Native Areas

Yellow Rocket will be hand
picked from native areas

As the native fine fescue areas are establishing from last years seeding, there are also some opportunistic weeds deciding to make their home inside them as well. Although temporarily unsightly, some of the weeds are a good thing.  While fescue can get dense very quickly after seeding which does not provide the best playability for golfers, some other vegetative growth can be helpful at establishment to keep the fescue stand thin.  As the summer progresses our staff will be pulling large weeds by hand to help maintain these areas followed by chemical applications in the fall. Applying herbicides to control weeds while the fescue is still young can damage the new fescue seedlings.  A good analogy would be how a common cold can be very harmful to an infant but just annoying to an adult.  Same is true for herbicides used on juvenile

Turf inten Derek Sawle hand pulling
weeds from new fescue areas

fescue.  They can be very damaging until the plant is mature.  As these areas mature, weeds will become much less of an issue.  The dandelions that can be seen right now will subside and the chemical treatments done this fall will remove them.  Our staff will also be reseeding select areas that did not establish as well last year so a few areas are still a work in progress.  The fescue areas that have produced seed heads this year will give you a nice feel for how they will all look in the next 3-5 years.

Great definition can already be
seen in this fescue area.  In July the seed
heads will turn golden brown and
provide a very nice, clean look to the course!

Enjoy your holiday weekend and we look forward to seeing you on the course!

Fescue Areas

Today I observed that our natural fescue areas that were seeded last year are beginning to produce seed heads.  These seed heads will grow to about 12-18 inches tall and turn brown in late June to early July.  It is crucial that there be NO CART TRAFFIC in these areas. 

Assistant Superintendent - Position Available

Education:  Two or four year degree in golf/sports turf management or similar field.

Position Description:   Walnut Creek Country Club offers a great experience including management of both annual bluegrass and bentgrass greens, tees, and fairways.  In addition, there are three different methods of greens construction represented including soil push up, sand based, and USGA.  Candidates for this position will be exposed to all activities in the organization.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to detailed course set up, crew management, chemical and fertilizer applications, irrigation installation and repairs, and proper training and execution of hand watering.  Ideal candidates will be self motivated, honest, trustworthy, and have a positive attitude.

Experience requirements:  The ideal candidate will have 2 years of golf course experience. Students recently out of school are encouraged to apply.  The candidate should be willing to exceed member expectations with regard to service and commitment on a daily basis.  Candidates should be able to recognize the need and be willing to adjust personal schedules around the needs of the club and its members.  Motivated and organized individuals will do well at WCCC and will be rewarded with great experiences to reference for the future.  

Benefits: D.O.E.

To get information on the position please email Scott Rettmann, Greens Superintendent at  srettmann@walnutcreekcc.net