January Course Update

With the recent temperatures slipping lower than we have seen in over ten years here in the low country, Colleton River is definitely feeling this brutal winter weather.  Frozen pipes, broken above grounds valves, and plants with low temperature burn are just a few damages we have experienced that has been quite severe for our area.  We have begun the cleanup throughout the property from the wind gusts of over 30 mph, as well as cutting back the damage to much of the plant material injured.  The full effect of the latest “winter vortex” will show itself fully over the next few days on the golf courses as the color begins to fade on the grass from green to a light tan as the plant moves into full dormancy.   While mostly only an aesthetic challenge, it will slow the thickening of the over-seed on the tees, Nicklaus fairways and Dye greens.  We will begin painting these areas this week and anticipate things looking closer to normal in the next couple of weeks.

Freeze Damage

Do some of your plants look like this?  

 
Temperatures in the low country registered in the teens on the morning January 10th.  Several of the landscape plants we use are only cold hardy into the upper 20's.  Now we must figure out what to do with the mess that was left behind.  

Most of the plants' roots were insulated somewhat from the freeze because there was sufficient moisture available to them.  The worst damage from freezing temperatures occurs because the plant tissue desiccates from lack of moisture.  However, there are several tropical that probably did not survive the frigid temperatures.  In general, it is best to allow the damaged leaves on the plants.  That tissue will insulate the plant from further freezes in the future.  However, the dead leaves on the plants can be quite unsightly.  

Semi-tropical plants, such as Philodendrons, Shell Ginger, Fig Ivy, and Viburnums will make a good comeback.  More tropical plants such as Bird of Paradise, Stromanthe, Cassia, and Hibiscus may not recover.  These plants will need to have foliage removed fairly quickly to prevent the damage from penetrating into the roots.  

The semi-tropicals that were mentioned earlier can be left alone until the threat of another heavy freeze has passed.  However, if the frozen plants prove to be too unsightly, selective pruning can occur.  With Philodendrons, you should not cut the main stalk.  Only cut the leaves back to where they are attached to the stalk.  Shell Ginger should be selectively cut back to insure rapid recovery.  When pruning back Fig Ivy, try to get all the damage cut out.  The base of the plant should be okay, but removing the dead vines that are attached to a wall will provide a challenge.  Depending on the exposure, Viburnums may or may not have been affected.  Again, if the freeze damaged foliage can be left on the plants, it will aid against another freeze.  

Winter annuals such as Snapdragons, Calendulas, and Petunias should have the dead foliage removed to allow the plant to regrow quickly.  If you had tropical in urns or pots, those plants most likely will not recover.  Since their roots were above the ground and more exposed to the cold, it is less likely they survived.

New Landscaping around the Tennis Courts

Traveling along Colleton River Drive toward the Nicklaus Clubhouse, the landscape near the tennis courts has taken on a much improved look.  With the addition of the Grandstands at Court 3, our Community Grounds department has improved the quality of the plant materials along the fence of Courts 3, 4 and 5, to soften the look.  Additional drainage was added to aid in these enhancements.  Additional landscaping is scheduled to be completed around the tennis and pool complex in the months to come.

Community Grounds Spruces up Foot Pointe Drive

The Community Grounds Department has been working diligently to improve the thoroughfares throughout the Plantation.  Major Cart Path work was completed along Foot Pointe Drive and Oak Tree Road.  Landscaping in these areas has begun, with more additions to be added over time.  Following the advise of our Landscape Architect, the intersection of Foot Pointe Drive and Oak Tree Road has been enhanced to make it a more attractive intersection.  Work is still on-going with more to be done, however we are pleased at how this is turning out.

The USGA’s Preliminary Site Visit in Preparation for the 2015 US Junior Amateur

An Early Start on #1

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, Greg Sanfilippo and Pat O’Brien of the USGA were on property at the Dye Course to begin the USGA Course Setup and Preparation memo.  The course was walked hole by hole to review items such as heights of cut, mowing lines, hole sign locations, practice facility preparation, and to begin to get a feel for how the course should play during the 2015 USGA Junior Amateur.  Although the championship is still almost two years away, this gives an idea of how much planning and thought is put into a tournament of this caliber.  A big thanks goes out to several of our members for their assistance during this site visit: Dick Anderson, Karen Anderson, Al Thiess, and John Hicks, all of whom donated several hours of their time to aid in this process.  

Below are several photos from the two day visit.

  

Bill Hirchert and Greg Sanfilippo, of USGA, documenting item for the upcoming tournament in 2015

Dick Anderson, Greg Sanfilippo, and Derrick Garrou, Head Professional

Looking at just how “Thick and Gnarly” the rough should be in 2015.

Discussions and documentation consumed most of the day during the tour.

Almost every inch of the course was covered and discussed.

Al Thiess and John Hicks enjoying a warm morning.