February 2023 GCM Update

The month of February was full of sunshine and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, there has been no measurable rainfall, resulting in low lake levels and dry turf. Fortunately, playability is not impacted and the rainy months are coming soon! 

The lack of rain effectively identifies the deficiencies in our irrigation system. While the infastructure remains in good shape, the system and design are both outdated. We are currently in the process of developing a new irrigation design to be utilized in conjunction with our next golf course renovation. While this renovation is still 10+ years out, it is a beneficial exercise to develop and frequently review plans to ensure all needs are met and the funds are appropriately allocated. The main purpose of the new irrigation design will be to maximize performance and conserve water. Water conservation is critical as our supply is completely dependent upon lake levels. In the meantime, we will be closely monitoring these lake levels, spot running irrigation when necessary and doing our best to conserve resources to ensure an adequate supply of irrigation water.

Early morning irrigation - "spot watering" dry areas.

Our putting greens remain very healthy and have been performing exceptional. Our summer cultural practices and in-season programs have been very effective in enabling us to provide high quality conditions. We have been "venting" greens monthly ahead of play, which gives the turf an opportunity to breathe by reducing compaction and supplying roots with oxygen. Venting is a non-invasive method of solid-tine aerification. No material is removed and the process is very clean, with virtually no impact to playability.

Solid-tine aerification being performed on #6 Green earlier in the year.

Solid-tine aerification fractures the soil and provides oxygen, water and nutrients to turfgrass roots.

This week, two of our osprey eggs hatched. We are closely watching the third and looking forward to monitoring their development prior to fledging.

Two hatchlings have been observed in our Osprey next thus far.

As a reminder, please always be on the lookout for alligators around the golf course. As temperatures warm up, they become much more active traveling between lakes. Additionally, their mating season is right around the corner.

An alligator is observed traveling between lakes on Hole #6

Lastly, I had the opportunity to attend the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show earlier this month. This annual event is an excellent opportunity for continuing education and networking. I had the chance to take several classes and seminars, in addition to giving a presentation on obtaining the Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation.. I am grateful for opportunity to attend this event each year and look foward to applying new skills and techniques to Copperleaf.

I had the opportunity to give a presentation on obtaining the CGCS designation. I became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) in 2019.

"Creating a Great Team Culture" was one of the seminars I took during the Conference, with great information relative to our operation.

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

#4 Green shortly after being mowed - 2/9/23

Sunrise over #14 Tees - 2/14/23

Hole #12 Green - 2/16/23

Hole #16 Green - 2/16/23

January 2023 GCM Update

Looking back at 2022, we had a very successful year as a department. There were plenty of challenges - labor, supply chain issues, increased prices and a lovely hurricane. I am extremely grateful to have an incredible staff and leadership team who have all gone above and beyond to ensure we continue to provide a high quality product for our membership to enjoy. We are excited to see what 2023 has to offer!

January has been an interesting month with fluctuating temperatures, minimal rain and heavy play. The golf course is holding up well despite the increased traffic, and should be in great condition for our upcoming tournaments. Our last bulk fertilizer application in mid-January will supply a steady release of nutrients over the next 60 days until our next scheduled application.

The Greens have been in excellent shape, and the cooler temperatures observed in mid-January have contributed to a reduction in turfgrass growth and a faster playing surface. Once we get through the Club Championship this weekend, warmer temperatures in the 10-day forecast will increase the growth rate of our putting surfaces and promote turfgrass recovery and health.

Doug Garcia rolling #9 Green in early January

We have been closely watching our Osprey nest, which now has three eggs. As a reminder, the camera we have located at the nest will provide a 24/7 feed to check out the activity. The link feed is located here - Osprey Nest Cam

Eggs should hatch sometime in the next 3-4 weeks

Our new generator located at Golf Maintenance has been successfully installed and will be extremely useful for us to continue operations in the event of power outages or other *tropical events*. 

500-gal underground propane tank will supply gas to generator

Generator will supply full power for continued GCM operations

Our next Wildlife Tour with local ornithologist, Brian Beckner, is scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd. Spots are limited so be sure to sign up on the Club Website soon. 

Bald Eagle observing Hole #9

Lastly, we appreciate your continued support and assistance by following the 90-degree rule, repairing ballmarks and filling divots. 

Proper golf course etiquette makes the course enjoyable for all of our members and guests.

As previously mentioned in my last update, the goal is to provide monthly updates via this blog. Please feel free to email any questions or concerns to parkerf@copperleafgc.com. 

Best of luck to all participants in the Club Championship this weekend! 

Hole #16 - 1/11/23

Sunrise - 1/19/23

Sunrise over Hole #8 - 1/19/23

Blog Update - Back by popular demand!

It has recently been suggested that we once again utilize the Copperleaf Golf Course Maintenance Blog as an avenue to effectively communicate our work to the membership. At this time, the goal will be to provide monthly updates to the membership through the blog. 

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future blog posts, please feel free to email me at parkerf@copperleafgc.com. 

For now, please enjoy the collection of drone shots that we've taken over the past few months!