Grounds

Everyone is anxiously awaiting the completion of our gorgeous Phase 1 Lifestyle Facilities Master Plan! Along with exciting improvements to the interior of the clubhouse, the Horticulture Team will introduce a bold change to the former Golf Circle and surrounding landscape. However, due to the timing of the project completion, the best choice for the health and success of plantings is to wait until October to install some of the plants, when large trees and shrubs will be less likely to suffer transplant shock. We appreciate your patience as we phase in the landscaping, as this shortterm delay will yield long-term benefits. For now, here is what you can expect to see as the landscape unfolds. The drop-off circle has been relocated closer to the parking lot, and handicap parking spaces are now along the West Lawn in front of our beautiful Herb and Edible Flower Garden. The newly redesigned loading dock is tucked behind the landscape beds and angled to the west side of the clubhouse, obscured from view by layers of conifers and shrubs that will fill in over time. On the West Lawn, the beds feature edible plants like native superfruit Aronia melanocarpa and a Montmorency Cherry tree, in keeping with the culinary theme. A stroll from the parking lot to the clubhouse or Golf House along our new lushly planted brick courtyard will set the tone for the enjoyment of the Club’s amenities upon arrival. The courtyard was designed in-house to be spacious enough to accommodate the flow of member traffic while maintaining the welcoming intimate feel of a private estate garden. The dynamic layered garden spaces will offer something of interest for each season with perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees blooming in succession, pockets of annuals for summer color, a tapestry of fall colors, and bold conifers for winter structure. Crapemyrtles will add summer interest around the drop-off circle, while a series of Ginkgo trees will provide some shade along the main path. Between the clubhouse entrance and Golf House, the path meanders through a small parterre garden, with fastigiate Junipers, Dwarf Fringetrees, Hydrangeas, and the calming babble of a pondless fountain at its center. Two gas fire tables with benches invite casual gathering and conversation, while improved landscape lighting will provide ambiance and safety into the evening hours. Though it will take some time for the landscape to fully grow into its designed intention, we hope this improved space will provide a lush backdrop to the memories made here at your Club for years to come. ◆

The landscaping plan for the new courtyard, drop-off circle, loading dock Cathy Wagner, CPH Director of Horticulture

GREENKEEPER’S UPDATE

As we progress through the “dog days” of summer, July is historically the hottest month, and the playing surfaces are under the greatest stress leading into August. As conditions warrant, our staff will apply light applications of water during the hottest parts of the day (10:00am to 6:00pm) to ensure the survival of the turf under stress. As a reminder, if you encounter staff on the courses while playing, please do not hit from the tee or to the green until they are completely out of the way. If a staff member is unaware of your presence, please alert them before playing your shot, as the safety of our staff is of utmost importance. We thank you for your patience, courtesy, and consideration. While play is under the record amounts we have experienced over the past two years, this fall is shaping up to be one of our busiest ever as numerous events have been pushed back into September and October due to Phase 1 construction. As such, it's critical that we take certain measures to protect turf health and ensure the courses are healthy and in top condition for the busy fall season. To combat the combination of high heat and humidity that Mother Nature serves up each summer, we utilize above-ground fans on both the East and West courses. Limited air movement is one of the major factors in the decline of bentgrass on greens, especially when we experience high heat, humidity, and excessive moisture from thunderstorms. Numerous years of research and field studies have demonstrated that fans are a successful tool to improve air movement and sustain turfgrass quality of bentgrass turf in the summer stress months (fans can lower greens surface temperatures by as much as 10 degrees and soil temperature by four to six degrees). Finally, we need your continued help to keep your courses at a high level of excellence. We ask that everyone does their part by operating golf carts responsibly by following cart rules when you play. Please continue to do your part by repairing ball marks and replacing your divots. ◆

MONDAY COURSE CLOSURES

• From July 18 through August 29, both the East and West courses will be closed for Monday play (except for pre-arranged private outings).

The Driving Range and Practice Facilities will remain open, per the normal schedule • While the courses are closed, the Grounds

Maintenance Team will be using small venting tines on the green and tee surfaces to increase oxygen in the soil • There will be no extended closures for course aeration. The courses will be open for play on

August 2, 3, 9, and 10 Tim Kennelly, CGCS Head Greenkeeper