May 2023 GCM Update

While we are now in the rainy season in southern Florida, we are missing the...rain. It is seemingly raining everywhere but Copperleaf, but I remain optimistic that will come very soon. As of today, the lake levels are the lowest they have been in my nearly 2 years at Copperleaf. We are continuing to selectively irrigate dry areas through the day, but our supply is quickly diminishing. Fingers crossed, we will soon receive the much needed rain to fill up our lakes and balance out the turfgrass aesthetics.

Our new butterfly garden continues to thrive with several species of butterflies having found this new location. With its early success, we are likely going to be expanding the garden on both sides to provide additional habitat and enhance the aesthetics around this area. 

Our first Wednesday closure of the year included a small-tine aerification on the putting greens. Small, 1/4" coring tines were used to open up the soil profile in order to reduce compaction, promote oxygen exchange and encourage new root growth. The greens were topdressed prior to aerifying in order to fill the holes and incorporate sand into the soil profile. 

Greens were topdressed prior to the 1/4" small-tine aerification

This was the first aerification with coring tines of 2023

Following aerification, the sand was brushed in and rolled for smoothness

During this one-day closure, we also had a contractor on property to conduct our annual root pruning of the golf course. Trees compete with turfgrass for both water and nutrients. The root pruning is a one-day process with a tractor-mounted pruning system that makes its way around the golf course pruning roots around large trees. The machine that is used is very efficient, with minimal surface disruption and virtually no cleanup necessary. It severs roots up to 6" in diameter and slices to a depth of 10" into the soil. This process prevents tree root encroachment into the turfgrass, ultimately eliminating the loss of water and nutrients. 

Tree root pruning is an annual process that promotes turfgrass health without causing harm to the trees

Our annual Curfew application is scheduled during our June 6th - 8th closure. Curfew is a soil fumigant and is extremely effective in eradicating plant-parasitic nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on living plant tissue. These extremely destructive pests can potentially kill very large areas of turf. During this application, Curfew is injected into the soil as a liquid. It then volatilizes and moves through the soil, eradicating the unwanted pests. Following the application, the injection lines or "slits" in the turf will be visible throughout the golf course for several weeks. A fertilizer application is scheduled soon after the application to expidite the recovery process and help heal the temporary scars. 

Lastly, we have formally achieved our recertification as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Copperleaf initially earned this designation in 2006, with a recertification requirement every three years. Over the past 17 years, Copperleaf has continued to demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability through enhancing wildlife habitat and protecting natural resources. 

As always, feel free to email any questions, comments or concerns to parkerf@copperleafgc.com.

Purple Martin hatchlings

Great Crested Flycatcher nesting on Hole #10

Repurposed tee marker stones have been cleaned and will now serve as permanant tee markers for the yellow tees.

April 2023 GCM Update

The CMGA Men's Invitational was a tremendous success this year, and capped off a wonderful season of golf at Copperleaf. As the temperatures continue to increase and the rains begin to fall, we shift our turfgrass focus from general maintenence to cultural practices. This includes verticutting, topdressing, aerification and all of the beneficial practices that provide us with fantastic year-round playing conditions. The rate of growth tremendously increases this time of the year, not only on the golf course turfgrass, but landscape material as well. This requires a shorter interval of time between mowings and trimmings, greatly increasing our work intensity. 

#18 Green on the final day of the CMGA Men's Invitational

The Men's Invitational concluded with a highly competitive shootout on #18

Prior to April 12th, we had accumulated a grand total of 0.23 inches of rain for 2023 - well below average. The lakes were extremely low and the golf course was in desperate need of rainfall. Between April 12th and April 17th we were fortunate enough to receive a total of 2 inches of rainfall which saturated the soil profile and provided us with a nice flush. The turfgrass on the golf course now has a much more uniform appearance and the lakes have filled up with enough water to get us through the rainy season. 

We are currently in the process of identifying tee markers to use for our yellow, forward tees. You may notice some different options on holes #1, #2, and #3 as we gather feedback and ultimately decide on the best long-term solution to effectively identify this teeing ground. 

As mentioned in the March update, we are currently in the process of completing our recertification for our Aubudon Cooperative Sanctuary designation. This process includes case studies, backup documentation, application logs, scouting reports and other ways to demonstrate our high standard of environmental stewardship at Copperleaf. We have recently completed the installation of our butterfly garden, which is located between holes #3 and #4, to the right of the bridge before #4 tee. We filled this area with a variety of pollinating plants such as milkweed, lantana, sage, firespike, firebush, sweet almond, powderpuff, passion vine, blue daze, tibochina, hibiscus and jasmine. The butterfly population has already increased in this area, and we are hopeful that this area provides a suitable habitat for years to come. 

Butterfly Garden located between #3 Green and #4 Tee

Next week, we will be adding pinestraw to key areas around greens and tees. This application is scheduled every spring and will enhance aesthetics in addition to providing erosion and weed control. 

Lastly, I wanted to share an infographic developed by the USGA and GCSAA to serve as a reminder to always do your best to leave the golf course in better shape than you found it. The Golf Course Maintenance team works very hard to provide high quality playing conditions, and we greatly appreciate your help in practicing proper course etiquette.

As always, feel free to email any questions or comments to parkerf@copperleafgc.com.

Please enjoy a few photos below that were taken over the past month! 

March 2023 GCM Update

It is no secret that we are in desperate need of rainfall! Our 2023 YTD rainfall total through March 20th is 0.23". This compares to 1.53" in 2022, 1.57" in 2021, and 4.2" in 2020. 

Our lake levels are the lowest they have been at this point in the year since 2018. Fortunately, the dry areas seen throughout the golf course are temporary blemishes that will soon recover once we begin to receive consistent rainfall. Our irrigation system is limited in its ability to provide sufficient water to supplement the lack of rain. We are hopeful for a wetter April to refill our lakes and balance out the turf aesthetics on the golf course. For the time being, the drier conditions will provide golfers with improved ball roll off the tee and approach shots to the green. 

Beautiful sunrise on #16 as we water dry areas ahead of play.

We are gearing up for our final major event of the season, the CMGA Invitational. The staff will be working extra hard over the next week in preparation for this event, in order to provide excellent conditions for our members and their guests. 

 Despite the dry weather, the golf course remains in excellent shape, and our putting greens have been performing exceptional this year. We are hopeful to provide a challenging, enjoyable test of golf for this event! 

Our 2nd Assistant Superintendent, Luis Altuzar, Topdressing #13 Green in mid-March.

Despite the dry weather, putting greens are performing excellent with healthy roots.

 

Our two newest members of the Copperleaf family are rapidly growing in their nest located between holes #3 and #4. The oldest of the two hatched on February 20th. Ospreys typically take flight at 7-8 weeks, so keep a close eye over the next month as they continue to grow. 

Our two young ospreys enjoying a snack in their nest.

 The final wildlife tour of the season will take place on Saturday, April 8th. Please be sure to sign up soon as these tours are extremely informational and fun! 

Our Wildlife Tour Guide, Brian Beckner, captures a photo with the group inspecting wildlife on 3/18.

 This year, we are scheduled to complete the recertification process in order to remain a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This important designation demonstrates our continued efforts towards environmental sustainability. During the recertification process, we are planning on constructing a butterfly garden to combat the decline of Monarchs and other key pollinators. We have identified an out-of-play area to the right of the bridge leading to #4 which we will utilize for the garden. Be on the lookout for several nectar-filled plants in this area to attract butterflies. 

Lastly, we are finalizing plans for a very important summer of cultural practices and projects. Please see the 2023 Golf Course Closure schedule below.

 As always, feel free to email any questions, comments or concerns to parkerf@copperleafgc.com.

#2

#11

Sunrise over the Driving Range

#1