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As the golf season winds down, the Broken Tee team would like to share some important updates on the progress made during the third quarter of the year.
Course Conditions and Turf Improvements
We know the biggest challenge continues to be the turf quality on Holes 1 through 6, located east of the Platte River. Earlier this season, we began implementing several turf health initiatives, including:
Organic fertilization – 10,000 lbs. of 5-3-2 organic fertilizer was applied.
Sand topdressing – 100 tons of sand was top-dressed to help dilute the high clay soils and “soften” up the soil.
Soil amendments to improve water absorption and root development – 7,000 lbs. of 46-0-0 stabilized nitrogen was applied. An acid and wetting agent was injected to treat the irrigation water that’s high in salts and bicarbonates and helps the water penetrate the soil. The picture depicts two trucks driving on a golf course fairway, spraying fertilizer. |
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Deep time aeration of fairways – was completed for the fifth time in the last three years to promote soil health and playability. The picture depicts green grass with punched aeration holes. |
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To support these efforts, Holes 1, 2, and 3 were added to the “cart path only” rotation, and Hole 6 continued in this status. Additionally, we encouraged the “lift, clean, and place” rule on Holes 1–6.
You may have noticed a new turf variety on Hole 6—Bermuda grass—which is currently being evaluated for its long-term resilience and suitability for our climate and soil conditions. Creeping Bent grass was slit-seeded in #6 fairway for the second time. This turf species has been proven to grow in poor soil and water conditions. The picture depicts the golf course fairway where Bermuda grass sod was laid. |
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Before picture of fairway showing bare spots; After picture of fairway showing grass growing in after it was slit-seeded.
 While these efforts have offered some benefit, they do not fully address the underlying soil and drainage challenges, particularly since this area of the course was built on a former landfill.
Planning for Long-Term Solutions
To develop long-term solutions, the golf staff recently met with golf course architect Rick Phelps to assess drainage, irrigation, and soil needs—especially in the fairway and landing zones east of the Platte River.
We are combining recommendations from Rick Phelps, data from TurfLogic, and weekly drone imagery to prioritize future improvements. Our goal is to begin this major work in Spring 2026, with cost estimates currently being gathered from contractors.
 View all of the images here. Select "Long Term Solutions" under 2025 Projects.
Infrastructure Upgrades
As previously shared, we are replacing key irrigation components to improve water quality and efficiency:
- Front 9 Pump Station
- Back 9 Pump Station Control Panel
These systems will be installed in early November, with a total investment of $346,000. These upgrades will significantly enhance irrigation capacity and water quality, especially on the east side of the river.
The Agronomics Team also continues to rebuild existing drainage catch basins to improve water flow on the course. Catch basins have been installed on Holes 5, 6, 8, and on Hole 9 on the Par 3.
A picture of standing water on a cart path. |
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A picture of a cart path with no standing water after the catch basin was replaced. |
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A picture of two men installing a catch basin, adding drainage pipes and rocks, and laying sod grass. |
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New sprinkler heads have been installed on Hole 1 and the practice greens. The rest of the sprinklers on the Front 9 will be replaced this Fall. Picture of a patch of grass turning green after sprinkler heads were replaced. |
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Additional Course Projects
With Fall aeration now complete, the team is focused on finishing the sand bunker renovation on Hole 17. Work includes:
- Subgrade repair
- New drainage installation
- Liner replacement
- Fresh bunker sand
Please note this bunker remains closed and marked as Ground Under Repair until the project is finished.
Clubhouse and Facility Enhancements
We are also planning improvements to the clubhouse exterior, including:
- New siding
- Window and gutter replacement
- Roof repairs
Bids are currently under review by an evaluation committee. Final project decisions will be based on available funding and operational priorities.
Environmental Enhancements
Tree planting remains an integral part of our course beautification and environmental strategy. While our original plan was to plant several trees in 2025, this project has been rescheduled for Spring 2026.
We planted a Radiant Crabapple tree on Hole 5 in memory of two members of the Tuesday Ladies Club. If you're interested in sponsoring a memorial tree at Broken Tee, please click here for more information. |
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Technology and Innovation
This season, Golf Operations tested a robotic ball picker on the driving range. While we see promises in this emerging technology, we’ve decided not to move forward with a purchase for the 2026 season. We will continue monitoring future developments in this area.
Thank You for Your Support
We deeply appreciate your continued support and dedication to Broken Tee. We recognize that improvements are needed—and we are committed to ongoing reinvestment in the course and facilities.
Please remember: Broken Tee is an enterprise fund. We do not receive support from the City’s general fund. All improvements are funded through course revenue and user fees.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you as we work toward a better Broken Tee.
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