Kenmure Golf Maintenance

Thursday, July 10, 2025

July Course Update 2025

Kenmure Country Club

July Course Update 2025

Weather & Overall Course Conditions

I'm writing this on July 10th, and we've had some nice hot summer weather ever since the end of June. We ended June with a streak of days in the 90s, with a little rainfall, and now we're moving into mid-July, and we haven't really had that much rainfall either. It's been hot, it's been humid and sticky, and some afternoons it's been downright miserable. But that comes with the territory here at Kenmure. So we'll talk a little bit about course conditions and what you're seeing out there right now. First of all, I'd like to say I'm very happy with the conditions of the fairways and the greens and most of the green surrounds. We've applied lots of wetting agents, lots of fungicides, and growth regulators to keep everything in check, and everything is looking pretty good. Our moisture levels in the fairways have been consistent, and we have very few browned-out spots. So, so far so good as we move into the middle of July.

Bentgrass in Summertime

I would like to talk a little bit about bentgrass decline in the summer. There's a popular song written by George Gershwin called Summertime, where he talks about “summertime and the living's easy.” Well, this may apply to kids off school for the summer break, as well as lots of teachers who don't have to have a second job in the summer, but it definitely does not apply to bentgrass. Bentgrass is a cool-season grass, and once the soil temperatures and the air temperatures reach a certain point, bentgrass starts to decline. The root system starts to shrink back, and its ability to handle the stresses of nature and the stretches of cart-path traffic aren't as great, so we have to be careful with our water management, and we must also be careful with our traffic management. So far, so good this year. We've had very few days where we've had to go to cart-path-only in the afternoon.

I will say that when we go to cart-path-only in the afternoon, it's not always predicated on just the temperature. It's a number of factors, including soil-moisture levels, humidity, how many days in a row we've had hot temperatures, what time of year it is, what the root system is like underneath the ground—various factors. It's not just a matter of temperature. If it was, it would be easy, but we like to let people off the path. We realize it's an accessibility issue, especially for our older members, and really any of the members when it gets this hot. Really, once the temperatures get up in the high 80s to 90, it's pretty stressful out there in the afternoon for people to do a lot of walking, and we definitely wouldn't want anybody to have a heat stroke, but there are times when we need to protect our turfgrass from these stresses, and when we do, the call is made, and we expect everybody to stay on the path. It's just as simple as that. Somebody is sent around from the pro shop and lets everybody know they need to get back on the path, and when this occurs, we appreciate you getting back on the cart path. Like I said, this happens few and far between. This isn't a daily occurrence, and we appreciate your participation and support during these tough times.

Summer Weeds & Tee/Collar Issues

OK, moving on, let's talk about some of the ugly things that we're seeing right now. We are at the height of the summer weed season. Our top weeds that we have trouble with in the middle of summer is Dallisgrass. Dallisgrass is a perennial weed, which means it comes back every year from its root structure in the ground. It can't be dealt with pre-emergent herbicides, as it's always emerged, and it's very hard to control in bentgrass, especially when it gets hot. The second most troublesome weed this time of year is Virginia buttonweed. Virginia buttonweed also is a perennial weed, so it's not easily controlled with pre-emergent herbicides. Post-emergent herbicides are available for both Virginia buttonweed and Dallisgrass but are very difficult to use this time of year on bentgrass due to the stress it causes on the plant. Other than that, we're seeing a little bit of clover in certain areas out there, which is easy to eliminate. But this time of year, with bentgrass, it's very hard to use herbicides without some small bit of damage or turning things a little off-color or orange. So, we just try to suck it up until the weather breaks in late August, and we can get out there and do some more herbicide treatments.

We are seeing a lot of browned-out areas on a bunch of tees. This has been caused by a combination fungicide and growth-regulator application that was made last week at a time when it was probably a little too hot, and the traffic that afternoon really stressed out a bunch of those areas. And they have turned off-color or a little browned-out and sort of orange-ish, purplish-looking right now. While some of those areas are not very aesthetically pleasing, once we get some cooler temperatures and even some cloudy afternoons and a little more moisture, those spots will be back. Also, I've noticed a little bit of annual bluegrass weevil that have been feeding in some of the poa annua in the collars around the greens. This was all treated for a couple of days ago, so we've stopped any of that damage, and that'll heal back too. There's a lot of ugly damage that occurs in bentgrass through July and into August, and for the most part, it's all temporary. No matter what happens, it'll bounce back for the fall. I speak from multiple years of experience and multiple years of experience on this golf course, and it is always the case that all these areas green back up and start looking good once we get out of the high-heat stress period of the year.

Irrigation & Water Management

We've dealt with a few irrigation breaks and handled those with ease. We have some ongoing irrigation problems right now that we're fixing. We always get little leaks and things arise, especially this time of year when the system gets heavily used. For example, in the month of June, the irrigation output total was close to 1.7 million gallons of water for the entire month. Now that we've moved into July and have gone through this dry stretch, the first 10 days of July, we have used the same amount of water we used in the entire month of June. So, we must be careful, and keep the moisture levels up, because if we let areas get too dry, they become hydrophobic and it's hard to get them wet again.

Now we have had very diligent use of wetting agents this year. We've upped the budget spending on wetting agents on the fairways and the green surrounds and basically everywhere around the golf course, and it's paying off. The moisture levels in the fairways, even through this dry stretch and even through all the cart traffic, have really been good, and I'm very pleased with that.

Driving Range Tee Performance

The only other thing I'll say is I'm very happy with the performance of the Bermudagrass Driving Range Tee in front of Top Tracer. It's been very resilient and handles the amount of traffic so much better than the older tee, and we may be able to stay on that tee and keep cycling from front to back all the way into the fall without having to switch to the upper tee on Winding Meadows. So that's really positive. I like it when we can keep it down there, and yes, I think that was a good change in turf and I am very happy about that.

Thank you for your continued support, and please stay cool out there!

— Josh Laughridge, Golf Course Superintendent

Friday, June 20, 2025

Still Here – Still Fighting

For nearly two decades, I’ve walked this property every day. I’ve poured my energy, my time, and frankly my life into making this golf course better. I didn’t do it just for the sake of turf and trees, but for the members and guests who deserve the best version of Kenmure. That’s why, when I hear someone say I don’t care about the course, or worse, don’t care about the membership it cuts deep.

Let me be clear: I care more than most will ever know. I’ve worked nearly seven days a week since early spring. I’ve been here through economic downturns, floods, management changes, and crew turnovers. I stayed when it would’ve been easier to leave. I stayed because I believed this place could bounce back. And it has.

But let me also be honest: it's disrespectful and unmotivating to hear those kinds of comments. Especially when they come from people who don’t see what happens behind the scenes. They weren’t out here during the tropical storm, watching a full year’s worth of work get washed away. They didn’t work through mud and fallen trees or patch up washed-out greens. They didn’t rebuild the crew when we were down to two people. I did. With the help of a few incredibly dedicated folks, we did.

This course looks as good today as it ever has, maybe even better. Not because of luck, not because of outside pressure, but because of steady, consistent commitment. I’m proud of that. And I'm proud of my team, many of whom were brand new to golf course maintenance but eager to learn, and they’re thriving now.

To the members who have offered kind words, encouragement, or even just a nod of appreciation: thank you. That support means more than you know. To those who still doubt or criticize, I’d just ask you to look around and ask yourself one question, does this look like the work of someone who doesn’t care?

Because I’m still here. Still fighting. And still giving everything I’ve got to this golf course.

Saturday, June 14, 2025

From My Perspective

Why Accusing a Long-Time Golf Course Superintendent of “Not Caring” Cuts So Deep

After nearly two decades of 4 a.m. alarms, frost checks, soil probes, and member conversations, hearing that you “don’t care about the course or its players” isn’t just a misunderstanding—it’s a gut punch. Here’s why.

1. Nineteen Years of Sweat Equity

A superintendent who has tended the same property for 19 years has literally grown up with its fairways:

Historical knowledge. They know when a green was rebuilt, which bunker drains clog after a two-inch rain, and the exact fungicide rotation needed to keep anthracnose away.
Personal milestones. They remember the member-guest when a thunderstorm dumped three inches in an hour—and stayed through the night to pump bunkers so play could resume at sunrise.
Community roots. They’ve watched juniors become club champions, seen weddings on the 18th lawn, and consoled families scattering ashes beside a favorite tee.

Suggesting they’re indifferent ignores a career’s worth of lived experience and emotional landmarks.

2. Caring More Than the Corner Office

Upper managers and ownership often see the course as a balance-sheet asset. Superintendents see it as a living organism that can betray you if you miss a detail:

Daily proximity. While executives review financials in climate-controlled offices, the superintendent walks miles each day, fingers in the turf, gauging moisture by feel.
Long-term vision. Owners may chase quarterly savings; supers plan ten-year drainage upgrades and nurture turf genetics that mature over seasons.
Member pulse. They field every “Why are we aerifying again?” at the bag drop and can recite which members need slower greens after knee surgery.

So when criticism comes from above—or from golfers taking cues from above—it stings precisely because no one else carries that weight.

3. The Disrespect and Its Domino Effect

Labeling a veteran superintendent as apathetic is more than rude; it’s unmotivating for the entire grounds team.

Erosion of trust. Staff question, “If the boss gets trashed despite all that effort, why bother?”
Recruitment & retention. Turf professionals already face a labor shortage. Disrespect drives talented assistants elsewhere.
Member experience. Morale dips, details slip, and the very playing conditions critics complain about can suffer.

In short, morale is as fragile as bentgrass in July heat.

4. Why It Hurts on a Human Level

Golf course maintenance is a vocation of invisible victories—disease not breaking, weeds not sprouting, dry spots not appearing. The reward is usually silence. To replace that silence with criticism feels like betrayal.

Identity entwined with turf. After 19 years, the superintendent’s professional identity is the course. Attack one, you attack the other.
Sacrifice. Missed holidays, 70-hour tournament weeks, skipped vacations when summer storms hit—these sacrifices amplify the sting of “you don’t care.”
Pride of craft. Turf work is equal parts science and art. Dismissing that artistry devalues a lifetime of specialized knowledge.

5. A Constructive Alternative

If conditions slip—or simply fail to meet sky-high expectations—dialogue beats accusation.

Ask for the “why.” Turf setbacks often have environmental or budgetary roots invisible to casual observers.
Align priorities. Discuss playability goals versus aesthetic preferences; resources are finite.
Support, don’t scapegoat. Empower supers with the budget, labor, and authority they need instead of reflexively assigning blame.

Respectful collaboration turns criticism into a catalyst for improvement rather than a demotivating blow.

6. Conclusion

Calling a 19-year superintendent uncaring is like telling a parent they’re indifferent to their child’s well-being. It disregards history, expertise, and countless unseen hours of toil. More importantly, it undermines the very performance everyone wants: world-class playing conditions and a thriving club culture.

Before lobbing that accusation, walk a predawn loop with the superintendent. Feel the dew, watch the sun climb over the tree line, and listen to the thoughtful silence as they survey their life’s work. You’ll find that caring is not the issue—being given the respect, resources, and recognition to keep caring relentlessly is.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

End of May Update 2025

As we move forward into 2025, I want to share some exciting updates and reflections on the journey we've been on together.

We are nearly past the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene. The course has made a remarkable recovery—most of the damage is behind us. The 17th green still bears a few scars, but with continued care and topdressing, it will fully heal over the summer. The creek banks have been restored, giving hole 18 a new look with rockier areas that will settle back in time.

We've also paved the cart paths, eliminating those rough patches and making navigation smoother. This is just one of the many improvements we've made, and there are more to come.

Reflecting on the journey since the golf club changed ownership, we've come a long way. After losing my entire staff except for my mechanic in 2023, I've built a dedicated team who are now in their third season with us. Their hard work and commitment are evident in every blade of grass, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together.

This year has been exceptional. Western North Carolina saw a record April with no freeze conditions, allowing our bentgrass to thrive early in the season. We set records with our aerification and pre-emergent herbicide applications, laying the groundwork for a healthy, weed-free course through the summer.

Our infrastructure is aging, but we maintain it with pride and dedication. The greens, constructed in 1983, remain smooth and beautiful, offering a unique challenge that sets Kenmure apart. While our rough is notoriously tough due to the dense creeping bentgrass, it’s this kind of challenge that makes the course enjoyable and rewarding.

I want to thank our amazing team, from the new staff who have grown into their roles to our mechanics department, which has consistently delivered excellence for over a decade. It's their hard work and passion that make all of this possible.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We look forward to a fantastic season ahead, with healthy turf, beautiful greens, and memorable rounds at Kenmure.

Tree of Heaven May Be the Poster Child, But These Invasive Plants Are Just as Dangerous

If you've heard one invasive plant name on repeat over the last few years, it's Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). It’s in the spotlight for good reason—fast-growing, allelopathic, nearly impossible to kill, and the preferred host of the notorious spotted lanternfly. But while Tree of Heaven dominates headlines and invasive species campaigns, a quiet group of equally destructive invaders continues to spread across our forests, roadsides, and managed landscapes with far less fanfare.

It's time we give some long-overdue attention to a cast of botanical villains that are just as bad—if not worse—in certain environments. Here are ten under-the-radar invaders that deserve the same scrutiny.

1. Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)

This delicate-looking grass may not raise eyebrows, but it chokes out native groundcover and seedlings across the Eastern U.S. It’s nearly impossible to eradicate once established and alters the forest floor so dramatically that natural regeneration all but stops.

2. Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)

Common in Southern understories, Chinese privet forms dense thickets that shut out native shrubs and tree saplings. It’s still used in residential landscapes, despite being one of the biggest threats to southeastern riparian habitats.

3. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

With its sweet scent and recognizable vines, this plant is nostalgic for many—but deadly to native ecosystems. It strangles small trees, smothers forest floors, and thrives along any disturbed edge.

4. Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

Once touted for erosion control and wildlife food plots, this legume now dominates pastures, rights-of-way, and prairies. It crowds out native wildflowers and creates a monoculture that’s virtually useless for most wildlife.

5. Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

This nitrogen-fixing shrub invades open fields and roadsides at breakneck speed. Birds love its berries and spread the seeds far and wide, making control an uphill battle.

6. Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

You’ve probably seen these lining suburban streets in spring, bursting with white blossoms. What you don’t see are the wild thickets forming in meadows, woodland edges, and disturbed ground, displacing native species in record time.

7. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)

Considered one of the world’s worst invasive plants, cogongrass spreads with underground rhizomes and burns hot enough to kill mature trees. It’s an absolute menace in the Southeast—and one many still don’t recognize by name.

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

It’s in countless landscaping beds, but ivy doesn’t stop at the garden. Once it escapes, it climbs and strangles trees, smothers wildflowers, and creates a carpet that makes native regrowth nearly impossible.

9. Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

This vigorous vine forms thick blankets in sunny areas, completely overtaking native vegetation. Its showy white flowers disguise just how disruptive it can be to natural plant communities.

10. Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)

Another well-meaning introduction gone rogue, this thorny shrub now dominates pasture edges, forming dense, nearly impenetrable thickets. Originally promoted for erosion control and “living fences,” it’s now a major problem for land managers and graziers alike.

Why the Disparity in Attention?

So why does Tree of Heaven get all the publicity while these other species continue to spread quietly? Some of it boils down to visibility: it’s easier to rally attention around a tall, dramatic tree than a creeping groundcover. And the connection with the spotted lanternfly gave Ailanthus a ready-made villainous backstory.

But in terms of ecological impact, land-use disruption, and management cost, these other species are just as threatening—some arguably more so. Many of them were even promoted by government programs decades ago, so public perception hasn’t caught up with current ecological reality.

What Can Be Done?

Landowners, golf course superintendents, farmers, and conservationists all have a role to play in changing that narrative. Here’s how:

Promote awareness of lesser-known invasive species in your community or organization.
Stop planting problem species, no matter how attractive they may seem.
Adopt integrated control plans, especially for vines and grasses that don’t respond to one-time treatments.
Push for updated plant sale regulations, especially for species still being sold at nurseries.

Tree of Heaven deserves the bad press—but let’s not ignore the rest of the invasive rogues quietly reshaping our landscapes. As anyone who's battled a 3-acre patch of privet or waded through a wall of multiflora rose can tell you, these plants are no less destructive. They’ve just flown under the radar for too long.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Membership Update: Course Maintenance and Future Plans

Dear Members,

We'd like to update you on the ongoing maintenance projects and future plans for the course:

Culvert Installation: We're pleased to announce that culverts have been delivered for installation on number 10 tee. Contractors are scheduled to begin work next week, aiming for completion before Christmas. Following this, we'll address repairs to the cart path on number 7 and stabilization around culverts between 8 and 9 and 17.
Seeding Progress: The seeding carried out in early November has shown promising results, thanks to favorable weather conditions. Both the rough and fairways are showing early signs of growth. While the grass isn't ready for play yet, this gives us a head start for strong growth in the spring.
Irrigation System: The irrigation system has been shut off and drained for the winter. We've received an update to our central control system and three new irrigation control boxes, which will be installed and tested in the spring.
Leaf Cleanup: We're nearing completion of leaf cleanup. The leaf vacuum acquired last year has greatly improved our efficiency, and we're making final passes to ensure the course is clear.
Frost and Frozen Areas: This time of year may bring frost delays, frozen areas, and extra cart path-only restrictions. We may have temporary pin placements for heavily shaded or wet greens.
Drainage Issues: We plan to address drainage issues in January and February. Additionally, some cleanup from the storm remains, particularly at the edges of the course.
King Creek: We're aware of the issues with King Creek, such as sheared-off banks and redirected sections. These will take time to restore and might involve future renovations.
Silt Pile: The silt pile between holes 7 and 4 will be reshaped into rolling mounds and seeded in the spring. This will be done with the help of our contractor once culvert work is complete.

We appreciate your continued support as we work to maintain and improve the course. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you,

Josh

Understanding Soil Moisture and Cart Traffic on Golf Courses: A Seasonal Perspective

Managing a golf course requires a deep understanding of the environmental factors that influence course conditions. One such factor is the soil's moisture level, which significantly impacts the availability of the course for cart traffic. This blog post explores how these moisture levels vary between summer and winter, and how this variation affects the course's readiness for carts.

During the summer months, the soil on a golf course tends to dry out more quickly after rainfall. This is largely due to the high levels of plant activity during this season. Plants, including grass and trees, actively draw water from the soil through their roots to sustain growth and photosynthesis. This process not only helps to remove excess moisture from the soil but also contributes to the overall health of the turf. As a result, after a rainfall of one to two inches, the ground becomes ready for cart traffic relatively quickly.

In contrast, the winter season presents a different scenario. With plants in a dormant state and reduced photosynthetic activity, the soil's ability to absorb and utilize water is significantly diminished. Consequently, the soil retains moisture for a more extended period. This prolonged retention of water can lead to soggy and saturated conditions on the course, making it unsuitable for cart traffic. Golfers and course managers may experience longer periods of "cart path only" restrictions to protect the course from damage.

By understanding these seasonal differences, golf course superintendents can better plan and communicate course conditions to golfers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable golfing experience year-round.