Landscape Project

We recently pulled out old, overgrown shrubbery that partially died from the harsh winter. The two areas we aesthetically upgraded, were behind #1 Lakes Course Tee and behind the pro shop/banquet area. We are extremely happy with the way it turned out and we hope you are as well!

Below is a picture of the before and after of one of the flower beds. We used mostly perennial plants that will provide extended color throughout the main golf season.

Bees in Bunkers

 

The bees you are seeing in the bunkers are called Eastern Cicada Wasp Killers. Although their large size and swarming can seem intimidating, these bees are non-aggressive. Unless these insects are directly handled, they try to avoid contact and WILL NOT STING PEOPLE. Control of these wasps are extremely difficult, because they do not swarm or have nests. They are a very solitaire bee that prefers to be by itself. The Cicada Wasp killer will be around for 4-6 weeks and we are currently on about week 2 right now (7/11/14.)

The picture to the left is one of the wasp killing the Cicada insect, that it is named after. The picture on the right is a typical burrow that you will see in a bunker edge.

 

Once again, there is no danger with these bees. We apologize for the inconvenience.

 

Bug Spray and Sunscreen Kill Grass

With all of the rainy weather lately, the bugs are out in full force. The picture below is a footprint of someone who sprayed themselves on #1 Woodside fairway. Bug spray and sunscreen kill turf. We would appreciate it if you would spray yourself in the parking lot or on a cart path before teeing off.

 

Thank You!

Ball Marks

On both the Lakeside and Woodside courses at Butler's, we have put a lot of time and effort into repairing ball marks on the greens. Each day, before mowing, our operators walk and fix upwards of 20-30 ball marks on every green. It is extremely difficult to make a putt when your ball bounces over these unfixed ball marks on its way to the hole. We ask that as a courtesy to you and others, that you fix your ball mark and two others as you walk onto the green. This will improve the smoothness of the greens and in turn, improve your game!

 

I have attached a video showing the proper way to fix the ball marks. As with anything else, please do not hesitate to stop me on the course for a quick demonstration.

 

Thank You!

 

Pace of Play Tips

On every golf course, pace of play is a concern. It is a concern for both the golf course and the golfer. We all want to get through our round in a timely manner; typically in under 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Why does this never seem to happen on a busy Saturday afternoon then? It's often a combination of little things not done, that wind up contributing to slow play and traffic jams. Pace of play comes down to basically being prepared and being ready to play. It does not mean you need to feel rushed!

Here are a few things you and your golfing partners can do to help speed up your play:

1) Choose a set of tees appropriate to your skill level. For example, a 25 handicap should never play the "tips" or "pro tees."

2) Each member of the group should proceed to his or hers ball individually, not as a group. This way, everyone is ready to play there next shot when it is there turn.

3) Limit your search for lost balls; Most of the time if you cant find your ball in 1 minute or less, you wont find it in 5 or 10 minutes either. Drop a ball, take a stroke and continue. You aren't in a PGA event (although we all wish we were!)

4) Always keep up with the group in front of you.

I have also added a link below with tips on pace of play from the USGA and Billy Casper, Please take a look!:

Pace of play tips from Billy Casper

Memorial Day

      Like many others, I too am looking forward to the first holiday of summer: lots of grilled food and the golf season really gets going!
      However, I also think back to my grandfather; who passed away a few years ago and served in WWII. I love looking at pictures he sent of he and his buddies to my Mom. He was so young and though he told me of the good times; I can't imagine the stress he was under at other times-essentially risking his life and the lives of the people who wanted freedom so badly.
      He was a proud, patriotic man; who got choked up every time the National Anthem was played. When I was young, he took me to commemorative events as a way to pay respect for those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Through his example, I have a deep admiration to those who serve or have served.
     
God Bless all members of our Armed Forces and Thank you for those who sacrificed your lives so that I may live free.


We have placed American Flags on the 18th hole of each course. Please take the time and place the flags in the holders provided, as to not let the flag touch the ground. Thank You!

Spring Aerification

Here at Butler's, we have one true aerification period (pulling a core and heavily topdressing in the fall) and 4 months of steady greens venting starting in May. Venting involves placing a 3/8 of an inch hole on 2 inch centers roughly about 3 inches in depth. Venting does many things for our greens including but not limited to:

 

• increased water infiltration into the subsoil
• added root growth in the spring
• increased oxygen exchange within the rootzone

We vent roughly 18 greens a week and are on a continuous cycle (we have 43 greens total with practice greens and 4 hole par 3 course.) The best part about all this, besides healthier and better playing surfaces for you, is that after a mow and/or roll, this process does not effect play at all.