A "new" Post

Many of you returning to enjoy the warm climate of south west Florida will notice that the 150 yard poles were returned to their original place over the past weeks.





The Green Committee decided, with a majority vote, at their December meeting to re-install the posts after reviewing the many comments both for, and against, the stakes. With over 140 golfing members asked of their preference, a majority of respondents asked to have the post, that had been placed in the center of the fairway over 9 years prior, to be re-instated.
However, it was discussed at the meeting to offer a compromise by lowering the height of the stake to 3 feet so as not to be as obtrusive amongst the beautiful setting of the golf course.

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

Location:Copperleaf Golf Club

Bunker Sand Renovation

Over the past two weeks, a contractor has been employed to install a new layer of sand in all of our bunkers.



A crew of 8 have been used to apply the sand throughout the course and streamline the process

The sand being used is from a local mine and is called "G Angle". Different from the sand that has been used in the past, this sand is "crushed" at the mine to create "angular" granuals. Most Florida sand is round in shape and can create softer playing conditions within the bunkers due to its structure and ability to compact. The "G Angle" meets the USGA recommendations for bunker sand.

This new sand, due to its varying angles, resists compaction and so doesn't allow the ball to sink into the profile.



New sand dumped into the green side bunker on hole 17 ready for spreading

During this process, our own staff members have been hard at work preparing several bunkers for the new sand. Over 10 bunkers had all of the original sand removed due to contamination from organic material and drainage gravel.



The old bunker sand from over 10 bunkers has been removed and stored at the maintenance facility

Over 650 tons of the sand has been installed throughout the course and is now providing consistent playing conditions and a beautiful contrast between the sand and the green turfgrass surrounding it.

Please be aware that it will take "some" time for the sand to settle. Daily raking with our bunker raking machines and the use of irrigation water will help with this process.


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

Location:Copperleaf Golf Club

Deep Tine Aerification

Last week all greens were "Deep Tine Aerified" using a Verti-Drain machine borrowed from a neighboring golf club.

Using a penetrometer, a device used to measure compaction, it was discovered that our greens soil was substantially compacted 4 inches below the surface. This compaction was caused by our Toro Aerifiers in that the tines used when coring or spiking the greens are limited to this 4 inch depth. Over time, a "hard pan" is created and prevents water penetration, restricts root growth and oxygen exchange.
The Vert-Drain unit can be set to a depth of 10 inches using small 3/8" tines that have very little impact on the putting surface. In fact, once rolled, the greens were ready for play.

A noticeable improvement in turf quality was quickly realized after the deep tine application including a substantial improvement in water penetration from our sprinklers.
I look forward to this cultural practice continuing monthly throughout the golfing season and helping to provide quality greens.
Posted by David Dore-Smith
Director of Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance
Copperleaf Golf Club

Location:Copperleaf Golf Course