Weekly Schedule for July 25-31, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Needle tine greens on Monday/Tuesday
-Mow bunker surrounds

News and Notes-July 22, 2016

Fairways

Seeing dry spots pop up in lots of places. We use small portable sprinklers to get water exactly where we need it. The spot aerification and addition of soil amendments that was done several weeks ago has made a big difference where this was completed. Once the weather gets better we will continue to spot aerify and add amendments where needed to aid in recovery.

Greens

Overall they are very good. The walk on/off area on #6 is an issue. We are looking at options for the Fall and/or Spring to improve this area. Same with #11. My hope is to gain approval and implement these plans in the next few weeks so we may start once the weather is conducive for this work.

I am amazed at how far #3 green has come in just a few years. Our records indicate that 90% of the collar was lost in 2012. Now, hardly any. Removing trees and adding a fan has made all the difference in making this green that much better.

Syringing Greens

I have been asked recently about syringing greens in the afternoon to keep them cool. We actually do not do this. The reason why is that research shows this is only a temporary effect. Below is a video that really illustrates well how syringing works for just a few minutes.

Along with this video from the University of Nebraska Turfgrass Science department, a written explanation can be found here:

Syringing Turf

The end of the third paragraph describes how the proven way to cool the turf canopy is through increased transpiration from air movement. Hole #3 here at Fieldstone is a great example of what additional sunlight and air movement can do to improve turf conditions. 

Weekly Schedule for July 18-24, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Edge fairway bunkers
-Apply protectant products to greens, fairways and tees

Green Speeds

Great article from the USGA:

Green Speeds

As more high temperatures and humidity are predicted for this week, greens speeds will remain a touch slower compared to June here at Fieldstone. The greens however are putting true and consistent.

Weekly Schedule for July 11-17, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Plug walk on/off areas on #6 and #11 greens with good turf
-Apply wetting agent to greens, tees and fairways

Dark Rings on Greens

Just wanted to re-post this from 2014 as we are seeing the same thing now.

Fairy Ring Post from 2014

Excessive Heat Warning July 6-8, 2016

With the excessive heat and humidity forecasted over the next several days we are taking steps to keep the turf as healthy as possible. These steps include:

-Raise the height of cut on the greens
-Reduce mowing frequency on fairways, intermediates and greens
-Using stakes and rope to direct traffic on greens #3, #6, #11 and #13
-Make sure preventative fungicide applications are applied
-Keep work to the mornings when the turf is not stressed

Weekly Schedule for July 4-10, 2016

Weather and unforeseen conditions can/will change the schedule.

-Needle tine greens on Tuesday
-Mow bunker surrounds