Quick Update

Miscellaneous Ramblings

-We are installing sod today and tomorrow to bunker edges that were cut out last spring. Please try to avoid walking on the sod for two weeks as it heals. These areas will be painted as ground under repair. The right greenside bunker on #9 will be open and playable Saturday.

-The bunkers are blue. Have no fear. The bunkers feel fine but herbicide Roundup was used (with a blue dye marking agent) to limit grass growth on bunker edges and to control weed grasses growing inside bunkers.

-Fairways have been slowly filling in all spring from last fall's grey leaf spot damage. Because we need fairways to be aggressive to laterally move and fill in voids in turf, growth regulators will not be used until fairways are 100%.

-The height of cut of the intermediate rough was lowered this week. We will observe its quality and playability characteristics during the next few weeks and may decide to lower the height again in May. Voids will be seeded all season long. The intermediate rough will get extra fertilizations all season long.

-We have begun controlling broadleaf weeds this week. Because of two hot and punishing summers in a row for turf, more advantageous weeds are present this spring, but not for long!!

-Materials will be applied to control root eating nematodes from April into June. Most of these chemicals are plant extracts that when applied discourage these extremely small soil organisms from thriving and reproducing. Our focus will be on green edges and 15 green, where populations exploded two seasons ago.

-Two applications have been made to eliminate Poa annua seedheads on greens. Because of the length of extended 2012 spring weather, a third application will be needed.

-The new fountain was installed about a month ago but doesn't like to stay running. The unit is under warranty and will be serviced on Tuesday.

-All new equipment has been delivered!! Both rollers will be in use this weekend!

-The process of cleaning tree stump debris, filling with soil and seeding is complete. There are a few stumps that need to be re-ground again.

-This is the first year we have had two rough mowers to attack heavy spring rough. Because it has been so dry, this is the first year we have not needed to own two rough mowers because the rough isn't growing.

-We are 8.5" below normal in precipitation for 2012. We have already pumped 2.25 million gallons of irrigation water.

-Dry conditions means there is little chance for any turf disease this spring. Yahoo!!

-Spring greens aeration is scheduled for the week of Monday May 7th. (More on greens aeration in a future blog post!)

Thanks to my wonderful crew this spring! They worked very hard to get the golf course open and playable after aggressive winter tree work. We aren't there yet, but I am amazed at their efforts.

Play well and often!!

Patrick Gertner
Golf Course Superintendent