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