This past weekend the property received ¼ inch rainfall. While this rainfall was better than no rain we most certainly can use additional moisture to assist with property and drought stresses. The 5th green continues to progress. This week we will be applying a heavier topdress to support the plants followed by some additional fertility applications. We have lowered the height of cut to .150” which is generally where our greens open from a height of cut stand point in spring. Over the next few weeks rolling frequency will increase on the 5th green, we will lower height of cut again and make the switch to an aggressive front roller. Rooting on this green is excellent already sitting in the 5 to 6 inch range.
Demands on the property continue to ramp up with the prime play season upon us. We continue to cut and roll greens daily. Hand watering has been priority on greens and throughout other areas to manage the heat and drought conditions.
Thursday continues to be an excellent day for additional course care. With the gap in the tee sheet to accommodate the afternoon league we have been able to capitalize on agronomic practices in the allotted window of time. Light topdressing, additional greens mowing, bunker raking and other items are getting completed in the gap which in return benefit all members especially as we are heading into a weekend following this gap.
Course etiquette continues to be less than acceptable. Bunkers continue to be played in without being raked. The bunker investment this past fall and spring was just shy of a $300,000 dollar investment. The Turfcare team does not have the resources to rake bunkers on a daily basis. It is expected of you the member whether you play in the morning first thing or late at night to rake your bunker. If you happen to come across a bunker that someone did not rake and you play in it I would be willing to bet it would take all of 1 extra minute to rake what someone else forgot. This attitude and effort by all will assist in ensuring a positive experience for all members and guests.
Respectfully,
Shawn Major