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Avoiding the Hazards of Golf Course Renovation
by George B. Manuel,
Superintendent, Pine Forest Country Club, Houston, Texas
Providing a better root zone for the
bentgrass or bermudagrass putting surface is one of the most
popular reasons for greens renovation. Blue Heron Hills Country
Club, Macedon, New York
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Webster defines renovation as "...a restoration to an earlier condition
or to impart new vigor to; to revive." In many ways, this definition
can be related to golf courses. Putting surfaces are revived by
replacing the rootzone mix and planting improved bentgrass or bermudagrass
varieties.
Bunkers are restored when faces are rolled down and fresh new sand
replaces old contaminated materials. In parts of the Midwest, uniformity
is brought to green surrounds by stripping the mixes of bluegrass,
Poa annua, bentgrass, and even bermudagrass, and then resodding
to an improved bluegrass blend.
Anyone who ever attempted to sell such a renovation project to a
green committee or membership is well aware of the positive implications
of the project. Improved turfgrass varieties, better drainage, level
tees, consistent surrounds, new sand in the bunkers, etc., are all
benefits one can expect from renovation. Any of these issues can
lead to better playing conditions for your golfers.
This should lead to fewer worries, happier times, and more job security
for the superintendent ... right?
Unfortunately, no ... at least not immediately. In fact, one can
probably plan on the hard work and long hours involved with renovation
paying off for the next superintendent at the course. I believe
more superintendents have lost their jobs (and sometimes their families)
in the midst of, or soon after, a renovation project than for almost
any other reason.
Providing a better root zone for the
bentgrass or bermudagrass putting surface is one of the most
popular reasons for greens renovation. Blue Heron Hills Country
Club, Macedon, New York
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Why is this unfortunate occurrence becoming more commonplace at
courses throughout the country? Perhaps because the positive aspects
of a project are promoted too aggressively while ignoring, or in
some cases even concealing, the negative aspects. Expectations become
very high during the project and then become deflated for any one
of several reasons. Projects not being completed on time, new sand
in the bunkers being temporarily unplayable, or, perhaps most common,
"the new greens just aren't as good as the old ones were" can all
contribute to unfulfilled expectations. Members or players need
to be reminded that renovation on a golf course is much different
from renovating a 1955 Thunderbird. When restoration is completed
on the car, it is at its absolute best. In time, dirt, scratches,
dings, and dents begin to detract from its appearance. A renovated
golf course reverses this timeline; it must heal from the process
and mature over time. In other words, one might better relate the
renovation of the golf course to plastic surgery. There will be
scars from the renovation that take time to heal. Roads used for
trucks hauling sand and gravel to the site will be extremely compacted
and need repeated aerification over several years before they are
back to normal. New rootzones must mature before providing a stable
growing environment for the recently planted grasses. Fresh sand
in bunkers may be fluffy for six to 12 months or longer before it
stabilizes and "fried egg lies" are eliminated. Irrigation trenches
will settle and will need supplemental backfilling. Mother Nature
will not be rushed in spite of the best efforts of the superintendent
and his staff, or pressure from the golfers. To help ensure the
success of the project, the knowledgeable superintendent needs to
not only communicate the benefits that will be realized from the
project, but the hazards and risks as well. Let's take a closer
look at two of the most common areas of the course targeted for
renovation.
Renovation of greens is sweeping the country. Memberships and superintendents
are making the decision to improve both drainage and putting quality
by replacing old rootzone mixes and planting new bentgrass or bermudagrass
varieties. When the old rootzones are removed and a new mixture
of laboratory-approved sand and organic matter is added, drainage
improves dramatically. But as the water quickly drains through the
new rootzone, so do the nutrients. The new mix is normally very
sterile and has little nutrient content or nutrient-holding capacity.
In some cases, it will take the mix at least a year, or sometimes
two, before it matures. It's imperative that the golfers understand
that until then they can expect wide swings in appearance and putting
quality.
Another common scenario is starting the project too late and then
seeding or planting the greens after the ideal time. Missing this
"planting window" is just like gambling. Occasionally, the weather
will stay warm, the greens grow in well, and those in charge will
feel like they hit the jackpot. However, when playing Mother Nature's
casino, one must remember that the odds are in her favor, and an
early, cold fall and winter may leave your greens' surfaces completely
bankrupt of grass.
When considering greens renovation, determine the ideal window for
planting and growth of the new grass. For example, when planting
bentgrass in the Midwest, mid-August to mid-September would be considered
the optimum time for seeding. Therefore, construction should begin
60 to 90 days prior (depending on the scope of the project) to the
seeding dates. This means losing a summer's worth of golf and revenue,
and many players and managers will balk at that possibility. However,
late planting dates can spell disaster for the project and the superintendent.
Generally, late planting means more downtime and expense to the
club. To extend the growing season as long as possible when bentgrass
is planted late, covers are often purchased to retain heat and minimize
erosion. They also add about $10,000 to the cost of the project.
Is your course willing to spend these extra dollars for covers that
may never be needed? If the renovation work is started after Labor
Day, more delays from inclement weather can be expected. Cooler
temperatures mean slower germination and growth. Remember that the
water from a heavy rain will dry out or evaporate much more quickly
in late summer's hot temperatures than in the cooler ones of late
fall. The importance of planting windows cannot be overemphasized
and should be strongly stressed to the membership. Finally, late
planting usually means late opening and upset players. Avoid these
headaches and heartbreaks ... plant on time!
Improving drainage is just one of many
reasons why bunker renovation is popular. It's important to
be sure the membership understands that the new sand may be
"soft" for several months.
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Bunker restoration projects can range from replacing the old sand,
rechanneling drainage elsewhere, reworking internal drainage, to
refacing the bunker. However, from the members' standpoint, the
most important characteristic was not mentioned. In their minds,
how the new bunker sand ultimately plays is their foremost thought.
The new sand will likely be loose in nature and produce fried egg
lies for months after the bunkers have been renovated. Most sands
firm up within six months to a year after renovation. If proper
testing has not been conducted, the sand could stay soft for an
indefinite amount of time. It is critical to educate the players
on these points. Include enough money to test the new sand on several
occasions, and make your membership aware that the sand has to weather
or season for several months before good playability is restored.
So often the bulk of the construction project is performed in good
order, but the "finishing off' phase is poor. Therefore, the overall
perception of the project becomes tainted. Almost every contractor
can get 80% of the job completed; however, it is the exceptional
companies that finish the last 20% with the same dedication applied
earlier on. In many cases, the contractor is anxious to get to the
next job and simply does not have the staying power to finish the
job properly. This really separates the top-notch building contractors
from the rest of the pack. Be sure to state clearly in the contract
exactly how all facets of the golf course renovation work are to
be completed. Once an agreement has been reached, the superintendent
or club liaison needs to make certain the contractor finishes the
job in a timely and professional manner. Remember, any work the
contractor fails to finish properly will have to be completed by
the existing maintenance staff. These added tasks take unnecessary
time and money out of the budget.
There is an old saying in the real estate business that the three
keys to successful business ventures are location, location, and
location. Successful renovation projects may hinge on communication,
communication, and communication. Those desiring renovation will
most assuredly expound on the positive aspects of the project. However,
the potential downside or negative aspects must also be explained
even if it risks the approval of the renovation. There is nothing
more taxing (mentally or physically) for a superintendent or membership
than renovating their golf course. By playing the devil's advocate
and making sure every aspect of the project is well understood,
the likelihood of a potentially disappointing experience will be
significantly decreased.
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