Working into a Routine

Following an extended rainy season with little to no spring-like weather, its nice to feel like we're finally working into a routine on the golf course. Greens have been slow to grow out of the Drill & Fill aeration performed in March thanks to the cool and wet weather. While holes have been visible, their effect on putting conditions has been minimal since the Oak Tree event on the 4th. I'm happy to say greens are 95% healed and as of this week, we are back at it with our routine applications of Plant Growth Regulators. We are very happy to see the forecast turn from rain to sun in the coming week.

We were able to work around the weather to complete a few more projects this spring. Most noticeable has been the sod work around 11 green. Like other areas on the course, the turf around 11 green had become an inconsistent mixture of various turf types. Sand splashed out of bunkers had resulted in collar dams. Sod and built -up bunker sand was removed. Collars and bunker tie-ins were returned to original grades and new Perennial Ryegrass sod was installed. We plan to resume re-sodding of collars this fall with the intention of completing remaining holes next year.

The goats have come and gone and at this point, we kinda wish they were coming baaaack. Natural grass areas were just about where we wanted them following the fine work done by the heard of over 500 seasonal workers. 

Natural grasses on 13 looking perfect after the goats are done

The 2.75 inches of rain that fell over the last week or so have these areas growing again. As a result, we'll be out trimming and mowing natural grasses with special attention being paid to in-play areas. The addition of goats to our springtime routine has become one of my favourite times of the year. Goats are an ideal weed control and brush clearing solution for hard to reach sites controlling invasive species while helping to restore native plant and animal habitats. A green, environmentally sound solution for keeping chemicals off the course, equipment in the shop and staff focused on the golf course. Each year, we intend to use the goats more with the goal of eventually getting them to each of our naturalized areas on the property. Have a look at the below link to a USGA article on the use of natural grasses on the golf course. 

http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/articles/2019/04/3-things-naturalized-areas-golf.html

We hope you enjoy your time on the golf course this season. Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or the members of our Green Committee with any questions you may have.