Haul Roads, Rickshaws and Ballmarks

What do those 3 topics in the title have in common? Nothing. Anyway I would like to discuss some thoughts on each of them.

Haul Roads

• They are not doing as well as I had hoped but all is not lost. The sod that is in the rough is doing fine but that is a reflection of mowing height. The sod crossing the fairways had been cut down to fairway height for obvious reasons. Did we do it too soon? Perhaps but in my experience it has typically recovered given time. We did a good job of sod bed prep and we've been rolling, aerating, over seeding and topdressing as standard practice dictates. However, I do remember the sod being of poor quality (early season delivery) and we feel that is the main reason it is "behind schedule". It will be okay but it will take longer than anticipated to look better and play as it should. It might take until later in the summer or even next season before it is in very good condition. Assuming there will be haul road issues for phase 2 of the LREP we will be looking into securing better quality sod and maybe not pushing it to fairway height as quickly as was done this season.

Rickshaws

• The practice of walking with your rickshaw on narrow turf areas between bunkers and the greens is a hot topic at most clubs. My preference is that you do not do this if it can be avoided. It is extra wear and tear we do not need as these areas tend to be of poor soil quality at the Royal Mayfair. The next question (and a fair one at that) is, "How come golfers carrying their bags can walk there and we can't ?" I can only say that walkers tend to spread out more onto collars and greens therefore reducing their "footprint". Please help us out and go around the outside of green side bunkers. One thing I am certain of is that I don't approve of power carts in these areas or almost on the collars themselves. I've seen that here (and every other golf course as well) and it is irritating to say the least. I understand that some members have medical issues but........... enough said.

Ballmarks and Divots

• Just a friendly reminder to repair ballmarks on the greens. They won't fix themselves and if not repaired within an hour or 2 they'll become the dead brown spots we are all too familiar with. Our hole changers repair them in the morning as they see them but that is more to smooth the putting surface than anything else. As for fairway divots I prefer the divot be put back and then topdressed with the sand/seed bottles. If you are so inclined to just use the sand/seed please fill the divot hole and smooth it out. A half hearted sprinkle of sand/seed is almost the same as doing nothing at all. The maintenance department appreciates your efforts to help us keep the course in top condition. Thank you.

Thunderstorms are brewing as I write this blog. Lets hope things don't get too wild above the golf course tonight.

Wade