What Have WE Been Up To!

This is our second closure of the Summer.  We kind of eased into the process during the first closure, this time we really got after it.  The greens were aerified in two direction with 5/8 inch tines.  Close to 100 tons of sand was applied to the greens to fill the holes.  Removing this amount of material will result in a more consistent playing surface for years to come.  Through our first two closure, I am confident in saying "we have removed more Thatch and Organic Matter, then any year previous".  This statement is true for the entire course but the greens will be the biggest benefactor of our improved program.  

The greens were completed on schedule, last Tuesday and Wednesday, despite the rain.  The weather did play a role in delaying the Tee, Fairway and Collar program.  An aggressive verti-cutting of the fairways was scheduled during this closure and was accomplished during very wet conditions.  The end result will be a longer recovery time for the wetter areas.  We have experimented this year with some extra topdressing on a few fairways; #1,#2,#3,#18.  All the fairways receive one topdressing per Summer, these 4 will be topdressed 3 times.  I am interested in seeing the improvement in these fairways.  

In the chaos of an aerification closure, we also find time to complete many other minor projects.  The list for this closure includes: drainage improvements on #3 and #14, play-ability  upgrade for #7 back tee, sod touch ups for wear areas and a multitude of detail work to prepare for opening.

We are blessed to have the cooperation and understanding of our great Membership.  They allow us the time and resources to complete the necessary agronomic programs to ensure a successful Summer.  The dividends will be reaped this Fall and Winter.  It is our goal to improve the golfing experience on a year to year basis.  

My entire staff has bought into the idea of being the best.  They prove it every day when they seek approval or suggest a better way to accomplishing a task.   We will continue to work diligently towards our goal, solving one issue at a time and adding to the enjoyment of your course.