Bermudagrass control on fairways.

The discolored turf on this fairway has been treated with a herbicide that will stunt the growth of Bermudagrass (also turn the leaves white). The desirable turf (Bentgrass has been slightly discolored, but will recover.


Areas on other fairways have also been treated. (#’s 5,7,8,10,11 and 18)

It is with deep sadness reporting the passing of Stan Zontek(our USGA agronomist since 1987)

WVCC and the golfing world lost a great person this week with the passing of Stan Zontek. He has made yearly visits to our club since 1987. His advice ranging from turfgrass health, tree removals and input on the future of WVCC will be missed. His territory of responsibility was the Mid-Atlantic region but he was an integral part at every U.S. Open and any major USGA event. Those at the club who have known him over the years will realize that we truly lost a dear friend. 

The large dead spots on #6 fairway are still there, why aren't they fixed yet?

     I has been 17 days since the 1st application of a non-selective herbicide to eliminate Bermudagrass on the fairway. The 2nd application was made 4 days ago with the same product. We are also going to make one more application. Why all these applications and waiting periods? Bermudagrass is one of the most difficult grasses to get rid off after it is established and we have to make sure the herbicide treatment has enough time to translocate through as much of the plant as possible. Once we are sure that we have effected enough of the Bermudagrass the dead turf will be removed and sodded with Bentgrass. This is an abrupt process but one that is necessary.

Greens aeration in process, front nine completed and the back nine greens are being done today.

Our asst in training Pat Koch aerating the 11th green. We will follow this up by dragging the plugs to break them up followed by sand topdressing.

Reminder: Greens aeration this week.

     The grounds department will be aerating greens this week. On Tuesday August 21 the front nine will be aerated and on Wednesday August 22 the back nine will be worked on.

      During the aeration process the entire nine (back or front) will be closed and will open when completed.

PGA professional Fred Couples visited WVCC today!

Fred Couples

Field trials taking place on #8 fairway for Beemudagrass control in Bentgrass fairways .

Carts on paths today. 8/10" rain last night. 

Three days after application of non-selective herbicide to remove Bermudagrass from #6 fairway. This treatment will require a second application and time for the material to translocate into the plant.

After 1.5" of rain Friday morning the creek rises and starts backing up into the "dry creek".

A.M. thunderstorm puts "dry creek" to the test!

Senior asst. Jerry Stockmal and Asst.in training Pat Koch adding irrigation improvement to #18 forward tee.

Roped off areas on #6 fairway.

We are expediting the Bemudagrass removal process by spraying the contaminated areas with a non-selective herbicide. The removal requires two sprays at ten day intervals. During this time the effected areas will be roped off and marked ground under repair. Please remember not to walk over the rope because of the chance of residual herbicide being tracked on to the desirable turf. When the treated areas are completely dead sod will be installed.

Dead Willow tree being removed next to the cart path on hole #1.