As the summer comes to an end, we will begin prepping the Lakes GC at the end of this month for overseeding. This will include the normal dethatching process of tees and fairways and the reduction of irrigating. We will prep the greens at the Lakes for overseeding when the golf course closes on October 5.
 
The same process will occur at the Vistas GC on the first week of October. The Vistas GC will follow the same procedure as the Lakes GC and we will prep the greens for overseed when it closes on October 19th.

Needless to say, 2020 has been a unique year in many ways and the golf industry is no exception. This trait will continue when we open both golf courses after overseeding. With double the amount of cart traffic expected at both courses due to COVID concerns, it will be necessary to adopt unique golf cart restrictions. After the overseed our cart path only restrictions will be a little longer than in the past. After the course wide cart path only restrictions, we will continue with two days a week at both courses that will be cart path only. These restrictions are essential for the survival of the winter rye grass. Without these restrictions it will be a matter of weeks before the ryegrass will be worn down to the nubs and the grass will begin to disappear. Roping and cart traffic signs will not solve the issue because the carts will continue to wear the designated areas and in the months of December through February the grass does not recover from cart or mower traffic. Giving it a short break from the wear and tear of four golf carts per foursome will be critical in keeping the rye grass healthy during these months.

Double the carts is not double the fun.
Read the USGA Article on COVID Cart Traffic

We have planned two extra fertilizer applications in the winter to improve the resilience of the turf but when temperatures are low there is not much we can do to stimulate growth.  Temperatures will dictate how much the grass can recover from the extra cart traffic.
 
Keep in mind this is not just a WBVGC issue. This is a concern of every golf facility manager around the valley. Some facilities are talking about closing a course one or two days per week. I do not believe we have to go there.
 
These restrictions will be flexible if the weather and growth allows, but our goal is to protect the golf courses so that they remain in good shape and are enjoyable for everyone.
 
With that being said, I hope everyone has a safe and happy remainder of their September.

Sincerely
David Escobedo GCS