As the warmer temperatures approach I would like to remind everyone that the summer transition is upon us. You have probably noticed that the mowing heights in the overseeded roughs and aprons have been lowered these past few weeks. You have probably also noticed that we have begun vertical mowing on the greens. The purpose of both of these practices is to open the grass canopy and allow sunlight to reach the Bermuda grass (summer grass) that is coming out of dormancy. As of right now I would say our fairways, aprons, and tees are 50% percent Bermuda grass and 50% rye grass (winter grass). Those are pretty good numbers for now but there is still plenty of work to be done to complete the process.

In early May we will apply a herbicide to the overseeded areas that will gradually kill the rye grass. While the rye grass is receding we will apply numerous applications of fertilizer to the Bermuda grass. The goal is to get the Bermuda grass to fill the areas where the rye grass existed.

The other piece of the puzzle that is needed for a successful transition is water and lots of it. I get many complaints about the courses being too wet in May and June but unfortunately without the extra water the Bermuda grass will not move. This will lead to bare areas throughout the golf course.  Keep in mind that the extra water during transition is just as important as adding extra water during overseeding. Without the extra water neither process will succeed.

I have been asked by some why we even have to transition the golf courses. Why not just try to keep the rye grass all summer? First of all the rye grass will not survive the summer here. It will begin to die in late June and by late July it will be gone leaving dirt areas in its place. This process has been attempted at this club as well as other clubs in the past and the results were absolutely dismal. Since adopting our existing transition process which is supported by the USGA Greens Section we have not had to purchase sod for transition purposes. Many other high profile clubs throughout the valley are using this program with great success.   

I apologize in advance for the unsightly and slightly unfriendly conditions of the spring/summer transition but you can rest assured we are doing everything necessary to make the transition process as quick and painless as possible. We have our fingers crossed that Mother Nature will provide us great grass growing weather this summer with a productive Monsoon.

With that been said I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe summer.

David Escobedo GCS

Tomorrow is November 1st. This is a big day for WBVGC.

1. WBVGC will be Members and their Guests Only, with a few exceptions
2. Guest Names will be Required on Requests and Bookings
3. The 5 Play Guest Limit is Back in Action
4. Semi-Annual Membership Unlimited Play Starts
5. Our Prime Winter Rates go into Effect

Notice: Thursday, November 5th will be members only for the lottery draw. With only one course open, we are limiting the draw to members only. If you intend to only play 9-holes, please select 9-holes within your request or notify the golf shop before the draw.

WBVGC will be Member and their Guests Only, with a few exceptions

Our membership has been increasing at a very positive rate which has led to a much lower availability for non-member play over the past few seasons. With the addition of the current health concerns throughout past season, the Club decided that beginning Sunday, November 1st, only Members and their Guests will be authorized to play. We will no longer accept tee-times from non-members. Additionally, the practice facilities will be reserved for members, their guests and those that are in lesson programs with our professionals. 

However, please understand that you will see non-members playing from time to time due to the following situations:

• Gift certificates or pre-purchased rounds.
• Private Club reciprocals.
• Private Club Network
• Palmers Advantage Club
• Village 9er’s
  • Members of the Village 9’ers will be allowed to book tee-times on Friday for Sunday play after 2:30PM

*The club will monitor the effectiveness and sustainability of the members only concept and may modify the parameters throughout the season.

Guests Names will be Required on Requests and Bookings

Due to the full tee sheets during our high season we are no longer going to allow the “guest” spots on Chelsea to be left without a name.  Why?  When several tee times are made with a placeholder of “guest” and fewer actually show up to play, that leaves holes in the tee sheet and members' requests get pushed back further than needed. If you maintain a group, please have your signup deadline at least five days prior to play and names ready to submit for the draw in your request or to the golf shop. Any additional signups you may have after the deadline/draw should be waitlisted and used when you have changes.

Lottery Draw (Play Date/Request Deadline/Draw Date)

The 5 Play Guest Limit is Back in Action November 1st 

In 2016 we recognized guests were playing at the guest rate in lieu of a membership. In alignment with our “Pathways to Membership Strategy”, we established a five play maximum at the guest rate. 

As in the past, the golf shop will track guests and when they reach their five plays at the guest rate (9 or 18 holes) they will be informed that any further guest play will be at the rack rate. If you have a guest that is vacationing for a period of time that may include more than five plays, please contact David Keller to inquire about a guest waiver.

FY2021 Winter Guest Rates are as follows:

• Guest of Member
  • 9-Holes: $37+tax
  • 18-Hole: $55+tax
  • Cart Fee per seat (9/18): $10/$15+tax
• Rack Rate (After 5 Plays)
  • 9-Holes: $48+tax
  • 18-Holes: $76+tax
  • Cart Fee per seat (9/18): $10/$15+tax

Due to policies regarding cash and limiting shop exposure, guests will be allowed to pay with Credit Card for FY2021.

Semi-Annual Membership Unlimited Play Begins November 1st

All WBVGC memberships run October 1 - September 30. This means all members can play in leagues, utilize the practice facilities and have access to our systems throughout the season. However, certain membership have periods of play where golf fees are not required:

• Annual Membership: October 1 - September 30
• Semi-Annual: November 1 - April 30
• Weekend: Friday-Sunday & Holidays; October 1 - September 30
• Monthly: 30, 60, or 90 consecutive chosen dates

Prime Season Winter Rates begin November 1

As our semi-annual membership unlimited period starts, our prime winter rates begin. Our rack rate will be utilized for guests that have exceeded their 5 plays and any non-accompanied guests from club to club reciprocal play.