Some welcomed moisture blessed the Niakwa property over the weekend. In total we received 1.75 inches of rain. The course handled this rain event well. It will take a few days for things to dry out and firm up so we can expect slower greens for a couple days until we regain control of moisture. The highlight of this first heavy rainfall was all bunkers draining and no wash outs to repair. The heavy rainfall will also benefit the bunkers by packing the sand and firming them up.
Fairway and tee fertility applications have begun to activate. Currently we have a very camo look to the fairways and this is a result of the fertilizer beginning to be taken in by the plants. Over the next 7 days we would expect the look to subside and see the fairways and tees green up with a consistent look. Tee box aeration wrapped up this week finally completing all cultural practices required as part of spring aeration.
Mowing frequency is beginning to pick up on large acres. We are beginning to see the large flush of rough growth. We are actively mowing rough 8 hours per day Monday to Friday to stay on top of this the best we can. With all the demands beginning to ramp up, we are still waiting on some staff to return to Niakwa. We will be at our full complement of staff by the end of the month. Until then some patience will be required as the demands daily are currently out weighing the labour. Greens will be priority and we will work out from there.
The 5th green continues to make gains. We have completed the first roll of this green which is another important step in the establishment of this surface. This week the height of cut lowered on the green to .180” and will continue to come down weekly. Please continue to travel to hole 6 using the cart path so as to avoid wear heading towards the 5th hole.