Posts

Golf Course Update - April 21, 2026

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We have begun addressing the weakened turf areas on the Dye Course, specifically on holes 10 and 16. Earlier this week, our team completed the preparation work on Dye 10, and sod installation is scheduled for Thursday, weather permitting. Preparation on Dye 16 will begin as soon as conditions are dry enough, with sod installation to follow promptly thereafter. The thinning observed in these fairways is primarily due to shade challenges and north‑facing slopes that receive limited sunlight during the winter months. We will continue to support these areas with targeted fertilizer applications and cultural practices to encourage the bermudagrass to break dormancy and begin active growth. As noted in a previous communication, bermudagrass requires a combined daytime high and nighttime low temperature of 150 degrees (for example, an 85° high and 65° low) before it can grow vigorously enough to recover. Once we consistently reach these temperature thresholds, members can expect to see the tu...
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Golf Course Update - April 13, 2026

  Understanding Off-Types in Our MiniVerde Greens Our bermudagrass putting greens are intended to deliver the smooth ball roll, vibrant color, and durability that produce high-quality playing conditions at our Club. These greens are built to withstand daily play while maintaining the performance standards our members expect. From time to time, however, you may notice small patches on the greens that look or behave slightly differently from the surrounding turf. These areas are known as off-types. While they are a common challenge on ultradwarf bermudagrass greens, they can affect both the appearance and performance of the putting surface. I will explain what causes off-types, how they impact play, and how we manage them to protect the quality of our greens. What Off-Types Are and Why They Occur Off-types are patches of turf that differ from the desired MiniVerde variety in color, texture, density, or growth habit. They may appear lighter or darker, grow slightly faster, or respond ...
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Agronomy Update - March 10, 2026

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  Tuesday, March 10 Dear Stonebriar Members, Meteorological spring has certainly made its presence known in North Texas. Since March 1st, we’ve received nearly 3 inches of rainfall, with one minor flooding event. Our team responded quickly—removing debris and restoring bunkers within two days. These tasks are entirely manual, relying on rakes, shovels, and a lot of labor. With a wet spring likely ahead, please know that our team is working diligently to return the golf courses to top condition after each rain event.    Greens: Verticutting & Topdressing  As temperatures rise and the turf begins to grow, we’ve initiated our mechanical cultural practices. On Monday, we utilized the closed day to complete our first verticut of the season. This process is essential for maintaining high quality putting surfaces throughout the growing months.  Benefits of Verticutting...
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Fazio Course News

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  Golf Course Update | February 19 Dear Stonebriar Members, We would like to extend a fond farewell to  James Stulsas , Fazio Course Superintendent. James has accepted the Director of Golf Course Maintenance position at Walnut Creek Country Club. His hard work and dedication to Stonebriar are appreciated, and we wish James all the best as he begins the next chapter in his career.   James Stulsas Director of Golf Course Maintenance   Walnut Creek Country Club Scott Wakley Fazio Course Superintendent Stonebriar Country Club Stonebriar is proud to announce the new Fazio Course Superintendent,  Scott Wakely . He will officially transition into the Fazio Superintendent role on February 25, 2026. Scott brings a strong foundation in golf operations, turf management, and team leadership to his role as Golf Course Superintendent. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Scott attended Bridgewater College in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he majored in Business Administratio...
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Inclement Weather & Closure Update - January 27, 2026

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   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.               
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Inclement Weather Closure Notice - January 20, 2026

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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.
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Agronomy Update - January 9, 2026

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  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 : ...
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