GOLF COURSE UPDATE 4/15/26

 

We are off and running strong on the golf course, and the energy around Pine Hollow is outstanding as we head into the heart of spring. I hope everyone enjoyed an exciting Masters Week and now has the opportunity to get out and tee it up during this stretch of beautiful weather ahead.

Since the thaw and snow melt in the second week of March, our team has made tremendous progress, allowing us to gain significant ground on both major projects and the finer course details that set the tone for the season.

Each year, we take great pride in having the golf course in exceptional condition by Masters weekend, and this season is no exception. I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished in a short amount of time—from course improvements and cleanup to infrastructure upgrades and turf conditioning—and the property is already showing the benefits of that hard work. The course is shaping up beautifully, and with warmer temperatures arriving, conditions will only continue to improve week by week.

Over the coming weeks, we will keep pushing forward with the same momentum and attention to detail as we prepare for Men’s Opening Day. Every department is focused on creating the best possible playing experience, and all signs point toward one of the strongest golf seasons we’ve had in recent years. The turf is healthy, the course is progressing exactly as planned, and there is tremendous excitement about what lies ahead. Pine Hollow is poised for a fantastic season, and we cannot wait for everyone to experience how great the golf course will play this year.

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Golf Course Maintenance & Grounds Update

As we move into the heart of the season, our team is fully engaged in preparing the golf course and club grounds for the months ahead. Below is an overview of current conditions, maintenance practices, and upcoming projects.

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Mowing Heights & Frequency

We are dialing in mowing schedules to keep the course looking and playing its best:

• Greens: Mowed at 0.125" three times per week and rolled three times weekly. Frequency will increase as turf growth accelerates.
• Tees, Collars & Approaches: Mowed at 0.325" twice per week.
• Fairways: Mowed at 0.375" twice per week.
• Rough: Rough mowing will begin in the coming weeks to clean up winter debris and tighten playing conditions.

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Course Setup

Greens and tee markers are being set up four times per week to ensure fresh hole locations and optimal daily play conditions.

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Bunkers

NEW SOD ROOTING ALREADY

Bunker preparation has been a major focus throughout March and early April:

• Sand has been redistributed for improved consistency
• Weeds have been removed
• Debris has been cleaned out

Routine Maintenance:

• Touch-up raking twice weekly
• Full bunker raking Friday through Sunday

We will continue refining bunker sand consistency as temperatures rise into summer.

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Topdressing Program Begins

Beginning the week of April 20, we will launch our seasonal greens sanding program.

Fine topdressing sand is applied and worked into the turf to:

• Smooth and firm putting surfaces
• Improve green speed and playability
• Promote healthier turf through better root zone management

This is an important part of our larger grooming and vertical mowing program that supports premium playing conditions.

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Spray Program

RANDY OUR SHOP CAT

Our full-season turf spray program began this week and includes:

• Plant protectants
• Growth regulators
• Pre-emergent applications

Applications will continue weekly through November across:

• All short-cut turf
• Rough areas
• Driving range
• Clubhouse lawns

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Clubhouse Grounds

Landscape work is now in full swing:

• Weeding, mulching, and pre-emergent treatments are underway in all planting beds
• Seasonal flowers will be installed the week after Mother’s Day to avoid frost risk

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Detail Work Around the Course

We are also focused on the smaller details that make a big difference:

• Tree lines and rough cleanup were completed last week
• Full divot work from tee to green is underway
• Irrigation head and valve edging begins next week
• Sodding, seeding, and weak turf repairs are underway and will continue throughout the season

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Practice Facilities

During the week of April 20, we will prepare the driving range with:

• Full mowing
• Divot repair
• General cleanup and finishing touches

The range will be fully ready in time for Men’s Opening Day.

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Aeration Update

As early spring projects conclude, attention shifts to turf health initiatives:

• Deep-tine aeration on fairways, low areas, and high-traffic zones
• Monthly needle-tine aeration on greens to maintain firmness, drainage, and root health

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Project Work: #16 Tee / #15 Collection Area

This project was completed on April 10, including all construction and grassing work.

Next steps include:

1. Establish new turf growth
2. Open area for Opening Day
   
3. Aerify all short-cut sodded surfaces
4. Close area again for 10–14 days for final establishment
5. Reopen for the balance of the season

With this project complete, our focus shifts back toward regular seasonal maintenance.

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New Driving Range Furniture

Watch for several new upgrades arriving in the coming weeks:

• New driving range, clubhouse, and on-course trash receptacles
• New aiming poles on the teaching side of the driving range to create greater practice variation
• Also, I think you'll love the music at Valet and Range courtesy of DJ Pine Hollow Patti

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Racquet Sports Update

As of April 4, both Pickleball and Padel courts are open for play.

Tennis updates:

• All courts will be resurfaced by the end of the week of April 13
• Daily rolling and grooming is ongoing
• Windscreens were fully installed as of April 10
• Additional finishing details will follow

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Investments in Equipment & Capital Improvements

This year we have made significant investments back into the property to improve efficiency, aesthetics, playability, and overall course conditions.

2026 Additions:

• 

  HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT HOLIDAY

  #16 Tee Complex / #15 Collection Renovation: Removed cart path, repositioned tees, added irrigation, and extended collection area — $140,000
• #10 Cart Path Replacement: Remove and replace existing cart path — $10,000
• New Buffalo Blower: Added to improve course cleanup efficiency — $12,000
• Sport Court / Playground Installation: Project underway and planned for completion by mid-May
• Turf Care Team's breakroom and bathroom upgrade / renovation - $12,000

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We appreciate your continued support and look forward to an outstanding season ahead at Pine Hollow.

Yours For Better Turf,

Brent Peveich GCS

USGA INFO ON CART RESTRICTIONS

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record/64/issue-05/why-cart-restrictions-matter-in-spring.html# 

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 3/4/26

 I wanted to let you all know that the thaw has finally begun here at the Club. As of today, this is the most turf we’ve seen since the second week of January, when we were breaking ground on the #16 Tee Complex project. It’s encouraging to see grass again, and while we’re looking forward to some milder weather this weekend, March is far from predictable. Long-range forecasts suggest another cold stretch could move back in within 7–10 days.

That said, we’ll begin bringing the team back next week and expect to have the majority of our staff on site by 3/16 as we officially begin spring preparations.

This winter was certainly an eventful one. December brought the heaviest snowfall we’ve seen in years, with two significant storms. A January warm-up gave us a short but productive window to initiate work on the #16 Tee Complex, allowing us to remove the entire cart path and complete backfilling in preparation for the next construction phase. Unfortunately, heavy snow and extended periods of extreme cold in January/February forced us to pause our more ambitious outdoor projects. We shifted our focus to shop upgrades, comprehensive preventative maintenance on equipment and furnishings, all our reporting and program evaluations, and lastly giving the team some well-earned time off following a tremendous 2025 season.

We are ready and eager to get things rolling in 2026.

Yours for Better Turf,

Brent Peveich GCS

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR TURF CARE TEAM

GOLF COURSE / DRIVING RANGE

Our cleanup process will take place in several phases:

1. Blowing Debris – We will begin by blowing tree debris from fine turf areas outward, ensuring that playing surfaces are cleared first.
2. Bunker Cleanup – Next, we will focus on cleaning and restoring bunkers to their best condition.
3. Rough Cleanup – Once the bunkers are addressed, we will work through the roughs to remove any remaining debris.
4. Mowing – With the cleanup complete, we will begin mowing all short-cut areas to promote healthy growth and optimal playability.
5. Plant Protectants – At the same time, we will be making our first plant protectant applications for the season to ensure turf health and resilience.

CLUBHOUSE GROUNDS

Here’s what to expect during the cleanup:

1. Clearing Debris – We will begin by blowing out all landscape beds and lawn areas to remove any accumulated leaves and debris from the winter months.
2. Weeding & Pre-Emergent Application – Once cleared, we will weed all landscape beds and apply a pre-emergent treatment to help prevent unwanted growth throughout the season.
3. Mulching – We will start mulching in high-visibility areas first, ensuring key entrances and gathering spaces look their best before moving on to complete the entire property.

RACQUET SPORTS

All court openings will be based upon demand, weather, and maintenance. Please check with Alina for availability and timing of openings.

TENNIS - Below is an overview of our comprehensive court cleanup and resurfacing process for our seven Har-Tru Courts:

1. Scraping & Removal – The old surface will be removed, with the material left on-site as needed.
2. Scarifying & Leveling – Courts will be scarified and leveled to ensure a smooth and even playing surface.
3. Weed Control – Weed killer will be applied as necessary to maintain a clean and well-maintained court environment.
4. Rolling – The courts will undergo a thorough rolling process to ensure proper compaction and firmness.
5. New Har-Tru Surfacing – Each court will receive 2 tons of Har-Tru surfacing material for optimal playability.
6. Sweeping, Watering & Rolling – Courts will be swept, watered, and rolled as needed to integrate the new surface.
7. New Line Installation – Seven sets of new Lee tennis lines will be installed, secured with approximately 1,800 aluminum nails per court – all hand-nailed for precision.
8. Additional Rolling – Courts will be rolled again to ensure a firm, stable surface.
9. Calcium Chloride Application – 100 lbs. of Calcium Chloride per court will be applied to help with moisture retention and surface stability.
10. Net Post Painting – Net posts will be painted as needed to refresh their appearance.
11. Final Watering & Net Installation – Courts will be watered as needed, and club tennis nets will be hung to complete the process.

PICKLEBALL - Below is an overview of our comprehensive court cleanup and resurfacing process for our three Pickleball Courts:

1. Blowing Courts – We will start by clearing all courts of leaves, dust, and debris to ensure a clean playing surface.
2. Hanging Nets & Screens – Nets and windscreens will be installed and inspected for proper fit and stability.
3. Clubhouse Maintenance – Sound barriers will be hung around the clubhouse to enhance the playing environment.

PADEL - Below is an overview of our comprehensive court cleanup and resurfacing process for our Padel Court:

1. Removing Winter Protections – All protective coverings will be taken down to transition the courts for seasonal play.
2. Hanging Nets – Nets will be installed and checked for proper tension and alignment.
3. Cleaning Glass – Court glass panels will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure clear visibility and a polished look.
4. Topdressing with Sand – Additional sand will be applied as needed, following the guidance of the Racquet Sports Director, to maintain optimal playing conditions.

AERATION SCHEDULE

GREENS:

• **March 3/23/26– 5/8” Solid Tine Aeration w/ no sand (5%)
• *Monthly (May to July) – ¼” Solid Venting Tine (no removal)
• ***August 8/11/26 or 8/18/26 (RAIN DAY)– 3/8 ” Hollow Tine Aeration and Light Sand Topdressing (5%)
• ***October 10/20/26 – ½” Hollow Tine Aeration w/ Heavy Topdressing (8%)
•   ***December – 5/8” Solid Deep Tine Aeration w/ Heavy Topdressing

*    Minimal disruption to putting surface (healing time a few days)

**  Medium disruption to putting surface (healing time 7-10 days)

***Most disruption to putting surface (healing time 10-14 days)

Emphasis put on removing 20% of surface area per year

TEES:

• March 3/24/26 - 5/8” Hollow Tine Tee Aeration with Sand Topdressing or DRY-JECT process minimal disturbance
• August 8/12/26- 5/8” Hollow Tine Tee Aeration with Sand Topdressing
• October - 5/8” Hollow Tine Tee Aeration with Sand Topdressing

      FAIRWAYS:

•     March 3/23/26 – 5/8” Hollow Tine Aeration or Deep Tine Aeration       
•     August -  ¾” Solid Deep-Tine Aeration (no cleaning necessary) w/ Verticut 
•     October – Graden Dethatching of Fwys/Approaches or ¾ Solid Deep-Tine
•     November - ¾” Solid Deep-Tine Aeration

      ROUGHS: All Roughs and Lawns will be aerated starting in November.

    

    CURRENT PROJECTS/2026 CAP EX 

• All equipment serviced, sharpened units, and ready for 2026. Mechanic is currently working thru larger rebuilds.
• Staff breakroom demoed and rebuilt. (THANK YOU J. TESTA AND STAFF)
• Shop Bathroom upgrades.
• All purchasing, reporting, program upgrades ready for 2026, continued education/recertification complete. 
• #16 Tee Complex –  Work started in January will begin once we melt down and ready for Men's Opening Day.
• Hole #10 Green – Cart Path – New asphalt path March 2026 Final grading to be completed using on-site fill/soil and sod.
• Winter Drainage Projects – Holes #5, #16, #17. Pending a busy spring.
• Drainage Work at Tennis areas to redirect water flow away from courts.
• Fairway Bunkers – Holes #18 & #4 – Gravel available; sand procurement and equipment rentals (aligned with drainage work) remain pending.
• Green & Surround Heads – Raising all heads (in-house) to improve water distribution and minimize runoff. Completed in December
• Winter Property Line Work / Tree Work– Continued clearing: Hole #6 tee area and Hole #7 property line extending to Highwood Road residents/maintenance road. We will also continue with tree work around course. We will be pruning low/overhanging/damaged branches. Also continue to selectively remove trees from our Tree Management Plan while also being sensitive to properties integrity. All work will be planned and coordinated with our Pro Staff. This work was not as productive due to the winter but we will attempt to accomplish as much as possible.
• Equipment - Working on new pickup/dump trucks with plows to replace older units.
• Equipment - Working on a detailed list for lease/purchase for end of 2026/2027 to replace our fleet. This may be a combination of autonomous, manned, off lease equipment. All purchases will be made to best suit of property and business needs. 

Minimizing Damage During the Thaw

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW

The link below will take you to the USGA for information about how we open and why we may take a cautious approach.

MINIMIZING DAMAGE DURING THE THAW 

GOLF COURSE UPDATE 1/8/26

I hope everyone enjoyed a special holiday season with family and friends, and I wish you all a happy, healthy, and successful New Year. As we look ahead, our entire team is excited and energized for another great golf season at Pine Hollow. We’re proud of the work being done this winter and look forward to welcoming you back to the course as we prepare for what promises to be an outstanding year.

Yours For Better Turf,

Brent Peveich, GCS

WINTER WORK MAINTENANCE PLAN 2026

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SHOP – PREVENTATIVE EQUIPMENT WORK SCHEDULE

Fleet & Snow Equipment

• Both trucks, plows, and salt sander serviced (completed 12/10/25)

Parts & Inventory Organization (Diego)

• Finalize and reorganize all stock belts, parts, bed knives, and aeration tines

• Label all parts appropriately

Mowers & Turf Equipment

• Rough mower – complete remaining service and repair work

• Tee and Collar mowers – service and grind by EOW 1/9/26

• Hand Greens mowers & Triplex mowers – grind and service

  • Red jacs (Triplex): .135

  • Yellow jacs (JD Greens/Triplex): .125

  • Repair motor on old Toro Triplex

• John Deere Fairway mowers – service oil, filters, grease; grind reels (.375)

• Approach mower – grind and service (.325)

• Driving Range LF Tee mower – service oil, filters, grease; grind reels (.400)

Blowers & Rollers

• Buffalo blowers – service oil, fuel filters, grease

• All rollers:

  • Tru-TURF (shop)

  • Speed Rollers (fertilizer barn)

  • Service oil, fuel filters, grease

Utility Vehicles

• Carry-Alls – service oil, fuel filters, grease; inspect and repair headlights as needed

• John Deere Gators – service oil, fuel filters, grease; inspect and repair headlights as needed

Sprayers

• 300-gallon & 175-gallon sprayers – service oil, filters, grease; rough calibration (Diego & Cristian)

• Old 300-gallon sprayer – send out to Storr Tractor

Major Repairs & Projects

• Rebuild motors on three (3) old Carry-Alls

• Rebuild Weidenmann aerator blocks for 3/26 deep-tine work

• Takeuchi – inspect service needs; grease all fittings and tracks

• Schedule Finch to pick up tractor for repair/service (TBD)

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INSIDE WORK

Regulatory & Reporting (Due 2/1/26)

• Chemical / Fertilizer / Pesticide Report

• Water Pumpage / Usage Report

Staff Development

• Assist Cristian with equipment servicing

• Continued education opportunities available

Facility Improvements

• Upon completion of maintenance work: tape, spackle, sand seams, and paint walls

• Epoxy paint entire breakroom floor and shop floor while Cristian is on vacation

• Order and construct new lockers

Course Accessories & Furnishings

• Tee marker restoration (oil only – 2026 season)

• Benches and wooden trash containers (oil only; can wait until March)

Chemical & Irrigation Organization

• Organize chemical room:

  • All EOP product boxes facing the same direction

  • Verify quantities against packing slips

  • Log all materials into PLAYBOOKS INVENTORY

• Irrigation inventory list:

  • Verify parts and supplies needed to start the season

  • All required parts on hand by 3/1/26

Additional Projects (Time & Weather Permitting)

• Clean and paint the Assistant’s Office

• Order new Buffalo blower; explore in-season equipment purchases and update 2025 purchase/lease options

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OUTSIDE WORK 

Course Projects

• #16 Tee – prep work (strip edges, remove path)

• #10 Cart Path – right of green

Daily Clubhouse Grounds Check

• Blow leaf debris

• Straighten snow stakes

• Chase geese every morning

• Pick up trash

• Apply ice melt where necessary

• DON’T DRIVE BY ISSUES

Tree Work (once truck is available)

• Remove dead trees around property

• Two trees left of #15 green

• #6 left of tee

• Left of #7 property line – clear wood line

• Prune low branches around property, chip pile at dump, remove unwanted woody weeds

• Remove large trees at neighboring property

Infrastructure & Grounds

• Design, fabricate, and build hose rack with storage for mower buckets by 3/1/26

• Research companies to remove all old pallets

• Cleanup dump areas

• Repair service roads as needed

Drainage Preparation (Work Begins 3/1/26)

• Tennis Courts #1 & #2

• Fairways #1, #17, #15

• Rough areas #17 / #11

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SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS

During Storms

• Clear all main roads to clubhouse and maintenance shop incrementally for emergency access

• Plan may adjust if employees are working during the day or if the club is open

After Storm Completion

• Clear all entrances, walks, and parking lots to pavement

• Treat select roads and walkways with salt or ice melt for safety

Staffing

• Minimum of two staff on-site overnight during storm events to ensure timely property readiness

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HOPEFULLY WE DON'T NEED TO DO THIS IN MARCH AGAIN!!!! circa 2014

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S END OF SEASON THANK YOU

 

As we wrap up another remarkable year at Pine Hollow, I’ve taken a some time to reflect on the countless moments and milestones that made this season so memorable. Managing this beautiful property over the past thirteen years has been both a privilege and a source of immense pride, and I’d like to share my heartfelt appreciation with all of you.

Pine Hollow has always been more than a club to me—it’s a community built on shared interests, genuine connections, and a welcoming spirit. I have shared so many memories with you, my family, and friends on this property and looking forward to many more to come. This year, you helped create an atmosphere that was vibrant, engaging, and truly enjoyable. Whether you joined us for tournaments and social events, spent time with family and friends on our grounds, or simply supported our programs, your involvement has shaped another outstanding season.

My gratitude extends as well to the Green Department for their unwavering dedication. Their professionalism and passion continue to elevate our playing surfaces and landscapes, ensuring Pine Hollow remains a place we’re all proud to call home. I am equally thankful for my colleagues across all departments—their teamwork and commitment have fueled a year filled with progress, accomplishments, and meaningful memories as we look toward an exciting 2026.

Thank you once again for your support, enthusiasm, and partnership with our team. It is the strength of our membership that defines Pine Hollow and sets the tone for everything we strive to achieve. On behalf of the entire staff, I wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and an exciting year ahead.

Your For Better Turf,

Brent Peveich

GRATEFUL EVERYDAY

 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our membership, our exceptional management team, and my dedicated staff in the Green Department. Your collective support, hard work, and commitment are what make this Club truly special. I am deeply thankful for the effort and positive approach shown each day, and for the continued trust and involvement of our members who make everything we do meaningful. Wishing you and your families a Happy and Memorable Thanksgiving.