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

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