This week saw the completion of the sprigging process on the back nine greens as the front nine continues to grow and spread. We anticipate having walking mowers on the front nine greens by next week. In fact, we did a test mowing today on a portion of the practice green and our team celebrated the results. We saw that the sprigs continue to grow and spread and the root structure is digging deeper into the soil, which will make our greens stronger as they mature over time. At this stage of the process, we will continue to irrigate our greens and I’m confident that we’ll continue to have plenty of sunshine and heat during the day—throw in an occasional shower or two and all of us are happy, including the infant putting surfaces!
As the greens mature at their pace, our team can now begin moving out to the bunkers, fairways, rough and lakes. Over the next several days, we will be finalizing the shaping of the bunkers and surrounds, then laying sod around those areas. The fairways and roughs have been treated with both fertilizers, to strengthen the Bermuda grass, and herbicide, to control the weeds. Along with these chemicals, we are mowing these areas and gradually lowering the cuts. In the photo, you can see where thA grassy area with trees in the background
Description automatically generated with medium confidencee herbicides were sprayed around the greens prior to the entire golf course. The weed control is quite evident where the chemical was sprayed. Soon the entire golf course will be much cleaner as a result of this practice.
Our team is also working on the lakes and banks to create a clean look for the banks and the surface of the water. We’re especially careful around the lake banks to ensure that we don’t disturb any wildlife in these areas. We’re also careful in case they don’t always welcome us into their habitat!
I tell everyone that comes to the clubhouse that we’re building two things simultaneously at Cat Island Club—a golf course and relationships with both our new and potential members. While Ben and his team have been working diligently on the construction of our golf course, both Laura and I have been welcoming visitors to the clubhouse to see and hear the vision for the future of Cat Island Club. It’s impossible to contain my enthusiasm when I describe the vision of Cat Island Club. Now that we’ve introduced our new logo, and have it placed on the first run of long sleeve tees, it’s also time to order merchandise for the golf shop.
Last week, I was able to attend a buying show with more than 50 vendors who specialize in golf shop merchandise on Hilton Head Island. My enthusiasm about Cat Island carried over to the show and I was able to tell the story of the logo and how the dreams are forming the reality right before my eyes, each day. I ordered logoed merchandise from many of the top vendors in the industry to have on hand in October as we close in on our soft opening. I also made orders to bring in more merchandise and gift items with our logo for the holiday season which will be here before you know it.
Our pool continues to be the center of member activity. Our Beer tasting and Burgers party is filling up quickly. If you can attend, please send me a note to reserve your spot. Thursday, August 25th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Along with the craft beer from Pawleys Island Brewing Company, we will be serving burgers with a wide variety of gourmet toppings. Throw in a little live music, games and prizes, and this will be an event that you won’t want to miss.
A baby sleeping in a blue blanket
Description automatically generated with low confidenceLast but certainly not least, I reported last Friday that our golf course A dog and a baby
Description automatically generated with low confidenceSuperintendent, Ben McNair, and his lovely wife Kasey were blessed with a beautiful baby as I was writing the weekly update. Well, this week, I can share baby Lyla’s first official photographs to our Cat Island family. We’re so happy for the McNairs, including Ben’s ever-present team of goldens who apparently are willing to share their toys with Lyla.
Have a great week everyone. Stay cool and I hope to see you all on the 25th and / or at the Club soon.
With warmest regards,