Fall has been a busy season for the Agronomy team. This important season kicks off after all the fun of the Ladies’ Ranch Roundup, when we begin our greens aerification process. At the conclusion of this process in October, we have now seen the extraordinary benefit of the deep vertical slicing (Graden device) coupled with the normal aerification of punching holes and backfilling with sand. The bentgrass greens continue to improve season over season and moving into this winter, we can confidently say they are in great health! Currently, the greens are firm, fast and fun to play.

During the aerification and greens care week, we also completed a lake-edge restoration on #11. We experienced some erosion from heavy rains after renovating the lake. We deployed the SOX technology that helps maintain the lake edge stability over time. This is an actual “sock-like” device that is anchored into the shoreline and allows for the turf to root in, further increasing the long-term stability. The process was completed in only three days during the course closure and never interrupted play. 

Each season is never without a challenge or two and this October we were hit with a hard one.  On the evening of October 17th, our primary equipment building burned to the ground. This facility housed our Lead Technician’s office and nearly all of our turf mowing equipment. We are blessed and thankful that the only losses were those that are replaceable. No one was injured in the fire. In February of 2024, the Agronomy team cleaned every square inch of the building, repainted, epoxied the floors, and reorganized with all new storage spaces. Later in April, the fleet of equipment was all replaced and essentially, we had a new facility we were excited to have. This made the October fire not just unfortunate, but a sad day as the entire team watched their hard work burn down. The team rallied together and we were able to open the course with only one day of closure! Being able to open the course for play was the work of our very tight-knit golf community. Local Superintendents all offered equipment and tools, and themselves, to help in any way possible. Toro and John Deere were instrumental in quickly providing enough mowing equipment so we didn’t skip a beat. Playing the course, you would never know we lost everything, and that level of hospitality is only because of our amazing golf community!

With every challenge comes new opportunities. We are getting underway with the rebuilding of the facility and we are taking the time to capture the opportunity of building a more efficient and modern facility. The new space will feature a new drive-through, office, parts inventory storage and mower sharpening area. The team will have new tool storage areas and the ability to keep more equipment indoors and out of the elements. At the conclusion of the rebuild, look for a hosting of a “Behind-the-Scenes” tour where we will showcase the facility and give you a peek at how the team operates and takes care of our grounds.

The winter projects are in full swing as we are working diligently on our initiative of constant improvement. Other projects in progress include rebuilding bridges, renovating comfort station landscapes, introducing new plants around greens and tees, and intensive crew training for the upcoming golf season. All of these projects keep us engaged and excited to see our members enjoying time on the Ranch.

We are looking forward to another great golf season this spring, and we are excited to have you, your families and guests out enjoying the course as well.

Stu Rowland is the Director of Agronomy at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at srowland@cordilleraranch.com and 760.275.9459.