Pete Dye Designed #7 Golf Development

 

Pictured here, #7 golf hole at TFP. This image was captured by satellite in 2012 during the overseeding grow-in process in the Fall . One main characteristic of this golf hole is the littoral shelf located at Lake Sterling's banks. Over the years, the shelf has become contaminated with cattails and other undesirable species, diminishing the design and aesthetics of the hole.   

Pictured here, at shot of 7 golf  hole under construction with the old littoral shelf still in place.

 

MacCurrach Golf Construction Company enhancing the littoral shelf at lake Sterling.

The old weedy plant material generated a lot of debris to be cleaned up.

 

An elevated picture of the 7th golf hole shows the littoral shelf cleaned up and an exciting addition to the shelf that will now stretch nearly 1,400 feet with beautiful aquatic plants.

A reverse look at the hole looking from the green down towards the tee shows the scale of the littoral shelf to be installed.

Look in the water behind the MacCurrach Golf Employees installing drainage at 7 green and you will notice how the shelf.

This image demonstrates a littoral shelf diagram that is similar to the one which will be installed at TFP. The predominate plant species Fuzzy Davis has decided to install is the Purple Pickerweed, which is a TFP member favorite. This Pickerweed and other aquatic plants will provide habitat, erosion control and improved aesthetics. This diagram is courtesy of the Pelican Landing Community.    

 

 

 

The 2013 Georgia Environmental Confrenence

Tim Liddy Shade Management Visit

Mr. Dye's right hand man and TFP's Project Architect, Tim Liddy came to Ford recently for a shade management meeting with superintendent Nelson Caron. All golf holes were examined during the meeting with special attention considered to the front 9 foliage and the new grading plan. Signature trees were also identified and plans to showcase these specimens are being executed now. In addition to the shade management aspect of the restoration project, this summer has been tremendous in developing a long range plan for tree health on the course. Finally, a special thanks goes out to Mike Womble, the Naturalist here at Ford, for helping us balance the relationship of the shade management program and the Ford Plantation's rich wildlife and sensitive environment.      

Tim Liddy and Nelson looking at the grading plan at #2 tee complex.

Tim has made periodic visits since the signing of the construction contract and has been instrumental in helping prepare the golf course for ground breaking on September 30th. 

Ford Plantation Utilizes Precision Turfgrass Management

The Golf Maintenance Staff at The Ford Plantation takes honor in protecting our environment and preserving our natural habitat. We have one of the most beautiful golf course settings in the country and taking care of its environment is one of our top priorities. Our environmental steward program showcases a precision fertilizer program (applying nutrients only where needed) which is a stark contrast to the “old methodology” of applying a 10-10-10 fertilizer to all areas of the golf course.

Out of 16,000+ golf courses in the United States, The Ford Plantation is one of approximately 50 clubs that employs precision fertilization practices. To achieve accurate and precise fertilization we employ Nu-Tec Corportation. Last week Nu-Tec applied a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to turfgrass health. Nu-Tec uses GPS mapping combined with soil sampling to determine plant needs (see pictures below).
 






Nutrient runoff from golf courses is sometimes perceived by the public to be a significant contributor to environmental contamination.

Global Positioning Systems are used to determine precisely what areas require nutrients.




















Numerous soil samples, 125-250, are taken per each golf hole to make up 25 GPS data points per golf hole.

These samples are then compiled in a GPS mapping system generating color coded aerial maps displaying turfgrass nutrient needs.

We are able to apply nutrients only where needed and at variable
rates cutting costs and minimizing environmental impact.

The golf course maintenance department takes pride in being stewards of the environment and continuing to be environmental leaders in the turfgrass industry for years to come.