Stonebriar Agronomy

  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...

   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 ...