Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Storm Water Pipe Camera Work

On Monday of this week we contracted out to have our storm water pipes inspected with a camera. As these corrugated metal pipes are reaching close to 20 years in age, it is important to identify and repair any problems before they become worse.

We had Pipe Data View Services come to do the work.


They have a great set-up with report capabilities that are amazing.

For the larger pipe this mobile device was used with a camera on top to record the inside of the pipes.


Here the camera is mounted on a smaller machine.


Inside the truck is a terminal to control the camera and make the reports.


We will now take this information to our engineer for analysis.


Monday, November 28, 2016

Winter Schedule

This week our focus is on blowing out the irrigation system and leaf clean-up. Bunkers are our top priority for removing leaves then along rock wall and secondary rough areas.

We will also be moving to winter pins and tee locations. The goal of leaving the tees in one place all winter is to only affect one area of the tee since we will not see re-growth from divots over the winter. Then in the Spring the area that was used all winter can be re-seeded/sodded instead of having to repair areas over the entire tee if we were to move tee locations during the winter.


Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Course Update 11.15.16

The first group of staff members returned to their homes in Mexico last Friday. The next group will leave this Friday and the final group at the end of the month. Their hard work and dedication to the course is very much appreciated.

For the next several weeks our focus will be on leaf mulching and removal. Once all leaves have fallen and are cleaned from the course we will return to tree and underbrush removal.


Friday, November 4, 2016

Updated Project Photos

#8 Green Surrounds

We sodded portions of the green surrounds to Turf Type Tall Fescue and added speciality irrigation to the left side.


#11 Tree Removal

Grouping of trees removed short right of fairway . Will be grassed this Winter/Spring after stump grinding.


#13 Bunker Surrounds

Sodded to Turf Type Tall Fescue.




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Weekly Schedule for October 31-November 6, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Mulch leaves
-Sod #13 bunker surrounds on Wednesday
-Install specialty irrigation to left of #8 green and sod on Wednesday
-Additional tree work to right of #11 fairway
-Continue mowing secondary roughs and apply pre and post-emergent weed control



Friday, October 28, 2016

Before and After Project Photos

#4 Forward Tee

Before 
After  
This Spring we will add some additional irrigation to the tee and it's surrounds to make sure the turf stays healthy. For the next few days we have moved the Yellow and Red tees forward to the beginning of the fairway until the sod can tack in.

#11 Tree Work Behind Green

Before
After  
#15 Green Surrounds

Before 
After  
This project is about 90% complete. The remaining tree to the right of the green needs to be removed by a professional tree company. The stumps grinded and some minor grading and sodding where the trees where is yet to be completed. We will be monitoring the drainage pattern from #16 tee to determine if drainage or a curb along the cart path is better to prevent future washouts.


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Course Update 10.26.16

#15 Green Surrounds

We have removed several trees to the right of #15 green. There still remains one tree left to be cut. The goals of doing this is to increase morning sunlight to the green and the surrounds and remove root competition from the turfgrass growing in the area.



The next step is to prepare the area to be sodded to the right of the green by removing the rocks and roots in the area and possibly adding topsoil then sodding next week.

#13 Bunker Surrounds

The sod will be stripped on Monday and sodded next week with Turf Type Tall Fescue.So far this turfgrass type has proven to do well here at Fieldstone versus the Kentucky Bluegrass/Ryegrass that was used previously. If needed we can add drip irrigation to the steep slopes on the surrounds at a later time.

The walk on/off area from the cart path to the green will be addressed at a later time.

#8 Green Surrounds

The front left and left side green surrounds will have specialty irrigation added (similar to what was used behind #6 green), soil prepped and sodded within the next two weeks (weather dependent).




Monday, October 24, 2016

Weekly Schedule for October 24-30, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Blow and mulch leaves
-Continue slit seeding thin areas in fairways
-Remove trees to the right of #15 green and prep area for sod



Saturday, October 22, 2016

#6 Green-What's New/Different?

Two of my favorite quotes are the following:

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results” -Albert Einstein

"If you do not have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over" -Coach John Wooden

I like to use these quotes as guides for the planning and executing of projects here at Fieldstone.

Finished product

There are some key differences we made to improve the green surrounds. The first of which is sodding with Turf Type Tall Fescue instead of the previously used Blue/Ryegrass mix. This will give us a much more hardier grass to grow in this environment.

We've also adjusted the greens heads around the greens so they are properly spaced around the green itself.

Moving greens heads closer to green


Additionally, specialty irrigation was installed behind the green so only the rough is watered between the green and bunkers. 


Maybe most importantly, a conduit for a fan was installed as well. Plans are to add the fan this winter. The conduit was installed from behind the green to the far right rough. This winter we will continue the conduit run through the very far right rough across the stream to the tee side of the stream.

Conduit installed from behind the green where the fan will be placed to the far right side of the hole.

In order to spread out the flow of traffic onto and off the green we will be alternating parking spots for golf carts from the turnaround area to the back of the green near the courtesy cart. Possibility alternating every other week. Additional cultural practices to alleviate compaction will also be used in the left hand green surrounds on a more frequent basis.


 
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins133991.html
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins133991.html

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Slit Seeding Update

In just 10 days we have nice germination on holes #3, #4 and #11 where we began slit seeding. As we move through the rest of the tees and fairways seeding thin areas there will be irrigation applied each night to help with the establishment of these areas.

Same with greens #2-8, #11-15 and #17 where we recently hand seeded and topdressed areas along the edges of these greens. Irrigation will be applied to ensure the best possible establishment of the seed.


Monday, October 17, 2016

Weekly Schedule for October 17-23, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Install specialty irrigation behind #6 green
-Sod rough surrounds on #6 Wednesday
-Seed green edges
-Continue slit seeding thin areas in fairways and tees


Friday, October 14, 2016

#6 Green and Bunker Surround Sodding

Today we began sodding the green and bunker surround on #6 to Turf Type Tall Fescue. Our goal is to complete the bunker surround today and the rest next week.






In laying the conduit for the future fan behind the green we ran into a large bolder that actually encroaches into the green. We will be installing multiple sweeps to get the pipe around this impediment.


Our experience with sodding Turf Type Tall Fescue for bunker surrounds and rough has been very good. The surrounds on the bunkers just past the pond on #5 along with the three bunkers to the left of #18 fairway landing area have all fared well. Not to mention the primary rough between #2 and #10 that was done almost two years ago. The Kentucky Bluegrass that was in these areas requires more water and fertility. Plus it is more susceptible to disease and insect damage. While the Turf Type Tall Fescue is by no means "bulletproof" it is a much more hardy turf for this region.


Wednesday, October 12, 2016

New Slit Seeder and #6 Update

New Slit Seeder

We were fortunate to receive a brand new slit seeder this past week for fairways and tees. The machine is a TriWave 45 from TurfCo. What previously took hours to seed by hand can now be done in minutes.


Once we slit seed, topdressing is applied then dragged in. Our goal is to have germination within two weeks and let the young plants mature the rest of the Fall and Winter. Once Spring hits with warmer soil temps the plants will rapidly spread laterally into the bare areas.

#6



We are moving along slowly but surely with the conduit for the future fan at #6. As can be seen from the pictures above we have run into a large quantity of rocks while trenching.


Monday, October 10, 2016

Weekly Schedule for October 10-16, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Leaf blowing and mulching
-Finish installing conduit at #6 green
-Install specialty irrigation in surrounds behind #6 green
-Sod #6 green surrounds
-Seed thin areas in tees and fairways


Wednesday, October 5, 2016

#6 Green Surrounds and Greens Height of Cut

#6 Green Surrounds Update

We completed the moving of irrigation heads around #6 green to improve spacing today. Rocks were found anywhere we wanted to trench which caused the work to take longer than expected. Thursday and Friday we will be installing conduit for power to a fan that will be installed in the future on this green. Next week specialty irrigation will be installed in the rough directly behind the green. With good weather and no unexpected delays we plan on sodding the surrounds by the end of next week.

Greens Height of Cut

#6, #11 and #14 greens are being mowed at a slightly higher height of cut than the rest of the greens. We are slowly lowering the height of cut on these greens every other day to match the height of cut on the greens throughout the rest of the course.



Monday, October 3, 2016

Weekly Schedule for October 3-9, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Moving irrigation heads at #6 and #13 greens
-Sodding greens surrounds at #6 and #13 to Turf Type Tall Fescue

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Weeky Schedule for September 26-October 2, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Finish hand seeding and topdressing greens
-Move location of irrigation heads at #6 green
-Sod to Turf Type Tall Fescue #6 green surrounds



Thursday, September 22, 2016

Seeding of Greens

In order to promote full recovery on greens we are lightly seeding and topdressing areas of greens that lack turf coverage.

First we take a hand spike and make slits in two directions.


Then we hand sow the seed. This particular seed is coated in "Yellow Jacket" to improve moisture uptake which will lessen the time for germination and increase percent of germination.


Then the area is topdressed with sand and fertilizer.


Hope to see these areas germinate in 5-7 days. In the meantime expect seeded areas to be watered lightly more often than areas without seed.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

USGA Northeast Region Update-9.16.16

COURSE CARE
Truth And Consequences September 16, 2016 By Elliott Dowling, agronomist, Northeast Region and David Oatis, regional director, Northeast Region


Dry seasons highlight irrigation deficiencies and pinpoint where adjustments are necessary.
  
The summer of 2016 has been extremely challenging for golf courses in the Northeast Region; and it isn't over yet. The heat and humidity have been oppressive, and rainfall has been extreme or absent, depending on your location. In most years, turf managers anxiously wait for September, normally a month that favors turf recovery. Unfortunately, until very recently September has provided little relief from summer heat. Most golf courses have experienced some stress and turf thinning, if not total turf loss. Recovery is needed, but it has been slow to arrive because of the ongoing heat and lack of rainfall. Irrigation is not a substitute for natural rain, and the absence of rain is slowing germination and growth.
September also marks the unofficial start of fall projects. Golf courses rely on fall projects and cultivation to improve turf health and playing conditions for next season. Unfortunately, the unseasonably hot, dry weather has caused some courses to scale back cultivation programs and postpone golf course improvement projects. If your grass is too weak to sustain traditional fall cultivation, implement a less-aggressive approach by using smaller tines and less sand until the weather improves. When the weather breaks, perform additional cultivation if it is needed to promote long-term improvement.
The silver lining of a difficult season is that infrastructure deficiencies are highlighted such that they are difficult to ignore. This fall is a good time to think about turning some of your course's weaknesses into strengths.
  • Irrigation coverage—For courses that have experienced extremely dry conditions, now is a perfect time to document irrigation problems related to pumping, supply, control, coverage and other factors. Act soon before regular rainfall erases irrigation coverage problems that drought has exposed. If you haven't developed a drought emergency plan, this year has certainly shown why it is important to do so.
  • Drainage—Irrigation often gets top billing, but nothing is more important than getting rid of excess water when it arrives in copious quantities. Keep in mind that surface and subsurface drainage are equally important. If your greens don't have good internal drainage, implement a deep soil-modification program or install an internal drainage system.
  • Trees—Trees on a golf course can add beauty and strategy, but they also shade the turf, compete for moisture and can clog drain lines. Extremely wet or extremely dry, tree roots can cause problems.
  • Fans—Fan technology has improved tremendously in recent years. Having one or more portable, gas-powered fans will provide another level of protection when faced with difficult summer weather. Some courses may have been able to avoid turf loss this summer if they had used a fan for a few weeks.
  • Grass species—Breeding programs are continually developing new and improved turfgrass cultivars. If you have old “grass technology” it may be time to upgrade to a species or cultivar that can better withstand heat, drought, wear and disease.
The benefit of experiencing a challenging summer is that it highlights a golf course's strengths and weaknesses. Hopefully you can use this year to affect positive change at your golf course.



Friday, September 16, 2016

Well on hole #2

The beginning of the week saw our irrigation lake levels get so low that the intake pump that feeds the pumps for the irrigation system sucked in air and floated to the top of the lake.


This is not something you want to see during a drought. By pumping water back into the wet well of our irrigation pumps the intake pipe lowered. We were still without sufficient levels of water in the irrigation pond to irrigate.

After two extensive days meeting with well drillers, electricians and a geologist a decision was made to pull the motor and pump from the well that sits to the left of #2 fairway. The challenge with determining why a well is not producing water is that they are about 500 feet deep and 8 inches wide. The pumps and motors sit about 400 feet below the surface and are connected to a 3 inch galvanized steel discharge tube. Therefore special equipment is needed to be brought in for the job.


Once the motor, pump and discharge pipe was pulled it was easy to see the problem.


Due to the high iron and magnesium levels in our ground water the galvanized steel tube just above the pump had corroded causing a hole to form. Since this hole is located 390 feet below surface level the water did not have an opportunity to maintain enough pressure to make it out of the well.

Once the pipe was replaced everything was lowered back and we now have water coming from this well.

While re-installing the motor, pump and discharge pipe a smaller 1 inch drop tube was connected with it so we may lower certain instruments into the well and measure things such as water level. This way, if we are not getting enough water from this well we can make a better determination of what the problem could be. This experience has made me realize just how difficult it is to troubleshoot when the problem is hundreds of feet below the surface.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Weekly Schedule for September 12-18, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Sod areas that are prepped
-Mow bunker, tee and green surrounds
-Plug areas on greens
-Continue lowering height of cut on greens


Saturday, September 10, 2016

A Plant Out of Place



WEEDS are defined as a plant out of place according to my college weed science professor. With that being said we have quite a few out of place plants on the golf course. Due to budgetary constraints a pre-emergent was not applied to our secondary roughs (also called by some native areas or fine fescue). Currently we are applying some post-emergent controls to large broadleaf plants around tee boxes and other high visibility areas. The tell tale signs that it is working is the curling up and bending over of these plants within 24 hours of application.





Pre-emergent products were applied in a timely manner this Spring to fairways, tees and rough. According to a recent United States Golf Association Green Section update many of these applications are not lasting as long as they should due to the higher than normal soil temperatures breaking down the product in the soil. A follow-up application was made but only works when there is adequate moisture in the soil and enough irrigation to move the product into the soil. With the drought, neither of these conditions were present and the second application was not as effective as planned. There are post-emergent products available to control these weeds. However, adequate soil moisture is needed for them to work effectively and temperatures need to be lower than what we have had to not cause damage to the turf we have on the tees, fairways and rough. A very tough situation which has led to hand-picking weeds as time and labor allows. Good news is the first frost will take out most of these annual summer weeds. On average this will occur in mid-October but can happen earlier in October.


Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Cart Path Only Until Rainfall

Since July 31 Fieldstone has received 1.25 inches of rain versus an average during this time period of approximately 4 inches. During the past almost 40 days we have experienced above average temperatures. Lack of rain and higher temperatures have caused drought conditions here at the course. Due to lack of water in our wells (Water Supply for Irrigation System) our irrigation pond is quite low which has caused us to reduce our water use to only greens, tees and newly seeded/sodded areas.

Due to these conditions we have made the difficult decision to go cart path only until we have a rainfall event of 0.25 inches or more. The irrigation lake that supplies our irrigation system currently looks like this.



When the pond is full (1.2 million gallons) it looks like this.




When the fairways become too dry and carts drive on them damage occurs such as this.


The turf injury that has occurred in the above photo can take quite some time to recover.

July did produce an average amount of rainfall spread across the entire month. It takes approximately 90 days for that rainfall to reach our wells 500 feet in the ground.

We are currently working with a geologist to determine the best solution for our short and long term water needs.


Monday, September 5, 2016

Weekly Schedule for September 5-11, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Seed thin areas on greens, tees and fairways
-Topdress any empty aerification holes on greens that need it
-Slowly start lowering the height of cut on greens on a daily basis
-Make two fertilizer applications to greens
-Sod approaches and green surrounds where needed
-Focus on spraying broadleaf weeds around tee boxes in secondary rough
-Pray for rain


Thursday, September 1, 2016

Late Summer 2016 Fall Aerification Wrap-Up

As of 6 pm Wednesday night the greens and tees have been aerified and cleaned. Topdressing sand was applied to greens along with soil amendments. The staff worked 40 hours over Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to complete the task. We even got a break in the weather after three hot days and received some much needed rain Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The Greensweeps mentioned in last week's post were a success. Like anything it took us some time to get a system in place to maximize it's benefits. The results have been outstanding.


We used less sand, reduced any possible injury to the turf from brushing and have nicely filled holes with sand. This process did take longer than brushing. Am planning on purchasing two additional units to speed up the process for next year.

We will be applying fertilizer to the greens Friday morning to help with recovery. Next week there are several tees that we will topdress with sand. Also, on Tuesday we will begin seeding thin areas on greens and tees.







Monday, August 29, 2016

Weekly Schedule for August 29-September 4, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Aerification of greens, tees and practice tees
-Spot seeding of greens and tees
-Underbrush removal at #11 green
-Removal of dead trees to the left of #6 green
-Removal of limbs affecting ball flight from #7 tees

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Water Supply for Irrigation System

On top of record breaking heat and humidity this summer we are also experiencing a shortage of water for our irrigation system. The water level in our irrigation lake is quite low. It is very noticeable when playing holes #1 and #2. Especially interesting is the "shelf" closest to #1 green. It's my understanding that this was going to be the original location of #1 green. When it was decided to move the location of the green the soil was not removed. Here's a picture from 2011 when the water was pumped out of the pond for irrigation repairs.


This "shelf" causes major algae growth because of the low levels of water above it which increases the amount of sunlight reaching the soil. More importantly, it takes up approximately 600,000 gallons of usable water.  According to a survey done in 2011 there is 1.2 million gallons of usable water in the lake. Since the intake pipe for the pump station sits above the lake floor we do not consider the first few feet of water as usable for irrigation as only the water above the intake pipe can be sucked in to the pumps. Currently we have about 4 nights of water in the pond if our wells are not working.

The pond is fed from four wells as seen on this map.


Originally the wells labeled #2 and #15 were built and well #4 was a test well that was not in use. During the creek project of 2011 well #14 was added. Due to it's close location to the well on #15 it did not increase our water supply but does allow faster uptake of water from the aquifer that is below both these wells. Later in 2011 a water shortage occurred and the decision was made to add a pump to well #4 and use that as an additional water source. An unexpected result of this was the drying up of well #2 which was the main well for our irrigation supply. Since well #4 is smaller in diameter than the other wells it actually produces less water so there has been a net loss in overall water supply for the irrigation system. I am unsure if stopping the use of well #4 would eventually lead to well #2 be viable again. It may be something that has to be done for several years which we cannot do right now.

We are currently working with a geologist to determine what options we have for gaining sufficient water for our irrigation needs. Dredging the pond and removing the "shelf" is one option. This would give us 1- 2 additional nights of water storage and improve the quality of the water in the pond. The other option is to dig an additional well or multiple wells. Also, installing monitoring devices on existing wells would help us to make sure the use of these wells is as efficient as possible.  Doing so would also extend the viability of these wells for a longer time.

Until we get some nice soaking rain the golf course may turn brown in certain areas. Greens and tees after aerification next week will be a priority for watering. Let's hope for rain and cooler weather soon! For now enjoy the extra distance off the tee from the firm playing surfaces.


Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Upcoming Aerification

Hopefully everyone has read the notice about our upcoming aerification. If not, it can be found here: Upcoming Aerification A change we are going to do this year which will improve both the turf health and the playability of the green's surface immediately after topdressing is how we work the topdressing sand into the greens.

The standard method that we have used to work topdressing sand into the holes is to take a golf cart and pull a broom behind it while driving on the green.


We have also taken our debris blowers and pulled them behind golf carts to work sand into the holes on the greens. While successful in working the sand into the holes, it does cause extra stress to the turf from the carts driving on the surface of the greens.

In order to accomplish aerification without stressing the turf we have come up with another method to work the sand into the holes. Assistant Superintendent Matt Smith has used an attachment to a walk behind blower at previous golf courses he has worked at. It is called a Green Sweep and was developed by the superintendent at Milwaukee Country Club. After doing some research this product looks like it will produce a better sand distribution into the holes, deliver less stress to the turf, and allow better playability of the greens after aerification and topdressing.









Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Weekly Schedule for August 22-28, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Mow bunker surrounds
-Remove underbrush around #11 green
-Prepare equipment for next week's aerification of greens and tees
-Trim around irrigation heads

Thursday, August 18, 2016

August 18, 2016 Morning Update

We have finally broken our streak with 7 days of temperatures reaching over 90 degrees with heat indexes over 100 degrees and night time temps above 70 degrees. The 0.5 inches of rain that fell overnight will help the fairways, tees and roughs and allow our wells some more time to recharge so we may fill our irrigation pond. As long as the weather does not turn hot and humid the rain will not hurt the greens.

Have had some questions about how we water greens under hot and humid conditions. This is very different than when we water under dry and hot weather.

Here is a picture of a staff member checking the soil moisture with a moisture meter and marking dry areas with flags.


This ensures only the needed areas are getting water. A previous post described syringing to cool off greens (Syringing Greens). There has been scientific evidence since the 1980's showing that this method of watering greens has a cooling effect of less than two minutes. Doing this in areas with little to no air movement does not allow the plant to naturally cool itself.

One more point to discuss, and one that I am guilty of doing myself, is comparing one course to another. I am in contact with many local superintendents discussing conditions and all our having turf stress. Greens with little air movement and shade are the worse. However, there are many, many variables to golf courses even across the street from one another. Soil, trees, design, budget, equipment, rounds of golf played, etc lead to too many factors that do not allow a correct comparison to be made. I am available to discuss course conditions and ask that this blog be used as an updated source of information for the members.








Tuesday, August 16, 2016

August 16, 2016 Update @ 12:00 pm

The excessive heat warning from the past 5 days has been extended until today. Notice in this map how the humidity is higher here then points South which is why we are under a warning and other areas a less severe advisory.


We are using our debris blowers on greens to improve air movement. The worst areas continue to remain wet, even without irrigation. This is due to lack of sun and air movement causing the soil to heat the roots. Wilt, especially bentgrass, recovers well when water is applied. While we do see some wilting in fairways, mainly from rocks being near the surface, the greens are seeing what is called Summer Bentgrass Decline. An article describing this can be found here: Summer Bentgrass Decline

At this time we have turned off the wells that go into our irrigation pond to allow them some time to recharge. Tomorrow morning we will re-check them to see if they are again putting out sufficient enough levels of water to fill the pond. This does not effect our handwatering efforts but does reduce the amount of watering in the evenings on fairways, tees and roughs.




Monday, August 15, 2016

Weekly Schedule for August 15-21, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Solid tine weak areas on greens
-Trim irrigation heads
-Push mow tee and green surrounds
-Hand pick weeds on tees and fairways


Sunday, August 14, 2016

Effects of Morning Shade on Turf

Great example of what happens to the turf with morning shade. Courtesy of research from the University of Arkansas.





Friday, August 12, 2016

Update-Friday, August 12, 2016 @ 5:30 pm

This white paper put out by the Virginia Tech Turf Team gives a good explanation of what is happening with the weather right now. The portions on "Shade and Air Movement" and "Traffic Stress" are particularly pertinent to us here at Fieldstone. I feel confident that our programs to eliminate diseases and pests in a preventative manner were successful.  Lots of shade, lack of air movement and traffic stress on certain greens are the primary causes of turf stress here at Fieldstone.

Virginia Tech-Summer Stress on Greens

It bears repeating that greens with good sunlight and air movement are in better shape than those without. #3 is a great example of what tree removal and adding a fan does to improve turf health. Next week we will have an electrician price out the cost to add more fans on additional greens. #11 is the one with the highest priority for a fan with several others also needing them.





Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Update on #4 Fairway, #6 Green and #11 Green

#4 Fairway

This morning we double groomed areas on #4 fairway. These areas are where we saw some yellowing from the herbicide that was applied. The bentgrass is green and growing underneath, but to promote additional growth we groomed these areas to remove old plant tissue and allow sunlight to enter the canopy of the turf. Additional amounts of nitrogen fertilizer will be applied on a light and frequent basis to promote recovery.

#6 Green

Assistant Superitendent Matt Smith, with a small group of staff, removed approximately half of the back left corner on #6 green. 12 inches of sand rootzone was removed, drainage moved and topsoil added.



The sandy area was seeded to bentgrass and will become the collar. Where there is topsoil, Turf Type Tall Fescue was planted for rough.

#11 Green and Fairway

As can be seen from this picture there is lots of good germination happening along the outside of the green.


Also on Monday, Matt and crew dug out a portion of the fairway just below the right hand side fairway bunker and replaced the rocky soil with topsoil, then seeded with creeping bentgrass.