Hello Everyone, I apologize that it has been a month since my last submission, but we have been very busy with opening Miller, finishing up some things around that course to enhance your experience and working on other projects around Weiskopf and Grand Pines.

Miller:  Well it is finally open and I have to say it is great to see golfers out enjoying this course.  I feel as if the greens grew in really well.  Our first set of greens were planted on June 8th, so for 4 month old greens I am pleased.  Obviously, as these greens mature and age, they will become softer and more receptive to holding shots.  All new greens are hard.  This comes from lack of what I call the mat that older greens have.  The mat consists of older plant material underneath the canopy of new leaves that we topdress over and over.  Also this mat consists of an organic layer below the plant that holds moisture and nutrients.  Without this these greens will continue to feel firm.  However, I have heard that they aren't as hard as one might expect, so our aggressive topdressing during grow-in must have helped.  New sod around all greens and collars and tees will continue to mature as well and these thinner areas on the edges of sod seams will continue to melt in as we grow out of  construction.  Overall, I am pleased with how the course looks and hope to someday play it and find out how it plays.  The bunkers are impressive to me.  The look of white sand against a backdrop of green grass is a great look.  I have heard that the bunkers play great, which is a testament to many things.  Ownership wanted this white expensive sand, which is a great testament to their commitment to reinvesting back into BYCC.  The liner system at this present time is the top of the line liner system.  It's like owning the iPhone 8.  Understanding that in the next 5-10 years there may be something better, but at this point of construction this liner system is the best and I think the way we came through Harvey is a testament to how good these bunkers should perform over the next years to come. 

Weiskopf:  The rough is now being mowed down to the acceptable 1.75".  It will looked a little scalped out there once you get over to play it, but that is what was necessary to drop it from the 2" we have been maintaining our rough since Harvey.  Having said this, you may think it may play easier, but I am afraid with how Bermuda grass grows, this rough may actually play tougher.  Bermuda grass puts on a heavy layer of leaves on the top of the plant. This heavy layer of turf on top, often can cushion your ball from falling through to the ground.  Now that we have removed a vast majority of this leaf surface on top, your ball will mostly likely nestle down in all the rough.  However, I am confident that as we continue to mow the rough at this height the plants will put on new leaf tissue thus allowing your ball the chance of resting up on top.  Bunkers are still in need of sand.  Now that majority of the pine straw has been laid on Miller, we will move our team to the bunkers on Weiskopf.  We will spend the next few months adding sand to these bunkers to make them more playable and as good as we can. 

Grand Pines:  Lots of sod being laid everywhere along cart path edges, tree lines etc.  We have laid over 25,000 square feet of sod and we close to being grassed edge to edge.  I understand that there are areas next to thick forest coverage where the turf might be thin, but with limited sunlight it is difficult to have a thick stand of Bermuda grass.  However, it is our intention to continue to lay sod and grow championship quality fairways and tees for your enjoyment. 

Member Guest update:  I have been asked what green speeds will be for Member Guest, I can only tell you what they tell you at Augusta National during The Masters.  We will be at tournament speed.  I am sure you will notice a difference for you and your guests to enjoy.  My advice, stay below the hole!! I look forward to working hard for you all prepping the courses for you to show off to your guests.  Look forward to seeing you all out on the courses.

Regards,

Donny Latham