Project Update

Heading into the month of August we are quickly approaching our deadline for getting turf established.  As I explained in the last post we now have a better understanding of the factors that led to inconsistencies, now it is time to begin solving these problems.  

On Monday of this week, we began reseeding all of the areas that are lagging behind.  Most of the areas have enough germination to fill in, unfortunately, we do not believe it will satisfy our desired schedule without adding additional seed.  Areas of greatest concern are the green banks.  It is becoming more clear that we had more washing away of the seed than we originally anticipated.  With the steeper slopes around the greens, the seed was much more vulnerable during the heavy rain we experienced on the evening of day three of the project.

By the end of this week we expect to have all of the thin areas reseeded and will start the process over to ensure a solid stand of turf.  Due to the timing of the seeding and the cooler temps we experienced early in the project, holes 13-17 are at a different stage compared to the rest of the course.  We still have new seedlings emerging, however, this is more apparent on the back nine.  Although we are three weeks into the project, with the week of cool temps, several of the areas are more at the week two development stage. 

At this point, getting additional seed in the ground and maintaining consistent moisture is our top priority.  Our second application of fertilizer was applied over the last two days which will continue to help push the new seedlings.  As good as our irrigation system is, we are managing the weak areas with supplemental hand watering.  This has been especially important on the green banks.

Thank you for your patience as we work to establish the Riviera Bermuda.  There is no question we are heading down the right path, it has unfortunately been difficult seeing all of the inconsistencies.  The good news is that each day we are gaining ground on it.  With the whole month of August ahead of us, I am confident that we will be successful.