With all the Covid 19 concerns it is easy to forget that regular maintenance practices must continue to keep our courses in good shape. One of those practices is addressing the spring invasion of Black Turfgrass Ataenius. BTAs as we refer to them are small beetles that make their presence every spring. When they arrive they will lay their eggs in the soil. Each beetle will lay several eggs that eventually hatch around the middle of May. The date of laying eggs and hatching can vary slightly from year to year. Once they hatch the larvae which are called grubs will feed on grass roots. This is not usually a problem in tees, roughs, and fairways but it can become a serious issue on the greens. The greens are mowed at a much lower height of cut than the tees, roughs, and fairways. This makes them more susceptible to insect damage.

BTA damage varies from year to year and region to region. Some parts of the country have a much worse problem with BTAs than we do here. However this year could be an exception. With close to 5 inches of rain since November most golf course superintendents I have spoken to are expecting a surge in the insect population in Az. this year. With that been said we have taken the necessary steps here at WBVGC to prevent serious grub damage by applying a systemic insecticide to the greens at both golf courses. What does a systemic insecticide do? It is absorbed by the plant without harming it. It then renders the plants parts, roots, stems, and leaves poisonous to the insects. In other words it makes the plant toxic to the invaders. The affects of a systemic insecticide will last for several weeks. We usually do an application in April and again in June. This assures a smooth summer without grub damage.

 I hope this information was educational and helpful. I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the beautiful weather.

Sincerely,

David Escobedo GCS

Governor Ducey issues “Stay at Home Order” effective end of business day on Tuesday, 31 March 2020.  You may read the entire Executive Order here:

What does this mean to WBVGC members?
 
All practices that have been in place at WBVGC remain in place until further notice. Please adhere to WBVGC COVID-19 precautions and guidelines.

Governor Ducey strongly recommended Arizonans to get outside. "The weather is beautiful outside right now", Ducey said. "Find a way to get out and enjoy it with social distancing."

Westbrook Village Golf Club recommends, "Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected, Stay Golfing".

Patios at both the Links Grill and Lakes Bistro are closed. Please do not gather on the patios.
 
AND FOR YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY

• WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
• DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE, EYES, NOSE, MOUTH
• KEEP PHYSICAL DISTANCING AT 6 FT
• IF YOU FEEL SICK, STAY HOME

Governor Ducey was clear that outdoor activities, following physical distancing practices, are important to the health and well being for all.  
 
He further states in the Executive Order:
 
To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces when outside their residence or property for Essential Activities, they shall to the extent possible maintain physical distancing of at least six feet from any other person, consistent with guidance from the CDC. 

 
Beginning March 18th until further notice:

• Tee-sheets will be single tee starting at 7:00AM or later. No cross-over or shotguns.
• Tee-time requests and groups are limited to a maximum number of six (6) tee-times. This includes all large groups.
• Charter league signups will continue for play. However, all players signed up will be randomly paired, placed on the tee sheet and there will be no game.
• In order to reduce gatherings in the pro shop, we ask only those that need to pay for golf or intend to purchase something, enter the golf shop.
• Members will be checked in via the windows.
• The Pro-shop Handicap computers will be unavailable. Please post your scores online or via the GHIN phone app.
• We will temporarily allow more than 2 carts per group if they feel it necessary. Any member requesting a WBVGC cart without the annual cart package will be required to pay a cart fee.

Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Your Board of Directors and Staff

On Monday, March 23, Governor Ducey issued an executive order detailing “Essential Services”. This executive order is very good for WBVGC as it deems golf as an essential service. The order specifically prohibits any county, city or town from restricting or prohibiting any person from performing any function designated by either the Governor, the Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, or the Division of Emergency Management as an essential function during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Or more easily put… the City of Peoria and Maricopa County can not shut down golf courses that follow health guidelines.

Read the Full Executive Order Here