USGA Report 2023

COURSE CONSULTING SERVICE

Site Visit Report

Granite Golf Club

Uxbridge,OntarioCanada

Visit Date: September 5, 2023

Present:

Stephen Carlin, President

David MacLachlan, Vice President

Wendy Thurston, G & P Chair

Paul Crossdale, G & P Vice Chair

Judith Kyrinis

Joe Sheehan

Leslie Walsh

Carol Shaw

Jamie Pawluk

Elaine Walsh

Stephen Kouri

Phil Scully, General Manager

Brandon Kellington, Controller

Yanik Mayer, Golf Course Superintendent

Brad Miller, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Trevor Lorimer, Second Assistant Golf Course Superintendent

Zach Nicoludis, Regional Director, USGA Green Section

Executive Summary

It was a pleasure to visit Granite Golf Club for the second time to conduct a USGA Course Consulting Service visit. Overall, a fair but challenging test of golf is being presented for members and their guests on the golf course. Playing nine holes the day before the visit provided the opportunity to experience playing conditions firsthand. Without a doubt the playing conditions of all the surfaces rival that of other highly regarded facilities I have an opportunity to visit. The level of conditioning is a direct result of a sound agronomic program being in place to manage the golf course. Our discussions focused on the following topics while touring the golf course

• Putting greens. Overall, quality and consistent putting conditions are being produced. When the putting greens were originally constructed, 'L93' bentgrass was seeded to establish the putting green surfaces and at the time, this was one of the latest and greatest creeping bentgrasses available on the market. Over time, annual bluegrass has encroached into the putting surfaces, and having high populations of this particular grass creates the greatest risk associated with the putting greens. The weather conditions experienced throughout the winter create a situation where significant turf loss could occur due to low temperature kill, ice encasement, or crown hydration.

• With that being said, our discussions focused on why regrassing the putting greens is necessary as well as how this project could be completed. Through plant breeding, improved varieties of creeping bentgrass are now available that perform at a higher level when compared to 'L93' creeping bentgrass. A commitment to performing sound agronomic practices over the years has set Granite Golf Club up to be in a position where regrassing the putting surfaces is an option when compared to having to rebuild all the putting greens. The only putting greens we discussed that should be considered for rebuilding were Nos. 7 and 8 due to the fact that the contouring on No. 7 limits hole locations and the overall size of No. 8 putting green limits how traffic can be distributed across this putting green throughout the golf season.

• Bunkers. Currently, the bunkers are well beyond what would be considered the expected lifespan for bunkers. Generally speaking, bunkers have a lifespan between 12 and 15 years. Additionally, it should be noted that bunker sand often has to be replaced between 7 and 10 years due to contamination issues that impact drainage and ultimately, playing conditions.

• Another focal point while reviewing the bunkers was the amount of time that must be spent dedicated to maintaining the bunkers. With approximately 120,000 square feet of bunkers across the golf course as well as bunker surrounds that require a substantial amount of handwork, the agronomic team finds that a large portion of the labor hours available every week are spent maintaining the bunkers. Based on the current age of the bunkers as well as all the time that is dedicated to maintaining the bunkers, a bunker renovation, including reducing the total bunker square footage, would go a long way in improving overall playability as well as improving maintenance efficiency so more time can be dedicated to maintaining less square footage of bunkers. Given the architectural impact this would have on the golf course, it is necessary to work with Golf Course Architect Tom McBroom to make these adjustments.

• Trees. The large tree population dispersed throughout the golf course certainly has an impact on playing conditions as well as turf health. Over the years, the agronomic team has dedicated a significant amount of time to performing tree removals which resulted in

improving growing environments as well as opening views on the golf course. The tree population must remain under constant evaluation to determine where removals are completed every year so growing environments continue to improve, as well as trees do not impact playability, especially as trees grow and become larger with age. It must be noted that a shaded environment creates a competitive advantage that favors the encroachment of annual bluegrass. Therefore, with a regrassing project on the horizon, it is imperative that the growing environments around putting greens are maximized to support the establishment and longevity of the new putting surfaces.

The following report details the observations and recommendations that were made as we toured the golf course.

Table of Contents:

Putting Greens

Observations and Recommendations

1. Current conditions.

• Currently, the putting greens consist of both 'L93’ creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass. Over the years, annual bluegrass has encroached on the putting green surfaces and this creates the greatest risks of issues being experienced on the putting greens, most notably with winter injury or winter kill. Compared to creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass does not have the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions either in the summer or in the winter. For example, annual bluegrass can only survive ice encasement between 30 and 45 days, while creeping bentgrass can withstand ice encasement between 100 and 120 days. Additionally, new varieties of creeping bentgrass are more heat tolerant, drought tolerant, and disease resistant when compared to annual bluegrass and even 'L93' creeping bentgrass.

• Samples collected from multiple putting greens revealed no issues with elevated organic matter levels. This is critical for allowing water to enter and move through the putting green profile unimpeded. Additionally, we had an opportunity to measure the surface strength of the putting green surfaces. The data we collected on the day of the visit aligns with highquality putting greens that are delivering ideal surface strength. From a playability standpoint, this means that firmer playing surfaces can be delivered. A commitment to performing sound agronomic practices over the years has set Granite Golf Club up to invest in regrassing the putting green surfaces, not necessarily having to rebuild all the putting greens. When comparing regrassing versus a complete rebuild, regrassing is substantially more cost-effective.

• We also had the opportunity to test the GS3 smart golf ball which is a new tool developed by engineers to measure putting green speed, trueness, smoothness, and firmness. Trueness is a measurement of any side-to-side movement and smoothness is a measurement of any up and down movement as a golf ball rolls across the putting green surface. Similar to the surface strength data we recorded on the day of the visit, the metrics recorded by the GS3 are in line with data that has been collected while visiting other golf courses where high quality putting greens are being produced.

Both images above are of the sample collected from No. 1 putting green. The mat layer is being properly managed, and it is great to see roots extending to a depth of approximately five inches later in the golf season.

3.

• The slopes and contouring of No. 7 putting green limit where hole locations can be placed on this green. As a result, golfer traffic is concentrated on a few areas of this putting green, as well as golfers likely find that hole locations are rotated through only a few areas because the severity of slopes limits where the agronomic team can set the hole location each day.

• There is some debate over whether this putting green sank over time which contributed to the severity of the slopes, but regardless of whether it was the original design or some sinking occurred, rebuilding this putting green with less severe slopes is necessary so more hole locations are available for setting up this green.

• The total square footage of No. 8 putting green is approximately 3,200 square feet. Compared to the other putting greens on the golf course, this is significantly smaller, and as a result, limits the amount of available hole locations while at the same time results in concentrated foot traffic throughout a golf season.

• Similar to No. 7 putting green, for foot traffic to be distributed over a larger area and more hole locations to be available for setting up the green, No. 8 needs to be rebuilt and expanded. It would certainly be possible to rebuild this putting green with a similar contouring to the existing green, but simply over a larger area. This, along with the reconstruction of No. 7, would require the input from Golf Course Architect Tom McBroom to guide these changes.

4.

• In order to protect the most important asset of the golf course, it is recommended to regrass the putting green surfaces and rebuild both No. 7 putting green and No. 8 putting green. When it comes to regrassing the putting greens, it is recommended to establish the new surfaces from seed. Ideally, putting greens are seeded in the late summer, so complete turf coverage can be achieved before the growing season ends.

• From a grass selection standpoint, we discussed how '007XL' would be an excellent choice for resurfacing the putting greens. This is one of the newest creeping bentgrasses to come out of turfgrass breeding programs in the recent past. On courses where it has been used, high-quality creeping bentgrass putting conditions are being delivered.

5. Annual bluegrass control.

• When establishing new creeping bentgrass putting greens, controlling annual bluegrass encroachment is imperative to ensure that this undesirable grass does not gain a foothold again. During the first few years after establishment, hand-picking annual bluegrass is one of the most effective strategies for initially controlling encroachment.

• At this time, the herbicide PoaCure® is not available in Canada, but it looks promising that it will be available in the near future. This is an herbicide that has been used in the United States as well as South Korea to effectively control annual bluegrass encroachment. Provided this herbicide is labeled in Canada, it would certainly be recommended to use it to control annual bluegrass encroachment after the putting greens are well established. At other golf courses, we have observed this herbicide used two years after new putting greens have been established.

2. No. 7 putting green

No. 8 putting green

Regrassing.

• In addition to handpicking as well as using an herbicide such as PoaCure, the structure of an agronomic program has a major influence on controlling annual bluegrass encroachment. Most notably, water management and fertility are critical for controlling annual bluegrass encroachment. Compared to annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass requires less water as well as less nutrients, especially nitrogen, once it is established. We discussed how targeting between one and two pounds of nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet every year would be suitable for promoting healthy creeping bentgrass while at the same time, not creating a competitive advantage that favors annual bluegrass. From a watering perspective, managing the surfaces in a slightly moisture stressed state will create conditions less favorable for annual bluegrass while at the same time maximizing playability from a firmness standpoint.

6. Approaches.

• With the putting greens being resurfaced, it would be a sound decision to resurface the approaches as well. Establishing an improved variety of creeping bentgrass in the approaches would reduce the likelihood of annual bluegrass encroachment from the approaches. We discussed how converting approximately the first 20 yards in front of the greens would be ideal when resurfacing approaches.

7. Grow-in strategies.

• When new creeping bentgrass putting greens are being established, special care must be taken when making applications of plant protectants to the putting greens. We discussed how it would be beneficial to purchase a spray hawk or a spray bug so plant protectant applications could be made without having to drive a sprayer on the putting green surfaces

• Another strategy we have seen used effectively to protect the newly emerging seedlings is to use grow-in blankets to help avoid any washouts from moderate rainfall or even minor disruptions that can occur from using overhead irrigation. Grow-in blankets are almost like a cheesecloth type material that allows water and sunlight to reach the seedlings but protects against minor washouts from occurring.

• The Green Section Record article, Managing New Putting Greens, is an excellent resource that provides guidelines for promoting the establishment and maintenance practices after seedlings emerge.

8. Putting green surrounds

• Similar to the approaches, it would be a sound decision to regrass the putting green surrounds when the bunkers and putting greens are renovated. Establishing new grass in the rough would create consistent playing conditions around the putting greens as well as eliminate annual bluegrass from the immediate putting green surrounds to help reduce annual bluegrass encroachment. This is a strategy we have observed in other golf courses undertaking similar projects, and the benefits are well worth the investment.

Bunkers

Observations and Recommendations

1. Current conditions.

• Currently, the bunkers are beyond the 12 to 15-year range that is used as a guideline for the life cycle of bunkers on a golf course. It is at this time that drainage within the bunkers begins to malfunction, sand contamination impacts playability, as well as sand accumulation on the bunker faces impacts overall turf health and course aesthetics.

• The total square footage of the bunkers is approximately 120,000 square feet. This is a substantial amount of square footage to have dedicated to bunkers for an 18-hole golf course. Additionally, the design of the bunkers results in a significant amount of hand work to be completed to maintain the bunker faces. It was discussed how approximately two days are dedicated every other week to performing bunker maintenance on the faces. While the design of every golf course is different, some golf courses can maintain bunker faces in approximately 25% of the time when compared to the efforts that are made at Granite Golf Club. This is not to say that the bunker design has to be completely changed, but softening the contours would go a long way in streamlining the maintenance operation.

• Not only would softening the contours improve maintenance efficiency, but reducing the total square footage of the bunkers would be beneficial. Ideally, the total bunker square footage would be between 60,000 and 80,000 square feet. This is another area where input from Golf Course Architect Tom McBroom is needed, so the integrity of the golf course is not jeopardized.

The design and total acreage of the bunkers is such that a significant amount of labor is required to maintain the bunkers. When investments are made in a bunker renovation at many golf courses, ease of maintenance is considered which is usually addressed through bunker reduction and simplification of design.

2. Sand replacement.

• Renovating the bunkers would provide an opportunity to replace all the sand in the bunkers. Generally speaking, it is between the 7- and 10-year mark after bunker sand is installed that playability begins to decline. Again, this highlights an area where an overall improvement and bunker playability would be realized through a bunker renovation. Should the bunkers be renovated, it is recommended to have a replacement schedule in place for new bunker sand to be installed every 7 to 10 years.

• It was discussed how Pro/Angle® bunker sand would be installed when the bunkers are renovated. This is one of the most popular bunker sands I observe in my travels. Installing new sand will go a long way in improving the overall playability of the bunkers. Even though Pro/Angle bunker sand is currently in the bunkers, new Pro/Angle sand will provide a vastly different and improved playing experience when compared to older contaminated sand.

• When the bunkers were constructed, a fabric liner was installed to create a barrier between the underlying soil and the bunker sand. At the time, a fabric liner was the best option, but new options are available that are more durable and improve bunker performance.

• We discussed how investing in the Better Billy Bunker Method™ liner would be a wise choice to prevent sand contamination as well as improve overall bunker playability. When a liner such as the Better Billy Bunker method is used, it is critical to install sand at the proper depth, so bunkers drain properly. It is recommended to have a soil release curve performed on the bunker sand, so it is installed at the proper depth that promotes adequate drainage. Installing the bunker sand at too shallow a depth will result in bunkers playing too firm, as well as algae is more likely to develop at the surface. Knowing the depth of the sand that will be installed is critical for bunker construction because this provides guidelines for the depth at which the bunker floor will be excavated to accommodate the ideal depth of sand.

• Without a doubt, a bunker renovation is necessary to improve the overall playability of the bunkers. The bunkers are simply at the end of their life cycle, and a renovation is necessary for playability to improve. By reducing the total bunker square footage as well as softening the contours around the bunkers, the agronomic team can focus more intensely on maintaining the bunkers, which will lead to improved playability.

• It must be remembered how playing conditions will not be exactly the same or consistent from bunker to bunker. There are many factors that impact bunker conditions. For example, bunkers that are oriented in a way that they receive more direct sunlight or bunkers located in full sun will dry out faster than bunkers located in the shade. Also, irrigation coverage will not be the same at every bunker complex and therefore this will impact the moisture content of the sand. The main priorities should be having enough sand maintained at the proper depth that is free of contamination as well as bunkers that drain properly.

3. Bunker liner.

4. Bunker renovation

Trees

Observations and Recommendations

1. Impact of trees.

• Trees can certainly be a feature of a golf course, but the reality is, that trees can have a major impact on turf health and playability. When managing trees on a golf course, the course must be the priority; it is not as though an arboretum is being maintained.

• Any time trees restrict the amount of sunlight that reaches the turf, this impacts the turf's ability to produce carbohydrates used for energy. Direct sunlight from the early morning hours through the afternoon is critical for promoting healthy turf. Direct sunlight first thing in the morning is critical for accelerating the rate at which moisture evaporates from the leaf surface. Prolonged leaf wetness will increase disease pressure. Also, as it was mentioned before, a shaded environment will create a competitive advantage that favors Poa annua encroachment. Therefore, the amount of sunlight that reaches the putting greens must be maximized to create a growing environment that favors creeping bentgrass.

• When trees block the prevailing wind, this impacts the turf's ability to regulate its temperature. As air moves across the leaf surface, a thin film of water evaporates, creating a cooling process. It cannot be overstated how important it is for air movement to be maximized around the golf course, especially at the putting greens, so the turf can properly regulate its temperature.

Pushing the tree line back along the left side of No. 7 will create a balanced feel when playing this hole. This will also improve the growing environment around the putting green.

• As trees age and become larger, overhanging tree limbs can impact playability. No. 7 putting green is a perfect example of this. Trees growing along the left side of this hole have

The tree removal completed around No. 8 putting green is a perfect example of how tree removals should be prioritized to maximize the growing environment around a putting green.

gradually grown closer to the intended line of play and have created an imbalance between the left and right sides of this hole It is recommended to push the tree line back along the left side of No. 7 to create a more balanced feel when playing from the tee

• Any time trees are growing in proximity to high play areas, tree roots are likely competing with the turf for water and nutrients. Considering how robust the root systems of trees are, the tree roots will always win this competition. Trees growing in high play areas must be evaluated to determine if root pruning or removal is necessary to eliminate tree root competition.

Summary

It is great to see how stakeholders at Granite Golf Club are going through the process of planning a bunker renovation and regrassing the putting greens. The bunkers are beyond their expected life cycle and the level of annual bluegrass encroachment on the putting greens creates a situation where significant turf loss could be experienced due to harsh weather conditions that are very possible to occur in the Toronto area. Based on projects that have been completed at other golf courses, it cannot be overstated how important it is to complete a project such as this in the shortest timeline possible. Attempting to complete a regrassing or bunker renovation over several years will only lead to frustration amongst the membership as well as put different playing surfaces on a different maturation schedule, which impacts the overall playability of the golf course. The short-term disruption is well worth the longterm benefits that will be realized after the project is complete.

Thank you for your time and continued support of the USGA Green Section. I look forward to working with your facility in the future. If there are any questions regarding this report's contents, please feel free to contact me at znicoludis@usga.org or on my cell phone at (412) 215-6488.

Respectfully submitted,

Zach Nicoludis, Regional Director USGA Green Section

Distribution:

Phil Scully, General Manager

Yanik Mayer, Golf Course Superintendent

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