Natural Area Test Plot - Take a look!

As many of you probably know, I seeded the old #14 tee with a 'links style' fescue blend.  The motivations behind this were 1.  Test the proper technique of seeding new species into an existing stand,  2.  Find the seeding rate that would work best for the course, and 3.  Show the membership what a properly planted 'natural' area would look like.  Well, I'm happy to report that it came out great, and looks just as I hope our native areas would look should we decide to kill and reseed these areas.

Looking at the areas, the differences are very noticable.  First, while the area looks like a 'wispy wheatfield', the finer, bunch-type fescue is less dense, making it much easier to walk through, find your ball, hit your ball, and much easier for us to mow down.

Secondly, and probably most important, (since none of you ever hit your ball into the native areas, hee hee) the more uniform height and texture is far more aesthetically pleasing than our existing mixed stand.  Currently, our 'natural' areas consist of a mixture of bluegrass, annual bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, and whatever else has invaded over the years.  These grasses create a dense, messy, and often times 'fallen' look that is not desirable. 

Thirdly, the areas we have grown 'natural' do not have sprinklers.  Fescue type grasses survive in good health much better in un-irrigated areas better than the bluegrasses and ryegrasses. 

The point of the re-seeding will ultimately install a more appropriate and attractive grass to survive in these areas where no sprinklers exist.  It is important to note that the layout of these areas will not be taken lightly.  We will consult with members and architects to make sure that the proper lines and areas are re-grassed.  Please swing by the old 14 tee this fall and let me know what you think.

I mowed a pass around to better define the fescue.  A nice, uniform stand of grass that looks good tall.

The matted down grass in the foreground is our existing "mix".  Where Aaron stands is the re-seeded fescue.  It's easy to see the difference in uniformity from our existing grass to the new fescue area.

Old 14 black tee turned out looking good as well.

Here's the old, existing grass grown tall.  You almost can't see the ball, let alone hit it.

The less dense fescue offers a much easier view of the ball and the opportunity to make a play.

Again, the fescue offers a much more playable 'out of play area'