Topdressing

Deep Tine Aerification

 Aerification vs. Mother Nature

Aerification of Collars

Fairway Circle Cutting

                                                                         







The trials and tribulations of competing for time on the golf course with Mother Nature.  She has decided to open up the skies each of the last three days at the most inopportune time.  The current tally is 3.4 inches all coming in the one o'clock hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  The good news is we are on schedule to complete the majority of the work through the weekend, with a little cooperation from "you know who".  This should give us time next week to clean up and heal up.

A great deal off work was accomplished since my last post.  The first video shows the process of topdressing the greens.  This fresh greens mix will fill the holes left by aerification and dilute the organic matter that forms throughout the year.  This same program is being applied to the tees.  I included a clip of the tractors equipped with the Deep Tine aerifiers.  This is another first at Stonebridge.  The benefits of this application is the depth of these tines(8 inches) provide increased control over our soil profile.   Our standard aerification is limited to 3-5 inches.  This will lead to a stronger more resilient  turf.  We are taking a more aggressive approach to aerifying the collars with the goal of improving the surface drainage off the greens.  The final video shows the practice of circle cutting.  Following aerification and dethatching the turf stands up the the point where circle cutting will help reduce grain.  It can be a dizzying task, but well worth it.

Once again, I have to recognize the efforts of my staff.  They have adapted to the changing conditions and exceeded my expectations.  They will all be here through the weekend to "fight the good fight".  Maybe we can win a few rounds against our formidable foe.