Course Update

The golf course has begun to wake up from a long, cold and wet winter.  My staff has been very busy with detail work.  We have completed numerous beds that have been neglected.  Those beds had shrubs removed or pruned, Miscanthus planted and new mulch or pinestraw.  Many of our azaleas were so overgrown that we severely cut them back, more of a rejuvenation than a pruning.  Overall I would estimate we transplanted over 300 Miscanthus throughout the course.  While I don't expect these azaleas to produce this year they should be back to normal next year. 


You may have noticed the course greening up.  I notice each day, more and more and am hopeful by Member/Member(April 17-18) we will be close to 100% green.  We drag the fairways weekly to break up the thatch to promote and allow the grass to get going.  This does not harm the fairways.

Greens are in really good shape.  While they may not be as quick as winter speed, I will take slow and healthy vs. fast and dead.  We are in the transition time when greens put off a lot of new growth, meaning excess leaf tissue.  I realize that many people want to speed them up, it is critical to watch the weather and not push them.  For instance we are forecast low's to be in the upper 20's/low 30's this weekend.  The more leaf blade on the plant the more protected they are.  We will begin to be more aggressive when we get into a consistent weather pattern.  They will much quicker by Member/Member, I promise. 

Something new for this season, an Intern.  Kevin Werner has joined our staff to complete an internship for his studies at ABAC.  Kevin began work late February.  He is involved in everything we do on a daily basis.  He has been exposed to course setup, all mowing equipment, applying herbicides and also spent the day with Daniel our mechanic.  Kevin is a go getter and wants to learn.  Pictured is Kevin spot aerating thin/wet areas on greens