For those who would like a little better understanding of the golf course superintendent profession, here is a short video recently produced by the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Winter Course Set-up
We are moving the pin locations for winter starting today. Front, middle and back on most greens. The smaller greens will have front and back locations only.
Also, over the next few days the winter tee locations will be set. Please only use the tees which have the markers on them.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Weekly Schedules for the Fall and Winter
Currently our focus over the next few weeks will be leaf clean-up and moving irrigation heads around greens. The size of our seasonal staff began decreasing last month with the next large group leaving this Friday and all will be gone by mid-November.
While I will not be doing weekly schedules until the spring I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. Looking forward to getting a lot done this winter in preparation for the upcoming season.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Weekly Schedule for October 27-November 2, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Topdress greens as needed to ensure all aerification holes are filled
-Move irrigation heads around greens
--Mulch, blow and pick up leaves
-Topdress greens as needed to ensure all aerification holes are filled
-Move irrigation heads around greens
--Mulch, blow and pick up leaves
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Fall Aerification Update-10.22.14
We were able to complete aerification on Tuesday except for the topdressing of greens #14-17. Today is too wet to properly topdress so we will wait until Thursday or Friday. Besides topdressing, our main objective will be to clean the piles of fairway cores that are located on the cart paths this week.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Fall Aerification Update-10.21.14
Would like to share some links to previous blog posts regarding our aerification process.
Greens Aerification
Fairway Aerification
Yesterday we had frost until 9:00 am which resulted in a 2.5 hour delay. We were able to finish aerifiying all the greens and cleaned up the majority of the plugs. The majority of the fairways were also aerified and plugs picked up. Today we are applying soil amendments to the greens then topdressing and brushing the sand into the holes. Fairways will be completed by early afternoon. Tee aerification has begun and hope to finish that today as well.
Greens Aerification
Fairway Aerification
Yesterday we had frost until 9:00 am which resulted in a 2.5 hour delay. We were able to finish aerifiying all the greens and cleaned up the majority of the plugs. The majority of the fairways were also aerified and plugs picked up. Today we are applying soil amendments to the greens then topdressing and brushing the sand into the holes. Fairways will be completed by early afternoon. Tee aerification has begun and hope to finish that today as well.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Weekly Schedule for October 20-26, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Aerification of all greens, tees and fairways on Monday and Tuesday
-Seeding of secondary rough with hard fescue
-Aerification of all greens, tees and fairways on Monday and Tuesday
-Seeding of secondary rough with hard fescue
Friday, October 17, 2014
Secondary Rough Seeding Update 10.17.14
We hope to have the hillside to the left of #18 fairway seeded today. Next area to be seeded is the hillside to the left of #15 tees. Then to the front entrance road.
The first area that was seeded on #3 looks like this.
While this may look spotty and thin, it is actually an excellent stand for Hard Fescue one month after seeding. This is a very fragile and finicky grass to get established. We do not expect to see more growth until about Memorial Day. During the summer of 2015 there will be no seededhead formation from these grasses. It will be a battle to keep weeds away until full establishment.
To the left of #16 tees we seeded Turf Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) to me mowed at primary rough height. Unlike Hard Fescue, the TTTF grows faster and fills in rapidly. Barring any unforseen weather events the TTTF will be fully established in late spring. As can be seen in this photo it is already well established just a few weeks after seeding.
The first area that was seeded on #3 looks like this.
While this may look spotty and thin, it is actually an excellent stand for Hard Fescue one month after seeding. This is a very fragile and finicky grass to get established. We do not expect to see more growth until about Memorial Day. During the summer of 2015 there will be no seededhead formation from these grasses. It will be a battle to keep weeds away until full establishment.
To the left of #16 tees we seeded Turf Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) to me mowed at primary rough height. Unlike Hard Fescue, the TTTF grows faster and fills in rapidly. Barring any unforseen weather events the TTTF will be fully established in late spring. As can be seen in this photo it is already well established just a few weeks after seeding.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Weekly Schedule for October 13-19, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Prepare and seed secondary roughs with Hard Fescue
Friday, October 10, 2014
Secondary Rough Seeding
We have been very pleased with germination of the Hard Fescue that has been seeded thus far. In an upcoming post I will discuss what can be expected in terms of results for the next 1-3 years. For now I'd like to give some insight into how the seeding is actually done.
Most of the secondary rough is on steep hills and requires an enormous amount of hand work to prep and seed. Therefore we obtained a machine that can do most of this work for us in an efficient and safe manner. It is called a Ventrac and has a seeder/aeravator attachment.
The machine has 8 tires and sits low to the ground. The spikes on the aeravator vibrate when lowered into the ground providing a nice seedbed. At the same time that the aeravator is working, seed is dropping from the seed box on top working it's way into the soil.
While there are still some areas that need to be done by hand, the majority of the work is done with this machine making it a much more efficient process.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Weekly Schedule for October 6-12, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Prepping/seeding Fine Fescue in Secondary Roughs
-Turf Type Tall Fescue seeding in green surrounds
-Repair of rock walls around #13 tees
-Sodding of fairway entrances on #5
-Repair of irrigation leak at #15 green surround
-Prepping/seeding Fine Fescue in Secondary Roughs
-Turf Type Tall Fescue seeding in green surrounds
-Repair of rock walls around #13 tees
-Sodding of fairway entrances on #5
-Repair of irrigation leak at #15 green surround
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Subscribe Feature on Blog
I've added a widget to the front page of the blog to make it easier to be notified by e-mail when a new blog post is added. By moving the cursor towards the upper right hand side of the screen while viewing the blog three widgets will appear. By clicking on the top one labeled "Subscribe" and following a few simple steps you will be notified once a day through an e-mail when the blog is updated.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Results from September 17th Seeding
We are seeing a great amount of germination from our seeding on September 17th:
Blog Update 9.17.14
As the area inside the red box in this photo shows there is seed in just about every hole.
We have creeping bentgrass on our greens. This seed will "creep" laterally as it is a stoloniferous grass that will quickly grow over the holes.
Blog Update 9.17.14
As the area inside the red box in this photo shows there is seed in just about every hole.
We have creeping bentgrass on our greens. This seed will "creep" laterally as it is a stoloniferous grass that will quickly grow over the holes.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Weekly Schedule for September 29-October 5, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Very light topdress of greens on Tuesday morning
-Secondary rough cleaning and seeding
-Turf Type Tall Fescue seeding/sodding in selected primary rough areas
-Very light topdress of greens on Tuesday morning
-Secondary rough cleaning and seeding
-Turf Type Tall Fescue seeding/sodding in selected primary rough areas
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Update on September 25th @ 7:45 am
We've had a nice steady rain overnight and into this morning. So far only very small washouts where we have seeded into the secondary roughs with hard fescue. On hole #3 we have seen germination in 7 days which is pretty remarkable as hard fescue generally takes longer.
Will be updating the blog in the next few days describing the seeding process itself.
Will be updating the blog in the next few days describing the seeding process itself.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Natives, Fine Fescue Areas, Out of Play Areas and Secondary Rough
As we are well on our way of seeding these large bare areas throughout the golf course I thought it would be good to step back and define exactly what they are called. The most common name I hear is "Native Areas". This is a name that to me makes it sound as if these areas have little to no maintenance done to them. In fact, as can be observed from the past year these areas require intense maintenance. The links courses of Scotland and Ireland and even on Long Island in New York have an ideal setting for the long, wispy Fine Fescues that many of us see while watch the British Open. The soil and climate make it optimal for these grasses to grow with little to no input. The soil and site conditions at Fieldstone Golf Club make it anything but optimal to grow these grasses here. Therefore, I would like to get away from calling them "Native Areas".
The grasses seen at the links courses in Ireland, Scotland and some of the classic courses throughout the United States are actually from a group of fine leaved grasses called Fine Fescue. Within this group are creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue and sheep fescue. Sometimes a mix of these grasses are used and other times only one. Each having specific characteristics. Since our primary rough includes Turf Type Tall Fescue, Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass which contrasts what we are seeding it is fair to call these newly seeded spaces "Fine Fescue areas".
Since the areas that we are seeding are generally not in the line of normal play they may be referred to "Out of Play Areas". However, judging from the amount of golf balls found while prepping for seed I would not say they are out of play at all.
Finally, a term I feel most describes what we are trying to do is "Secondary Roughs".
In this picture the Primary Rough, made up of Turf Type Tall Fescue, Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass is in the foreground while the secondary rough, which is taller, is in the background.
This is an ideal look for us and one that we are tying to achieve.
In the next blog post I will describe how we get from what we have now to what is in the above picture throughout the golf course.
The grasses seen at the links courses in Ireland, Scotland and some of the classic courses throughout the United States are actually from a group of fine leaved grasses called Fine Fescue. Within this group are creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue and sheep fescue. Sometimes a mix of these grasses are used and other times only one. Each having specific characteristics. Since our primary rough includes Turf Type Tall Fescue, Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass which contrasts what we are seeding it is fair to call these newly seeded spaces "Fine Fescue areas".
Since the areas that we are seeding are generally not in the line of normal play they may be referred to "Out of Play Areas". However, judging from the amount of golf balls found while prepping for seed I would not say they are out of play at all.
Finally, a term I feel most describes what we are trying to do is "Secondary Roughs".
In this picture the Primary Rough, made up of Turf Type Tall Fescue, Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass is in the foreground while the secondary rough, which is taller, is in the background.
This is an ideal look for us and one that we are tying to achieve.
In the next blog post I will describe how we get from what we have now to what is in the above picture throughout the golf course.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Weekly Schedule for September 22-28, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Cross tine, topdress and apply Gypsum to greens on Monday
-Seed and clean areas for Fine Fescue
-Cross tine, topdress and apply Gypsum to greens on Monday
-Seed and clean areas for Fine Fescue
Thursday, September 18, 2014
#3 Fine Fescue Seeding
Green side of #3 has been seeded with Fine Fescue. Please stay off this area for the time being.
Look for a series of blog posts in the near future detailing our seeding process and what to expect.
Look for a series of blog posts in the near future detailing our seeding process and what to expect.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Update
We are aerifying small areas on greens and collars this morning.
The depth of the aerifier is set to a very shallow 1/4"
We are going shallow because we are seeding these areas to promote some regrowth. The seed is mixed with sand, brushed then watered in.
As I marked the areas to be done this morning I observed that the location of the majority of these areas are located where there is morning shade and/or have high compaction from foot traffic going on/off the greens in the same area.
The depth of the aerifier is set to a very shallow 1/4"
We are going shallow because we are seeding these areas to promote some regrowth. The seed is mixed with sand, brushed then watered in.
As I marked the areas to be done this morning I observed that the location of the majority of these areas are located where there is morning shade and/or have high compaction from foot traffic going on/off the greens in the same area.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Weekly Schedule for September 15-21, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Fine Fescue area seed prep and seeding. Starting on hole #3
-Seed thin areas on greens (mostly edges on a few greens)
-Fine Fescue area seed prep and seeding. Starting on hole #3
-Seed thin areas on greens (mostly edges on a few greens)
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Seed Germination on #7
We've had really good germination and growth with the Turf Type Tall Fescue seed on #7.
At seeding:
12 days afterwards:
At seeding:
12 days afterwards:
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Weekly Schedule for September 8-14, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule
-Sod small areas on #5 blue tee and #17 approach
-Seed select areas in the rough
-Apply different anti-skid material to #3 stairs from what was applied to #7 stairs last week to determine which works better
-Begin seeding Fine Fescue on hole #3
-Sod small areas on #5 blue tee and #17 approach
-Seed select areas in the rough
-Apply different anti-skid material to #3 stairs from what was applied to #7 stairs last week to determine which works better
-Begin seeding Fine Fescue on hole #3
Monday, September 1, 2014
Weekly Schedule for September 1-7, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Topdress greens on Tuesday
-Verticut select tees on Wednesday
-Seed or sod select areas in rough
-Apply anti-skid sealer to #7 stairs
-Topdress greens on Tuesday
-Verticut select tees on Wednesday
-Seed or sod select areas in rough
-Apply anti-skid sealer to #7 stairs
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Bunker Green Seeding
We seeded the bunker green next to the putting green on Thursday with ryegrass seed. With good weather we should see germination in 7-10 days and fully covered in 3-4 weeks.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Weekly Schedule for August 25-31, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Verticut and topdress greens on Monday
-Seed #7 hillside in front of bunker
-Continue mowing and spraying Fescue areas for seed preparation
-Verticut and topdress greens on Monday
-Seed #7 hillside in front of bunker
-Continue mowing and spraying Fescue areas for seed preparation
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Fescue Spraying
In areas where there is little to no Fine Fescue to begin with we have begun spraying Round-Up. An example would be to the left of #16 white tees.
We have to be very careful with this product so the 25 gallon tank we use is clearly marked.
So there is no confusion amongst our staff "muerto todo" means "kills everything".
Beginning the first week of September our plan is to seed these areas with Hard Fesuce which is a type of Fine Fescue..
We have to be very careful with this product so the 25 gallon tank we use is clearly marked.
So there is no confusion amongst our staff "muerto todo" means "kills everything".
Beginning the first week of September our plan is to seed these areas with Hard Fesuce which is a type of Fine Fescue..
Monday, August 18, 2014
Weekly Schedule for August 18-24, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Lots of spraying Fescue areas in preparation for seeding in two weeks
-We will try out different pieces of equipment in the Fescue areas to see how we can best prepare the seedbed
-Verticut, topdress and apply Gypsum to practice greens and possibly greens on the course
-On Monday and Tuesday we will groom fairways
-Lots of spraying Fescue areas in preparation for seeding in two weeks
-We will try out different pieces of equipment in the Fescue areas to see how we can best prepare the seedbed
-Verticut, topdress and apply Gypsum to practice greens and possibly greens on the course
-On Monday and Tuesday we will groom fairways
Monday, August 11, 2014
Weekly Schedule for August 11-17, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-On Tuesday we will sod the back portion of #6 green where there is heavy walk on/ walk off foot traffic
-Spray Fescue areas in preparation for September seeding
-On Tuesday we will sod the back portion of #6 green where there is heavy walk on/ walk off foot traffic
-Spray Fescue areas in preparation for September seeding
Monday, August 4, 2014
Weekly Schedule for August 4-10, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Wetting agent application on tees and fairways this week. Product needs to be watered in right away to get into the soil.
-Spraying of Fescue areas in preparation for seeding in a few weeks.
-Spot spray weeds in fairways and roughs
-Wetting agent application on tees and fairways this week. Product needs to be watered in right away to get into the soil.
-Spraying of Fescue areas in preparation for seeding in a few weeks.
-Spot spray weeds in fairways and roughs
Friday, August 1, 2014
Root Pruning Results
As a follow up to the Root Pruning post on June 27 (Original Root Pruning Post) I'd like to share this photo of the results.
It's apparent where the root pruner was. The right side of this picture shows yellow turf that is losing the competition from the tree roots for water and nutrients. The line down the middle is where the root pruner was run and the resulting healthy turf on the left side of the photo.
It's apparent where the root pruner was. The right side of this picture shows yellow turf that is losing the competition from the tree roots for water and nutrients. The line down the middle is where the root pruner was run and the resulting healthy turf on the left side of the photo.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Weekly Schedule for July 28-August 3, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Sod area in #9 fairway where irrigation break occurred
-Cross tine greens
-Dust greens with sand
-Apply soil amendments to greens
-Sod area in #9 fairway where irrigation break occurred
-Cross tine greens
-Dust greens with sand
-Apply soil amendments to greens
Friday, July 25, 2014
Lightning Strikes
Thursday morning I received a call from Assistant Golf Professional Brad Lewis as he was opening up the golf shop. He said we had an irrigation leak on #9. Upon arriving to the scene this is what I found.
The bubbling that you see is from the water that came from the broken irrigation line getting caught between the turf and the soil underneath.
Once the valves were closed we were able to find out what happened.
The break came in the middle of the pipe. Very, very unusual as almost all breaks occur at a coupling or joint. Plus the wire was split as well. It was determined that we had lightning strike the ground there and literally blow the pipe up. We also had solenoids on the two nearest irrigation heads split. Meaning that an electrical charge went through the wire. Fortunately solenoids are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace as compared to an irrigation head.
Some of the bubbling was able to be rolled smooth. But about 650 square feet was not. So we removed the turf and leveled.
On Monday we will sod this area.
The bubbling that you see is from the water that came from the broken irrigation line getting caught between the turf and the soil underneath.
Once the valves were closed we were able to find out what happened.
Some of the bubbling was able to be rolled smooth. But about 650 square feet was not. So we removed the turf and leveled.
On Monday we will sod this area.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Weekly Schedule for July 21-27, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Weed control in rough and Fescue areas
-Clean-up from July 9th's storm damage
-Weed control in rough and Fescue areas
-Clean-up from July 9th's storm damage
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Weekly Schedule for July 14-20, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Apply fertility to fairways and tees
-Weed control in rough
-Clean-up from last week's storm
-Rock wall repair
-Apply fertility to fairways and tees
-Weed control in rough
-Clean-up from last week's storm
-Rock wall repair
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Storm Clean-Up from July 8, 2014 Wind Damage
Last night we had some pretty strong winds come through at about 8:30 pm bringing with it 0.4" of rain. Have quite a few limbs down and some trees. The course will be opening at 10:30 am this morning. Below are a few pictures.
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| Hole #11 |
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| Tree blocking cart path to left of #12 tees |
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| Tree blocking cart path on holes #5/#12 |
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| Same tree as above picture from other angle |
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| Tree next to #15 cart path |
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| #14 Fairway |
Monday, June 30, 2014
Weekly Schedule for June 30-July 6, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Star tine greens and apply a soil amendment on Monday
-Wetting agent application to fairways and tees on Monday (will be watered in afterwards)
-Wetting agent application to greens on Tuesday (will be watered in afterwards)
-Underbrush removal at #7 tees
-Star tine greens and apply a soil amendment on Monday
-Wetting agent application to fairways and tees on Monday (will be watered in afterwards)
-Wetting agent application to greens on Tuesday (will be watered in afterwards)
-Underbrush removal at #7 tees
Friday, June 27, 2014
Root Pruning
This week we rented a root pruner to help the turf around trees compete for water and nutrients with tree roots. Here is what the machine looks like.
There are two blades underneath about 8 inches apart. The depth is set to about 7 inches which is where most, if not all, our turf roots are located. We go just inside the drip line of the trees.
The end product looks like this.
Very little disruption to the surface, yet many benefits for the turf!
There are two blades underneath about 8 inches apart. The depth is set to about 7 inches which is where most, if not all, our turf roots are located. We go just inside the drip line of the trees.
The end product looks like this.
Very little disruption to the surface, yet many benefits for the turf!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Hazards
On Monday of this week we removed some hazardous trees on holes #5, #14 and #15. There was too much dead wood in the trees to save them.
Notice the leafless branches on the left side of the tree in front of #15 tees.
What most likely happened is when the cart path was constructed 15 years ago the heavy equipment used cut through the roots of this tree. The damage now is very evident. These dead limbs are now easily broken off and fall to the ground. There is really nothing to do but remove the tree at this point.
Notice the leafless branches on the left side of the tree in front of #15 tees.
What most likely happened is when the cart path was constructed 15 years ago the heavy equipment used cut through the roots of this tree. The damage now is very evident. These dead limbs are now easily broken off and fall to the ground. There is really nothing to do but remove the tree at this point.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Weekly Schedule for June 23-29, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-On Monday we will dust the greens with topdressing sand
-Root pruning throughout the course on Monday
-Spike low areas in fairways
-Hazardous tree removal on Monday
-Vegetation management at #7 tees
-On Monday we will dust the greens with topdressing sand
-Root pruning throughout the course on Monday
-Spike low areas in fairways
-Hazardous tree removal on Monday
-Vegetation management at #7 tees
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Dark Rings on Greens
We have a few greens with areas that look like this on them:
This is a common disease of turfgrass called Fairy Ring. There are 3 main types that can be caused by dozens of different fungi. In most cases no damage to the turf is seen. Only a release of excess Nitrogen causing the dark green circles. These areas have been treated and hope to see a reduction in symptoms over the next few days.
This is a common disease of turfgrass called Fairy Ring. There are 3 main types that can be caused by dozens of different fungi. In most cases no damage to the turf is seen. Only a release of excess Nitrogen causing the dark green circles. These areas have been treated and hope to see a reduction in symptoms over the next few days.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Weekly Schedule for June 16-22, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Continue pruning plant material that is obstructing cart paths
-Spike low areas in fairways
-Install drainage at the equipment wash area behind maintenance shop
-Continue pruning plant material that is obstructing cart paths
-Spike low areas in fairways
-Install drainage at the equipment wash area behind maintenance shop
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
New Fan on #3
Our new fan on #3 has been installed.
You will notice that it is bigger then the two fans we have on #8. This way only one fan is needed as opposed to two. Also, we have installed it so when we remove the fan only a small green valve box will be visible. No pole will be out of the ground during the non-use months.
Am pretty excited to have some air movement on the back part of this green. Between the additional sunlight and having some flow across the green surface I have high hopes for what is perennially a trouble green for us.
You will notice that it is bigger then the two fans we have on #8. This way only one fan is needed as opposed to two. Also, we have installed it so when we remove the fan only a small green valve box will be visible. No pole will be out of the ground during the non-use months.
Am pretty excited to have some air movement on the back part of this green. Between the additional sunlight and having some flow across the green surface I have high hopes for what is perennially a trouble green for us.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Weekly Schedule for June 9-15, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Sodding a few small areas around the course
-Grooming and topdressing greens on Monday
-Double cut greens on Tuesday
-Double cut and roll greens on Wednesday for Member/Guest
-Apply plant protection and plant regulators to tees, fairways and greens
-Continue applying weed control products to Fine Fescue areas
-Continue mowing Fine Fescue areas
-Sodding a few small areas around the course
-Grooming and topdressing greens on Monday
-Double cut greens on Tuesday
-Double cut and roll greens on Wednesday for Member/Guest
-Apply plant protection and plant regulators to tees, fairways and greens
-Continue applying weed control products to Fine Fescue areas
-Continue mowing Fine Fescue areas
Monday, June 2, 2014
Weekly Schedule for June 2-8, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Apply weed control products to all Fine Fescue areas
-Aerify collars on Wednesday
-Apply weed control products to all Fine Fescue areas
-Aerify collars on Wednesday
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Weekly Schedule for May 26-June 1, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Sod areas in fairways and approaches
-Spray roughs for clover
-Spray Fescue areas for weeds
-Continue mowing Fescue areas
-Sod areas in fairways and approaches
-Spray roughs for clover
-Spray Fescue areas for weeds
-Continue mowing Fescue areas
Thursday, May 22, 2014
May 22, 2014 News and Notes
-We are doing a light grooming on the front nine fairways today. It's similar to verticutting but not as aggressive. On Friday we will do the back nine fairways then repeat in a different direction on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Some "bronzing" of the turf may be noticed but it will quickly grow out. The grooming process will help us eliminate surface irregularities, promote vertical growth and stand-up individual plant blades making for a denser more consistent stand of turf.
-Have begun preparing areas in fairways for sod. We have sod arriving both Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Our goal is to wrap up any "projects" before June so we can focus on turf survival throughout the heat and humidity of summer.
-Have been fielding questions on Poa annua recently. The wet Fall of 2013 coupled with the harsh winter we just had has made Poa a very happy plant. At this point the Poa has just gone through the seed head portion of it's life cycle and will be changing to a lime green color. This is when we are really hitting it with plant growth regulators to promote the growth of bentgrass in these areas. Once hot weather arrives the Poa will begin to check out. There are certainly some areas of concern in collars where we may not have enough bentgrass already in place to grow into the areas that will be vacated by the Poa plants. Rest assured these areas will be monitored closely to ensure there will be good turf coverage.
-The sod on green edges is doing excellent. The height of cut is being slowly lowered to match the green surfaces. A moderate application of topdressing sand was applied yesterday to help smooth out these new areas.
-Have begun preparing areas in fairways for sod. We have sod arriving both Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Our goal is to wrap up any "projects" before June so we can focus on turf survival throughout the heat and humidity of summer.
-Have been fielding questions on Poa annua recently. The wet Fall of 2013 coupled with the harsh winter we just had has made Poa a very happy plant. At this point the Poa has just gone through the seed head portion of it's life cycle and will be changing to a lime green color. This is when we are really hitting it with plant growth regulators to promote the growth of bentgrass in these areas. Once hot weather arrives the Poa will begin to check out. There are certainly some areas of concern in collars where we may not have enough bentgrass already in place to grow into the areas that will be vacated by the Poa plants. Rest assured these areas will be monitored closely to ensure there will be good turf coverage.
-The sod on green edges is doing excellent. The height of cut is being slowly lowered to match the green surfaces. A moderate application of topdressing sand was applied yesterday to help smooth out these new areas.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Weekly Schedule for May 19-25, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Verticut, brush and topdress greens on Monday
-Continue mowing and spraying Fescue areas
-Prep areas in fairways and approaches for sod
-Verticut, brush and topdress greens on Monday
-Continue mowing and spraying Fescue areas
-Prep areas in fairways and approaches for sod
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Update on our Fine Fescue Areas
Would like to update everyone on the work we are doing in our Fine Fescue areas throughout the course. Last Fall I posted the plan we would undertake to rid these areas of weeds and undesirable species and ensure the Fine Fescue grass is our predominant species.
Fine Fescue Post from September 2013
Fine Fescue is the thin, wispy turf where a golf ball may be found easily and looks like this.
So far this year we have applied a pre-emergent herbicide for grassy weeds plus two post-emergent herbicides. One for grassy weeds and the other for broadleaf weeds. Currently we are starting the process of mowing these areas again and following-up with additional post-emergent herbicides for both grassy and broadleaf weeds. This is a rather long, time consuming process and will take several weeks.
These herbicide applications have been very effective in removing the undesirable species causing some areas to turn brown where Fine Fescue was not established. Our weather pattern is 4-5 weeks behind in terms of the amount of heat we would normally have by May 15th thus causing further delay in the growth of the Fine Fescue. Some of these brown areas have Fine Fescue growing through them such as this area between #2 and #10.
Look closely and the desirable Fine Fescue can be seen growing up through the brown leaf material. Not all of the brown areas will fill in with Fine Fescue when the warmer weather arrives. Those areas without adequate turf coverage will be seeded in the Fall.
Fine Fescue Post from September 2013
Fine Fescue is the thin, wispy turf where a golf ball may be found easily and looks like this.
So far this year we have applied a pre-emergent herbicide for grassy weeds plus two post-emergent herbicides. One for grassy weeds and the other for broadleaf weeds. Currently we are starting the process of mowing these areas again and following-up with additional post-emergent herbicides for both grassy and broadleaf weeds. This is a rather long, time consuming process and will take several weeks.
These herbicide applications have been very effective in removing the undesirable species causing some areas to turn brown where Fine Fescue was not established. Our weather pattern is 4-5 weeks behind in terms of the amount of heat we would normally have by May 15th thus causing further delay in the growth of the Fine Fescue. Some of these brown areas have Fine Fescue growing through them such as this area between #2 and #10.
Look closely and the desirable Fine Fescue can be seen growing up through the brown leaf material. Not all of the brown areas will fill in with Fine Fescue when the warmer weather arrives. Those areas without adequate turf coverage will be seeded in the Fall.
Weekly Schedule for May 12-18, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Finish sodding green edges on #6 and #17 on Tuesday
-Continue mowing Fescue areas then following up with spraying for weeds
-Begin prepping and possibly sodding areas in approaches and fairways
-Growth regulator application to fairways for poa annua control
-Finish sodding green edges on #6 and #17 on Tuesday
-Continue mowing Fescue areas then following up with spraying for weeds
-Begin prepping and possibly sodding areas in approaches and fairways
-Growth regulator application to fairways for poa annua control
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| New friend for Pinki on #10 fairway |
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Weekly Schedule for May 5-11, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Focus on repairing areas on greens
-Herbicide application to cut bamboo on #2
-Herbicide application to broadleaf weeds in rough
-Focus on repairing areas on greens
-Herbicide application to cut bamboo on #2
-Herbicide application to broadleaf weeds in rough
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Update on Repair of Green Edges
Over the past three years we have reduced the amount of poor turf on our green edges from 40% to less then 15%. This is still unacceptable and we are working to improve on this measurement. Efforts to increase sunlight and air flow on #3 green will certainly help this area which is particularly bad.
Currently we are cutting out the poor areas on greens #3, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #12, #14 and #17 to a depth of 4 inches.
Previously when this was done we used straight sand then added our own amendments. This time we are purchasing the greens mix with the amendments already pre-blended. By doing this we will have a firmer base with the proper amount of infiltration rate to match the rest of the green.
The harsh winter has delayed the availability of greens height Bentgrass sod. Yesterday's rain storm has further delayed the cutting of the sod at the sod farms. The earliest we expect to have sod is Tuesday. In the meantime we hope to have everything prepped and ready to go by then.
Currently we are cutting out the poor areas on greens #3, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #12, #14 and #17 to a depth of 4 inches.
Previously when this was done we used straight sand then added our own amendments. This time we are purchasing the greens mix with the amendments already pre-blended. By doing this we will have a firmer base with the proper amount of infiltration rate to match the rest of the green.
The harsh winter has delayed the availability of greens height Bentgrass sod. Yesterday's rain storm has further delayed the cutting of the sod at the sod farms. The earliest we expect to have sod is Tuesday. In the meantime we hope to have everything prepped and ready to go by then.
Storm Update-May 1, 2014
We received 5.75 inches of rain over the past 36 hours. Besides bunkers the course has held up well. There was standing water on #8 green so this morning we are taking a hose to wash the silt off. Our goal is to get greenside bunkers repaired first before moving on to fairway bunkers.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Weekly Schedule for April 28-May 4, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-Pour concrete on cart path between holes #2 and #3. Also pour concrete where cart path was cut for electrical line installation next to #3 green
-Bamboo removal next to #2 fairway
-Clean-up of area to left of #7 left side fairway bunker
-Remove weak turf areas in greens for sodding. Currently due to the harsh winter the sod farms will have greens height bentgrass sod after May 1st.
-Pour concrete on cart path between holes #2 and #3. Also pour concrete where cart path was cut for electrical line installation next to #3 green
-Bamboo removal next to #2 fairway
-Clean-up of area to left of #7 left side fairway bunker
-Remove weak turf areas in greens for sodding. Currently due to the harsh winter the sod farms will have greens height bentgrass sod after May 1st.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Weekly Schedule for April 21-27, 2014
Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.
-On Monday we will cross tine greens (not taking plugs) then topdress, apply soil amendments and water in
-On Friday we will remove the broken concrete located on the cart path from #2 to #3 (next to #11 Blue tee). Plywood will be placed for the weekend and concrete poured on Monday, April 28th there and where the cart path was cut on #3
-Continue removing bamboo to the left of hole #2 to our property line
-Mark and prep areas to be sodded
-On Monday we will cross tine greens (not taking plugs) then topdress, apply soil amendments and water in
-On Friday we will remove the broken concrete located on the cart path from #2 to #3 (next to #11 Blue tee). Plywood will be placed for the weekend and concrete poured on Monday, April 28th there and where the cart path was cut on #3
-Continue removing bamboo to the left of hole #2 to our property line
-Mark and prep areas to be sodded
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Installation of Fan at #3 Green and Blue Pipe in Fescue Areas
We are working on running electrical conduit from the control panel for the well on #4 to behind #3 green. So far the digging has gone well.
Unlike the fans on #8, this fan will be 14 inches larger (thus reducing the need for two fans) and will not have a pole sticking out of the ground during non-use times in the Spring, Fall and Winter. Once the fan is removed only a plastic box flush with the ground will be seen.
For additional information on the benefits of fans for greens please click on the link for this short article in a recent Golfdom Magazine issue.
Golfdom-Fan Article
We have been installing PVC pipe painted blue in Fescue areas.
We are marking the location of irrigation valves so they may be quickly found and turned on or off when a repair is needed. Depending upon the height of the Fescue in the summer we may shortened the pipe as needed.
Unlike the fans on #8, this fan will be 14 inches larger (thus reducing the need for two fans) and will not have a pole sticking out of the ground during non-use times in the Spring, Fall and Winter. Once the fan is removed only a plastic box flush with the ground will be seen.
For additional information on the benefits of fans for greens please click on the link for this short article in a recent Golfdom Magazine issue.
Golfdom-Fan Article
We have been installing PVC pipe painted blue in Fescue areas.
We are marking the location of irrigation valves so they may be quickly found and turned on or off when a repair is needed. Depending upon the height of the Fescue in the summer we may shortened the pipe as needed.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Fairway Aerification Holes
This week we will begin mowing fairways. Along with cleaning them up this will promote more lateral growth which will fill in the old aerification holes from last Fall. With the harsh winter we had not all the aerification holes closed. This is actually not bad as the freezing and thawing of the soil has had a fracturing effect giving us some additional benefits. With sunshine and warmer weather the fairways should be filled in shortly.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Bamboo, Cart Paths and Bunkers
We are removing as much of the bamboo to the left of #2 fairway as possible. This is a time consuming process to cut then chip but it will make a big difference on this hole when completed.
A couple of cart path repairs are occurring now. Prep on #8 and #18 is almost complete and we will pour concrete when we are confident there is a day with acceptable weather. Once those are finished we will move to replace a piece between #2 and #3 next to #11 tees.
The cart path on #8 which was buckled up had a large root underneath.
This is what we pulled out.
With the root removed and new concrete being poured there will no longer be a bump when riding along this path.
Currently our staff is edging all bunkers and making sure the sand depth is consistent throughout the bunkers. This is a time consuming process and our hope is to have it done by Tuesday of next week,
If the weather cooperates our first greens mowing will be tomorrow (Thursday).
A couple of cart path repairs are occurring now. Prep on #8 and #18 is almost complete and we will pour concrete when we are confident there is a day with acceptable weather. Once those are finished we will move to replace a piece between #2 and #3 next to #11 tees.
The cart path on #8 which was buckled up had a large root underneath.
This is what we pulled out.
With the root removed and new concrete being poured there will no longer be a bump when riding along this path.
Currently our staff is edging all bunkers and making sure the sand depth is consistent throughout the bunkers. This is a time consuming process and our hope is to have it done by Tuesday of next week,
If the weather cooperates our first greens mowing will be tomorrow (Thursday).
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Aerification Update for March 27, 2014
We will be closing the back 9 today (Thursday, March 27, 2014) to aerify tees and approaches. Then tomorrow (Friday, March 28, 2014) we will be closing the front 9 to aerify tees and approaches. As always the weather can throw a wrench into our plans but this is our goal. With two machines (one our own and the other borrowed) we should move through this pretty quickly.
After much discussion and looking at long range weather forecasts and many other variables we have decided to not hollow tine aerify greens this Spring. Instead we will be hollow tining the collars and one pass along the green edges next week if the weather cooperates with us.
After much discussion and looking at long range weather forecasts and many other variables we have decided to not hollow tine aerify greens this Spring. Instead we will be hollow tining the collars and one pass along the green edges next week if the weather cooperates with us.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Course Open This Weekend
Still some snow and ice on the course. Here's what #6 cart path looks like today.
#13 cart path is ice.
We have applied ice melt and will try and physically remove the snow and ice before opening on Saturday. Expected opening time is 9 am with range open at 8:30 am.
#7 will be played from the forward tee as the tee complex is snow and ice covered.
The greens and tees have been blown off and work on cleaning of the cart paths is currently underway. Expect to see plenty of sticks and branches throughout the course. As mentioned in my previous blog post it will take us at least several weeks to clean the course up.
In terms of turf damage there is some disease on the fairways. Most notably on #5, #12 and #14. These areas should recover during spring green-up. The back of #9 green looks like it has some desiccation damage that we will address.
Finally, our seasonal staff is scheduled to start Monday, March 24th. This is also when we will aerify greens, tees and approaches.
#13 cart path is ice.
We have applied ice melt and will try and physically remove the snow and ice before opening on Saturday. Expected opening time is 9 am with range open at 8:30 am.
#7 will be played from the forward tee as the tee complex is snow and ice covered.
The greens and tees have been blown off and work on cleaning of the cart paths is currently underway. Expect to see plenty of sticks and branches throughout the course. As mentioned in my previous blog post it will take us at least several weeks to clean the course up.
In terms of turf damage there is some disease on the fairways. Most notably on #5, #12 and #14. These areas should recover during spring green-up. The back of #9 green looks like it has some desiccation damage that we will address.
Finally, our seasonal staff is scheduled to start Monday, March 24th. This is also when we will aerify greens, tees and approaches.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Still Snow
Photo of #4 green taken on Monday, March 10, 2014:
Photo of #18 fairway taken on Monday, March 10, 2014:
As you can see there is still some snow on the course. Not to mention plenty of sticks and other debris. After touring parts of the course we noticed a lot of mud everywhere due to the melting snow.
It will take us weeks to completely clean the course of all debris, limbs, sticks, etc but our goal (weather permitting) is to open this weekend for play.
Photo of #18 fairway taken on Monday, March 10, 2014:
As you can see there is still some snow on the course. Not to mention plenty of sticks and other debris. After touring parts of the course we noticed a lot of mud everywhere due to the melting snow.
It will take us weeks to completely clean the course of all debris, limbs, sticks, etc but our goal (weather permitting) is to open this weekend for play.
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