We were busy following Memorial Day

After .8" overnight we delayed the aerification of the Lake greens until the forecast looks better. Instead we were able to double Verticut the lake greens. We also put out a sand Topdressing on the creek and marsh greens followed by a fertilizer for health purposes. We also were also able to get all the fairways cut in case we get more rain this evening. The first pic is marsh 2 after a light sand dressing. The second pic is a before and after of what a Verticutting does which I will into more later. What do you think Verticutting does for the greens by looking at the side by side pictures?

Green surfaces after recent rains

We got just over 2" of rain since Monday night. Last year this time of year the greens would have been very soft all week. The last blog post showed us applying a wetting agent to help move excess water through the rootzone while at the same time holding some of the rainwater so the roots get what they need. I've been impressed with how firm the greens are right now and it shows we are making progress through Verticutting, Topdressing with sand, and using the proper nutrients and wetting agents.

Monday activities

This morning we put a light sand Topdressing on all the greens followed by a wetting agent and fertilizer application. The sand will smooth the surface to improve consistent ball roll. The wetting agent helps to make the water in the sand below the grass more uniform. This provides a more consistent, firm feel to the greens and also allows us to water less often.
After the sand and spray are applied we water it in for 15 minutes with our overhead sprinklers to move it down off the grass blades.

Aerification schedule

A reminder that the Marsh 9 will open for play next Friday the 24th. We will begin to aerify the Lake 9 on Tuesdat the 28th and plan on having it back open for play on June 7th. Thank you for your patience during this important process as we improve playing conditions.

The "Rough" in the spring

Every spring at each course that has cool season grass in the rough most superintendents get asked why is it so thick and tall. There is almost always a flush of growth this time of year during prime growing conditions for cool season grasses like we have in the rough. We are mowing it 2.5 to 3 times per week and are still having trouble keeping up with the growth. This will soon pass and we will see normal conditions when the ball is just off the fairway.

Growing weather

With the rain and warmer temperatures the rough is really taking off. We are having a hard time keeping up with growth right now. The broadleaf weeds are in full swing also.
Reminder that Marsh 9 aerification starts tomorrow