Glen Eagle Maintenance (11/19/25)

Dry and warm—that’s the theme across Southwest Florida this week and for the foreseeable future. After the brief cool-down last week, the course has rebounded nicely and is currently in very good condition.

Early Signs of Drought

Although it’s unusually early to be discussing lake levels, drought conditions have become a real concern. Local news reports that Naples is already 7 inches behind normal rainfall for 2025. Here on property, our measurements show an even more significant shortfall.

So far this year, we have recorded 44.45 inches of rainfall, compared to a 64.78-inch average over the past four years. That places us at a 20-inch deficit year-to-date.

With these numbers in mind, we ask all members to be mindful of water usage. Early conservation efforts will put us in the best possible position as the dry season continues.

Greens Committee Updates

During Monday’s Greens Committee meeting, we discussed several timely topics as we move into the busy season.

Fill Fairway Divots

There has been an increase in unfilled divots throughout the fairways. Please help us keep the course in top condition by filling your divots with the sand provided on the carts. Our staff will take care of the divots on the tee boxes.

Because of our turf type, do not replace turf back into a divot. Instead, fill it with sand and gently pat it smooth with your foot. This creates a smooth surface and an ideal medium for our bermudagrass to grow in which promotes quicker recovery.

Repair Pitch Marks

While we’re on course etiquette—please take a moment to repair your ball marks on greens. Properly repaired pitch marks help ensure smoother, truer rolls for everyone.

Bunker Raking

Our newer bunker sand remains somewhat soft, making proper raking essential for fairness of play.

The USGA notes that there is no single “correct” way to position bunker rakes. We have adopted the placement shown above to improve accessibility for players while increasing efficiency for our maintenance team. This arrangement allows rough mowers to work without repeatedly stopping to move rakes.

Pro Tip: Only rest the end of the rake handle on the turf. This keeps the rake head away from the bunker edge and prevents balls from being stopped or trapped unfairly.

Agronomic Report

Dr. Kammerer makes two visits per year to Glen Eagle, one in the spring and one in the fall. His fall visit was on October 14th. Here are a few highlights from his report. The full report is available on the club webpage under the Golf Maintenance tab.

Executive Summary

The putting greens are in good shape going into peak season. Health of the putting greens, using no. 18 as an ongoing monitored metric, is above average and belies low risk of issues going through the winter.

The biggest improvement noticed at Glen Eagle compared to the spring and past fall visits is the improvement in color, density, and turf quality of the fairways. Adjusting fertilizer sources and frequency of applications have contributed to this improvement. Going into the winter, bermudagrass wear and thinning from play and cart traffic can be problematic, similarly hunting billbug larval damage can magnify turf loss. Applications of appropriate treatments may be required based on history and any winter outbreaks.

Several capital improvements were finalized this summer, all which improve the quality of the course and the golfing experience. Not to be forgotten or lost in prioritization is the upcoming tee renovation scheduled for 2026.

I look forward to seeing everyone on the course, and as always, if you have any questions, flag me down or shoot me an email. I always enjoy talking turf!