Monday, May 16, 2011

Course Update

All winter long we watch the rain fall and endure the cold temperatures just waiting for everything to start growing again.  Now that we’ve fully recovered from aerification, we’re ready for it to slow down.  It’s tough to stick to a mowing schedule with the weather still being hit or miss, and with grass growing like crazy, we can become more than a little backed up.  Some nice weather, and the fact that the greens have fully healed, gave an opportunity to get our first application of plant growth regulators down last week.  Anyone who has played in the afternoon lately has seen that the greens become almost white with seed head.  Although this is a sign of strong and healthy growth, it doesn’t make for a very smooth or quick putting surface.  Our growth regulators won’t eliminate the seed head, but they will help to reduce the amount, as well as slow the growth to achieve a more consistent putting surface throughout the day.

  In other course news, we’ve began our in season mowing patterns.   This includes mowing the diamond pattern on the south fairways and the straight lines on the north fairways, as well as walk mowing the south approaches and straight lines on our tees.  We’ve also mowed out the step cut around the south fairways and this season, included a pass around all of the bunkers.  We mow and edge the bunkers every other week, and in seasons past, they can get pretty shaggy by the time week two rolls around.  We are hopeful that this will maintain a more consistent look as well as reduce the amount of time spent on maintenance.  The creek systems on both courses are ready to be fired up and the hazard lines have been painted. 

  We are anxious for some great weather in the near future and look forward to a fantastic year.  It’s safe to say, the golf season is here!  Please contact us with any questions or comment you may have regarding the golf courses.