Summer is here and we have been busy improving the golf course for you and your guests. Included in our work is improved bunkers with new sand, and less Poa annua on greens!!
We also have seen a pest (hyperoides weevils) do some turf damage early during 2011, and we will explain what our plans are to control this insect pest.
BUNKERS
Greenside bunkers were edged last week. We are also adding new sand where needed. To date, we have added 100 tons to greenside bunkers. We are addressing bunkers with the highest needs first. We plan to continuing this project for the duration of the summer. **Please remember that newly filled bunkers will play a bit differently than they did before they were filled.**
We will continue bunker improvements later during the summer and fall by beginning to rebuild bunker edges. Many of the edges of bunkers have deteriorated over the years due to age, erosion, use and raking processes. On many bunkers, the edges have become a no man's land of bunker and/or rough, and our goal is to again create a clear and concise border of turfed bunker edge and rough. This will be done by clearly identifying bunker edges, and replacing sand that has spilled over the edges with new topsoil and sod. The lack of a edge on the low side of greenside 16 bunker is the best (or worst) example of a bunker needing this work.
GREENS
Greens are off to a strong start. As mentioned earlier this season, growth regulator Cutless is being used this year to increase creeping bentgrass populations by stunting the Poa annua. To date, we are extremely pleased. With higher populations of creeping bentgrass on greens, less Poa annua, greens will be more reliable and consistent over the long term. We expect this project to take two or three years, but the goal of nearly pure creeping bentgrass greens will be worth the wait!
INSECT DAMAGE
Annual bluegrass weevils (hyperoides weevils) have made an appearance and damaged turf this spring. These insects lay eggs into green, tee and fairway areas in early spring. Grubs, two to three millimeter sized, hatch in May and begin feasting on turfgrass roots. The area most affected to date is 11 fairway which shows moderate damage, despite insecticide applications made on May 2, May 17 and June 16. Greens, which show no damage, have been treated five times this season with two different insecticides.
We may see five or six generations of Annual Bluegrass Weevils during the summer, so continuing insecticide applications into August will hopefully keep turf damage to a minimum.
Tidbits.....we have pumped 3.8 million gallons of water as of today, 5.2 million as of June 28 last year....RI State Amateur Tournament begins July 12th here at Potowomut....have almost completed herbicide applications to give you a nearly 100% weed free golf course....we have a dedicated employee in 2011 (Divot Dan) whose only job is to fill divots with seed and soil on tees and practice tees...my thanks to our wonderful 2011 staff....follow us on twitter at PotoGreens...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Golf Course Update
After a cool and wet April and May, we've had perfect golf weather during June. Additionally, it has been dry the last two weeks with only a tenth of an inch of rainfall since May 24th. Not coincidently, growth of the rough has slowed dramatically.
A new set of tee markers were put out today. Anyone can use the new tee markers. These yellow markers were added for beginner or junior golfers who would prefer to play a short golf course. This is a trial program and will be evaluated later in the season. This short golf course has not been rated by the Rhode Island Golf Association. If the length of holes is overwhelming, come on out and learn to play our wonderful game, executive style!!
Trees were planted to the left side of 16 tee last week. These Serbian Spruces will serve as a protective screen from drives hit left from 17 tee. We purchased the largest trees (7-8') that tree nurseries keep in inventory. Larger trees would have been far more expensive to purchase, and would have been more difficult to handle and install.
We have begun edging and repairing greenside bunkers. We will be able to put an improved edge on these bunkers by mid July. Seventy five tons of sand (2 trailer loads) will be used to fill bunkers by a priority established by Greens Chairman Sal Soscia and myself. After the initial edging process, we will tackle more bunker projects as the season progresses toward fall.
A new set of tee markers were put out today. Anyone can use the new tee markers. These yellow markers were added for beginner or junior golfers who would prefer to play a short golf course. This is a trial program and will be evaluated later in the season. This short golf course has not been rated by the Rhode Island Golf Association. If the length of holes is overwhelming, come on out and learn to play our wonderful game, executive style!!
Trees were planted to the left side of 16 tee last week. These Serbian Spruces will serve as a protective screen from drives hit left from 17 tee. We purchased the largest trees (7-8') that tree nurseries keep in inventory. Larger trees would have been far more expensive to purchase, and would have been more difficult to handle and install.
We have begun edging and repairing greenside bunkers. We will be able to put an improved edge on these bunkers by mid July. Seventy five tons of sand (2 trailer loads) will be used to fill bunkers by a priority established by Greens Chairman Sal Soscia and myself. After the initial edging process, we will tackle more bunker projects as the season progresses toward fall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
