LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
The hurricane season is finally over ! We were very fortunate in the minimal damage that the golf course and community received during hurricane Ian . We lost quite a few trees on the golf course ranging in size from large oak trees to small bottlebrush and red cedars . Most of the trees were in the outer areas allowing us to get the golf course up and running in just a few days . I am very proud of my crew for their hard work and dedication during this time and we really appreciate the kind words and gestures from our members .
Now , we can start to focus on some agronomic practices to set us up for the winter season . We will focus on speed , smoothness , and health of the greens leading into the cooler weather . This is a time that the roots of the bermuda grass begin to store nutrients and minerals to carry us till spring . It is important to get the proper food sources in the plant before the cold weather begins and the grass stops up taking these nutrients . We will also get a last preemergent application which includes an herbicide to control the poa annua that will be germinating with the cooler temperatures . I am hoping to stop the poa before it becomes an issue on tee and fairway areas . Last year I learned a lot about what works the best for us . I want to be ahead of this issue so that we are not chasing weeds all winter long .
I have noticed great improvement on the course this year . We focused on tee , fairway , and greens as a starting place for weed control . Now we must expand to the rough and outer areas to make sure we get good weed control that is sustainable . Goosegrass , Tropical signal grass , and crabgrass are by far the toughest weeds to control , and we have a lot of it . The consistency and timing of our applications will help us prevail and reach our goal of a clean golf course .
Wes Parker
10 eaglebrooke newsletter SEPTEMBER