Mid Summer Update

Well it is hard to believe that summer is half over.  Where did the time go?  It seems like just yesterday we were shoveling off # 6 green and people were wondering when we were going to open.  Now I am already asking several members of my staff when they have to leave for school.

My first year on the job is going well and I am very pleased with the way things are progressing in the heat of the summer.  The turf is holding up well, I am seeing improvements in the greens with the implementation of topdressing and growth regulation programs.  I have a better understanding of all the small things that were done in the past to make this course what it is today and long into the future.  We still are working out a few problems here and there, but overall things are going well.

There have been some other changes along with the topdressing and growth regulation programs.  Most of you are aware that we are not collecting clippings on fairways, areas along the creek and ponds are not being line trimmed and there is more hand watering being done.  One of the most notable changes is the creek banks and ponds not being line trimmed.  My reasoning for this is environmental.  The longer grass along the creeks and ponds acts as a buffer strip for runoff off the golf course turf.  This all ties into NR 151 and not fertilizing within 20 feet of surface water.  The long grass is not a requirement of NR151, but this is more of a proactive approach.  In the fall or spring, these areas will be burned or trimmed to control weed and tree growth.

In contrast there have not been many changes in the daily cutting routines or course set up.  I like the amount of cutting and the days the different areas are cut.  Greens still get cut every day, fairways and approaches are four days a week, tees as well as primary rough are cut three days a week.  In addition to all of the cutting, we are also trying to topdress one day per week, which involves putting a light coat of sand on the greens and then watering it in with hoses and irrigation heads.  This practice will lead to firmer greens, thatch breakdown and internal drainage over time.

Along with growth regulation and topdressing greens, I am also trying to keep them on the drier side.  This will cause the greens to be firmer and also make the roots of the plant go in search of water deeper into the soil.  By doing this, the plant can store more reserves for the hot stressful weather we will likely experience more of this year.  This practice is also being attempted on all irrigated areas of the course.

I hope that everyone is having a great summer so far and that you are able to enjoy what is left of it.  I also hope you like the end result of all of our hard work.  On a personal note, my wife gave birth to our second child on June 19.  I barely made it the hospital to see my daughter Ella born and some of you may have seen me leave in a cloud of dust that day.  Fortunately everyone is doing great!  You will start seeing me out on the course more now that the baby has arrived and I am getting my feet under me. 

Good luck golfing,

Dave Marach
Superintendent