POA GM wants to reverse seeding decision
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Property Owners Association's golf-course overseeding issue may not be dead yet.
General Manager Tommy Bailey announced to the association's golf committee Aug. 13 that he will recommend the POA Board reverse its decision to halt overseeding on all of Bella Vista's golf courses. If the board complies, the Berksdale, Kingsdale and Scotsdale courses would be overseeded, and golf carts would be allowed off paths throughout the winter and spring.
The term overseeding refers to the application of quick-germinating and short-lived rye grass over dormant Bermuda grass during the winter months. The rye grass protects the Bermuda in its early growth stages, which allows for carts to be driven off paths, but the rye also soaks up nutrients and allows for weed growth.
Bailey asked for input from the committee members.
Member Louis Adler is against the recommendation. Instead of reversing the board's previous decision, he suggested coming up with ways for golfers to play without driving their carts off paths.
Adler added that those speaking out about not overseeding are a vocal minority and do not represent the opinion of all POA members.
Many golfers believe staggering the process - not overseeding some courses one year and others the next - is the best option.
"I think they ought to do part of them," property owner Uel Stoner said. "People just can't play it (if all courses are not overseeded ). They will lose a lot of play."
Golfer Bruce Griffith said he sees the point of not overseeding, but he is also sympathetic to people who would not be able to play if they can't drive their carts on the fairways. He said he doesn't understand why staggering would not work.
If some courses were overseeded and others were not, cross-contamination would become a concern, Golf Operations Manager Andy Mar explained. Players could transport rye grass seeds to non-overseeded courses via their shoes. Mar said extra shoe cleaners could be purchased, and players would be required to clean their shoes after each round.
POA Board director Anita Werts, who serves as a liaison to the golf committee, said board members reached the previous decision because they want to improve the courses. However, she believes it is possible the board could approve Bailey's recommendation.
Golf committee chairman Richard Young is in support of Bailey's decision, saying he did not agree with effectively closing courses all winter at a time when total golf rounds are below average.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online