Today is December 21, which among other things means it’s the shortest day of the year at Olde Florida!

Today is December 21!  This is important for several reasons! First, it means Christmas is almost here! December 21 also means the winter solstice has arrived! This is a key date for those of us living in the northern hemisphere because it marks the shortest day of the year. 

The winter solstice is when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, or 23.5 south latitude, which is the day when the sun rises and sets to our south at the lowest angle. It also marks the first day of winter. Because the earth orbits around the sun on a tilted axis, between September and March the entire northern hemisphere gets less exposure to sunlight. Because of our location, it’s also not surprising that these months coincide with the seasonal influx of residents to Southwest Florida and golf play is at its peak. 

In basic terms, for turfgrass to thrive it needs sunlight, water, air and nutrients. Of these needs, the one that is least in a golf course superintendents control is sunlight. This is why an understanding of the earths rotation and the winter solstice is vital. Also influenced by the angle of the sun are air and soil temperature. Bermudagrass, the turfgrass that comprises the playing surfaces at Olde Florida, is a warm season turfgrass. Warm season grasses grow best when the average daily temperatures are above  75°F.  In addition, soil temperature, as influenced by air temperature is also important to the growth of bermudagrass. Soil temperatures above 65°F are required for significant growth, and the optimum soil temperature for root growth is around 80°F. 

 Since the duration and intensity of the sun's rays (and air and soil temperature) is out of our control, it is extremely important to have plant health peaking on this day and then do everything in our control to maintain plant health for the next 60 days or so. By March, the nighttime temperatures have increased, the sun is high enough in the sky and  the days are long enough that sunlight essentially becomes a non-factor. 

The sunrise this morning, December 21, 2021

8 and 9 are the southernmost golf holes at Olde Florida. Both play from east to west, so the sun rises to the southeast of  8 and 9 tee and it sets to the southwest of  9 green.  On the day AFTER the winter solstice, the sunrise, sunset and the angle of the sun will continue to shift to the north bringing it more over hole 1 (pictured above). This will also bring a little more sunlight to our turfgrass each day! 

2021 Renovation Update #7 - The Homestretch

As I reflect on the project this summer, it truly seems like yesterday that we began the renovation. The vast majority of days since our April 19th closing, my staff and I pulled through the gates of Olde Florida before sunrise, and more often than not we chased the sun to the west as we went home. 

    

Hole 1 - September 24, 2021

The years of planning, combined with strong relationships in the industry played an important role in our success. Even with supply and demand challenges we completed the project without significant issues or major increases in pricing.  

We will open on schedule and have good turfgrass coverage on all golf holes. Depending on when you arrive in Southwest Florida, you might be able to tell a difference between some holes. This is due to the timing of when holes were grassed. 

I hope you will take the time to read this final update, but before you do I want to ask you for help. I am asking you to help me... help you. My team and I want to provide you, your guests, your fellow members and their guests with the best conditioned and most aesthetically pleasing golf course possible. To do this we need your help. 

There is a misconception among some that you can drive wherever you want at Olde Florida without consequence. There is a consequence. 

With a full and active membership golf car traffic does and will impact your enjoyment of the golf course. ALL turfgrass regardless of age or geographical location will wear and eventually die from traffic. This is why we are asking that you to PLEASE give consideration on your actions and how it will impact the playability and aesthetics of YOUR golf course. 

Proper golf car usage is important every year, but even more important when the turfgrass is new. As you will read below (and you will soon see) we have made numerous changes on the golf course that make the distance you walk to a tee shorter, as well as the severity of the slope you traverse to a tee or green much less.  

Grassing Update

As you probably recall from previous blog entries, due to access issues, we completed the furthest southeast holes first (3-8), then the northeast holes (11-17) and we finished with the holes on the west side of the property (1, 2, 9, 10 and 18). Holes 1, 2, 9, 10 and 18 were used as "haul roads" to get materials and equipment to the east side of the property.

Hole 2 & 10 - September 4, 2021

As the project progressed the "grow-in window" (time until opening) was obviously reduced. Therefore, we became more aggressive in our efforts to establish the sprigged areas. For approximately 21 days after planting, the sprigged areas are too soft for riding mechanized equipment. Therefore, we applied fertilizer by hand and used walk behind mowers to cut the turfgrass. 

Light frequent fertilization and mowing reduce top growth and encourages lateral growth (coverage) of the turfgrass.

Fertilization Hole 1 - September 11, 2021

All 55 acres sprigged received several cuts by hand prior to utilizing riding equipment. 

Tees
One aspect of the project that I have not reported on is the work performed on tees. After eradication, thatch removal and tilling, all of the tees were laser leveled to an exact 1% front to back slope and hand sprigged. 

Sod Removal 10 Tee

Laser Leveling - Hole 3

The clubhouse parking lot was used for the delivery and storage of the granite gravel, new bunker sand and the TifTuf sod. Once grassing began we had a standing order with Pike Creek Turf in Adel, GA for five semi-loads of sod six days a week. 

This week we completed the resurfacing and re-striping of the parking lot. All plant material was trimmed and new pinestraw installed so the area will look even better when you return than it did last year. 

All of the turfgrass at the clubhouse was also renovated this summer with Trinity Zoysia. 

Clubhouse Parking Lot

Collars
All of the TifGrand collars were replaced this summer. Although the collars were fairly recently renovated, it was necessary to "tie-in" the TifEagle greens into surrounding TifTuf areas. Particular care was placed on all areas where surface drainage leaves the putting surface.

Collar Preparation- Hole 3

Ancillary Projects

Countless ancillary projects, some small and others significant were completed throughout the project. These are items beyond what was reported in previous blog entries. Having managed the property for over 29 years, my team and I had a lengthy "to-do" list of items to accomplish during the renovation. There are literally hundreds that we completed so I will only highlight a few on each hole in this update. 

All of the subtle changes were discussed in advance with Greg Muirhead, Senior Vice President Rees Jones, Inc.

THE FRONT NINE

Hole 1
On the slope of the mounds to the left of the landing area, several trees were removed and the area was re-shaped to provide better playability on holes 1 and 10.

 
The subsurface in the high traffic area leaving the hole was amended to provide better turfgrass quality. 

To the left of the green soil was added to remove a "hinge point" and provide better turfgrass growth.

 
The underbrush between 1 green, 2 tee and 8 green was removed, which will provide better air movement and sunlight for improved growing conditions in all three areas.

 

Greens Complex

Mound Work Between 1&10

Hole 2
The tees were lowered, enlarged and the slope from the cart path to the tees was softened to make the walk from path to tee easier.

 
The first four mounds on the right side of the hole were softened to provide smoother and more access points to the hole from the path. This also accentuates the mounds in the landing area.

 
Trees were added between hole 2 & 8 that create more "eye-focus" from the tee to the landing area.

To the right of the green mounding was softened.

 
The subsurface behind the green was amended and soil added to enhance the chipping area and provide better turfgrass.

  
Trees were added behind the green (between 2&7) to providing better framing/depth perception. 

Underbrush was removed between 2 & 7 to provide better airflow and sunlight.

Hole 3
Numerous trees to the left of the tee complex were removed. My team planted them in 1993 to enhance the natural look of the lake bank. However, after close to 30 years the trees were blocking sunlight and airflow. 

A few palms and palmettos were added to the area to replicate the look of the bank on the opposite end of the lake (behind 2 tee).

A significant drainage project was installed and 3-4" of old bunker sand was added in the center of the hole to improve drainage.

Underbrush and dead trees were removed between 3 & 7 to provide better air movement and sunlight on 3 and 7.

 
2 1/2" of organic material in the swale left of the green was removed and soil added to reduce the severity of the slope from the path to the green. This will provide a more pleasant walk from the path to the green, as well as significantly improve surface and subsurface drainage. Both of these factors will improve turfgrass quality and playability.

June 1, 2021

Greens Complex Modification (View from Back)

Greens Complex - September 18, 2021

Hole 4
2-3" of old bunker sand was added in layers and worked into the fairway to improve drainage.

The underbrush and some of the trees in the "dog leg" on the right of the landing area were removed to improve visibility of the green. 

The fairway bunker was enlarged and "flashed" to improve visibility and enhance the left to right movement of the hole.   

The size (length) of the left green-side bunker was reduced.

 
Hole 5
The "III" tee was lowered and expanded 30%.

The last 10 yards of the "I / II" tee was removed. This area was rarely used and will reduce maintenance. The tee was also unlike any on the golf course. 

Several rows of trees to the west and north of the golf hole were removed to increase sunlight and airflow.

Hole 6
The mounding in front of the last fairway bunker on the left was lowered to increase the visibility of the bunker.

 
2-3" of the old bunker sand was added in layers and worked into the right side of the first landing area, and the left side of the second landing area. Amending the soil with sand here, and other areas on the golf course will improve drainage. 

A significant change was made to the right side of the green. 2 1/2" of organic material was removed throughout the swell and soil added to soften the slope and elevate the floor. This was done to creating a chipping area reminiscent of others on the golf course as well as increase access points to the green. 

The right side of the approach was lowered to increase visibility into the chipping area. 
 

Old Bunker Sand / Soil Modification 

Chipping Area (View from Back)

Hole 7

The tees were lowered 15-20" and enlarged 30%. 

A new "V" tee was added 16 yards in front of the now "IV" tee.

The left side of the approach was lowered 8-10" and the right side was raised by shifting the material, as well as adding additional soil. 

The right side of the approach was also softened. The end result is an approach that is "centered" with the green and more reminiscent to the others on the golf course. 

Approach - June 22, 2021

Hole 8

3-4" of the old bunker sand was added in layers and worked into the entire fairway to improve drainage.

Two semi-loads of Cabbage Palms were added on the right side of the second landing area to accentuate the right to left movement of the hole from the tee, as well as define the second landing area and create more eye-focus to the green.

  
A significant change was made to the two green-side bunkers. The floor of the bunkers were elevated 15-20". Both bunkers are now visible from the very beginning of the second landing area. The putting surface is also now visible when standing in either bunker.  

May 21, 2021

Hole 9
The mounds on the right of the tee complex were lowered 10-12" to enhance the view of the lake, as well as provides smoother and more access points to the hole from the path.

A significant change was made to the fairway bunkers. The floor of each bunker was elevate between 10" and 20". The framing on the two closest to the green was also lowered. This change will enable you to utilize a less lofted club and advance the ball closer to, or possibly onto the putting surface. 

 
The mounds on front right of the green were lowered 10-12" and the "saddle" where the majority of golf carts leave the hole was elevated. This was to help spread traffic as you leave the hole.

 
A drainage project was completed in the swale to the right of the green.

August 29, 2021

THE BACK NINE

Hole 10
The cart path on the left of the tee complex was moved closer to the tee and the slope softened to provide an easier walk from the path to the tee.

The left side of the second landing area received 2-3" of the old bunker sand to modify the soil. The slope of the fairway in this area was also adjusted to provide better surface drainage. 

 
The left of 10 green received significant soil modification and slope adjustment to enhance surface and subsurface drainage. 

 
Hole 11
The tees were lowered 10-15" and expanded by approximately 30%. 

A new "V" tee was added 26 yards in front of the now "IV" tee.

 
The last mound on the left side of the hole was lowered 8-10" reducing a traffic pinch point between the mound and the left green-side bunker. The area between the mound and the bunker was elevated with soil to provide better surface and subsurface drainage.

 
The slope on the back left of the greens complex was softened by adding soil. 

Dozens of trees behind the green were removed to regain turfgrass lost due to encroachment of vegetation. 

Tee Lowering and Expansion 

New "V" tee

Hole 12
Several rows of cabbage palms to the right of the mounds were removed to regain turfgrass lost to encroachment of vegetation. 

Hole 13
The tees were lowered 15-20" and the teeing surfaces expanded 30%.

 
The slope on the tees were significantly softened and the path moved closer. 

From the path you can now see the tee and pin locations allowing club selection without having to walk up the slope.  

The length of the bunker (from the tee) was reduced by approximately 20 yards.  

Mounding to the left of the hole was reshaped to regain/enhance the framing of the bunker, as well as regain turfgrass lost to encroachment of vegetation.

July 19, 2021

Hole 14
The tees were lowered 12-18" significantly softening the slope making the walk from the path to the tee shorter and easier.

 
The mounding to the right of the tee complex was lowered 12-18" to provide better access onto the golf hole, but more importantly opening up the view of the "lower/members fairway."

To the right of the green several trees were removed, soil added and the turfgrass line was shifted to move the path away from the framing of the bunker.

 
Behind the green soil was added reducing the severity of the slope making an easier walk from the path to the green. It will also improve turfgrass growth.

Tee Complex (mounds on right lowered) - July 19, 2021

Hole 15
The mounding between the middle and last fairway bunker was lowered to increase the visibility of the bunker.

  

2 1/2" of organic material was removed from the front left chipping area and soil was added to elevate the area and increase shot options. This made the chipping area more reminiscent of others on the golf course.

Front Left Chipping Area (View from Green)

Hole 16
A large majority of the old sand removed from the back 9 bunkers was utilized on hole 16. After the turfgrass was removed from the center of the hole, approximately 4" of sand was added. The sand was added in layers and worked into subsurface between each application.

 

2 1/2" of organic material was removed from the chipping areas behind the green and the soil was modified and elevated to increase the shot options. This made the chipping area more reminiscent of others on the golf course.

Back Left Chipping Area 

Back Right Chipping Area 

Old Bunker Sand 

Fairway Soil Modification (Old Bunker Sand)

Hole 17
The tees were lowered 15-18" to increase the teeing area. The slope was also significantly softened and the path moved closer. 

From the path you can now see the tee and pin location allowing club selection without having to walk up the slope.

The path was shifted the entire length of the hole increasing the visibility of the hole and reducing the time to drive to the green.

A small ridge in the center of the approach was removed and soil added to center and elevate the approach.

 
Hole 18
The left fairway bunker was shifted to the right several feet leveling the floor of the bunker. The framing on the front of the bunker was also lowered. This change will enable you to utilize a less lofted club and advance the ball closer to, or possibly onto the putting surface. 

The left of 18 green received significant work. 2 1/2" of organic material from the green to the path was removed. Also including in this process was the area behind 1 and 10 tee. 4-6" of old bunker sand was added to the area and tilled to increase surface drainage. 

  

The mounds to the left of the green were softened and several trees removed between 10 and 18. This   
expands the turfgrass in the area leaving the green and enhances the view of the clubhouse. 

August 21, 2021

October 7, 2021

Greens

With everything happening with the renovation, we still performed all of the necessary cultural practices to insure our 29-year old USGA greens continue to perform at the high level that we have provided in the past. 

We began the summer with a "double" Drill and Fill and ended with a DryJect "Maximus" sand injection. In between, my staff also performed four traditional core aerations.     

Drill & Fill - April 26, 2021

DryJect “Maximus” - September 27, 2021

August 31, 2021

August 31, 2021

Thank you for taking the time to read this update! 

My team and I are eager to have you back at Olde Florida and enjoying the special place that we have, and that was improved upon this summer!

2021 Renovation Update #6 - Lake Banks

We are nearing the completion of the construction aspect of our renovation project, and although several tropical systems have threatened Southwest Florida, we have managed to avoid any significant damage or major delays! Construction and grassing on holes 1, 2, 9, 10 & 18 still needs to be completed. We are hopeful we will be finished and grassing completed on these holes in the next ten days. 

An aspect of the renovation that has gone exceptionally well is the reclamation and stabilization of the lake banks. Although healthy turfgrass provides terrific stabilization of soil, over the last 29 years several shoreline areas did have varying degrees of erosion. 

Two locations where fairly significant erosion occurred were the lake banks adjacent to the greens on holes 1 and 5. These greens are in the closest proximity to water and both have significant sheet flow across their surface to a concentrated area. 

In these areas we used the DredgeSOX Erosion Control system to reclaim and stabilize the shoreline. The DredgeSOX product is a geotextile based system with a patented anchoring design that is used to stabilize shorelines, hillsides and other areas to reclaim deteriorated or lost area and prevent future erosion. The DredgeSox product consists of a double layer of knitted high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh. When installed, the mesh is filled with soil and can be shaped to match, or change the slope or shape of the area. In the two areas we utilized the product we were successful in adjusting the shoreline to regain significant area that had been lost. The results are dramatic! 

For more information on the system you can click this link to the Sox Erosion Website. 

Hole 5 - April 2021
Note the "cove" in the center of the picture 
This is the area that sheet flow from 5 green is concentrated 

Hole 5 - May 2021
The "cove" in the picture above has been reclaimed

Hole 5 - June 2021
After turfgrass establishment on the DredgeSox system

Hole 1 - January 2021
Note the "cove" in the center of the picture
This is the area where sheet flow from 1 green is concentrated

Hole 1 - May 2021
The "cove" in the picture above has been reclaimed

Hole 1 - June 2021
After turfgrass establishment on the DredgeSOX system

In other areas where sheet flow was not as concentrated and damaging, but improvement and smoothing could be achieved, we utilized a skid-steer to level and reagin the desired slope of the lake bank prior to establishing the new turfgrass.  

Hole 6 - June 2021

2021 Renovation Update #5 - Irrigation

As would be expected our rainy season has created some challenges, but the golf course renovation continues to progress at a good pace and things are going great! 

Holes 3 - 8 have been completed and the turfgrass is in the grow-in phase. 

Holes 3 - 8 - 7/8/21

Sprig Fertilization Hole 4 

First Cut on Sprigs (6 Fairway) - 7/14/21

Construction efforts have shifted to holes 11-16, which will be the next six holes to be grassed. 

15 Green Complex - 7/8/21

15 Fairway - 7/8/21

In June we received 12.93" of rain at Olde Florida, which is several inches over the historical monthly average of 8.89." With many of the rains in June being excessive (hard and fast), the new Better Billy Bunkers have been put to the test! I am pleased to report that they have performed exceptionally! For more information on the Better Billy Bunker System at Olde Florida you can click on this link to the 2021 Renovation Update #2 - Bunker Renovation.

Our July monthly average is 9.18", August typically brings 9.02" and in September our average is 8.66". Consequently, in the summer months (non-renovation years) the irrigation system is normally only needed to provide supplemental water. However, when the dry season begins in October, a functional and precise irrigation system is critical to the health of the turfgrass and ultimately the enjoyment of the playing surface!   

With that understanding, the focus of this renovation update is on the 2021 upgrade of the irrigation system. The irrigation component of the project accounted for just under 12% of the total budget. The upgrade was to the components that place the water on the ground, not in the pumping or movement of the irrigation water.  

All of the PVC pipe and ductile iron fittings that were installed at Olde Florida in 1992 remain in good condition. In 2010, we performed our first irrigation renovation. At that time we added additional mainline pipe, we converted from a hydraulically controlled RainBird system to an electrically actuated Toro system and the pump station was replaced. 

This summer we replaced all of the 1253 irrigation heads and the 34 field satellites. Like most things in our world, the technological advancements of golf course irrigation components have progressed at a significant pace. With the irrigation system being a key and critical component of our ability to maintain a healthy stand of turfgrass the time was right for the upgrade.

The irrigation heads that we installed this summer are the Toro "Infinity" series golf rotors. This link will take you to a YouTube video on the Toro Infinity series golf rotor.

First and foremost, the Infinity series head has improved uniformity of water distribution. There are also numerous other features that we are very excited about. 

Irrigation Head Replacement - 3 Green

One of the most impressive features of the new Infinity head is the "Smart Access." The Smart Access provides top accesibility to all critical components. This means no digging or unsightly turf repair scars. By removing three screws on top of the irrigation head (cover) we can inspect and repair many aspects of the head. On the previous irrigation heads this would have required the head to be dug up. The Smart Access compartment also provides room to add components that will be developed in the future. The protective enclosure also isolates the signal wire splice from the soil and potential shorts and it provides access for system troubleshooting without digging. 

The "Smart Access" on the Infinity Head

The new field satellite also includes numerous advancements. The first being a switch from analog to digital wireless communication between the central computer significantly improving communication signal integrity. Another key aspect is a faster microprocessor and increased memory for high performance today and the capacity for future enhancements in the future. Other improvements include clear vented covers on circuit boards providing protection from pests and corrosion and increased stainless steel and plated metal parts that give additional corrosion resistance. 

An aesthetic improvement is the color of the pedestal. I specified a custom "tree bark" color, instead of the traditional green pedestal to increase blending into the natural surroundings at Olde Florida.    

New Toro Smart Satellite Installation

Almost 16% of this summers irrigation system upgrade was offset by the sale of the used components. Prior to the renovation I negotiated the sale of all of the old irrigation heads and satellites to a company in Arizona that buys used irrigation components. That company disassembles and refurbishes the equipment and sells the items. 

Removed Satellites Ready for Shipment 

If you would like more frequent updates on the renovation please feel free to follow me on my various social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn). You can find all of these  by clicking this link to the "Contact" section of my website.

I hope you are having a great summer!