News and Notes from the Course

As many of our Members travel during the Holiday season, we tend to have a reduction in the amount of rounds played during the month of December.  With record rounds being recorded throughout the Summer and continuing through November, we can certainly use a breather.  The unusually warm weather that we are experiencing this December is both a blessing and a curse.  The Tees, Fairways and Roughs are actively growing and providing an excellent playing surface.  The mowing and detail schedules mirror the programs that we have in place during the Summer months.  A typical December sees a reduction in the mowing frequency due to the slower rate of growth.  The most noticeable attribute to the abnormal conditions is the repeated scalping of the turf due to rapid growth.  Although unsightly, this off color appearance is not detrimental to the turf.  Our focus continues to be on the putting surfaces.  This is the first time in my 20 years of maintaining golf courses that I have had to verti-cut greens in December.  The environmental conditions dictates the cultural practices.  This Summer time weather produces Summer time reactions.  We will continue to combat the thatch and grain through the next few weeks.  The alterations to our normal programs will provide excellent playing conditions throughout the Season.  We are looking forward to the start of a new year and producing a course that our Members can be proud play and present to their Guests.

Below is a picture of someone's practice session at the Chipping Green.  If we are practicing full shots that leave divots on the green please do not hesitate to call me, I will gladly clean the area for the health of the green and the members that follow. 

Divots on the Chipping Green