Grass, Grit and a Grand Opening: Cordillera Ranch Agronomy

By:
Stu Rowland, Director of Agronomy

It’s been a busy and exciting summer here at Cordillera Ranch — the kind of summer where the sun rises early, the workday seems to fly by, and the coffee pot never really gets a break. While our crew has been hard at work on the course, there’s been another big project taking shape behind the scenes: our newly renovated turf care facility, which we’re thrilled to announce will be complete the first week of September.

This is more than just a new building for us. It’s the next chapter in our story — nearly 10 months after the fire that forced us to adjust, adapt, and operate without the dedicated space we once had. The team is more than ready to move in — and with good reason. The renovation includes enclosing the former covered storage area, which means every single piece of equipment we own will finally be stored inside, safe from sun, rain and the occasional Texas dust storm. Inside the main equipment building, we now have a dedicated workshop for our equipment technicians, a grinding and sharpening room, and expanded parts and storage areas. The design emphasizes flow and function, making it easier to store, access, and maintain our mowers and tools. No more “mower shuffle” to get one piece out — and no more wondering where that one tool disappeared to.

Technology has also found a home in our operations. You may have seen our FireFly autonomous mowers quietly going about their work on the fairways, but that’s just the start. Behind the scenes, our crew uses detailed scheduling software to track every hour and every task. Each job comes with a QR code that links to a step-by-step guide on how it should be done — a huge help in training and ensuring consistency. Our equipment technicians use a program called “My Turf,” which allows each mower to communicate directly with a central computer. The system logs hours, schedules maintenance, and alerts technicians when service is due. It’s like a health tracker for machines — except these machines cut grass instead of calories.

Out on the course, we kept things just as productive. During the July closure, we aerified, verticut, and topdressed all zoysia surfaces. Thanks to favorable weather and a strong recovery, we’re already enjoying smoother, healthier playing conditions. We also tackled a big sand project, adding 600 tons of “Arkansas Premier White” to our bunkers. This sand compacts beautifully, plays consistently, and gives golfers a variety of shot options. In short — it’s as good for play as it is for the look of the course.

It’s been a full, challenging and rewarding season. The course has seen major improvements, the team has worked hard through the summer heat, and we’re on the verge of moving into a facility that will take our operations to the next level.

Once the renovation is complete, we’ll be inviting members for a grand opening and behind-the-scenes tour. It will be your chance to see exactly how much work — and how much pride — goes into keeping Cordillera Ranch one of the best courses in Texas. Until then, we’ll be out there mowing, raking, and making sure both the course and our soon-to-be new shop are ready for their moment in the spotlight. 

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

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