Golf Course Inspection Summary

 

August 31, 2007

 

The golf course inspection team members were Dottie Teague, Ken Towns, Rick Levy and Doug Dorfmeier.  Holes 1 through 9 as well as the practice areas were rated on this inspection.  The rating numbers range from 1 to 5 (1 = poor, 3 = average, 5 = excellent)

 

Tees        

The average rating for teeing areas was 3.5.   Primary areas of concern were dry and bare areas, and unsanded divots.  A few greens had Dallas or Crab Grass.  The White tees on holes 4 and 9 are the most problematic.  Also the Blue tee on hole 4 is partially obstructed by overhanging trees.

 

Fairways

The average rating for fairways was 3.5.  Primary areas of concern were wet areas, Dallas and Crab Grass.  Also, height of rough is inconsistent in some areas.

 

Fairway Bunkers

The average rating for fairway bunkers was 4.1.  The primary area of concern was sharp edges on the back of some bunkers.  Fairway bunkers are directional indicators.  They do not need to be penal with high lips.

 

Primary Rough

The average rating for the primary rough areas was 3.5.  Primary areas of concern were dry and wet areas and Dallas and Crab Grass.

 

Greenside Bunkers

The average rating for greenside bunkers was 3.7.  The primary area of concern was bunker lips that were too high and/or sloping back toward bunker.  Most front lips are concave.  Even cutting them perpendicular doesn't make the swing on imbedded balls any easier.  Back lips on bunkers need attention so that a golfer has a chance to make contact with the ball.

 

Aprons

The average rating for aprons was 3.6.  The primary areas of concern were Crab Grass and different grass types used to repair hole 8.  Aprons need to be mowed a little shorter for a smooth transition from apron to green.  Over seeding in the fall would surely help when the Bermuda dies.

 

Greens

The average rating for greens was 4.2.  Overall the greens were in excellent condition with the exception of greens 3 and 8 which continue to be problem greens.  Stimpmeter readings were taken on greens 3,4,6,7,8.  All but number 8 ranged in speed between 9.1 and 9.6.  Number 8 green speed was 7.0.  Number 3 green was not checked but the speed on that problem green has also been slow.

 

Practice Area

The putting green was rated at 3.8.  There were a few burned out areas and patch work on the left side.  A comment was also made that the speed did not match the greens on the course.  A suggestion was made to expand to 9 putting holes.

 

The chipping area was rated at 4.0.  There were holes around the edge of the green.  A suggestion was made to reduce the apron size in some areas to more closely resemble holes on the course.

 

The pitching area was rated at 3.3.  The hitting area will look and play better when new mat material is inlaid.  Grass intrusion and mold  were found in the artificial green area.

 

The driving range was rated at 3.1.  Six hitting mats need replacing.  Some of the newer mats were not properly seated.  Yardage markers needed trimming.

 

General Comments

 

Ken Towns:  A golf course does not have to be green everywhere to be in good condition and playable.  The course should be maintained to fit the players and their capabilities.  More tees will not make it playable for everyone, but attention to fairway cutting, tree trimming, tee marker alignment and width, ground under repair areas marked and someone on the maintenance crew to check each day on those areas will make the course more playable.

 

Dottie Teague:  My overall assessment of the front nine holes in general is that they are in great condition.  I would think that Ken is already aware of all the chronic wet and dry areas.  Based on his comments that morning, they seem to be related to irrigation or drainage issues which he addresses every time there is an inspection.  The Dallas/Crab Grass is an issue and needs to be addressed in various areas on the course.  There is some clover still appearing various areas as well although not near as prevalent as before.  I would suggest that the tee boxes be given a little more attention by the morning crew to assure that they are aligned properly to the green and the divots should be sanded after mowing.  The practice area is much improved since the last time.  Well maintained and manicured over previous inspections.

 

Doug Dorfmeier:  My primary concerns are with wet spots in fairways and bunkers with excessively high and/or concave lips.  Number 3 and 8 greens continue to be problem areas.