GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2023
Dear Member / Property Owner,
Following on from the last quarters Golf Course Superintendent’s Newsletter, which was designed to keep you up to date with all the important maintenance procedures which were scheduled to take place on The Indiana Course between July-September, we are pleased to be able to give you an update on the works carried out and to inform you of the schedule of works which shall take place in the next quarter of 2023.
QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE UPDATE
Cleaning of Desert Native Areas and Detailing of All Areas
In the past quarter, our landscape team has diligently focused on the general cleaning and clearing of the golf course areas along the borders of the tees, fairways, and green complexes. The abundant end-of-summer rainfall spurred rapid weed growth in these areas.
Work on the 15th hole has commenced, including the dredging and cleaning of canes and reeds in the river and small pond that runs alongside the green complex. Additionally, extensive pruning and removal of dead material from the hundreds of Yuccas that border the hole have been carried out, and unwanted plant material has been removed. We have also repaired and reinstalled irrigation in certain areas to ensure optimal plant health management and completed the annual pruning of over 350 palm trees.
Fairways
Our team successfully completed the aerification, verticutting, and topdressing of all fairways. This endeavor ensures the robust health and verdant appearance of the fairways for the rest of the year, especially in the winter months when temperatures affect the paspalum’s ability to retain its green hue.
Bridge 18
The railroad tie bridge on the 18th hole, which suffered significant structural damage, was expertly and promptly rebuilt by our team.
Roughs
Despite holding up well, and with all the appropriate preventative fungicide applications, the fescue roughs succumbed to disease in the last month of August due to unprecedented temperatures and high humidity. Conversely, the roughs converted to paspalum remain in excellent condition. Areas affected by disease and turf loss have been sodded or seeded for a swift recovery within the next month.
UPCOMING COURSE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME
Cleaning of Desert Native Areas and Detailing of All Areas
In our commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of our course, we will be expanding the restoration efforts to more areas of the desert native areas. Hole 5, 6, and continued works on 15 have been identified as spaces that will benefit from cleaning and restoration activities. By removing invasive species, promoting native vegetation, and preserving the natural habitat, we aim to create visually captivating and environmentally sustainable areas that enhance the overall golfing experience.
DP World Tour Tournament Preparations
As you will be aware from previous announcements, Desert Springs will once again host this years’ 2nd Stage of the DP World Tour Qualifying School between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 5th November 2023. As in previous years, we will significantly enhance maintenance across various areas of the golf course, with a paramount focus on the greens.
It is crucial for our esteemed members and guests to understand that sustaining tournament-quality greens year-round is not a viable practice due to the undue stress it places on the plant life. During preparations, greens experience heightened stress as they undergo multiple cuts in a single day, coupled with comprehensive rolling. This process involves reducing irrigation to a bare minimum, with only specific dry areas receiving manual irrigation. Additionally, nutrient applications are substantially lowered to maintain high green speeds throughout the entire day.
These rigorous practices, while essential for tournament preparation, lead to a heightened state of stress on the greens, making it unsustainable year-round. Be assured, our dedicated team will ensure the course will be in its usual impeccable condition post-tournament, ready for our members and guests to enjoy.
Ongoing Course Improvements
In addition to the specific maintenance activities mentioned above, we will continue our routine course improvements to ensure your utmost satisfaction. These efforts include regular mowing and trimming of all playing surfaces, meticulous irrigation management, ongoing pest and weed control, and constant monitoring of the overall health and aesthetics of the course. We are dedicated to maintaining the course in top condition throughout the season.
2024 Greens Hollow Coring Dates
In the knowledge that all Property Owners and Members need to have as much notice as possible concerning particular aspects of the golf course maintenance schedule that may temporarily affect the playing conditions of the green’s surface, thus enabling them to plan particular holidays, accordingly, please see below the hollow coring dates in 2024.
Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th of May.
You will be able to keep up to date with the full tournament and social calendar, format and any additions, information of how to enter, and much more, by visiting either our official website www.desertspringsresort.es or by contacting the resort reception at Desert Springs.
We and the staff at Desert Springs are looking forward to seeing you on The Indiana course in the near future.
As always please remember to fix your ball marks and replace your divots.
Kind regards,
Zachary LaPorte
Golf Course Superintendent
Hole 15 Dredging and cleaning of canes and reeds in the river and small pond that runs alongside the green complex
Hole 15 Extensive pruning and removal of dead material from the hundreds of Yuccas that border the hole
Hole 18 Repaired railway bridge
