Course Update 7.29.26: Mowing Patterns and More

Lowering height left of #1 Blue

Mowing patterns throughout the golf course constantly require adjustment. This is particularly true in regards to the "tall roughs" on the Blue Course considering the impact of lost trees in 2024 and the 2025 renovation work. This is our first summer since those changes, and we are now able to better understand how these areas impact play. 

Left side of #1 Blue

Chet Williams, our golf course architect, will be on property next week to assist with mowing pattern changes. Our goal is to maintain the course's aesthetics and strategic value while ensuring it remains enjoyable and fair for golfers of all skill levels.

This week we also tested out a new style fan on #9 Gold green. Currently we are able to run the fan using a small generator but we will soon install underground power. The new fans actually use less power, are quieter, and still provide excellent air flow. 

Additional work this week included: continued vertical mowing of fairways, bunker maintenance, spray applications to fairways, and continued adjustment of of the new irrigation system. 

Course Update 7.17.26

Stroke Play Championship underway on 11 Blue last Sunday

We wrapped up the Stroke Play Championship last weekend. Congratulations to Will MacDonald on winning with a three day total 217 (+1).  

All ponds are once again full thanks to timely rains!

After nearly three weeks of dry weather, we received about 1" of rain Sunday and Monday, followed by another 0.4" last night. Any rainfall this time of year is a welcome bonus, and it came at the perfect time by refilling our irrigation ponds. We also enjoyed a brief break from the summer heat, which our greens certainly appreciated. Hopefully everyone had a chance to enjoy the cooler weather, as the forecast looks to return to hot and dry conditions for the foreseeable future.

10 Blue on Friday 7.17

While the rain has been hugely beneficial - it has resulted in rapid growth on tees, fairways, and roughs. As such much of our focus this week revolved around on catching up with routine mowing, trimming,  blowing etc. We also continued vertical mowing fairways, completed core aeration in several areas, and made additional adjustments to mowing patterns in the tall rough to improve playability. Next week we will continue these efforts while also lightly aerating (venting) greens on Monday and begin installing a new fan for #9 Gold. 

Adjusting mowing patterns in the "tall rough" on #2 Blue

New walk paths added to #1 and #6 Gold

It looks to be another busy weekend of golf beginning with the MGA on the Blue Course this afternoon. 

Course Update 7.10.26: Fairway grain removal, Rough mow lines, Spray applications

Aerating tee boxes to help with water infiltration. 

It has now been nearly three weeks since our last measurable rainfall, and for the first time this year, drought conditions are beginning to show. Overall, the golf courses remain in very good condition for this time of year, but irrigation lakes have started to drop, and areas that do not receive irrigation are becoming more noticeable.

With this being the first full summer operating with our new irrigation systems, our staff has been spending a significant amount of time fine-tuning sprinkler coverage, run times, and programming to maximize efficiency and maintain consistent playing conditions.

Hand brushing sand into the green on 6 Blue. 

On Monday, all greens were lightly vented (aerated) and sand topdressed to improve air exchange and maintain smooth, healthy putting surfaces throughout the summer.

Mowing 18 Blue fairway after vertical mowing. 

We also continued our fairway improvement program using a combination of traditional vertical mowing and a Uni-Rake to reduce grain and remove excess organic material. 

Resetting the tall rough right of #2 Blue

On the Blue Course, we continued resetting several of the tall rough areas to create a cleaner, more uniform appearance. This time of year also provides an opportunity to evaluate and refine mowing patterns where improvements can be made.

GPS tracks showing multiple spray applications this week. 

Our GPS-guided sprayers remained busy throughout the week, completing multiple applications on greens, surrounds, tees, fairways, and bunker faces to keep the turf healthy during the summer heat.

Finally, good luck to everyone competing in the Stroke Play Championship this weekend. We hope you enjoy the golf courses and have a great tournament!

Course Update 7.3.26: Happy 4th of July Weekend!

 

We are looking forward to a fun and busy holiday weekend at the Club, with golf tournaments in the morning, pool activities throughout the day, and, of course, the fireworks show beginning at 9:30 PM.

For those participating in the shotgun starts on Saturday, please be aware that there is a possibility of temporary hole closures on Blue holes #7, #8, and #9, as well as Gold holes #10 and #11. If necessary, these closures will be determined at the discretion of the Dallas Fire Department to accommodate fireworks setup and safety requirements.

This week, our staff continued aerating fairways and roughs on both courses, installed additional drainage at the pool, and adjusted mowing patterns on Blue holes #1 and #6, significantly reducing the amount of "tall rough" in between these holes to improve pace of play. 

Rough between Hole 6 (left) and Hole 1 (right). Brown areas recently mowed to lower height.  

Close up view of the rough between Hole 1 and Hole 6 Blue. 

Thanks for checking out the blog and and we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend!