Robert Lewis, Green Committee
A long-term strategy for golf course improvement, identified in our recent USGA onsite review, was started in June with the punching and sanding of all fairways. The Roadrunner course saw an additional amount of sand (on two separate applications) to begin establishing a better base for the grass to grow. The sand applied to all courses was not to fill in the aeration holes, but to apply a “top dress” to build up the fairway base. This is a different approach than the green aeration process where holes are punched, sand applied then brushed into the holes.
The fairway punching and sanding strategy (June time frame) will be ongoing for the next several years and may end up becoming a longer term annual requirement. The Roadrunner course will need double the sand depth and application over the next several years in relation to the Coyote and Quail courses, again to build a thicker base for the Bermuda to grow. The need for this more aggressive approach to Roadrunner was identified in the USGA onsite review and recommendations.
A noticeable improvement has been realized on all courses with the fairway punching and sanding. With the monsoons (rain and humidity are needed for Bermuda grass to grow) players should see a marked improvement in grass vitality on all fairways.
We sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation as this has been a disruptive process during the last couple of months. As with any new process, experience may help in reducing the amount of disruption in future years, but this will continue to be an annual process.
The non-over seeded fairways look good (and this is prior to the monsoon activity). The healthy Bermuda grass provides a quality base for the rye grass over seed. We will continue to allow a certain number of holes on each course to “rest” from over seed (we lose about 20 percent of the Bermuda grass when over seeded) for next year. Consideration is being given to expand over seeding around some greens for overall playability.
Not sure if you read the Green Valley News article (Wednesday, July 4, 2018) titled “Reclamation commissioner to Arizona: Get a water deal done this year.” In essence the article states that if the water level of Lake Meade drops below 1025 feet above sea level (and it is dropping drastically) Arizona would face drastic reductions in water deliveries. We have stated our concerns for future water conservation measures in past articles and continue to maintain focus on this important issue. The Course Superintendent’s team continues to work at turf reduction as time permits. Options to provide more focus on turf reduction, bunker replacement and over seed vs non-over seed continue to be major topics of conversation for the Green Committee. Prioritization and funding for any or all of these activities is the major hurdle.
The Green Committee, Robson Management and QCPOA Board continue to keep the golf course as a priority as it benefits all in maintaining our home values, provide community appeal.