Green Footprints???

Earlier this week a large brown spot showed up just off of number 8 green in the collar.  After looking at it a little closer I noticed the outline of what appears to be footprints.  (Hint - the pen is pointing at the toe of the left foot.)  This is most likely caused by a player applying bug spray or sunscreen from an aerosol can on their legs or ankles.  Unfortunately, these products can burn the turf and recovery may take several weeks.  So please remember to apply your bug spray or sunscreen on a cart path or in the parking lot.

Fall Aerification

Greens Aerification is scheduled for Monday, October 15th.  Any greens not completed on Monday will be finished during that week.  We will perform a trial run in early October to test the equipment (and the staff!) on the two practice greens at the driving range.

Tee and Fairway Aerification will begin later this month, as time and weather allows.  We need to complete these processes early because the weather in late October/early November is very unpredictable and could prevent us from doing so.


Earlier this year I discussed the reasons we aerify, along with the benefits gained from such a disruptive process.  I recently came across this short video from Dr. Larry Stowell of PACE Turf, who does a fantastic job of explaining the process of aerifying greens and why we must do it.  These same principles also apply to tee and fairway aerification.  Enjoy!

18 Approach

Here are a few before and after photos of 18 approach.  The final product has been very well received and the difference is remarkable!

18 Approach...Update 6/13/12

Work on #18 is nearing the end and I, like everyone else, are anxious to the see the final product.  New irrigation and drainage have been installed and thoroughly tested, and three truck loads of bluegrass and fine fescue sod (around 30,000 square feet) have been laid in the areas designated as rough.  New bentgrass sod (10,000 sq ft) will be installed Thursday for the enlarged fairway/approach, and then it's up to us to keep enough water on the sod to allow for proper rooting.  Once the sod is down foot traffic will be limited in the the flatter areas, and walking up or down the hillsides/slopes should be avoided.  With favorable weather I anticipate being able to play off the new sod in a couple weeks.

18 Approach...Update 5/18/12

The contractor was able to complete the site prep (aka Tree Removal) of #18 today so the hole will resume normal play for both days this weekend.  There is a small amount of cleanup work remaining, but the contractor will be here early tomorrow morning and should be off property by the time the first groups are finishing.  For anyone who witnessed the removal process today, you have to be impressed with how quickly and efficiently the project was completed.