Flood Recovery Report

Kenmure Country Club

Flood Recovery Report

November 14, 2024

 

Background: On Friday, September 27th, a historic flood impacted the Kenmure Country Club golf course, causing extensive damage across multiple areas. The course partially reopened on October 8th, and by October 11th, it was fully accessible, though temporary greens were in place on holes four and seventeen. The recovery efforts involved a series of structured actions and adaptations as conditions allowed.

---

 

Initial Assessment and Immediate Response

 

First Survey - September 28th:

• Upon arrival, silt contamination from Kings Creek was evident, especially in areas like the fourth approach, creating a large, impacted zone.
• Significant damage was observed at the culvert on hole ten, where erosion created a forty-foot-wide chasm. Further inspections revealed compromised culverts on seventeen, where creek water had diverted across the cart path, and severe silt accumulation covered parts of the seventeenth green.
• Additional silt contamination was noted on the fairways and approaches for holes four, six, and seven, alongside damage to the cart path near the creek on seven and over thirty downed trees blocking key pathways.

Priorities and Planning:

• The immediate priority became clearing silt off the greens to prevent turf death, focusing on the seventeenth green as an initial target.
• With significant obstacles, a multifaceted approach was established to systematically clear routes, remove tree debris, and restore accessibility, allowing regular maintenance to continue in unaffected areas of the course.

 

---

 

Week One – Two: Beginning Cleanup and Stabilizing Operations

 

Debris Clearing and Path Access:

• Initial tasks involved small-scale silt removal on cart paths to maintain course access and prevent mud buildup.
• Additional club employees assisted with minor brush and debris cleanup, creating manageable work zones.
• By the end of the first week, the primary focus was tree removal, with debris like limbs and brush stacked visibly at the lower parking lot and maintenance area, providing morale-boosting, visible progress.

 

---

 

Week Three – Four: Intensive Tree Removal and Access Restoration

 

Tree and Debris Clearing:

• With accessible routes established, focus shifted to removing larger tree debris and stumps, completed by a dedicated outside crew. This milestone marked a turning point, visibly restoring a sense of normalcy and reinforcing the team’s progress for both members and staff.

Silt Removal and Irrigation Challenges:

• Concurrent with tree clearing, silt removal continued in impacted areas, including the seventeenth green surrounds and fairways on four, six, and seven.
• Manual irrigation became necessary due to flood-damaged control boxes on holes seventeen and four, limiting water distribution to these zones until repairs could be scheduled.

 

 

---

 

 

Week Five – Six: Large-Scale Silt Removal and Hydroseeding

 

Restoration of Fairways and Approaches:

• Specialized crews managed extensive silt removal and reshaping, particularly around seventeen and four. This preparation facilitated reseeding efforts in these critical zones.
• A skid steer enabled the creation of a central silt disposal site between holes four and seven.

 

Seeding and Favorable Conditions:

• Hydroseeding began, with bentgrass seeded in fairways and tall fescue in rough areas. Ideal weather conditions—warm days and nights, followed by steady, light rainfall—supported successful germination across these areas.

 

---

 

Irrigation Repairs and Continued Progress

 

Irrigation and Watering Adjustments:

• The irrigation system suffered damage, with flooded pump stations and damaged control boxes. Initial manual watering filled the gap until repairs could proceed.
• A diver inspected the intake in the irrigation pond, while a repair team restored the pump station, returning critical functionality.

Further Seeding and Turf Health:

• Despite irrigation limitations, consistent rainfall supported germination in reseeded areas. Repairs to control boxes on seventeen and four, expected shortly, will restore automated watering and ease maintenance demands.

 

 

---

 

Current and Upcoming Infrastructure Projects

 

1. Cart Path and Culvert Repairs:
• Hole 7 Cart Path: Repair and repaving of the path is a major upcoming project.
• Hole 10 Culvert: A new culvert will replace the previous structure, scheduled to start in a few weeks. This aims to reestablish normal traffic flow across the course by the new year.
• Hole 17 Cart Path and Creek Bank: Stabilization work is planned for the creek bank near the cart path, along with cart path repairs.
• Hole 12 Underground Culvert: Repairs are needed to prevent ongoing traffic diversions near this path.

 

2. Irrigation Pond Spillway:
• The spillway sustained major damage, with a significant wall section currently being reconstructed. Concrete pouring is scheduled to complete this critical structure, addressing water flow and structural integrity.

 

---

 

Conclusion

While not committing to a specific completion date, recovery efforts have made substantial strides toward restoring Kenmure Country Club to its pre-flood condition. The collaboration between regular staff, outside crews, and supportive partners has been crucial, allowing significant progress in the face of complex challenges. Work on infrastructure, turf recovery, and irrigation continues, with key goals set to enhance both the immediate and long-term resilience of the course.

 

The Impact of Cart Traffic on Our Course in July and August

As we navigate through the hottest months of the year, July and August, it's important to address a recurring issue that significantly affects the health and playability of our course: cart traffic. While carts are a convenient and necessary part of the golf experience, the impact they have during these critical summer months cannot be overstated.

The Fragility of Bentgrass in Summer

Our course is predominantly covered in bentgrass, a cool-season grass that thrives in moderate temperatures but struggles during the intense heat of summer. By July and August, bentgrass is under considerable stress from high temperatures, increased humidity, and the relentless ultraviolet radiation of the summer sun. These conditions weaken the grass, making it more susceptible to diseases, thinning, and even death in some areas.

During these months, the root systems of bentgrass are already in decline due to the heat, and the plant is using its energy reserves to survive. This makes it critical to minimize any additional stress on the turf.

The Impact of Cart Traffic

Cart traffic is one of the most significant stress factors for our turf during the summer. The repeated passage of carts compacts the soil, reduces air and water infiltration, and damages the grass blades, all of which contribute to a weakened and less resilient turf. The visual signs of this stress are evident in the form of yellowing, thinning, and in some cases, completely burnt-out areas where the grass has died.

In July and August, when the grass is at its most vulnerable, the damage from cart traffic can be devastating. The compaction caused by carts leads to poor root growth, limiting the grass's ability to access the water and nutrients it desperately needs during these hot months. Additionally, the repetitive stress from cart wheels creates unsightly cart paths, reduces the overall aesthetic of the course, and negatively impacts playability.

Cart Path-Only Restrictions: A Necessary Measure

To protect the health of our course, especially during July and August, we must enforce cart path-only restrictions more rigorously. While this may be inconvenient, it is a necessary measure to ensure that our bentgrass fairways and greens can survive the summer stress and recover once cooler weather returns.

Keeping carts on the paths during these critical months helps reduce compaction, preserve root health, and maintain the overall quality of the turf. It allows the grass to maintain some level of integrity, giving it the best chance to survive until the more favorable conditions of fall.

The Long-Term Benefits

By adhering to cart path-only rules during July and August, we not only protect the turf for the remainder of the season but also ensure a healthier start to the next. The less damage we inflict during these months, the less recovery work will be needed in the fall, allowing us to focus on preparing the course for the cooler months ahead.

In conclusion, while it may seem like a small sacrifice, keeping carts on the paths during July and August is one of the most effective ways we can protect our course during the most challenging time of the year. Your cooperation in this matter is crucial to maintaining the quality and playability of our course, not just for the summer but for the entire season. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to helping us keep our course in the best possible condition.

The Superintendent's Year: A Month-by-Month Perspective

As the Director of Golf Maintenance at Kenmure Country Club, the golf course superintendent's job is far more than just managing grass; it involves juggling an array of responsibilities, predicting challenges, and adjusting strategies to ensure that the course remains in top condition year-round. The superintendent's thoughts and priorities shift significantly as the seasons change, driven by weather patterns, turfgrass needs, and member expectations. Below is an overview of how a superintendent's focus evolves throughout the year, highlighting the key tasks and considerations on a monthly basis.

January - Preparing for the Year Ahead

January marks the height of winter, a time when the grass enters full dormancy. The superintendent's thoughts are primarily centered around minimizing turf damage during this vulnerable period. Frost delays become common, and the use of temporary greens is necessary to protect the main greens from potential damage caused by play during freezing conditions.

Winter renovation projects take center stage, including bunker work and addressing drainage issues, both critical to improving the course's playability for the upcoming season. The superintendent must also plan for how to manage cart traffic on dormant grass, emphasizing the importance of staying on paths to preserve the turf's health. While the pace may be slower than in the warmer months, January's tasks are foundational, setting the stage for the work that will follow in the spring​.

February - Continued Winter Focus

February continues in much the same vein as January, with a focus on maintaining the course's integrity through the winter. The superintendent's primary concern is the potential for turf damage from winter play. Every decision, from whether to allow carts on the course to how to handle frost-covered greens, is made with an eye toward the long-term health of the grass. This month often involves planning for spring, reviewing the success of winter projects, and finalizing strategies for the busy season ahead.

March - The Onset of Spring

As March arrives, thoughts begin to turn toward the coming of spring. The superintendent is now concerned with the transition from winter dormancy to active growth. With the first signs of green appearing in the fairways, it's time to start aerification, fertilization, and weed control efforts.

March is a crucial month for laying the groundwork for a successful growing season. The superintendent carefully times fertilizer and pesticide applications to ensure the grass has the nutrients and protection it needs as it begins to grow. Communication with members becomes key, as the increased activity on the course may lead to temporary disruptions.

April - Building the Foundation

April is one of the busiest months of the year for the superintendent. The weather is warmer, and the grass is actively growing, making this the ideal time to implement key maintenance practices. Aerification of greens and fairways continues, with the goal of improving soil conditions and promoting healthy root growth.

Fertilization is in full swing, and the superintendent must closely monitor weather patterns to ensure applications are timely and effective. Weed control efforts also ramp up, as the warmer temperatures can lead to increased weed pressure. The superintendent's thoughts are dominated by the need to build a strong foundation for the growing season, knowing that the work done now will pay dividends in the months to come​.

May - Managing Growth and Stress

By May, the grass is in full growth mode, and the superintendent's focus shifts to managing this rapid growth while also preparing for the stress of summer. Mowing frequency increases, and attention is paid to maintaining a healthy balance between water, nutrients, and mowing height.

The superintendent also begins to think about traffic management, particularly as member play increases with the warmer weather. Ensuring that the course remains in good condition while accommodating increased play is a constant balancing act. The Adopt-A-Hole program, volunteer efforts, and member education become important tools for maintaining course quality.

June - The Start of Summer Stress

June brings the onset of summer, and with it, the superintendent's thoughts turn to managing the stress that high temperatures can place on the turf. Bentgrass, in particular, struggles in the heat, and the superintendent must be vigilant in managing water use, traffic, and mowing practices to prevent damage.

Traffic management becomes critical, with cart path restrictions often necessary to protect the grass during hot spells. The superintendent also focuses on landscape maintenance, ensuring that the aesthetic elements of the course, such as flower beds and natural areas, are kept in top condition​.

July - The Heat of the Battle

July is perhaps the most challenging month for a golf course superintendent. The heat is at its peak, and every decision revolves around keeping the turf alive and healthy. Water management becomes a daily concern, with the need to balance moisture levels while avoiding over-watering, which can lead to disease.

The superintendent closely monitors the course for signs of stress, such as wilting, and adjusts irrigation practices accordingly. Cart traffic is closely controlled, with restrictions often in place to protect the grass during the hottest part of the day. Communication with members is key, as the superintendent works to manage expectations during this difficult time​.

August - Holding the Line

August often continues the challenges of July, with the superintendent focused on managing the cumulative stress of the summer. The primary concern is preventing turf loss, particularly in high-traffic areas. The superintendent is also looking ahead to the fall, beginning to plan for aerification and other recovery practices that will be needed once the temperatures begin to cool.

Rainfall is often in short supply during August, and water management remains a top priority. The superintendent must be strategic in the use of water, ensuring that the most critical areas receive the moisture they need while conserving resources​.

September - The Promise of Relief

With September comes the promise of cooler weather, and the superintendent begins to shift focus from survival to recovery. Aerification of greens and fairways is planned, with the goal of relieving compaction and promoting healthy root growth.

The superintendent also starts to think about re-seeding and repairing any areas of the course that were damaged during the summer. Fall fertilization programs are implemented to give the grass the nutrients it needs to recover from the stress of summer and prepare for winter dormancy.

October - Fall Recovery

October is a month of recovery and preparation. The superintendent is focused on helping the turf recover from the stresses of summer, using aerification, fertilization, and overseeding to promote healthy growth. Cooler temperatures allow for more aggressive maintenance practices, such as core aeration, which are essential for long-term turf health.

The superintendent also begins to think about the upcoming winter, planning for projects that can be undertaken during the slower season. Communication with members remains important, as the course may experience temporary disruptions due to ongoing maintenance​.

November - Preparing for Dormancy

As November arrives, the superintendent's thoughts turn to preparing the course for winter dormancy. Aerification of fairways continues, and fall fertilization is completed to ensure the grass has the nutrients it needs to survive the winter.

The superintendent also begins to focus on leaf cleanup, a major task that will continue through the month. Plans for winter projects, such as drainage improvements and bunker renovations, are finalized. The goal is to ensure the course is in the best possible condition before the grass goes dormant​.

December - The Calm Before the Storm

December is a quieter month, but the superintendent's work is far from over. With the grass entering full dormancy, the focus shifts to protecting the turf from winter damage. Frost delays and temporary greens become more common, allowing play to continue without harming the grass.

Winter projects, such as drainage improvements and bunker work, are undertaken as weather permits. The superintendent also uses this time to reflect on the past year, evaluate the success of different practices, and begin planning for the upcoming year. The goal is to learn from the challenges and successes of the year to continually improve the course​.

---

Conclusion

The role of a golf course superintendent is dynamic, requiring a constant adaptation to the changing seasons, weather conditions, and member expectations. From the cold dormancy of winter to the intense stress of summer, the superintendent's thoughts and priorities evolve with the calendar, always with an eye toward maintaining the best possible conditions for play. Each month brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, but through careful planning, strategic management, and a deep understanding of turfgrass science, the superintendent ensures that the course remains a beautiful and challenging venue for golfers throughout the year.

Plug Cleanup Udate

Plugs will be gone soon, replaced by wet sand mix.  Relief from heavily sanded areas will still be neccessary.

How much material is displaced when aerifiying?

Probably less than you think.  When we use 5/8 inch tines and pull cores on a 2 inch x 2 inch spacing we only displace 7.67% of the total area of the green.  I know it seems like more since the entire surface is effected by topdressing and is uneven and not smooth.

Below is the reference chart used in the industry to illustrate the differences.

 

State of the Course - March 2024

New Equipment on order for 2025

 

This is the Toro ProForce blower. This piece of equipment is commonly used in golf course maintenance. It's designed to clear debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and other materials from the golf course. The ProForce blower is known for its high-velocity air stream, which allows it to efficiently clean large areas quickly while being gentle enough to not damage the turf. It's a vital tool for maintaining the aesthetics and playability of the course, ensuring that fairways, greens, and rough areas are kept clear for golfers.  We have ordered 2 of these machines and they should arrive sometime in late fall or early 2025.

 

This is Toro Triplex Greens Mower. This is a specialized piece of equipment commonly used for mowing golf course greens. It features multiple cutting units – typically three, hence the name "triplex" – which are designed to provide a smooth, consistent cut to the turf, promoting a high-quality playing surface with uniform grass height. The precision of such a mower is crucial in maintaining the delicate grass of putting greens, ensuring they are fast, true, and healthy. These mowers are appreciated for their ability to navigate the contours and undulations of greens, providing an excellent cut without causing damage or undue stress to the turf.  We currently own one of these machines and this will be our second one.  They will both be used to mow greens and tees at Kenmure.  This machine should arrive in early 2025.

  

This machine is a Toro Sidewinder mower, specifically designed for cutting and maintaining the rough areas of a golf course. The Sidewinder feature allows the cutting decks to shift left and right, enabling the mower to navigate around obstacles and contour to the terrain more effectively. This capability is particularly useful for maintaining the varied and undulating surfaces found in the less manicured, peripheral areas of the course, providing an even cut even on slopes or under tree lines. It's a vital piece of equipment for ensuring the rough is kept in optimal condition, challenging yet fair for golfers, and aesthetically pleasing on the course.  We currently have 2 of these machines and the receive an extensive amount of use.  Having an additional unit will allow us to increase the frequency we mow around the greens and tees.  This mower should arrive in early 2025.

Top of Form