August 2026 — Initial Newsletter | A Summer of Continuous Improvement

Welcome to the August 2026 GCAC Newsletter

We are excited to share an update on the ongoing efforts to elevate our golf course playing conditions. Thanks to the close, active collaboration between the Golf Course Advisory Committee (GCAC) and our dedicated Course Maintenance Team, we are continuing to fine-tune the golf course by systematically addressing targeted turf and infrastructure needs across the property.

This month’s issue highlights the replacement of the pump house infrastructure, several completed turf and drainage projects, and the course-care practices that will help preserve these improvements. The transformation taking place across the course this summer reflects a shared commitment to providing an enjoyable, well-maintained, and sustainable golf experience for every IRCC member.

We appreciate your patience and partnership as the team continues this important work. Please review the operating guidelines and project updates below before your next round.

Pump House Update

Beginning on Monday, August 24, IRCC will be replacing the entire pump house infrastructure located next to the driving range. This renovation project further demonstrates the commitment of the Board of Directors to provide the best possible support for the irrigation needs here at IRCC.

The pump house provides irrigation not only to the golf course, but also to the entire south portion of Indian River Colony Club. The current plan is to remove and replace the complete pumping infrastructure during the week of August 24.

Members may observe construction activity and related equipment near the driving range while this work is underway. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as this essential infrastructure project is completed.

Completed Projects

Over the past few weeks, the team has completed several key enhancement projects to improve playability around the course.

• Hole #18: Resodded the coquina bed area, as well as the turf across the cart path near the pond.
• Holes #8 and #10: Resodded bare spots on the tee boxes to ensure clean, consistent teeing grounds.
• Hole #7: Replaced a coquina bed with sod and resolved the recurring water-pooling issue along the cart path by constructing a dedicated drainage path to the fairway drain. Several potential hazards were also repaired.
• Greens maintenance: Successfully completed the second round of WetJect aeration across all greens over the past two weeks. This work promotes deeper root growth, improved drainage, and smoother putting surfaces.

These projects directly address conditions identified through ongoing course observations and GCAC audits, including tee-box turf, drainage, cart-path interfaces, and areas vulnerable to erosion or standing water.

Looking Ahead — Continous Improvement

To protect these newly improved areas and preserve general turf health, we ask all golfers to observe the following rules:

1. Par 3s — Cart Path Only

Effective Saturday, August 22: All Par 3s are now strictly Cart Path Only for all players, unless you have an approved handicap sticker or flag. This measure will significantly reduce wear and tear around our short holes.

2. 50-Foot Green Proximity Rule

Please adhere to the recently enacted rule requiring all carts to remain at least 50 feet, or approximately 16 yards, away from all greens. Players with authorized handicap stickers are permitted to approach within 10 feet of the greens.

3. 90-Degree Rule

Whenever conditions permit carts on fairways, please strictly follow the 90-degree rule:

1. Travel along the cart path until you reach the level of your ball.
2. Enter the fairway at a right angle.
3. Hit your shot.
4. Return directly to the cart path.

Thoughtful cart operation is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can collectively protect recovering turf and maintain course conditions.

Help Us Protect the Course: Divot Care

Maintaining pristine conditions requires a partnership between our maintenance staff and our players. Please take a moment to review the attached guide on proper divot repair.

Filling your divots completely and leveling the sand properly is critical to rapid turf recovery. Making this a routine part of every shot will ensure our fairways remain lush and playable for everyone following behind you.

A simple reminder

• Replace or fill the divot completely according to the course’s current divot-repair procedure.
• Use enough sand to fill the entire damaged area.
• Level the sand so it is flush with the surrounding surface.
• Check the area before leaving so it is ready for the next player.

Thank you for treating each fairway as a shared member amenity.

A True Team Effort

The transformation of our course this summer is something we can all take great pride in. These results are the direct product of a passionate, hard-working maintenance crew and a forward-thinking GCAC.

The next time you see Gene Sty’s or a member of our Course Maintenance Team, or encounter one of the GCAC members, please take a moment to thank them for their dedication to making the golf course at IRCC the best it can be.

Their work is often most visible in the finished result: healthier turf, better drainage, safer playing areas, and a more consistent experience from tee to green. Behind each improvement is careful observation, planning, labor, and follow-through.

Thank You from the Team

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support of our club. With your continued cooperation, the course will improve on a daily basis. We look forward to seeing you out on the course!

Warm regards,

Patrick LePage
Golf Course Advisory Committee — Chairperson
Indian River Colony Club

Your Dedicated GCAC Members

• Christian MacMillan — Holes 1 & 2; Vice Chair & Secretary
• Chuck Smith — Holes 3 & 4
• Ken Gestring — Holes 5 & 6
• Pat LePage — Holes 7 & 8
• Bill Jones — Holes 9 & 10
• Curt Norred — Holes 11 & 12
• Paul Girma — Holes 13 & 14
• Dala Campbell — Holes 15 & 16
• Peter Todsen — Holes 17 & 18

Thank you for being an essential part of the IRCC golf community and for helping us protect the course for everyone.