Grove Life | Winter 2021

Turf Talk Rafael Barajas, Director of Golf Course Operations

W e are excited to have a spot in the newsletter where we can share information about golf course maintenance and to keep you informed about what to expect during your golf experience. As we look ahead with anticipation to 2021, we do so with the knowledge that 2020 has changed some aspects of our perspective, lifestyles, and the golf industry for many years to come. It is encouraging and exciting to see the interest in the game increasing with many new golfers taking up the game for the first time. Golf rounds are up here and

across the US. The NGF reports golf equipment sales are up, golf lessons have spiked, and the golf industry in general is better than it has been for quite some time. Although it is difficult to find a downside to the upward trend in our game, there are a few considerations to keep in mind as we attempt to manage the increased play. The influx of new players, single riders, and the increased number of golf rounds does come with challenges to golf course maintenance. Courses will experience additional wear and tear, including more divots on the fairways, additional ball marks on the

greens, and turf wear due to the additional cart traffic. While many courses do a great job with filling divots and repairing ball marks, the cooler weather and additional traffic will result in a longer recovery period, especially with the colder weather ahead. We request your assistance and ask that you kindly follow the cart directional signs, stay away from roped areas, and please keep carts on the cart paths where one is available. The letter I sent a few weeks ago mentioned the challenges we dealt with this summer due to record rains, cloud cover, and many overcast days. Bermuda thrives when exposed to eight hours of direct sunlight and will merely survive with less the 8 hours of sun. Following extended periods of little to no sunlight, Bermuda will eventually fail to respond or die. The cold weather brings additional challenges for Bermuda grass., The “150 Rule” is an industry “rule of thumb” that suggests that day and night temperatures combined must equal 150 degrees or more for Bermuda to grow and recover from wear and traffic. Anything below 150 degrees will result in slow or failed recovery. Aesthetically, Bermuda grass enters dormancy and loses its cooler during these cooler temperatures. Dormancy is like hibernation, and is the turfs natural way of protection from the cooler weather. To counter the loss of color, we will change our maintenance practices, mow less, and use fertility and pigments to aid with color retention and to shorten the overall dormancy phase. Again, we need your help by simply following all cart traffic control signage and keeping the carts on cart paths where one is available. Together we can keep the golf course in great condition at all times, which is our primary goal and is what we endeavor to do each and every day on your behalf. Thanks in advance for your support and assistance.

Head Smart 5K Bike Ride Sunday, January 17 Presentation Time: 11:30 am Lower Veranda Ride Time: 12:30 pm

Beinglimitedinactivitiesthesedays,manypeoplehave taken up or resumed the enjoyment of bicycle riding. Unfortunately, many are not riding with helmets and are, therefore, at risk for serious head injury if they fall or are in an accident. Head Smart is a helmet safety program, created by the National Council of Jewish Women of Palm Beach County. This safety program is followed by a demo of how to properly wear a helmet to make it effective, as well as a brief discussion about types of helmets and the laws related to bike riding in the state of Florida. At the end, you will even have a chance to win a raffled helmet. To sign up, email fitness@bocagrove.org or call 561-487-6929 Complimentary Event

Vision Inspire and enable members to enjoy every day of their lives.

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