July 30, 2025

Course Update – July 30

A very welcomed 1 inch of rain fell this past weekend on the golf course.  The timing could not have been better following some extreme heat through the same weekend.  Greens have slowed up a bit with this moisture but should begin to firm up and increase in speed as the week progresses.

The 5^th green has now been in play for a week.  We are happy with how the green is handling the traffic and weather variables.  We continue to feed this green more fertility as we continue to establish it.  We have seen some of the weak areas develop which is great.  A reminder to keep rickshaw’s to the rough and cart path and avoid taking it on the collar of this green.  Please continue to repair all ball marks as this will help with the long term success of the green as well as keep playability true.  From day to day we continue to make the best decision for the green.  Some days this green will not be rolled to protect it through its continued establishment.

This past maintenance Monday we applied a light topdressing to greens.  The first few days of the week we battle poor cuts as a result.  As we make the turn to the latter half of the week we should see quality of cuts improve setting the stage for a positive long weekend ahead.

Respectfully,

Shawn Major, AGS

Course Update – July 22

As we make the turn to the last week of July we are beginning to see the lack of rain fall show across the property.  While the forecast is for some rain this week the poa and unirrigated areas of the property are struggling to retain health.  The Turfcare team has been busy hand watering, applying additional water and setting up extra roller basin sprinklers to assist in managing these areas. At this point the water we apply is not enough and we are in need of a few good soakers. With this, traffic and travel patterns begin to show.  We ask that you keep you cart to paths where possible and do your best to travel in areas of fairways where we are irrigated.

The 5^th green is ready to return to the 18 hole rotation here at Niakwa just 81 days after seeding.  As has been the case in the past there are expectations that need to be managed and etiquette that needs to be at the forefront to ensure the success of this green while in play.  Ball marks have to be repaired.  This is non-negotiable. If you see one fix one!  Rickshaws and walking traffic must stay to the rough and cart paths.  No taking pull carts over the collar of this green site.  At times there will be enter and exit traffic control posts.  If you see these around the green do not enter the green site from that location.  From an expectation stand point this green is rolling well and has been in the range expected.  At times it may not match up with the other greens on course.  This can be expected for the remainder of this season and into the start of next season.  There are some areas of weakness where the green meets the collar.  This is normal and will be visible as you play.  This will continue to establish and will not be detrimental.  As the case has been in the past with new greens, we will balance playability and plant health to the best of our abilities. 

Over the past 7 seasons we have now replaced 8 of the poa greens on the property.  7 of those greens opened within a window of 75-90 days and have had no long term negative impacts.  As has been the case with all those opened in the past, the 5^th green being back in play will provide the majority of the membership with the satisfaction of playing their true 18 holes of golf.  From an agronomic stand point we are confident this green can support golf with smart management strategies and will have no long term negative effects on the success of this green. We would like to thank the membership for its continued support and patience while we established the newest green here at Niakwa and we hope you enjoy the new 5^th!

Respectfully,

Shawn Major, AGS

Course Update- July 15

This past Monday the Turfcare team assisted Green Bay farms in the removal of geese from the golf course.  This program which is supported by the government saw us capture and relocate just over 90 birds.  Following the relocation of the geese we installed two goose deterrent floating laser devices in the pond.  These units have been used successfully on other courses throughout North America. It is our hope that with the relocation and the deterrent we will be able to minimize the mess on course from geese.

The 5^th green continues to establish.  We are in the final stages of preparations with this green.  We are experiencing some minor mechanical issues as we train the green down which is common.  These areas will recover as they get used to their mowing and living environment.  We are utilizing caution with this last step to ensure we do not see the turf go backwards.  If things continue to progress we are hopeful that this green will return to play later next week around the 24^th of July just 79 days after the seed was placed in ground.