COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County staff have been monitoring the golf course and as published, performed a review of the course on April 14, to provide better clarity and to ensure optimal conditions for play.
The updated schedule reflects changes in course availability and ongoing preparations.
Updated opening dates and details:
- The practice range and main putting green will remain open. These areas will be available to golfers for practice.
- The course will remain closed at this time. Another course review will be during the week of May 12. While the weather conditions have improved, the course needs to see consistent air temperatures above 55 degrees for a period of 60-90 days for optimal growth of the turf. Staff will review the course the week of May 12 and will again provide notice of the progress.
Los Alamos County’s priority is allowing the new turf on the greens, bunker collars, tees, and fairways to grow in with significant root growth to support the traffic on the golf course. The optimal nighttime air temperature range for bent grass and blue grass to grow roots and shoots is 50-77 degrees. It usually takes 60-90 days, at these temperatures, to consistently establish new turf areas.
The recent weather has been close to this range however, it’s not nearly enough time to properly establish the grass for consistent play. Staff understands that the community sees green on the course and wonders why they can’t play. The establishment of the roots and turf cover dictates the ability to open the course. Most of the greens are spotty, and the root development is very thin, which is problematic for long-term play.
To reiterate, the key areas of the course, including greens, collars, fairways, bunkers and tees, are not yet ready to handle play or cart traffic. Staff anticipates, with the near-term weather forecast, they will begin to see optimal growth temperatures. Staff and contractors will continue to review and monitor the course frequently to assess the progress of root growth in newly seeded and sodded areas, as well as the re-contoured greens.
Staff and the project contractor are following the grow-in plan prepared by the Golf Course Architect to ensure the multi-million-dollar investment in the golf course takes hold and provides the quality golfing experience that the community deserves for this and the coming years.
The County apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s understanding as it focuses on the completion of necessary improvements. For further updates and information, visit the Los Alamos County Website or contact the Golf Course Pro Shop at 505.662.8139.
Los Alamos County Golf Course. Courtesy/LAC
