THE CLUB AT LAS CAMPANAS
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Visit date: October 5, 2016
Present:
Tom Egelhoff, Director of Agronomy
Albert Antonez, General Manager/COO
Brad Lardon, Director of Golf Operations
Brian Whitlark, USGA
United States Golf Association
Brian Whitlark, Agronomist | Green Section | West Region
3677 E Turnberry Court | Gilbert, Arizona | (480) 215-1958 | [email protected]
The USGA Green Section develops and disseminates sustainable management practices that produce better
playing conditions for better golf.
The following report summarizes the discussions and recommendations made during
the Course Consulting Service visit on October 5, 2016.
The focus of the visit was to review general course conditions and offer suggestions for
long- range and short-term improvement. Specific topics covered in this report include:

Putting greens

Putting green collars

Fairways

Tees

Irrigation

Bunkers

Miscellaneous
Please contact our office if you should have any questions concerning this report,
or if we can contribute in other ways to your turf management operations.
PUTTING GREENS
Current conditions – The surface quality of the putting greens on the Sunrise Golf
Course was excellent over the three days spent with the agronomy team at The Club
at Las Campanas. With only a single mow and a roll on Wednesday, and rolling
only on Thursday, green speeds measured at a low of 12 feet and a high of just
over 13 feet as measured by the USGA Stimpmeter. Maybe more importantly than
the ball roll distance achieved was the very smooth ball roll. In part, the smooth ball roll
can be attributed to the improvement in the quality of cut over the past year.
Compliments are extended to the equipment operation team for their diligent efforts.
As measured through a prism gauge, the effective height of cut was approximately 0.100 inch.
The quality of cut was quite good and has improved substantially since last year.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 2
The surface quality of the Sunset putting greens continues to improve since the aeration
conducted several weeks ago with 5/8-inch outside diameter tines on a 1.5-inch
by 2-inch spacing and that most of the holes have nearly healed. Soil profile samples
revealed that the tines penetrated to a depth of 4 to 5 inches and sand filled the voids
to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. It was good to see rooting at 7 inches or more on both
courses. The biggest challenge that remains is elevated thatch and organic matter
levels in the top 3 to 4 inches.
Thatch depth on both courses measured at approximately
2 to 4 inches in the putting greens. An easily identifiable
accumulation of sand was observed near the surface,
which is a good indication that the sand topdressing
program is working to dilute thatch at the surface.
Thatch and organic matter management – Levels of thatch and organic matter in the
top 2 to 4 inches of the putting greens remain elevated on both courses; however,
the agronomic team is clearly making positive progress as a sand layer is clearly
visible in the top 3/10 to 1/2 inch immediately beneath the surface. It was interesting
to see that water could not be squeezed from the layer well diluted with sand, but could
easily be squeezed from the elevated thatch layer beneath the zone of elevated sand.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 3
It is clear that the agronomic team has made positive strides to improve the quality
of the putting surfaces, but it is also important to note that significant work remains.
With that in mind, please consider the following practices to improve the putting surfaces
on both courses:

Sand topdressing is critical to continue to dilute the thatch and organic
matter levels near the surface. A good goal will be to apply 25 cubic
feet of sand per 1,000 square feet per year (2,500 pounds per 1,000
square feet per year). Given the relatively short growing season
at Las Campanas, the majority of that sand should be applied during
the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall in order to avoid disrupting
golfers during the prime season. However, it is important to note that
it is unwise to apply sand infrequently and at high rates, which will
cause layers of sand and organic matter. As such, it is important
to apply sand during the entire growing season from spring to fall.
The sand can be applied frequently during the summer months at
very light rates to avoid disrupting the playing surface. For these
events, approximately 0.5 cubic feet of sand per 1,000 square feet
per application (50 pounds per 1,000 square feet) should be applied.
Keep in mind that sand applied at very light rates infrequently will
provide smoother ball roll conditions when compared to sand
applied infrequently, but at higher rates. Furthermore, at lighter
rates, the impact on the quality of cut on the mowers is less.

Ideally, each sand topdressing event would be coordinated with light
vertical mowing. It is suggested to utilize non-carbide tipped 1-mm
wide blades spaced at approximately 3/4 inch apart. Beginning in the
spring, the blades should be set even with the bottom of the wheels
(or roller) at zero. As growth increases on the bentgrass, the blades
can be set more aggressively and ultimately a depth of approximately
0.070 to 0.090-inch below the bottom of the rollers or wheels. These
vertical mowing events not only help to improve the surface quality,
but encourage the sand applied to work down into the vertical mowing
lines. Ideally, the vertical mower would be run in the backtrack method
(the vertical mower is run up on one pass and immediately back upon
the same pass) during each vertical mowing event.

Core aeration is another critical component of the thatch reduction
plan. Given that the thatch extends to approximately 2 to 4 inches
in the greens, it is suggested to utilize a 6-inch tine, which typically
will pull approximately a 5-inch core. It will be important to remove
at least 20 percent of the surface of the greens annually. The current
program utilizing the 5/8-inch outside diameter tines on a 1.5-inch by
2-inch spacing is an excellent program and should continue for the
foreseeable future.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 4
Closure days – It is important to emphasize that the regular sand topdressing and
vertical mowing operations mentioned above are absolutely critical to improving the
surface quality and playability of the putting greens. These are time-consuming
practices and there is no structure currently in place to allow the agronomic team
to conduct these important practices on a regular schedule. Over the past three
years, this agronomist has been fortunate to be intimately involved with the agronomic
practices for the US Open Senior Championship held at Oak Tree National, Del Paso
Country Club and this year at Scioto Country Club. One common theme with all these
golf courses that produce premium putting surfaces is their ability to topdress greens
and verticut on a weekly schedule. Consequently, the greens at all three courses were
in excellent condition. The club governance at Las Campanas is strongly encouraged
to plan for one closure day per week on each golf course to allow the agronomic staff
to employ these important practices in an efficient manner without disturbing the
members and guests.
Poa annua control and management on the Sunrise Course – The Poa annua
population has increased on the Sunrise Golf Course with approximately 30 to 60
percent Poa annua on the putting greens. In the cool climate at over 6,000 feet, it is
inevitable that the annual bluegrass will eventually contaminate the putting greens
and other areas on the golf course. This development does not necessarily necessitate
drastic measures, in fact, some of the best golf courses in the world have putting
surfaces dominated by Poa annua. The key next year will be to manage the Poa annua
seed heads. Begin using the Proxy® at 5 ounces per acre once growth ensues in the
spring in combination with Primo® and continue through June and even July for
continuous seed head control. As already planned for this year, make a fall application.
Research suggests initiating the Primo®/Proxy® spray combination for seed head
control when cumulative growing degree days equal 400 – 600 (base 32 degrees).
Applications should be made approximately 3 to 4 weeks apart. More than likely,
3 to 4 applications (or more) will be necessary.
Poa annua control and management on the Sunset Course – A substantial Poa annua
population is present on the Sunset Golf Course, but not to the extent as the Sunrise
Golf Course. The same program should be employed as mentioned above utilizing
Proxy® for seed head control; however, it is suggested to utilize paclobutrazol during
June, July, August and September in an effort to reduce the Poa annua and encourage
the bentgrass to gain a competitive advantage. Please consider the following treatment
frequencies and rates for paclobutrazol:

Spray 6 ounces per acre every 2 weeks in the spring with minimal growth.

Increase the rate to 9 ounces per acre in June when growth is more active
and up to 11 ounces per acre during the peak summer growth and into
early fall.

Water in for 2 to 3 minutes and another 15 minutes that evening.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 5
Nitrogen inputs – The total nitrogen inputs on putting greens annually should likely fall
between 2 and 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. This amount of nitrogen
should supply enough nutrients for the turf to recover from ball marks and avoid
excessive thatch production. In addition, it is suggested to apply approximately
1.5 to 2 pounds of potassium frequently throughout the year. It is very unlikely that
phosphorus would be required. Apply micronutrients in liquid applications on a regular
schedule.
PUTTING GREEN COLLARS
Sunset Golf Course – It was good to hear that there are plans to strip the collars
on the Sunset Golf Course and replace with new bentgrass sod. This practice
is employed every 3 to 7 years at many golf courses to improve the tie-ins between
the putting greens and the approaches/green surrounds as well as to eliminate
contamination from Poa annua or other cool-season grasses. Moving forward, the
practice of replacing the collars should be planned for every 3 to 7 years on both
golf courses.
FAIRWAYS
Current conditions – The quality of the bentgrass turf on both courses was excellent
during the multiple-day Course Consulting Service visit. Holes from the recent aeration
were nearly healed completely on the fairways of the Sunset Golf Course. Probably the
biggest improvement observed on both courses was the superior quality of cut when
compared to past visits to the club. When mowed above 3/10 inch, bentgrass can
become quite "leggy" with wide leaf blades growing horizontally along the ground,
which consequently hampers the ability to achieve a good quality of cut. It appears
the grooming and aggressive mower setup has significantly improved the quality of cut
on the bentgrass fairways, which results in healthier turf, an improved playing surface
and enhances cosmetics.
Thatch and organic matter management – It was good to see the positive progress
with regard to thatch and organic matter management on both golf courses. Soil profile
samples clearly showed approximately 1/2 inch or more of accumulated sand near the
surface of the fairways. Mr. Egelhoff reported that 50 tons of sand per acre will be
applied this year and approximately 80 tons of sand per acre is planned for next year.
Additionally, an aggressive dethatching process is employed in the spring in two
directions followed by core aeration in the fall. This program is agronomically sound
and should continue for the foreseeable future.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 6
A light colored zone approximately 1/2 inch deep
dominated by sand is visible at the surface of the
fairways. As sand accumulates, the surfaces will
become firmer and drain more efficiently.
TEES
Drip irrigation – In the spring of this year, drip irrigation was installed on six tees,
four tees on the Sunrise Golf Course and two on the Sunset Golf Course. Toro® inline
drip irrigation was installed on three tees and Rainbird™ drip irrigation on the other
three. Over the next three years, Bernd Leinauer of New Mexico State University,
in conjunction with support from the USGA, will be evaluating and comparing turf
quality and water inputs of the drip-irrigated tees and the overhead-irrigated tees.
Although there are no numbers to report as of yet, it is clear that there is strong
potential for the drip-irrigated tees to produce good turf conditions with reduced water
inputs. The lessons learned from this experiment will be valuable to expand the drip
irrigation for the tees at Las Campanas as well as to share the information with golf
courses throughout the Southwest and Western regions where water inputs are
critically monitored.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 7
Inline drip irrigation installed on this teeing ground is undetectable when compared
to tees irrigated in the more conventional overhead irrigation. Water inputs and the
effect on off-target vegetation will be evaluated over a three-year period.
IRRIGATION
Sunrise Golf Course – Although the irrigation heads, satellite controllers and central
computer were updated to modern technology, the wiring, pipes and isolation valves
are 23 years old, and it will soon be time to replace this infrastructure. Furthermore,
the irrigation spacing and the undersized mainline restrict the ability to achieve high
distribution uniformity. Mr. Egelhoff reported that approximately 75 percent of the
heads on the Sunrise Golf Course offer single head control and that upgrading the
system would allow for individual head control across the entire golf course with
greater flexibility. A conservative estimate for water savings would be 5 percent
annually with properly sized pipe and improved spacing. When the time comes
to replace the piping, the club governance may consider additional projects such
as bunker renovation, tee leveling, drip irrigation and potentially regrassing of the
greens and greens surrounds. For further reading on replacing and irrigation system,
please click this link When Is It Time to Replace an Irrigation System?
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 8
BUNKERS
Sunrise Golf Course – The playability of the bunkers was evaluated with the USGA
TruFirm™ device on the Sunrise Golf Course during the visit. Although sand in some
areas is contaminated with rocks, bunker playability remains quite good.
The contaminated sand does require aggressive raking on a regular schedule
to prevent the bunkers from becoming too firm. Eventually, the sand will need to be
replaced and the installation of a durable bunker liner should be considered. However,
for the time being, the bunkers offer good playability.
The turf surrounding the bunkers on the Sunrise Golf Course consists of a mixture
of ryegrass, bluegrass and turf-type tall fescue. Many courses have found that installing
turf-type fescue in the area surrounding the bunkers will produce better turf conditions
throughout the year, especially on south-facing slopes where the ryegrass and
bluegrass often struggle. When the time comes to renovate the bunkers, it is suggested
to install one or two sod widths of turf-type tall fescue along all of the bunker perimeters.
It is further suggested to utilize inline drip irrigation to water the slopes (especially
south-facing slopes) to reduce the need for overhead irrigation, which is quite inefficient
in these areas. It was good to see that some inline drip already exists on the bunker
perimeters. Leading up to the USGA Women's State Team Championship in 2017,
it is suggested to address areas where turf is thin along bunker edges to ensure that
there is a defined edge between the hazard and the surrounding turf. This may require
sodding in some areas. Additionally, Mr. Egelhoff noted that he and his maintenance
team will work to sieve the bunker sand on the Sunrise Golf Course in order to reduce
the number of small pebbles and stones. Finally, when the time comes to renovate
bunkers on the Sunrise Golf Course, it is suggested to install a durable liner. With that
in mind, you may consider installing several trial bunkers to become acquainted with
the products before a decision is made that will impact the entire golf course. Please
consider the following durable liners:
Bunker Solution, Phone: (214) 564-4478
Website: http://www.bunkersolution.com/
The Better Billy Bunker Method, Adam Lemons (615) 847-8877
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website: http://www.billybunker.com/
Capillary Concrete, Ted Fist, Phone: (847) 337-0808
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.capillaryconcrete.com/capillary-bunker/
Polylast Bunker Liner, Phone: (480) 998-3033
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://polylastsystems.com/
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 9
Sunset Golf Course – The bunkers on the Sunset Golf Course were renovated
last year and a StaLok™ bunker liner was installed. The Pro/Angle sand from Ohio
was installed in all of the bunkers. This sand is of high quality, but very expensive
to transport. The USGA TruFirm™ device was used to evaluate the firmness of the
bunkers on the Sunset Golf Course, and this data revealed that in some areas where
the sand is shallow (less than 4 inches), the bunker sand is wet and it is quite firm.
In some areas, the bunkers were arguably too firm and would risk players bouncing
their club off of the sand and sculling the golf ball across the green. Further inspection
of the bunkers revealed that in most cases there is ample sand, however, some of the
sand has been pushed up on to the faces resulting in thin conditions on the floor of the
bunkers. As such, it is suggested to conduct an audit of all the bunkers on the Sunset
Golf Course using a probe and adjust sand depths to achieve approximately 6 inches
on the bunker floors and 2 to 3 inches on the bunker faces. It is likely that this
adjustment alone will significantly improve the playability of the bunkers on the
Sunset Golf Course.
Raking techniques – A method that involves in "smoothing" bunker faces is gaining
popularity in the United States. Golf courses often utilize the rounded edge of the
bunker rakes, a small squeegee or even a very light aggressive push broom to smooth
bunker faces and only the floor of the bunkers are raked. This technique has been
utilized at major championship venues and is not only popular with players, but often
Bunker "smoothing" is becoming popular in the United States. This technique
encourages golf balls to roll down to the bottom of bunker floors and can often
reduce the labor hours needed for routine bunker maintenance.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 10
will marginally reduce the labor inputs required to maintain the bunkers on a regular
basis. It is suggested to experiment with this technique and utilize a variety of different
tools to smooth the bunker faces and rake the floors. This technique should help
to reduce the amount of sand that moves around the bunkers as a result of daily
raking and therefore should improve consistency. Included below are several
resources on this raking technique:

Firm the Sand on Bunker Faces by Doing Less

Is Minimalist Bunker Maintenance Coming Next to Your Course?

Bunkers: A Hot Topic Once Again
MISCELLANEOUS
Labor – A growing trend in the golf industry is to utilize labor-tracking computer software
to quantify all labor tasks on the golf course. One of the most popular software tools
currently in the marketplace is the ASB Task Tracker. This is a web-based application
can be utilized by the superintendent and assistant superintendents to update tasks
Task tracking software and wide screen monitors are
useful to clearly communicate jobs to the staff.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 11
when out on the golf course and the data can even be viewed by crewmembers on their
smartphones. More than just a digital job board, this software allows the agronomic
team to accurately quantify the time it takes to complete labor tasks on the golf course
and can produce reports showing the amount of money spent to complete specific task
such as mowing greens, raking bunkers, fairways, fixing irrigation breaks, etc. These
reports are extremely valuable during the budgeting process and determining labor
requirements. Club governance is often surprised to see that many courses spend
more money on maintaining bunkers than on the most important part of the golf course
– the putting greens.
Course Details – Mr. Egelhoff noted that it is increasingly difficult to attract and retain
labor at Las Campanas. Although funds have been budgeted for labor, often positions
remain unfilled due to the lack of available applicants. It was also reported that the
club might consider increasing the entry-level wage in an attempt to attract potential
employees. With the limited amount of labor available, some maintenance details
such as edging cart paths and trimming in edging bunkers on a routine basis cannot
be addressed as frequently as Mr. Egelhoff and the management team would like.
Furthermore, Mr. Egelhoff noted that the turf immediately adjacent to cart path edges
and near parking areas at tees and greens has not been aerated, seeded and hand
watered as desired due to limited labor resources.
Trees on the Sunrise Golf Course – The population of the juniper trees on the Sunrise
Golf Course has increased and the trees have grown to the point where removal,
pruning and trimming operations are necessary. More specifically, trees in close
proximity to the island tees are creating shade problems, and the root encroachment
Juniper trees in close proximity to teeing grounds can cause poor turf wear
due to shade and competition for water and nutrients and should be
removed.
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 12
in tees increases the water demand and stress on the bentgrass turf. Furthermore,
trees that have grown in close proximity to the turf along fairways and green surrounds
reduce the open views across the golf course, and localized areas can have a negative
impact on pace of play due to lost balls and penalty shots. With that in mind, it was good
to hear that the agronomic team has plans to strategically remove some of the juniper
trees that have an impact turf quality on tees, and it is suggested to develop a plan
to prune and remove trees along turf perimeters where appropriate.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for the opportunity to visit the Club at Las Campanas and offer assistance
with your turf maintenance programs. Best wishes for continued progress, and I look
forward to being of further assistance on behalf of the USGA Green Section.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Whitlark, Agronomist
USGA Green Section
bw:dc
Distribution:
Tom Egelhoff, Director of Agronomy
Course Consulting Service Report
Page 13