Kyle Jones
Dear SunBird Neighbors,
Whether you play golf, enjoy the views, or simply appreciate the open spaces that help make SunBird special, the golf course is part of our shared community. We want you to understand the changes underway and feel good about the direction we are heading.
I joined SunBird as General Manager in February, and Superintendent Roberto Hernandez joined us in July. We are grateful to be here and share a heartfelt commitment to caring for the course and the community around it.
We also appreciate the dedication of those who came before us. Their work gave us a strong foundation, and our goal is to build on it with thoughtful improvements that benefit SunBird today and for years to come.
This summer, our first priority was strengthening the essentials: healthy soil, strong roots, and water quality. These may be things you cannot easily see, but they make a real difference in the grass you do see—and in how the course looks, plays, and recovers.
Some of that work meant accepting less-than-ideal playing conditions for a time. We understand that this required patience, and we sincerely appreciated yours. The encouraging news is that our Bermudagrass responded with excellent growth and recovery, giving us a healthier foundation for winter and the summers ahead.
That same care is guiding this year’s overseeding—the planting of grass that keeps selected areas green through winter. We reviewed our irrigation system and historical course images to identify the layout that has supported the best conditions throughout the year.
This winter’s plan follows that proven layout, with a slightly smaller overseeded area in certain locations and a few additional spaces for community enjoyment. You may notice more dormant Bermudagrass outside the fairways. Although it loses its green color in winter, allowing it to rest helps reduce competition from winter grass and supports a stronger return in summer.
Our commitment to the course remains strong. Overseeding involves extensive preparation, equipment, irrigation, and follow-up care. By concentrating that work where it provides the greatest benefit, we can protect winter playing conditions while supporting healthier summer turf.
We know the course matters to more than golfers. Its appearance contributes to the enjoyment and pride of everyone who calls SunBird home. As we learn more about the community’s needs, we are bringing that same attention to the areas residents see and enjoy every day.
This is a season of transition, and we appreciate your understanding as improvements take root. Our goal is simple: a healthy, welcoming golf course that adds to the pleasure of living at SunBird. Thank you for being part of this community. We look forward to continuing this work together.