Tractor w/ Verti Drain aerifier

1" by 1" spacing

 Piercing the Surface

 

 

 

 

 

 

This morning we had the opportunity to "pencil tine" our putting surfaces.  This aerification process provides soil relief in the form of increased oxygen to our root system, reduction in compaction, water infiltration and enhance fertility uptake.  Although this machine creates a bit more surface disruption than our "needle tine" machine, there is little to no effect on playability. 

 

We started early this morning with three tractor-mounted Verti-Drain aerifiers equipped with 12 inch tines.  They leave a hole about the size of a pencil(3/16").  The surface holes will disappear in 3 to 4 days with routine maintenance however the underlying benefits will last 6 to 8 weeks.  We will continue to mow and roll to provide optimum playing conditions. 

 

This is just one more cultural practice that we employ to provide consistency throughout all of our putting surfaces. 

 

I would like to thank Erik and his staff for adjusting their schedule to allow us to complete this work in a timely fashion.  In all of my travels I have never worked with a more cooperative Head Professional.  Erik wants the best for Stonebridge and supports all my efforts on the golf course.

 

A special thanks to Mr. Kerr and his group.  They were first on the tee and did a wonderful job of playing at a comfortable pace and not pushing our maintenance operation.  

Rollers to provide smooth surface

 "When In Rome..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The golf course received a new course rating from the Florida State Golf Association.  As expected the new rating reflected the true difficulty of the course.  This means the golfers at Stonebridge are better than they thought they were.  Shooting the same score on a more difficult course will result in lower handicaps.  Along with the new rating, the scorecards needed to be adjusted and a new tee marking system was initiated.  The new tee markers have Roman numerals to designate the teeing area.  This marking system allows for a cleaner and more refined presentation throughout the course.  It also eliminates the stigma that is sometimes associated with playing from a certain "color" tee.  This approach is appreciated by the golfers that choose to "Tee it Forward".

 

 

One of the questions that is repeatedly asked of me and my staff is: "Why are the lake levels so low?"  The lake levels have dropped considerably since the middle of October, when the Summer rains came to a halt.  Our lakes are designed to release excess water into our neighboring wetlands through outfall structures located on holes #8,#9 and #18.  This system protects our property from flooding and ensures proper levels entering the dry season.  Although dramatic at first, the lakes have remained consistent through the recent weeks.  Our water supply is a critical asset to the entire property.  My role as an environmental steward weighs heavily on Water Conservation and Asset Management. 

 

 

I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! I am looking forward to the new year.  As we strive for perfection, we just might bump into excellence.