SaddleBrooke Ranch Golf Club
Re-Grass of Putting Greens/Drainage Renovation 2021
This year as the golf course approaches 15 years of use after opening in November 2006, the putting
green surfaces have reached the end of their lifespan. While we would have preferred to wait until
COVID was far in the past, it became unavoidable that we needed to proceed with re-grassing the
greens on the course and the practice facility as soon as possible. To that end, we have set up the basic
structure for this process. While we do not have all the details yet as there are many to be finalized, I
will outline the basic time line here. The timeline will include the combined efforts of drainage work
and re-grassing the greens. The course will remain open with the addition of temporary greens to the
fairways. As soon as more information is available I will post another communication (hopefully
within the week).
The AGA confirmed with the club that because all the greens were temporary, no scores could
be posted.
turf (Mini Verde Ultra Dwarf Bermuda) will be applied in sprig form. Sprigs are cut up pieces
of the turf plant. As Mini Verde is a hybrid, its seeds are sterile and the turf can only be
installed through sprigs or sod. Sprigs are most commonly used as it creates a smoother overall
surface with stronger roots.
patience in this exciting time as we repair and improve the golf course to the latest standard in putting
surface!
Please feel free to contact me or stop by the pro shop with any questions you may have.
Mike J ahaske PGA
Director of Golf
SaddleBrooke ranch Golf Club
Re-Grass of Putting Greens/Drainage Renovation 2021
This year as the golf course approaches 15 years of use after opening in November 2006, the putting
green surfaces have reached the end of their lifespan. While we would have preferred to wait until
COVID was far in the past, it became unavoidable that we needed to proceed with re-grassing the
greens on the course and the practice facility as soon as possible. To that end, we have set up the basic
structure for this process. While we do not have all the details yet as there are many to be finalized, I
will outline the basic time line here. The timeline will include the combined efforts of drainage work
and re-grassing the greens. The course will remain open with the addition of temporary greens to the
fairways. As soon as more information is available I will post another communication (hopefully
within the week).
- On March 3rd the greens committee was informed the greens on the course and practice facility
would be re-grassed with the process beginning in April of 2021. - Locations for temporary green were scouted by the Greens Committee Maintenance Sub-
Committee after meeting with golf staff to set parameters. Locations were picked within the
fairway to allow for the shortest cut possible. The locations were keep a minimum of 70 feet
from the regular green to avoid the irrigation affecting playas the new green surfaces will be
watered several times per day. Temporary greens size will be 35 feet in diameter. - Due to the size and surface of the temporary greens, an automatic two putt will be in effect.
The AGA confirmed with the club that because all the greens were temporary, no scores could
be posted.
- The greens will be sprayed with herbicide beginning on April 1 st. During the month, this action
will be repeated to ensure the exiting turf is completed killed and will not affect the new turf.
The greens will turn brown, but will be useable, although they will gradually breakdown by the
end of April. - May 1 st the old green surface will be removed up to a depth of approximately three to four
inches. Within this three to four inches there will be room for some slight changes to sloping
of the surface. The golf staff will work with the greens committee to establish areas that would
be good candidates for this process.
- During the course of May, the greens will be re-leveled with sand matched to the same
turf (Mini Verde Ultra Dwarf Bermuda) will be applied in sprig form. Sprigs are cut up pieces
of the turf plant. As Mini Verde is a hybrid, its seeds are sterile and the turf can only be
installed through sprigs or sod. Sprigs are most commonly used as it creates a smoother overall
surface with stronger roots.
- By June 1 st we expect that all the greens will be sprigged and in the "grow in" process. The
"grow in" process can take approximately 12-16 weeks (depending on weather and the speed of
growth) as the sprigs fill in and are groomed to produce a surface that not only looks like a
putting surface, but will also roll like onel - Concurrently as one part of the crew is prepping the greens, the other part of the crew (both
crews are from Oliphant Golf, one of the top golf course construction companies in the
country) will begin the drainage project. All holes will have drainage inspected and added to as
needed to correct drainage issues throughout the course. The drainage crew will work on one
hole at a time. While they are working on the hole, it will be closed. We expect that on
average a par three hole will take one day to work on the drains, while a par four will take two
days and a par five will take three days. Once the drainage work is done, the hole will re-open.
Once all the drainage work is complete the exposed soil will be sodded. - In addition, the crews will also finish building the Gold tee set, enlarge two of the pre-existing
tee boxes, and do re-design work on #16 tee and fairway. - Our golf course workers will also be working on summer transition of the fairways and repair
of the rough areas damaged by cart traffic. - I will contact local golf clubs to create as many opportunities for our residents to play outside
SaddleBrooke Ranch as possible. Details on these opportunities will be communicated as soon
as possible.
patience in this exciting time as we repair and improve the golf course to the latest standard in putting
surface!
Please feel free to contact me or stop by the pro shop with any questions you may have.
Mike J ahaske PGA
Director of Golf
SaddleBrooke ranch Golf Club