The 15th

Construction on hole 15 went well through late summer and fall of 2012.  Many drainage and function concerns were met.  This area of the course had to be in the most need of renovation.  Both 15 now has five tees and 16 has four, allowing for different levels of playing abilities to enjoy the game.

New restroom behind the 14th.

This view taken from above shows the fifteenth tee complex.  The larger tees will provide a level stance and a much improved sight line to the flag.

Plantings around the club house are always enjoyable.                                                                                                                                                                                         

New Course Renovation 2012

 

The new forward tee on hole 15 presents the golfer the same challenge and yardage, as well as a great elevated view.  The golfer will now be able walk onto the tee without going up steps.  This tee has dropped some 10 to 12  feet lower in elevation.

 

A new extension is being added to the front of 15 green., the extension adds another 35 feet of length.   Both greenside bunkers were rebuilt with new drain lines installed.

 

The original green was slightly reshaped and a slight grade change has been made from left to right to promote positive surface run-off. 

 

The 4 foot drain pipe shows much deterioration, the first 150 feet pipe was removed which ran under 14th approach.  The last 150 feet was capped at both ends, this section runs under the blue and white tees.

 

 

The 14th green and the 15th tees under construction.

Bumpy Fairways

The last few weeks, fairways have become noticeably bumpy.  Thatch is the culprit which causes this situation the areas become hydrophobic and are hard to wet, even with in-ground irrigation.  A wetting agent and spiking will help lessen the bumpiness temporarily but de-thatching is the more permenent solution. 

Pool Drainage

Grounds Staff installing a French drain in the pool lawn.  This drain line will help to eliminate surface water from running into the stairwell.

Color of Grasses

Fairways were sprayed earlier this spring to stop Poa annua from going to seed, this control product also slows growth and creates a bronzing look to the fairways.  This off color will last two to three weeks and eventually turn back to normal green.  Bronzing is only a side affect and doesn't harm the grass. Again the reason for spraying fairways is to eliminate the formation of poa seed heads and increase a better root system in the grass plant.   No seed heads will result in better playing conditions.

Another major color difference in the grass is where new bluegrass rough sod has been laid next to existing poa/ bent rough. This color change will continue until all renovation work is completed on the course.  Bronzing of fairways accentuates everything.

In April of 2012 greens 3 - 4 - 10 - 12  had new drainage put in by Golf Preservations of Middlesboro, Kentucky.  Each green took approximately one and half days to complete and drain lines were put on six foot centers.  The new lines were tied into existing drains near the green's lower side.  One or two clean outs were placed on the high side of each green, these will be used to keep the entire drain system clean and working freely. 

Lower Range Tee Re-level

Every few years tees become crowned from topdressing divots again and again.  The range is no exception to the crowned tee affect.  Exsisting sod is stripped, area will be leveled and sloped for proper grade and and re-seeded.  This area will be ready for play by mid May.  

Winter Injury Concerns

With the wide swings in temperatures and no snow cover for most of the winter, I'm concerned whether Wanakah's greens will survive if temperatures plumet. After reaching daytime highs in the forties and many days with rain, should temperatures go down into the teens at night, the Bent/Poa turfgrass on greens could be history.