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USGA Inspection ReportRECEIVED NOV-4 ^7 Or lViLeian ty Clerk fico: United States Golf Association Green Section -- Northwest Region P.Q. Box 5844 Twin Falls, ID 83303 USGA GREEN SECTION TURF ADVISORY SERVICE REPORT Cherry Lane Gaff Course Meridian, Idaho October 21, 2002 Present: Mr. Tom Funkhouser, CGCS Ms. Jennifer Holloway, General Manager Mr. Will Berg, City Cleric, City of Meridian Mr. Creg Steele, Parks & Recreation Commission Advisory Board Ms. Nancy Link, Cherry Lane Golf Course Ms. Sharon Gallivan, Legal Assistant Mr_ Matthew Nelson, USGA Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 2 INTRODUCTION The following report will summarize topics discussed during the Turf Advisory Service visit of Monday, October 21, 2002, at Cherry Lane Golf Course. The primary topics discussed during the visit concerned the golf course infrastructure. Serious infrastructure deficiencies will limit the ability of Cherry Lane Golf Course to effectively compete within the local golf market. These include an inadequate and failing irrigation system, the lack of a proper golf course maintenance facility, an ineffective cart traffic control system, insufficient golf course maintenance equipment, and poor construction techniques throughout the new nine holes. Correcting these deficiencies will require significant investment on behalf of the Lessee or the Municipality. Terms of the lease agreement should clearly specify which party is responsible for capital improvements and infrastructure items. Many golf operations with similar arrangements have worked out the responsibility of capital improvements in the lease with either party responsible, depending upon the language. The shortcomings that will be outlined in this report will require significant investment to correct; however, increasing the stream of revenue at Cherry Lane Golf Course will likely depend upon it. Several agronomic topics and programs were discussed during the visit, although implementing these programs will likely not generate significant improvements until the irrigation system is addressed. In the and climate of the Intermountain West, no single item has more bearing on the piayability and presentation of a golf course than the irrigation system. The next most important consideration is a centrally located, safe and efficient maintenance facility and the necessary equipment to carry forth modem golf coarse maintenance practices. Cherry Lane Golf Course has the potential to compete favorably within the Boise golf market with an investment in the most basic golf course maintenance items including irrigation and equipment. IRRIGATION SYSTEM As mentioned above, the irrigation system at Cherry Lane Golf Course is deficient in many ways. Separate irrigation systems exist for the front nine and back nine, but it might be difficult to choose which of the two is worse. The irrigation system installed on the new nine utilizes components better suited for residential use or perhaps, community parks. In the seven years I have spent with the USGA Green Section traveling to golf courses across the United States, I have never encountered the Falcon sprinkler heads used at Cherry Lane at any other golf course. Broken water lines and component failure throughout the irrigation system of the back nine have resulted in poor turfgrass health, poor playing quality and Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 3 poor presentation. Among the deficiencies noted in the irrigation systems are the following: • Inconsistent and inadequate spacing between sprinkler heads. In many locations, spacing between the sprinkler heads was estimated at greater than 100'. Spacing between sprinkler heads was noted to be highly variable and the corresponding water distribution uniformity was thus highly variable. Modem golf course irrigation designs typically utilize a triangulated spacing of65'to 75' between sprinkler heads. Inadequate and inconsistent sprinkler head spacing coupled with insufficient operating pressure has resulted in lousy distribution uniformity of irrigation water. The result is less than desirable playing quality and presentation. Improper spacing with the wrong components leads to some of the worst turf in the middle of fairways. + Control capability of the irrigation system is terrible. In many instances, sprinkler heads at greens, tees and fairways are all operated together. The irrigation requirements between these distinct areas of the golf course are significantly different. Even within one area of the golf course (a green, a fairway, etc.), significant differences in water requirements will exist due to slope aspect, soil conditions, exposure, traffic, thatch, Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 4 etc. Most golf course irrigation systems throughout the West strive for individual sprinkler head control or at the least, pair two sprinkler heads together off of one valve. The irrigation system lacks a centralized controller and isolation capacity throughout the property is limited. • The pumping and hydraulic capacities of the irrigation systems are inadequate. Reduced pipe sizing throughout the property results in seriously compromised operating pressure and poor water distribution as a result. Inadequate pumping capacity requires significantly extended run times, reduced flexibility within system operation and greater wear and tear on the components. Inadequate hydraulic flow, insufficient operating pressure, aging components and variable spacing all affect irrigation quality on the older nine. The system is due for replacement. • Golf course sprinkler head models should have been used for the front nine. The volume (gpm) and range of the heads in the ground is inadequate, even if consistent spacing were achieved. Sprinkler heads throughout the old nine are outdated and increasingly unreliable. A lack of topsoil throughout the new nine accentuates deficiencies in the irrigation system and the resulting playing quality. The industry standard for the useful lifespan of a golf course irrigation system is approximately 25 years, thus the system on the back nine is at the end of its life expectancy. Component failure throughout the back nine reinforces this standard. The best advice for Cherry Lane Golf Course is to retain the services of a qualified golf course irrigation consultant to audit the existing system and develop plans for replacement with a proper, functional irrigation system that will serve the golf course for the next 20 to 25 years. With little doubt, installing a new irrigation system is the single most important recommendation for improving turf quality and playability at the golf course. The golf course will continue to suffer until irrigation is addressed. Please consider the following references when developing a plan for golf course irrigation: Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 5 Mr. Carl Thuesen 1925 Grand Avenue, Suite 105 Billings, MT Phone: (406) 252-5545 Mr. Dale Winchester Dale Winchester & Associates, Inc. 2215 East Pinecrest Lane Sandy, UT 89092 Phone: (801)571-6060 Mr. Bob Bryant Bryant & Gordon P.O. Box 17539 Irvine CA 92623-7539 Phone: (949) 724-8998 MAINTENANCE FACILITY The maintenance facility at Cherry Lane has to be addressed. The existing facility is located approximately one mile from the golf course, across a busy four -lane street. This configuration is obviously unsafe and inefficient. The golf course maintenance facility is truly the center and heartbeat of golf course conditioning. Equipment items need to be properly stored and serviced regularly to safeguard the substantial investment in equipment and achieve the highest quality turf on the course. Employees should be provided a safe and healthy working environment. Running water and plumbing should not even have to be mentioned. Fertilizer and pesticide should be properly stored. A dedicated equipment wash area should be provided to contain rinsate prior to its discharge into the environment. The current maintenance facility is unsafe, contributes to inefficiency and wasted time, and may pose significant liability. Please review the enclosed reprint articles discussing the importance of the golf course maintenance facility and standard requirements for an 18 hole golf course. EQUIPMENT Maintenance equipment at the golf course is definitely lacking, and the resulting turf quality is apparent. Regular equipment replacement promotes efficiency and quality at the golf course. Regular replacement also prevents untimely expenditures and allows the maintenance staff to stay apprised of equipment Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 6 innovations. Lightweight fairway mowers would be of great benefit at Cherry Lane Golf Course. Lightweight mowers reduce wear injury and help safeguard turfgrass health, especially where soil conditions are poor. Most golf courses have abandoned mowing fairways with gang units ten to twenty years ago. Dedicated rotary mowers for the roughs would improve cutting quality and turfgrass health. Dependable aeration equipment is a definite must at Cherry Lane Golf Course. Please review the enclosed reprint article to better assess the equipment inventory at Cherry Lane Golf Course vs. the standard requirements at 18 hole golf courses throughout the United States. GREENS Construction —new greens. The 15t6rn 7th and a greens were constructed with extreme slope. The estimated grade at Number 1 green is between 7 and 8%. Most modern designs will not exceed 11/2 to 2% at any place that is a potential hole location. Obviously, this extreme slope will compromise playability and pose a real maintenance challenge. The greens at Cherry Lane Golf Course will have to be maintained at very slow speeds to accommodate these extreme slopes, or several of the greens will have to be maintained independently of the others. Neither is a very good alternative. Additionally, the greens at the new nine were not constructed to any specifications recognized by the industry. As such, localized dry spots and turfgrass inconsistencies have been a problem. Looking ahead, it may be necessary to reconstruct several of the new greens to provide a reasonable putting surface to attract increased revenue. The condition of the putting greens at any golf course is a huge component with respect to the competitive ability within the local market. Should these greens ever be reconstructed, I would strongly advise utilizing the services of a qualified golf course architect to build the greens to an accepted specification. This will not only allow the establishment of a clear construction contract, but also significantly increase the odds of providing a quality product to the clientele. The slope on this green is nearly 8% (estimated), making most of it not suitable for a hole location. Green speeds will have to be kept slow to keep this and other steeply sloped greens playable. This could jeopardize competitiveness. Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 7 Core aerate and increase topdressing frequency to combat thatch. Prolific thatch layers were observed within the upper soil profile of the putting greens. Excess thatch can compromise water management, restrict gas exchange, increase the incidence of disease, decrease tolerance of environmental stress and increase the potential for mechanical injury (scalping). The greens should be core aerated twice annually with 518" diameter hollow tines. Remove plugs completely from the surface and backfill aeration holes as thoroughly as possible with sand. Early to mid May, and again around Labor Day is the preferred timing to conduct putting green aeration. Favorable recovery will be obtained at this time of year and agronomic objectives will be met. It also would prove helpful to increase the frequency of light topdressing. At least monthly, lightly topdress the putting greens at a rete of approximately'/: cu. yd of sand per 5,000 sq. ft. of putting surface. Light and frequent topdressing will help dilute thatch density and minimize the potential for physical problems from excess thatch. Regular topdressing also helps maintain a true putting surface for improved ball roll. FAIRWAYS New nine. It appears that somewhat limited topsoil was left for fairway rootzones following construction. Areas of compacted subsoil limit turfgrass growth with reduced nutrient availability and compromised physical properties. Poor irrigation coverage compounds problems for turfgrass management where soil quality is poor. A lack of oxygen in the rootzone is a significant factor limiting turfgrass growth. Over time, aeration will improve soil physical properties and turfgrass vigor. At the least, fairways should be core aerated at least once annually with a piston -driven fairway aerator or Verti-drain. Mid spring or late summer are the preferred times of year to conduct fairway aeration. Additional aeration with the Aerway slicer equipped with shatter tines every four to six weeks throughout the season will also have a positive effect on soil conditions and the related turfgrass quality. This unit was in operation the day of the visit, and can be used with minimal disruption to the surface. An increase in nitrogen fertility may also promote stronger turf in the fairways. I suggest targeting between 3 and 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. annually for the fairways. Push fertility in the early and late fall, and use controlled -release products during the summer months to provide consistent nitrogen availability without surges in growth. Finally, it also would be helpful to overseed fairways annually with perennial ryegrass. This can either be conducted in conjunction with core aeration where Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 8 seed is broadcast at a rate of 200 to 300 lbs. per acre, or introduced into the fairways via slice seeding at the same rate. Perennial ryegrass is a bunch -type turfgrass species that typically requires regular overseeding to maintain good density. Number 3 — irrigation canal. The irrigation canal cutting across the Number 3 fairway was recently culverted and covered. The water company is rejecting proposals to plant grass over the covered canal. In my estimation, failing to plant grass over the right of way is a mistake. Kids were observed riding bicycles across this covered canal through the golf course during the visit. This "roadway" invites pedestrians and bicyclists, and this could pose a real safety concern (liability) at the golf course. Without a cover of turfgrass, environmental quality also is at risk. Research partially funded by USGA has demonstrated that turfgrass is an excellent filter of storm water, precipitation and any applied fertilizers. Bare soil is much more prone to runoff and contamination of water resources should any runoff contain nutrients or chemicals. Finally, this large cut across the fairway is compromising the playability of the golf hole and offering poor presentation and definition. Based upon safety, environmental quality and community aesthetics, grassing over the top of the covered canal should be negotiated. Grassing would not restrict the canal company's right of way in any fashion. Not only an eyesore, but this covered canal without grass invites pedestrians and bicyclists across the golf course. Runoff from bare soil significantly increases the potential for environmental degradation vs. coverage with turf. Number 11 fairway. Eliminating the cart path through the center of the Number 11 fairway with either sod or seed will immediately improve playability and presentation of the golf hole. There appears sufficient area for carts to disburse properly and avoid concentrated traffic and wear injury at this site. TRAFFIC CONTROL A system of cart paths throughout the golf course would be a good long-term investment. Concentrated cart traffic and areas of poor soil quality have resulted in Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 9 large areas of worn and damaged turf. At the least, a partial system of cart paths for greens and tees should be slowly added over time. Plan locations carefully for the possibility of a continuous cart path system at a future date. It is generally preferred to wrap cart paths around greens and tees, if possible, to provide the greatest number of access and egress points to and from the path and area of play. As cart paths exit teeing grounds, creating a gently sweeping arc in one direction or another will provide multiple exit points and reduce the potential for severe wear injury developing at the end of the cart path. Similarly, as paths approach putting greens, routing these parallel with the direction of play will offer multiple entrance points and best prevent the development of wear at the end of the path. Please review the enclosed reprint article discussing cart path location, design and construction. CONCLUSION It was a pleasure to visit Cherry Lane Golf Course and discuss maintenance issues and infrastructure needs. Mr. Funkhouser appears to be doing a good job with what limited resources are available. Significantly improving the quality of the golf course will depend entirely upon improving the irrigation system. Replacement is likely the only feasible option. A maintenance facility and decent equipment are the next factors in the formula for improving the golf course and increasing the revenue stream. Obviously, the critical issue will be to determine who can and is willing to fund the much needed capital improvement projects at Cherry Lane Golf Course to foster its sustainability. Please feel free to contact my office at any time to discuss any issue in this report or for additional information regarding municipal golf operations, golf course management and references for lease information. Sincerely, Matthew C. Nelson, Agronomist Green Section, Northwest Region MCN:ws Cherry Lane Golf Course October 21, 2002 Page 10 Distribution: Mr. Tom Funkhouser Ms. Jennifer Holloway Mr. Creg Steele Mr. Will Berg Ms. Joann C. Butler Mr. Elroy Huff Rearirrts' Bypass St. Peter—O'Brien, March/April '01 Does Your Irrigation System Make the Grade? — Huck, Sep/Oct'00 Common Sense Cart Paths - Oatis, Jan/Feb'94 Checkup for the New Millennium — Nelson Nov '01 Turf Care Centers: The Heartbeat of Golf Conditioning! — Happ, July/Aug '01 Barn or Turf Care Center: Which Do You Have - Connolly, Nov/Dec'92 Gee, I Thought It Ran Forever- Watschke, Jul/Aug'87 Equipment Replacement Choosing a Path of "Leased" Resistance - Manuel. Mar/Apr'94 Fairway To The Future — Links, Jul/Aug '97 Best Laid Plans - Snow, Nov'78 So, You Want To Renovate Your Golf Course? — Oatis, Sep/Oct'97