The renovation of our golf course is about to begin. The first step (as we’ve stated in previous communications) is to remove all of the existing grass on fairways, tees, roughs, and greens so a new more disease tolerant grass can be planted. The existing older Bermuda grass has to be completely eradicated to avoid any re-introduction during the renovation.
We have consulted with Dr Bert McCarty PhD. who is one of the leading authorities on southern Bermuda turfgrass and using his recommendations, here is our plan.
We have contracted with West Coast Turf to apply the herbicide to kill the existing grass. The program they will be employing has been endorsed by industry professionals and widely adopted by southern golf courses converting to new Bermuda grass. West Coast employs only licensed spray technicians with considerable golf course experience in the S.W. Florida area, including Gulf Harbor, The Club at Renaissance, and Collier’s Reserve.
The herbicide is a combination of Glyphosate, Fusilade, and Turflon Ester. The mixture will also contain Droplex Adjuvant additives, basically modified vegetable oil and emulsifiers, to reduce “drift” when spraying. These additives make the water droplets coming out of the sprayer heavier in order to reduce “misting”. Additives also make the droplet “stickier” so it adheres to the grass more readily and eliminates translocating or run off.
West Coast spray techs follow all manufacturer’s label instructions, including strict adherence to wind advisories, EPA regulations and guidelines. They will not spray if the wind exceeds certain levels.
The course will be closed on spray days and absolutely no entry will be allowed.
While both Director of Greens & Grounds, Tim Kortanek and Superintendent, Eric Simpson have their spray tech licenses, we’ve chosen to outsource the bulk of the herbicide process so that they can monitor the program for quality assurance and ensure all safety protocols are being followed.
The West Coast trucks will spray within 3-5 feet of the homeowner’s property lines. The remaining grass will be sprayed out manually by Eric for a more precise application. Approximately a week after the first spray application the grass will become noticeably yellow but will remain playable up until the April 5th shutdown.
Current Spray Schedule:
- February 22nd – 1st application on Tees, fairways & rough
- March 8th – 2nd application on tees, fairways & rough; 1st application to greens
- March 19th – Final application on tees, fairways & rough; Final application to greens
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