Stonebriar Agronomy

   Cloud cover today has significantly limited ice and snow melt across all turf areas. Unfortunately, tomorrow’s forecast does not indicate any meaningful improvement in thawing conditions. Our original plan was to remove the covers on Thursday to inspect and hydrate the greens, then replace them later Thursday or Friday morning. At this point, I do not expect conditions to allow us to safely remove the covers as scheduled. Based on the weekend forecast, the greens will need to remain covered through Monday. If conditions improve as expected, we are hopeful that the course can open for play on Tuesday. We will continue monitoring the turf closely and provide further updates as the weather evolves.               

I n preparation for the incoming inclement weather, the golf course will be closed Thursday.  The GCM team will begin covering greens on Thursday morning. All greens will be double covered or single covered with additional insulation (such as mulch) to ensure maximum protection from cold‑temperature injury and desiccation.  On Wednesday morning, we will apply turf protectants and a moisture retainer to greens. On Thursday, prior to covering greens, we will record and optimize moisture levels. In addition, we will drain irrigation systems and shut down pump stations to protect all irrigation infrastructure during this winter event.  We will communicate the reopening plan once next week’s forecast becomes more reliable. With temperatures projected to continue dropping through Wednesday, it is still too early to determine when greens can safely be uncovered.

  As we move through the winter season, we want to share some important information about how recent weather patterns can impact the health of our bermudagrass playing surfaces. This year, we’ve experienced an unusually warm start to winter. While mild temperatures can seem beneficial, they actually keep bermudagrass more active than normal during a time when it should be dormant. This extended activity can reduce the plant’s ability to harden off and prepare for cold stress, leaving it more vulnerable to sudden temperature drops. What is Turf Hardening? Turf hardening is the process where warm-season grasses like bermudagrass prepare for winter by slowing growth and building tolerance to cold temperatures. This typically happens in late fall as daylight shortens and temperatures drop. How Does It Work? Reduced Growth : As temperatures cool, Bermudagrass stops producing new shoots and begins storing energy in its roots and rhizomes. Carbohydrate Storage : ...

As we enter the winter season, our priority is to maintain optimal playing conditions while safeguarding the long-term health of our golf courses and practice facilities. This communication outlines our winter operational plans and the rationale behind these decisions.   Colorant Application – Tees & Fairways A turf colorant has been applied to all tees and fairways. Here are the key advantages to using turf colorants:   Aesthetic Appeal        Turf colorants provide a vibrant green appearance, even during dormancy.         Improves visual quality during winter or drought periods. Reduced Wear and Tear         Dormant turf with colorants remains firmer and playable without the stress of overseeding.         Less disruption to the base turf (bermuda) means quicker recovery in the spring. Temperature Moderation         Darker colorants can absorb ...

 The forecast looks favorable for golf over the next several days. We all know winter is coming so the Agronomy Team has started preparations. We will begin staging greens covers on the golf courses so we will be ready when winter weather arrives. The covers will be staged in strategic areas close to greens but we will be mindful to avoid highly playable areas. Our first frost and only frost so far was Monday, November 10th. It was not a hard frost, but it made the morning feel like winter. The bermudagrass is essentially done growing for the season as soil temperatures have dropped. We will be rotating “Cart Path Only Holes” as necessary to protect the golf courses through the off season. Please be sure to adhere to CPO rules and utilize the designated fairway entry and exit areas to help us maintain golf course conditions.   The range tee will be on grass three days a week (weather permitting) and we will monitor conditions. The tee has been overseeded and we are s...

  The annual overseeding of the Clubhouse Grounds is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20th and continue through turf establishment. This will likely take 2-3 weeks depending on weather conditions. This process involves planting a new layer of cool-season grass seed to ensure a lush and healthy lawn for the upcoming winter and spring seasons. To achieve the best results, the seeded areas will be heavily irrigated during this time. The areas to be overseeded have been mowed lower than normal to create space for the seed to be dropped.   What to expect: Restricted access:  Certain areas of the clubhouse lawn will be roped off or marked with signage. We kindly ask that you respect these closures to allow the new seed to germinate properly. Wet conditions:  The grounds will be noticeably wet for 2-3 weeks following the initial seeding. Foot traffic:  We request that members and guests avoid all foot and cart tr...