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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Fertilization Hole 1 - September 11, 2021 |
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| 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.
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.
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| Sod Removal 10 Tee |
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| 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.
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| 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.
All of the subtle changes were discussed in advance with Greg Muirhead, Senior Vice President Rees Jones, Inc.
The subsurface in the high traffic area leaving the hole was amended to provide better turfgrass quality.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hole 4
2-3" of old bunker sand was added in layers and worked into the fairway to improve drainage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
Hole 15
The mounding between the middle and last fairway bunker was lowered to increase the visibility of the bunker.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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| Greens Complex |
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| 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.
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.
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| June 1, 2021 |
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| Greens Complex Modification (View from Back) |
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| 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.
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.
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| Old Bunker Sand / Soil Modification |
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| 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.
Hole 8
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 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.
Hole 12
Several rows of cabbage palms to the right of the mounds were removed to regain turfgrass lost to encroachment of vegetation.
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| Tee Lowering and Expansion |
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| 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.
Hole 14
The tees were lowered 12-18" significantly softening the slope making the walk from the path to the tee shorter and easier.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
Hole 17
The tees were lowered 15-18" to increase the teeing area. The slope was also significantly softened and the path moved closer.
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| Back Left Chipping Area |
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| Back Right Chipping Area |
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| Old Bunker Sand |
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| 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.
expands the turfgrass in the area leaving the green and enhances the view of the clubhouse.
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| August 21, 2021 |
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| 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.
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| Drill & Fill - April 26, 2021 |
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| DryJect “Maximus” - September 27, 2021 |
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| August 31, 2021 |
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| August 31, 2021 |
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!
