Golf Course Superintendent Newsletter

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2024

Dear Member / Property Owner,

Following on from the last 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, 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 first quarter of 2024.

QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE UPDATE

Cleaning of Desert Native Areas and Detailing of All Areas

During the previous quarter, our dedicated landscaping team excelled in rejuvenating the 15th Hole tee complex, including the dry creek and the adjacent spaces stretching from the 15th tees to the 14th green. Their efforts have not only significantly improved the playability of this area but also accentuated the stunning vistas visible from the 15th tees, as well as the 13th green and 14th tees.

Additionally, the team strategically placed over 200 small wooden stakes along the cart paths throughout the golf course. This initiative aims to minimise the encroachment of vehicles into the desert native zones, thereby safeguarding the indigenous wildlife and flora, and fostering their natural proliferation.

Fairways

The Fairways are currently in a dormant phase, characterised by a loss of their vibrant green hue. This is a natural occurrence for paspalum, a warm-season grass, and does not affect the quality of play. To enhance their aesthetic appeal and prepare them for quicker rejuvenation in warmer weather, we’ve applied a colour treatment. This not only maintains the visual appeal with greener fairways instead of a beige tone but also expedites their recovery and growth as temperatures rise.
Roughs

Post-summer, the roughs at Desert Springs did not meet our high standards, and this continued into the fall season. In response, we have embarked on an intensive and crucial restoration process. This involves deep irrigation to saturate the soil, followed by deep aeration using the vertidrain machine (penetrating 20-25cm) to alleviate soil compaction and enhance moisture retention. Subsequently, we apply large quantities of locally sourced Gypsum (Calcium sulfate) from Sorbas. This is integral in expelling salts from the soil, which is further aided by several nights of intensive irrigation.

Greens

Recently, we’ve incorporated the innovative Air2G2 machine to elevate the health of our greens. This technology injects air at high pressures through elongated tines, which alleviates soil compaction, enhances drainage, and delivers essential oxygen to the root zone. Combined with our bio-stimulant treatments, this approach is significantly improving the quality of the greens, promising a robust and vibrant spring season.

UPCOMING COURSE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Cleaning of Desert Native Areas and Detailing of All Areas

As part of our ongoing dedication to maintaining the natural allure and ecological integrity of our golf course, we are broadening our conservation efforts to include additional sections of the desert native areas, specifically around holes 5, 6, and the tee area of 7. Our focus will be on eradicating invasive species, fostering the growth of native plants, and preserving the indigenous habitat. Our goal is to create areas that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally responsible, contributing to a superior golfing experience.

Consistent with our previous initiatives, we will persist in restricting access to certain desert native zones around the course. This strategy is critical for protecting the native wildlife and plant life, and for supporting their natural expansion and flourishing.

Ongoing Course Improvements

With the onset of cooler temperatures leading to reduced grass maintenance requirements, our team is set to undertake a series of smaller, yet significant, improvement projects throughout the course. These include refurbishing and updating the old railroad tie steps leading to the tees, repairing various bridges, replacing the yardage markers in the fairways, and restoring several cart paths. These efforts are among many other meticulous enhancements planned to elevate the overall quality and aesthetic of the course.

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 the 13th, Tuesday the 14th and Wednesday the 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