BERKELEY HALL GOLF
GOLF
MAINTENANCE UPDATE
SPRING LOOK AHEAD his winter has been a challenge for both golf courses, with below average temperatures and above average rainfall. As we look ahead to the spring golf season one thing is clear, the South Course Celebration fairways have clearly out-performed the Tif-sport fairways on the North Course. We are pleased with how well the fairways have performed these past months, this is most noticeable around the greens and in high traffic areas. Looking forward, 2021 is going to be a busy year. In addition to the short game area renovation and Fazio putting green expansion, planning for the 2022 North Course re-grassing has begun. We have secured an on-site visit from Fazio Design Group this spring. They will look at both courses during their two-day visit and provide us with a concept for the North Course renovation and native bed restoration. Nationwide total rounds of golf played are up 14%, and Berkeley Hall is no exception, with rounds year-to-date up 20%. This, in conjunction with Covid 19 social distancing protocols, has presented a new test for the Agronomy team. Increased traffic during the non-growing season has made cart and foot traffic management a top priority. Spring is just 20
BERKELEYHALLCLUB.COM
around the corner and we look forward to the warmer temperatures it brings.
South Course Celebration fairways have clearly out-performed the Tif-sport fairways on the North Course.
Learning Center Renovation The Short Game area at the LearningCenter will close in May for the re-grassing project and re-open in September. During that time, a sand cap will be added, and the turf converted from Tifsport to Celebration Bermuda grass. The range targets will be reimagined during the closure, to provide different options and teeing grounds. Along with the Short Game area, the Fazio Putting Green will close for a renovation and expansion. The green will be doubled in size to provide more practice hole lactations, thus allowing more members to practice at one time. In addition, the putting surface will be
leveled to afford a more practical putting experience. Upcoming Aerification Schedule With both courses open in 2021, we will return to our former aeration schedule performed in 2019. This schedule delivers less disruption for member play and warmer temperatures for turf recovery. In June, the North Course will close for four weeks as we perform the equivalent of three aerations. Greens will be aerated three times in the first ten days, as this allows for a full three weeks of recovery. Tees will also be aerated, and sand topdressed at this time. This will enable the putting surface to completely heal prior to re-opening. The North Course will use this time to commence the native area beatification as directed by Fazio Design. The South Course will close after Fourth of July week, beginning July 12th. Similar procedures will be performed on the greens as the North Course, with a few slight variations. Following greens aeration, we will perform aeration and sand top dressing on tees, fairways, and approaches. An addition for 2021 is the aeration and top dressing of the playable rough. This aeration schedule allows for more consistent playing conditions, and an improved member experience throughout the busy summer maintenance season.
