Study #2 - Turlock Golf & Country Club – Turlock, CA.

In 2001 the club contacted Greenway Golf to seek an opinion as to the issues facing the club. Several years of excessive fertilization had created a monumental thatch layer and greens that were nearly 100% poa. At that time we tested the water and we were able to determine that the nitrates in the water were contributing significantly to the problem. It was recommended that the greens be resurfaced. The club agreed to our proposal and in October 2001 began the project.

Greenway was responsible for overseeing the grow-in and remained in a consulting capacity until the end of 2003. At that time Turlock CC had some of the finest bent grass greens to be found anywhere. The membership was ecstatic with the results. In fact, things were going so well the club felt that they did not need our services any longer and decided not to renew our consulting contract.

In the summer of 2006 one of the members asked that we come out to take a look at the course as they were once again having problems. Incredibly the greens were thin, the bent grass root structure was poor and unhealthy levels of thatch were beginning to develop. The heat that summer was causing severe damage to the new greens. The club asked us to consult again, while we respectfully declined we indicated that the only way we would consider coming back would be in a full management capacity.

In October of 2006 the club approved our five-year management contract and we assumed management of the course maintenance. In a matter of months after implementing the Greenway Agronomic program we began to see the greens return to a more healthy state with a developing root structure. By the men’s invitational in early June 2007 the golf course was being described by long time members as “the best conditions in the history of the club”.

The greens are now fast and firm with speeds in excess of 11 feet on the stimp meter and poa has all but disappeared. Roots depths are at 8+ inches in depth and the density of the bent grass is optimal. In addition, the thatch levels have dissipated to acceptable levels.

The membership at Turlock Golf & CC is completely satisfied with the results that we have been able to achieve during this past year. The club is selling memberships and the value of memberships is escalating for the first time in years.