fairways and rough.  Round Up is a herbicide that when properly applied has been shown in decades of studies by the EPA and other governmental safety agencies to not pose a health threat to humans or pets.  The Round Up will not be applied anywhere near existing plant material on the golf course or near residents' gardens.  Appropriate nozzles and surfactants will be utilized to eliminate any drift potential.  Within 7 days, the turf grass will turn brown as it begins to die.  However, the integrity of the turf grass will allow golf play up until when the golf course is closed April 13 for the beginning of the construction phase of the golf course renovation.  After the Round Up application, divots will not recover, so please remember to fill divots with sand so that those behind you can avoid landing in your divot hole.    This image, taken by the USGA at another Florida course, is an example of what Copperleaf will look like in April 2015     The golf course greens, the putting green and the chipping green will not have Round Up applied to them.  These greens are going to be completely excavated during the renovation.  They will remain green until the course closing on April 13.  Round Up will not be applied to the practice tee. The golf practice tee will not be changed during the 2015 renovation work; except to add two practice fairway bunkers, one on each side of the current practice tee. The golf course will be closed from April 13 until a projected course opening date of November 15, 2015.     The plan, weather permitting, is to apply the Round Up to the turf grass for two hours beginning at 6 am on Monday, March 16.  Tee times will begin at noon on March 16, allowing for the Round Up to be completely dry on the turf grass before play resumes.  If that plan changes because of unsuitable weather, then the Round Up application will be re-scheduled; members would be informed of that development as soon as that is known to be the case. A second application of Round Up will be made Monday, March 30, to guarantee the successful elimination of the original turf.

 

 

Golf Course Renovation Update

Golf Course Renovation Update

January 2015

David Dore-Smith, Class A Golf Course Superintendent

I have received many compliments from our golfing Members with regard to the current conditions of the golf course followed by the same question; "Why are we renovating?" The standard answer provided is that the course was scheduled to be renovated in 2020, but due to the overwhelming response of the membership vote in 2014 regarding the Master Plan, the renovation was accelerated to 2015.  From an agronomic point of view, we know that there are substantial issues under the surface of turf grass with regard to drainage, the overall elevation of the greens, inconsistencies within the bunkers, and degrading cart path surfaces that need to be corrected.

Hole 17 in January 2015

A new lake forms on Hole 2 Fairway during heavy rain events in the summer of 2014

The golf course renovation is fast approaching with construction starting on Monday, April 13. The course will remain closed until mid-November so please plan accordingly.

The contract has been signed with Landirr Inc, our construction company who has been in business for 30 years. They have performed all facets of golf course construction from irrigation and drainage work; bunker renovations; greens building; complete golf course renovation and new construction.

Most notably, they have performed all of the construction work at The Villages in Central Florida where they are based. The Villages consists of over 600 golf holes ranging from Executive courses to Championship courses including designs from Nancy Lopez and Arnold Palmer.

Kipp Schulties, our golf course Architect, is excited to work with Landirr Inc. and to make the necessary corrections to our golf course and provide some new challenges for all golfing members to enjoy. Primarily, our greens will be elevated by over 12 to 18 inches and our bunkers will be redesigned to improve both form and function. An exciting change from both a playability and maintenance perspective is the elimination of all Coquina cart paths.

Recently, Kipp was on property marking several trees scheduled to be relocated throughout the property. These trees have been tagged with orange ribbon and will have their roots pruned in February to prepare them for relocating in April. Many trees will be relocated between Holes 4 and 5 and between Holes 16 and 17 to provide improved separation between the Holes and protection to golfers. It will be important to get these trees in position early to ensure a successful transplant and develop a root system before Hurricane season commences in June. Stakes will be used to secure the trees in place.

These Palm trees on Hole 2 will be removed when the lake bank is modified and replaced back in a similar location

The week of March 16 is when the herbicide, Round Up, will be applied to all turf grass areas. A repeat application will be made 2 weeks later to ensure successful control of the existing turf grass. Spot treatments of Round Up will be applied throughout the construction period before the planting of the Celebration Bermuda grass. The application of Round Up will have a dramatic effect on the green turf grass we are currently enjoying by turning it straw brown.

All turf grass will turn straw in color and appear dormant as the Round Up application takes effect

Once the golf course is closed on April 13, and the grass has been eliminated, our usual summer practices of scalping the grass, verti-cutting and aerification will begin. These practices are completed to remove excess thatch and provide a suitable bed for the Celebration to make contact with the soil. It is critical to have this sprig to soil contact, similar to planting a seed. to ensure successful germination of the new grass.

Fortunately, the golf course irrigation system will remain operational throughout the project and will help to keep dust to a minimum. Members should expect to be impacted by debris similar to what is experienced every summer during our cultural practices such as aerification, verti-cutting and vacuuming of the turf grass. As always, it is suggested to remove outdoor furniture for the summer due to the threat of Hurricanes and to have your pool filter inspected weekly for contamination from debris.

You can expect to receive many updates throughout the construction period in an attempt to keep all members informed on the progress of the project. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email David Dore-Smith at davidd@copperleafgc.com

Rock Wall Projects 2014

The summer projects have already commenced at Copperleaf with two of the biggest projects, the rock walls on Hole 15 and 6 completed. Over 700 feet of rocks have been installed as part of the Kipp Schulties Master Plan with several  more rock walls scheduled for next year on the Practice Green, Hole 2, Hole 11 and Hole 18.



Hole 6 Rendering




Hole 15 Rendering


 

Heavy equipment was rented for the moving and placing of the rocks. With some of them weighing over 2000 pounds, the work was tedious and time consuming to transfer the rocks from the Maintenance Facility to their final destinations. Ricardo Gomez, one of our long term employees, was once again instrumental in assisting with the project and without his efforts, these type of projects could simply not be undertaken.

This monster rock was the size of the 3 yard loader that carried it

Multiple rocks were taken to the Holes at a single time

The rocks that were placed on the turf before being installed created quite the hazard for all golfers and I appreciate the patience of our Members and guests during this project as construction was carried out amongst play in an effort to beat the summer rains.

Rocks were laid along the edge of the lake banks.....



and laid into place with the Excavator.

My kids, Brooke and Brady, wanted to see what I was working on



Overall, the entire project has been a success with many compliments coming from both golfers and guests. Architect, Kipp Schulties, has visited the site and is extremely pleased with the results. From a golfers perspective, the narrow approach areas on both holes has been widened by around 15 feet and creates a slightly easier approach to the greens complex without golf balls rolling into the water as easily.

From an aesthetic perspective, the increased visual quality from both the golfers view and from the surrounding homes, the change has been quite dramatic.

Hole 6

Hole 15

I cant thank the Copperleaf Maintenance staff enough for their work in constructing and completing these projects; it is a massive undertaking to complete "in-house" and still be maintaining the golf course to the high standards expected on a daily basis.

We look forward to the renovation of the golf course starting April 13, 2015 and the various projects that will be undertaken.

David Dore-Smith







2015 Golf Course Renovation

It was exciting to be in the audience when the votes were announced in favor of the Copperleaf Vision 2020 project. To be spread out over two years, the entire project involves updating the security building, additional parking at the Clubhouse, expanding the dining room, modernizing the kitchen, resurfacing the tennis and Bocce courts, updating the pool, constructing a fitness center and, of course, renovating the golf course.

An immense amount of work has been completed in the planning stages from both staff and volunteer members and with all neighborhoods passing a favorable vote, putting those plans into action is now underway.

During the summer of 2014, the kitchen, dining room and parking lot modifications will be completed with the remaining projects undertaken during the summer of 2015.

Kipp Schulties, our golf course renovation architect, was thrilled to hear the news of the positive vote and will now begin to draft more detailed drawings to renovate the course using his approved Master Plan. A bid package will be created detailing the scope of work and sent to invited golf construction contractors to bid on the project. Prospective contractors will be interviewed by the Golf Course Construction Committee and a contractor selected toward the end of 2014.

A rendering by Kipp Schulties highlighting the plans to Hole 8

The golf course will be closed next year from April 13 until a projected opening date of October 31, however, for those of you that are year round residents, there will be an extensive Reciprocal list of golf courses for you to play during the renovation period. Jason Miller, our Head Golf Professional, will be reaching out to area Club's to secure an expanded Reciprocal season beginning at our closing date and extending to opening day.

Having previously assisted in the construction of 54 holes of golf including 36 holes at Tiburon Golf Club and 18 holes at Golf Club of the Everglades here in Naples; I am prepared to once again assist in a successful renovation at Copperleaf. Our Assistant Superintendent, Riaan Potgieter has also assisted in the grassing of 36 holes of golf including 18 holes at Stone Bridge Golf Club and 18 holes at Vasari Golf Club. We have an excellent team in place to ensure a successful project and hope that Mother Nature will be on our side during the summer of 2015.

Our team of employees are excited about the proposed changes to the course

The bulk of the renovation work will revolve around the greens complexes as many of them are being slightly relocated and elevated to not only improve playability, but to also improve drainage. At present time our greens are constructed too low and this has a negative impact on water infiltration and oxygen exchange within the soil, in particularly during heavy rain events and high water levels in our lakes during the summer. As the greens are reconstructed, Kipp will provide some improved, yet subtle, movement to the putting surface for all members to enjoy.

Ground Penetrating Radar was used to evaluate the drainage on our greens. In this image of Hole 16, over half of the greens drainage system was under water and simply not draining.

After heavy rain events, rain water pools on our greens surfaces, as seen here on Hole 5. 

Other improvements planned for the renovation include the rebuilding of any remaining bunkers as well as the addition of new bunkers in strategic locations. All cart paths will be over-laid with new asphalt with several locations being modified to improve playability. Rock walls will be constructed on Holes 2, 6, 15 and 18 as well as modifications to the existing walls at the Putting Green and Hole 11 to enlarge the play areas. All Coquina Waste Bunkers will be eliminated and asphalt installed in its place. All tees will be leveled and widened where appropriate to maximize the playing area and several tees will also be aligned with the fairway to improve playability. Finally, all turfgrass on the fairways and roughs will be replaced with Celebration Bermudagrass to provide a consistent and uniform playing surface.

Some exciting changes to the golf course will involve the modification to several lakes. Hole 5 will have the lake extended considerably toward the tee complex; Hole 7 will have the two lakes connected to the left side of the fairway; Hole 9 will have the lake on the left extended partially toward the fairway and Hole 16 will have the lake extended toward the Blue tee. Beside the aesthetic improvement to the course, the soil generated from these sites will be used to elevate the greens and improve the greens surrounds.

The connection of the two lakes on Hole 7 will be one of the major changes to the course

To prepare the course for the renovation, all  turfgrass on the tees, fairways and rough will have Round Up applied to it during the week of March 16. Within 7 days, the grass will begin to turn off color as it begins to die. A second application will be made during the week of March 30 to ensure the successful elimination of the original turf. The Round Up will be applied in the early morning hours and will not be applied any where near existing plant material on the golf course or residents gardens. Appropriate nozzles and surfactants will be utilized to eliminate any drift potential.

This image, taken by the USGA at another Florida course is an example of what Copperleaf will look like toward the end of March, 2015

The Greens will not have Round Up applied to them as they are going to be completely excavated during the renovation. They will remain green until April 12.

Putting Greens will remain green and healthy leading up to the renovation

Without question, visually, the golf course will look different during this turfgrass elimination process; however, it will play very well with additional ball roll on the fairways and an overall different golfing experience.

However, for those of you planning vacations or renting your homes during the last weeks of March, please know that the golf course will be different; so please plan accordingly and educate any guests or renters ahead of time.

The actual construction of the golf course will take between 100 to 120 days; and the establishment, or "grow-in" of the turfgrass a further 100 to 120 days; depending on weather. These final 3 months are critical to be able to strengthen the grass before play commences and the cool weather returns. Expect the greens to be extremely firm and a little slower than you have been used to for the first 6 to 9 months of play or at least until they have gone through a summer of growth. It will be a priority to protect the turfgrass above all else while it matures and becomes fully established.

I am personally looking forward to the project and making the improvements to an already enjoyable golf course. With the upgrading of the other amenities over the next 2 years; Copperleaf will continue to be a premier Community within SW Florida and a place that you will proudly call "home". If you have any questions about the project, please do not hesitate to contact me at davidd@copperleafgc.com at any time.