Kenmure Horticulture Update: Prepping for Spring Splendor

As the winter chill fades away, the Kenmure Country Club horticulture team is hard at work, getting our grounds ready for a vibrant spring season. In this blog post, we want to share some exciting updates on our horticulture activities and plans for the upcoming months.

Prepping Beds for Mulching and Flower Planting

Our team is currently busy with edging and prepping beds for mulching, as well as readying the spaces for flower planting. We are meticulously preparing the grounds to create a welcoming and stunning landscape for our members and guests to enjoy. The beds are being carefully prepared to provide the optimal conditions for our flowers and plants to thrive and bloom.

Pine Straw Accents for Azaleas

One of the highlights of our spring horticulture efforts is accentuating the beauty of our azaleas. Large amounts of pine straw have been spread along the entrances to enhance the splendor of these gorgeous flowering shrubs. We are excited to see the azaleas in full bloom this year, and their timing coinciding with Easter and Masters Week makes it even more special for our members and guests.

Shrub Replacement Plans and Annual Flower Planting

We have plans in place for the replacement of bushes next to the tennis courts, ensuring that the landscape remains well-groomed and visually appealing. Additionally, following Mother's Day, our team will begin planting annual flowers to add pops of color and freshness to our grounds. These seasonal flowers will enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of our landscape and create a welcoming ambiance for everyone who visits our club.

New Hire for Plant/Flower Care

We are excited to announce that we have a new hire joining our horticulture team. Our new team member will be responsible for plant and flower care, and their training will commence on April 17th. This addition to our team will further enhance our ability to provide top-notch care and maintenance for our landscape, ensuring that our grounds are always in pristine condition.

Commitment to Horticulture Excellence

At Kenmure Country Club, we are committed to maintaining a beautiful and well-groomed landscape that enhances the overall experience for our members and guests. Our horticulture team works diligently to ensure that our grounds are visually appealing and inviting throughout the year. We take pride in our meticulous attention to detail and the efforts we put into creating a stunning environment that everyone can enjoy.

Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to share the beauty of our horticulture efforts with you at Kenmure Country Club.

Recruitment Update: Welcoming New Employees and Interns to Our Golf Course Team

As the golf season kicks off, we are excited to share some exciting news about our team at Kenmure. Over the past few months, we have been actively recruiting new talent to join our dedicated team of professionals who help maintain our course to the highest standards. We are thrilled to announce that we have recently hired four new employees and have three college interns joining us in May for water management and weed control. Additionally, we have potential candidates in an Assistant in Training and a Spray Tech Trainee.

We have welcomed a Setup Man, a Large Mower Operator, a Grounds Worker, and a Horticulture Trainee. These individuals have already begun their onboarding process and are getting up to speed with our course maintenance practices. We are confident that they will contribute to the overall success of our course and help us continue to provide an exceptional golfing experience for our members and guests.

In addition to our new employees, we are excited to have three college interns joining us in the middle of May. These interns will be assisting us with water management and weed control, two critical aspects of maintaining the health and beauty of our course. I am looking forward to providing them with valuable hands-on experience in golf course management and helping them develop their skills and knowledge in the field.

We also have potential candidate for Assistant in Training position who may be joining our team soon. This role would be a valuable addition to our management team, and we are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the recruitment process. The Assistant in Training will work closely with me to gain practical experience and develop leadership skills in golf course management.

Furthermore, we have a new hire with an Environmental Science degree and current experience as a trout farmer joining us in just three weeks. This individual will be trained as a Spray Trainee, and their expertise in environmental science and fish farming will bring a unique perspective to our team. We are excited to see the contributions they will make to our course and our commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

As we continue to bring in new talent, we recognize that training and onboarding are ongoing processes that require dedicated time and effort. I am committed to providing comprehensive training and mentorship to ensure that our new hires and interns are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. We value the importance of hands-on experience and are dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment for our team members.

While we have made significant progress in our recruitment efforts, we are still looking to hire one more equipment operator and one to two more grounds maintenance recruits to complete our team. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about golf course maintenance, have relevant experience, and share our commitment to excellence.

Greens and Tee Aeration: An Update on Our Golf Course Maintenance Practices

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the health and playability of our golf course, we recently conducted aerification on our greens and have plans for aerification on our tees. We are excited to share an update on these important cultural practices and the measures we have taken to ensure the best possible results.

Greens Aerification: Focused on Healing and Plant Health

Our greens aerification process this year involved punching larger holes and using more sand than in previous years. We took extra care and effort to fill all the holes with additional dry sand, which was broomed in by hand. Despite some challenges, such as freezing temperatures, limited rain, and heavy sanding, we are pleased with the overall outcome.

The healing time for our greens has been slower than anticipated due to the unfavorable weather conditions, but our team has been diligently monitoring the progress and taking steps to promote healing. We have been closely observing the health of the plants and have explored options for additional cultural practices to further enhance plant health during the growing season.

One of the practices we are considering is monthly needle tine aeration during the summer months. This practice involves using specialized equipment with thin tines to create small holes in the greens to improve air exchange, water infiltration, and root growth. This approach can help alleviate soil compaction and promote healthy turf growth, resulting in improved playability and overall course health.

Tee Aerification: Planned for Optimal Results

In addition to our greens aerification, we also have plans for tee aerification. We understand the importance of maintaining healthy and resilient tee areas, and we have carefully scheduled this practice to minimize disruption to our golfers while maximizing its effectiveness.

We will be using 5/8-inch tines for our tee aerification, and the amount of sand applied will be similar to what we used on the greens. This process will be conducted over a period of 4-5 days and will not require any closure of the course. Our team will be working diligently to ensure that the tee areas are properly aerated and that the sand is effectively incorporated into the soil to promote healthy turf growth.

Conclusion: Our Commitment to Course Health and Playability

At Kenmure Country Club we are committed to maintaining the health and playability of our course through regular and strategic cultural practices, such as aerification. Despite some challenges, we are dedicated to providing the best possible playing conditions for our golfers and continually exploring ways to enhance plant health and course aesthetics.

We appreciate your understanding and support during these maintenance practices, and we assure you that our team is working diligently to promote healing and ensure that the results are worth the effort. We will continue to monitor the progress of our aerification practices and make adjustments as needed to ensure the long-term health and playability of our course. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to providing you with an exceptional golfing experience at Kenmure.

Agronomic Updates: Spring Maintenance for a Healthy Golf Course

As the weather warms up and the golf season kicks into full swing, the agronomy team at Kenmure Country Club is hard at work implementing various maintenance practices to keep our golf course in top condition. In this blog post, we want to share some exciting updates on our agronomic activities and plans for the upcoming weeks.

Preemergent Weed Control for Fairways and Tees

We understand the importance of keeping weeds in check to maintain healthy and aesthetically pleasing fairways and tees. This week, our team will be spraying preemergent weed control to prevent the growth of crabgrass and dallisgrass. These weeds can quickly take over turfgrass areas and negatively impact the playing conditions, so early prevention is crucial for maintaining a pristine golf course.

Postemergent Weed Control for Dandelions and Clover

In addition to preemergent weed control, our team will also be implementing postemergent weed control measures to tackle dandelions and clover. These common weeds can pop up on roughs and fairways, and can be unsightly and detrimental to the health of the turfgrass. Our team will be using targeted postemergent chemicals to effectively control these weeds and maintain a weed-free golf course.

Nematode Control Application for Putting Greens

The health of our putting greens is of utmost importance to us, and we are taking proactive measures to keep them in peak condition. This week, our team will be applying the first nematode control application to the putting greens. Nematodes are microscopic organisms that can cause damage to turfgrass roots and affect the overall health and playability of the greens. The application will be done in conjunction with a wetting agent and will be watered into the soil to ensure effective control.

Golf Course Fertilization Plans

We have a comprehensive fertilization plan in place to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal turfgrass growth and health. A total golf course fertilization is planned for Monday, the 17th, to ensure that all areas receive the proper nutrients for vigorous growth. In addition, our team has already begun hand fertilization of specific areas such as greens, tees, and tight surroundings in these areas. Neglected areas will also be receiving extra applications of fertilizer to promote healthy turfgrass growth and fill in any thin or weak areas.

Commitment to Healthy Turfgrass and Aesthetically Pleasing Grounds

At Kenmure Country Club, we are committed to maintaining a healthy and visually appealing golf course for our members and guests to enjoy. Our agronomy team works diligently to implement best practices in weed control, nematode management, and fertilization to ensure that our golf course remains in top condition throughout the season. We take pride in our attention to detail and the efforts we put into providing an exceptional golfing experience for all.

Conclusion: Spring Agronomic Updates for a Thriving Golf Course

As we enter the peak of the golf season, our agronomy team at Kenmure Country Club is focused on implementing essential maintenance practices to promote healthy turfgrass growth and maintain an aesthetically pleasing golf course. With preemergent and postemergent weed control, nematode management, and comprehensive fertilization plans, we are committed to providing a top-quality golfing experience for our members and guests. We look forward to a season of lush fairways, healthy greens, and enjoyable rounds of golf.

Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to share the beauty and playability of our golf course with you at Kenmure Country Club.

Josh Laughridge, Director of Golf Maintenance : Reintroduction Letter

 

Greetings to all the members of Kenmure Country Club. As we embark on another exciting golf season, I am thrilled to reintroduce myself as your Director of Golf Maintenance. Many of you may already know me, but for those who don't, allow me to share a bit about my career background, my personal interests and my past experience with Kenmure Country Club.

My journey with golf began at a young age, as I grew up living next to a golf course as the son of a golf course superintendent. In my early years the school bus always dropped me off at the golf maintenance building where my Dad worked. I started working summers in high school at that very same golf course, where I learned the ropes of golf course maintenance by push mowing, weed eating, and raking bunkers. Since then, I have been immersed in the world of golf course maintenance for most of my life.

In terms of my education, I initially pursued a degree in Computer Science from UNC-Asheville, but my true calling was in turfgrass management. I went on to earn a turfgrass management degree from Penn State University in 2001, where I graduated in the top four of my class. I am also a proud member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for the past twenty years, achieving Class A status.

I have been a part of the Kenmure Country Club team since August of 2006, when I was asked by the former owner of the course to step in as the Director of Golf Maintenance, replacing the outgoing Superintendent. However, my connection with Kenmure goes beyond my professional role. My father was the Golf Course Superintendent at Kenmure from 1985 to 1990, and I have fond memories of visiting the club as a child, swimming in the outdoor pool right after its construction was completed. I even had the privilege of shaking hands with Greg Norman on the patio of the clubhouse in 1987, an experience that left an indelible mark on me.

As the Director of Golf Maintenance, my key responsibilities revolve around ensuring the impeccable condition of our golf course. This includes recruiting, training, and managing the maintenance staff. Overseeing the procurement and application of chemicals, fertilizers, and other treatments to the golf course. Managing the irrigation system to optimize water usage, and making critical decisions that impact the quality and consistency of the playing surfaces on the golf course. The safety of my team members while operating equipment on the course has always been a top priority for me.

As a turfgrass professional with a lifelong passion for golf course management, I have been fortunate to visit and experience some very old and renowned golf courses. I have toured the operations of esteemed clubs such as Chicago Golf Club, Baltusrol, Oakmont, and Augusta National. Additionally, I had the opportunity to do a weeklong golfing tour of Ireland, playing at prestigious clubs like Lahinch, Ballybunion, Killarney, and Portmarnock. I also gained valuable experience working on the Grounds Crew at Augusta National as part of my college internship and volunteering on the grounds crew of Merit Club during the US Women's Open. These experiences have enriched my understanding of golf course management at its highest levels.

As I reflect on my career in the golf industry, I am grateful for the various leadership roles I have held and the unique experiences and challenges I have faced. One significant challenge was in 2004 when Broadmoor Golf Links, where I was the Head Superintendent at the time, was hit by a devastating flood. The entire course was flooded, and some of the greens were submerged for over twelve days. It was a massive task to clean up the course with limited crew and volunteers, and we had to reseed and regrow several greens. Similarly, in 2022, Kenmure Country Club faced a challenging situation when a combination of factors led to the death of turf on many of the greens. Managing the course amidst such devastation was a formidable task, but it taught me resilience and perseverance.

What motivates me to work in the golf industry is the deep-rooted love I have for golf courses, which I developed at an early age as the son of a golf course superintendent. Overseeing a well-maintained facility fills me with a sense of pride and allows me to honor my past. I also cherish the serene beauty of early mornings on the golf course, which makes it a truly enjoyable place to work.

As the Director of Golf Maintenance of Kenmure Country Club, I have always been committed to implementing initiatives and projects that improve the overall experience for our valued members. Over the years, we have undertaken various projects to enhance the quality of the golf course and make it a place that our members can be proud of.

One of the key areas of focus over the years has been addressing drainage issues on the fairways. We have installed miles of new drainage and piping to ensure that the fairways are dry and playable even after heavy rain, improving the overall playability of the course. Additionally, we have carried out bunker renovations, restoring the edges, fixing drainage issues, and replacing sand, ensuring that our bunkers are well-maintained and in top condition. In the past we have also made significant improvements to our tee boxes, increasing their size, ensuring a level surface, and carefully selecting their location to enhance the golfing experience for our members. These initiatives have been aimed at maintaining high standards and improving the playability of the golf course, ensuring that our members enjoy the best possible experience every time they step onto the course.

As I reflect on the unique features of Kenmure Country Club that set it apart from others in the area, I can't help but feel enthusiastic about the future. One of the key aspects that make Kenmure special is its beginner-friendly layout, with manageable distances and fewer hazards, making it a perfect course for those who are new to golf. However, for those seeking more challenges, the course can also be played longer from the back tees, bringing additional hazards into play. The front side of the course is open and provides safety for missed tee shots, while the back side tightens up, offering a taste of mountain golf with tighter tree-lined holes and elevation changes. The overall beauty of the course is further enhanced by the bountiful landscape areas and the antebellum mansion that has been converted into a full clubhouse, adding to the unique charm of Kenmure.

Looking ahead, my goals and aspirations for the golf course and its members are centered around further improvements and enhancements. I am committed to increasing the speed and firmness of the greens while reducing the amount of thatch, ensuring that the putting surfaces are of the highest quality. Additionally, I am focused on building a highly qualified and professional staff to assist in maintaining the course to the highest standards.

I recognize the importance of effective communication with our members, and I am working on increasing our communication efforts through blog posts, email communications, and regular meetings to keep our members informed about the course's progress and future plans. I value feedback, suggestions, and concerns from our members and ownership, and I am committed to addressing them in a prompt and professional manner.

To stay updated with the latest trends, developments, and best practices in the golf industry, I utilize various sources of information. I participate in video webinars and continuing education programs offered by my professional association. I actively engage in online research through articles, blogs, and social media platforms. I also maintain a network of friends and associates in the industry whom I consult with regularly to exchange ideas and insights.

As for my leadership style, I believe in leading by example and being fair-handed with my team. I encourage their personal growth and development both on and off the course, and I value the chain of command to ensure consistent decision-making. I aim to inspire and motivate my team to deliver exceptional service to our members by setting high standards, fostering a positive work environment, and recognizing and rewarding their contributions to the success of the golf course.

In future years I have a career goal to increase my involvement in the local community and my initiative to give back and promote careers in Turf Management. I have recently reached out to our local community college to educate students about topics in turfgrass maintenance. I hosted a field day where I gave a talk and demonstration on sprayer calibration and understanding chemical labels. I am also aspiring to teach a Turf Agronomy Intro class at the community college in the future, with the aim of introducing students to possible careers in Turf Management.

When it comes to my personal hobbies and interests, I am a self-professed computer nerd and have always had a passion for working with new technology. I enjoy books, games, and movies related to Sci-Fi and High Fantasy settings. I am also a big fan of live music and have an extensive collection of vinyl records. In my free time, I indulge in gardening and take pleasure in growing various vegetables such as cucumbers, onions, garlic, and heirloom tomatoes. Additionally, In the past I had the unique hobby of breeding freshwater tropical Angelfish and selling them to fish stores and online.

Family is a significant part of my life, and I am grateful for the support and inspiration they provide. I live in Hendersonville with my wife Holly and our dog Emma. Holly is a licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and has a passion for gardening, cooking, and bartending. My parents live in Burnsville, NC, where my dad has been the Golf Course Superintendent of Mt. Mitchell Golf Club for the past forty-seven years, and my mom has been a Realtor and Accountant for the golf course until its recent sale in 2023. I also have a brother who lives in Brevard with his wife and two children. He had a successful career as a Golf Course Superintendent and eventually becoming the General Manager at his club for many years. He currently works as a Realtor in Brevard.

In conclusion, I chose to reintroduce myself to the Kenmure membership because I believe that despite my long tenure as the Director of Golf Maintenance, many people may not be aware of my background and level of experience. I am genuinely excited about the new opportunities that KemperSports and the new owner will bring to the membership, and I am committed to leading the golf course in a positive and upward direction. I am eager to work towards improving the quality and condition of the golf course. As we embark on this journey together, I look forward to creating a strong sense of connection and excitement among the members about the future of Kenmure Country Club.

Kenmure Weather is now live and online.

A few weeks ago the golf course purchased a weather station.  The station is constantly monitoring weather data and reporting it to the internet.  The data is also being logged on our central computer in 5 minute intervals throughout the day.  The station will monitor temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, solar radiation, and UV radiation.

We share our data with online services so it is available for you to view at the following link :

Weather Station Data

The Davis Vantage Pro2

Base station connected to internet.

The Bald-Cypress

       
         In the fall I usually get asked why the evergreens on #12 tee are dying? All the foilage is falling off and this tree and it is an evergreen right?  Something must be wrong with the tree?  This beautiful tree is actually not an evergreen but is deciduous.  It turns a stunning auburn color the fall and is one of my favorites here at Kenmure.

Here is some more information from a fact sheet from Clemson University :

         Bald-cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a native, deciduous conifer and is only one of five conifer species that sheds its needles in the fall (hence, its “bald” namesake). Typically found growing in saturated soils, seasonally flooded areas, swamps and stream banks, the natural range of bald-cypress extends from the Atlantic Coastal Plain in southern Delaware south to Florida, and then west along the lower Gulf Coast Plain to Texas. It naturally grows further inland through the Mississippi Valley to the southernmost reaches of Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

         Surprisingly, this native conifer exhibits urban toughness: tolerance to air pollution, poorly drained, compacted, and dry soils. This versatility and durability has led to its successful cultivation in landscapes, parking lots, and streetscapes. Mature Height/Spread In the wild, bald-cypress can become a large tree attaining a height of 100 to 150 feet and a few hundred years of age. The largest known individual in SC is in Congaree National Park in Richland County where the “SC Champion” is 127 feet tall, 50 feet wide, and a circumference of 26 feet (July 2002 measurements). Other towering stands of bald-cypress can be found in the Francis Beidler Forest in Harleyville, SC.

        Most landscape specimens tend to grow 50 to 70 by 20 to 30 feet high and wide. Young trees develop a narrow to broadly pyramidal crown; with age the crown becomes broad and flat-topped. Growth Rate Bald-cypress (USDA cold hardiness zones 4a-11) grows moderately fast, generally 1 to 2 feet per year. Although it’s naturally found in floodplains, river channels, and millponds, expect better growth in moist, well-drained soils in full sun.

        Bald-cypress’s two-ranked needles (arranged in two rows on either side of a narrow stem) leaf out chartreuse in the spring and mature to light green in early summer. In the fall, the branchlets of stems and leaves change to tan and then turn orange to reddish-brown before they are shed.
   
        The gray-brown to red-brown bark exfoliates--peels away--in long, vertical strips. As a bald-cypress ages, its trunk becomes fluted and unusually thick or buttressed at its base. Its round, green cones (¾ to 1inches across) are green in summer and then turn brown as they mature in fall and winter. Baldcypress cones are reminiscent of the cones of the giant coastal redwoods of California (Sequoia sempervirens), which are members of the redwood family (Taxodiaceae).
       
        Bald-cypress and its cultivars make a fine standalone specimen or accent planting. They can be clustered together to create a grove or copse, planted near water features or along shorelines, planted as deciduous hedges or screens between properties, or in border plantings along driveways. Expect light, dappled shade from its delicate, feathery foliage.
     
       Bald-cypress has been successfully used as a street tree and in parking lot plantings in many municipalities, including Mt. Pleasant, Sumter, Columbia, and Easley, SC.
     
      Bald-cypress is relatively maintenance-free and requires pruning only to remove dead wood and unwanted lower branches which persist on the tree.