Aggressive Turkey Warning

Some players are reporting that some wild turkeys on the golf course have been very threatening and aggressive.  The turkeys have closely followed players, and have displayed scary, intimidating behavior.

A few things about wild turkeys:

They are a game animal and are protected by the CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife.

Most turkeys are non-aggressive.  Some do protect nests or breeding interests.

They do fly and have sharp feet and wing spurs.

The local groups of turkeys have been seen primarily on Holes #8 - #18.  The  Practice Area on #19 has also been "hot spot" for bird activity.

Players should keep their golf bag between themselves and any turkeys at close range. If needed, players should firmly swing a club or rake to ward off more aggressive birds.

Please notify the Golf Shop if being harassed on the course. Marshals and Maintenance staffers have been instructed to chase and haze the birds back into the surrounding areas. Seed will also be temporarily eliminated from the divot mix.  By eliminating a food source, it should eliminate the need for turkeys to visit the tees and fairways.

We hope these tips will help keep your rounds fun and safe.  It is always nice to see wildlife on the course, but please practice caution with these animals.

Storm Damage from the Weekend

Here are a few photos of the large trees we lost on Holes #15 and #16 over the weekend.  Winds were clocked over 50 mph Friday afternoon.  We also received a much needed 2.57 inches of rain.

Uprooted Coast Live Oak on #15 (click photo to enlarge)

Split Coast Live Oak on #16

Greens Damage from an Equestrian

This video shows how devastating a horse can be simply walking across a green.  This occurred Saturday afternoon on our Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex.  It didn't help that we had nearly 1" of rain two days beforehand.

Upcoming Project - University Lake Water Line to Cross Campus Drive

Just a heads up, the University Water Department will be extending their new Lake Water line starting on December 21st.  They will extend the line that crossed Hole #1 this Fall, across Campus Drive heading toward the Faculty neighborhoods.  Traffic controls will be in place on JSB and West Campus, so please allow a little time when coming to the Golf Course or Driving Range.

Fall Update

The golf course has made it through the summer, but remains under drought restrictions.  Fall rains have been helpful, with a little over 2" since 9/1/15.  We're hoping the regular showers continue. The winter rains are badly needed to get us back on track for water storage.

The golf course did very well in the water conservation category this year, exceeding the 30% mandate.  From January through September, the golf course water consumption was down by 46% compared to 2013.  So far the course has saved 47,790,293 gallons of water in this category.

There are a few areas where irrigation was restricted that may be roped off this winter.  Many of these areas will be re-seeded and top dressed to re-establish turf, if we receive enough rain to end the restrictions.  A determination will be made in late winter.  A long-term strategy is being worked on to further reduce unnecessary irrigation acreage, to make the water savings permanent.

Finally, wildlife has been abundant this year.  Many animals are coming down to the golf course to feed, with the surrounding hills being so dry.  Raccoons have been a bit problematic, but otherwise the additional wildlife has been a welcome sight!

Mid-Summer 2015

Welcome to the mid-summer edition of Ken's Golf Course Blog!

In the next couple weeks, look for a sewer construction project to take place along the Upper Practice Green, and more PG&E gas pipeline work/inspections along Junipero Serra Blvd.

We've been very busy in Golf Maintenance with everything from drought issues to Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex construction.  Below is a video and a few photos of what's been happening.

The Golden Eagles are back!

I caught a glimpse of this golden eagle enjoying his dinner near the corner of #7.....

Unfortunately Pine Bark Beetles are also back.....

We lost this Monterey Pine behind #12 green, and also one to the left of #15 fairway.  The drought has undoubtedly added stress to the trees, reducing sap flows, allowing the beetles free reign when burrowing under the bark.

Drought and Water Reductions have impacted the turf.....

When will the drought end?  The answer is completely uncertain at this point, despite forecasts of an El Nino pattern this winter.  Our concerns are if we be able to start repairs of the damaged areas before the cold of winter.  If not, turf recovery and seedling establishment will be very slow.  

Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex - Version 2.0.....

Construction is going full steam at the new complex.  We've hired two new employees, Assistant Superintendent Dan James and Greenskeeper Ignacio Gonzales.  Dan comes to Siebel most recently from Peninsula G&CC, and Ignacio from Burlingame CC.

Four new greens are being constructed, eight new bunkers, four new teeing areas, and a large split fairway, as well as a new Varsity Clubhouse and Hitting Bay building.  The entire complex is being drained and sand capped with eight inches of USGA sand.  Below are some photos of the construction and grow-in currently underway....

SVGTC fairway looking North

Early mowing on a newly seeded green

Revetted wall pot bunker

Hitting Bay Building Under Construction

Varsity Clubhouse Under Construction

Easter Turkey Sighting

A group of wild turkeys were spotted by members Richard Boyd and John Livingston on Sunday. This photo was shot near the 16th tee.  Although turkeys are seen in many places around the Bay Area, they are rarely seen at Stanford Golf Course.

It is always nice to see wildlife on the golf course.  Many times it is forgotten how golf courses provide the habitat and open space required for abundant wildlife!