After a "soft opening" due to the usual weather that occurs when you need warm sunny conditions the weekend was very pleasant. It was good to finally get the front 9 open. I'm hoping that the back 9 will follow in some manner, way, shape or form in the next 7 to 10 days. We will spend the next week cleaning up as we did on the front 9. The amount of debris from last fall and overwinter is always a daunting task to remove. My staff did a great job on the front so I expect nothing less on the back. The big difference out there will be the evidence of construction and some major changes on several holes. I will review the Back 9 in a blog later this week.
The irrigation system will be pressurized beginning Monday morning. Once we are holding pressure (and repairs, if any, completed) we can begin more intensive management of the turf. The greens will be verticut aggressively, a light sand topdressing will be applied to smooth the surfaces and overseeding/plugging will have a significantly higher success rate.With soil temperatures rising we can also modify our nutrient program. Fairways will be fertilized with a foliar application and some granular will be going down on greens, tees and aprons as well.
The mowing height on the greens will be lowered on Monday. They are, at present, set higher than normal due to the weather. We also had to be careful of shocking the bentgrass that really took off under the greens covers earlier last week. The Poa that is healthy should also start to grow but it will require warmer temperatures, especially at night, to really get going.
Over the next week you will notice white paint lines on the perimeter of the holes. These lines will be guides for the fairway mowers and modification to fairway widths. Now is the time to widen fairways. Hopefully any changes meet with your approval. The goal being to make your round more enjoyable. We will also be reducing the amount of rough fertilizing unless certain areas require it. I'm looking for a middle ground here. Not too thick but still healthy. The color will not be that "lush green" of last summer unless it rains for an extended period. I also believe our fairways will look that much better as a result with the contrast in colors.
The 18th hole should be back in play by the end of the week. The weather delayed progress on #11 for a few days but all materials required to complete the work are here and CTC will be able to get back to work on Monday morning.
If you have any questions or concerns and would like to discuss matters with me please call my cell at 203-4211 or email me at wpeckham@mayfair.ca.
All for now,
Wade
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
LREP Update And Course Condition News
LREP Update
- CTC is close to finishing their required work around the lake and in front of the retaining wall on #18.
- The Royal Mayfair staff has reconnected the irrigation line behind the wall and will now be installing root zone mix and sodding the area between the wall and the green.
- Sodding of the lake surround on #18 is scheduled for next week.
- When the green site is completed we should be able to reopen the hole and CTC will then concentrate their efforts on the green site at #11.
- Alpine Irrigation has completed the irrigation work on the new tees, the range tee and the short game practice area.
- We are waiting for a quote from Alpine to replace the irrigation lines on the range itself as many of the laterals were damaged during construction. We cannot tell what is damaged until the water system is pressurized so it may be easier just to replace all the lines with HDPE. If that is the case then all of #10, the practice area and the range could then be directly connected to any new future irrigation system work elsewhere on the course.
- Capping soil, root zone mix work and sodding for the entire area at 10 tee and the range will be ongoing beginning next week.
- A communication from the Capital Strategies Committee will be issued shortly. Part of it will consist of "Question and Answer" section to hopefully address some concerns that may arise when the back 9 is finally opened.
Course Conditions Update
The May newsletter will have a more detailed account of what has occurred with the greens coming out of winter. I'm fairly certain that most of the membership have not experienced these conditions in recent memory. When Poa annua has encroached upon greens to the state we are in now the risk of damage increases dramatically. If it isn't ice problems, it could be disease pressure. If not that it could be low temperature kill or early spring crown hydration followed by below zero temperatures. Aside from stripping all the greens and resodding with creeping bentgrass different overwinter management techniques will need to be considered. Food for thought. In the meantime:
- We will let the greens continue to grow and greenup before we make any sodding decisions. After touring the course today I would prefer to allow an "assisted" recovery in order to maintain consistent putting greens after they fill in. Sodding large areas will result in a variable surface for several years to come. I realize this may not be a popular plan of action but I believe it will yield the best results.
- Bunker board removal and edging is ongoing as conditions permit. The waste bunker on #5 will not have any rakes present. A true waste bunker is rake free.
- We are still in the process of leaf and debris cleanup on the front 9. Some tee and greens surrounds will be worked on in over the course of the next few days.
- The irrigation system will be pressurized beginning Monday.
- The course washrooms and water fountains will be turned on in a week to 10 days. In the meantime 2 portable washrooms and a wash station will be positioned behind the 6th green.
All for now,
Wade 780-203-4211 (cell)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
LREP Startup And Facing Change
Before I discuss the "Facing Change" topic here is a brief update regarding the LREP work.
Facing Change
I'll get right to the point. Our greens are no longer predominantly creeping bentgrass and our fairways are a combination of Kentucky bluegrass and annual bluegrass (Poa annua). This change occurred slowly over the last 2 decades. We are a different golf course today. The greens are different and the fairways are different. These changes require different turf management practices. Mowing heights, topdressing frequencies, double cutting, rolling, fertility and pesticide rates, etc. must be modified to adapt to our existing turf conditions.
However, with the change in turf type, comes changes in how we try and get our course through the winter and spring seasons. One option is to resurface the greens to creeping bentgrass. Bentgrass isn't perfect (what living organism is disease and stress free?) but it gives the best chance of good spring and late fall conditions. This is a whole different debate for the membership to consider in the future. Right now we have to manage what we have. There are so many things that can go wrong with annual bluegrass over winter and through spring that I won't even list them. There are techniques and tools being used to tip the odds in our favour but they are not 100% tried and true. We now need to investigate and possibly implement some of these techniques. Fortunately the wheel doesn't have to be reinvented here. There is considerable research and ongoing practices on Alberta courses to help with any changes we will make moving forward.
One change I have implemented this spring is the use of greens covers for the first time since the greens were converted to bentgrass. These covers allow both air and water to move through to the putting surface and also increase the temperature underneath. This will get the turf into a more active growth phase and finally show us just how much grass (especally the Poa) is really healthy and what is not doing so well. Here I have to thank Brad Eshpeter and Redtail Landing Golf Course for lending us their covers. We have nothing of our own. That needs to change. Even with pure bentgrass greens they can be of assistance during a cool, wet spring. Just like the one we are experiencing right now. So that is the question moving forward. What changes can we make to get this course through the winter in the best condition possible? Just a final thought to consider. If the club does decide to convert the greens back to creeping bentgrass in the future there are management techniques and new products that are successful in keeping Poa encroachment at bay.
- Alpine Irrigation is marking out the remaining sprinkler locations on the short game practice area today and tommorow. On Friday they will begin the actual work, continue installation Saturday and Sunday and carry on into next week.
- CTC is moving equipment in at present and will begin work at #11 and #18 green sites in the next 2 days. It is still not dry enough in spots but they will work around these areas. The ground is now firm enough to bring in the large boulders/slabs that need to be laid in place on #11 before CTC can really get going.
- Ted Locke was here on Tuesday to make a few small design changes that will allow CTC to begin moving in root zone mix and capping soil. Sodding will follow.
Facing Change
I'll get right to the point. Our greens are no longer predominantly creeping bentgrass and our fairways are a combination of Kentucky bluegrass and annual bluegrass (Poa annua). This change occurred slowly over the last 2 decades. We are a different golf course today. The greens are different and the fairways are different. These changes require different turf management practices. Mowing heights, topdressing frequencies, double cutting, rolling, fertility and pesticide rates, etc. must be modified to adapt to our existing turf conditions.
However, with the change in turf type, comes changes in how we try and get our course through the winter and spring seasons. One option is to resurface the greens to creeping bentgrass. Bentgrass isn't perfect (what living organism is disease and stress free?) but it gives the best chance of good spring and late fall conditions. This is a whole different debate for the membership to consider in the future. Right now we have to manage what we have. There are so many things that can go wrong with annual bluegrass over winter and through spring that I won't even list them. There are techniques and tools being used to tip the odds in our favour but they are not 100% tried and true. We now need to investigate and possibly implement some of these techniques. Fortunately the wheel doesn't have to be reinvented here. There is considerable research and ongoing practices on Alberta courses to help with any changes we will make moving forward.
One change I have implemented this spring is the use of greens covers for the first time since the greens were converted to bentgrass. These covers allow both air and water to move through to the putting surface and also increase the temperature underneath. This will get the turf into a more active growth phase and finally show us just how much grass (especally the Poa) is really healthy and what is not doing so well. Here I have to thank Brad Eshpeter and Redtail Landing Golf Course for lending us their covers. We have nothing of our own. That needs to change. Even with pure bentgrass greens they can be of assistance during a cool, wet spring. Just like the one we are experiencing right now. So that is the question moving forward. What changes can we make to get this course through the winter in the best condition possible? Just a final thought to consider. If the club does decide to convert the greens back to creeping bentgrass in the future there are management techniques and new products that are successful in keeping Poa encroachment at bay.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The Royal Mayfair Golf Club And Wildlife
I thought I would put aside the talk of turf for this blog (considering the current weather conditions) and discuss the presence of wildlife on the facility. We are all aware of the many birds, mammals, reptiles and yes even insects, that inhabit the property. The grounds are a sanctuary of sorts in the middle of a large city. Various species live on the grounds year round and many others, as they travel through the river valley, will reside here during the different seasons.
I know the benefits a golf course has for wildlife because I have over 2 decades of first hand experience. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and am an active outdoors enthusiast so I like to think that helps some. We all love to see deer and hare, the odd fox and birds of prey. Don't take this the wrong way but seeing magpies, crows and even the odd Canada Goose is important to me as well. Nature has a way of balancing the big picture if we stay at arms length. However sometimes it doesn't hurt to get involved and help out at times. The Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program is a good example. Our own initiatives or assisting in research programs funded by the City or the U of A are also excellent opportunties to do our part in these "sensitive times".
The coyote study I have mentioned in an earlier blog is ongoing and you will notice a radio collar on the large female of the pair that reside near the 17th hole. As well you may notice the presence of Ringneck Pheasants on the golf course this year. On April 10th, 30 females and 4 male pheasants from a federally regulated game hatchery were released on the golf course as the first of a multi-year initiative organized and funded solely by one of our shareholders to hopefully re-introduce these birds to the river valley where they once thrived not so long ago. The females will be nesting very soon and we would ask our members not to disturb a nest if they come upon one.
This initiative has been discussed with Alberta Fish & Wildlife as well as certain local biologists and it is thought that over the long term, there is a chance of a successful reintroduction of this species despite the presence of a variety of predators. While this initiative is not funded in any way by the Club, we support and encourage the initiative. It is our hope that the members and their guests enjoy seeing the Pheasants throughout the year. Even if you don't see them you will definitely them hear them. The males have a very distinctive squawk, for lack of a better word.
In closing, my sincere thanks to the shareholder that has started a plan the club and possibly anyone that uses the river valley may enjoy in the future.
All for now,
Wade
I know the benefits a golf course has for wildlife because I have over 2 decades of first hand experience. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and am an active outdoors enthusiast so I like to think that helps some. We all love to see deer and hare, the odd fox and birds of prey. Don't take this the wrong way but seeing magpies, crows and even the odd Canada Goose is important to me as well. Nature has a way of balancing the big picture if we stay at arms length. However sometimes it doesn't hurt to get involved and help out at times. The Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program is a good example. Our own initiatives or assisting in research programs funded by the City or the U of A are also excellent opportunties to do our part in these "sensitive times".
The coyote study I have mentioned in an earlier blog is ongoing and you will notice a radio collar on the large female of the pair that reside near the 17th hole. As well you may notice the presence of Ringneck Pheasants on the golf course this year. On April 10th, 30 females and 4 male pheasants from a federally regulated game hatchery were released on the golf course as the first of a multi-year initiative organized and funded solely by one of our shareholders to hopefully re-introduce these birds to the river valley where they once thrived not so long ago. The females will be nesting very soon and we would ask our members not to disturb a nest if they come upon one.
This initiative has been discussed with Alberta Fish & Wildlife as well as certain local biologists and it is thought that over the long term, there is a chance of a successful reintroduction of this species despite the presence of a variety of predators. While this initiative is not funded in any way by the Club, we support and encourage the initiative. It is our hope that the members and their guests enjoy seeing the Pheasants throughout the year. Even if you don't see them you will definitely them hear them. The males have a very distinctive squawk, for lack of a better word.
In closing, my sincere thanks to the shareholder that has started a plan the club and possibly anyone that uses the river valley may enjoy in the future.
All for now,
Wade
Sunday, April 8, 2012
The Masters Is Over. Let The Season Begin.
An incredible finish to the Masters. A golf course at the pinnacle of turf management. When I get to work Monday morning I'm going to see different landscape than the scenery at Augusta. All I can do is smile and get at it. As Eric, my assistant has so eloquently stated, "We have to put Humpty Dumpty back together again."
Work on the LREP will begin in a week or two. The heavy snow last Thursday still lingers and has delayed the drying process. We haven't ventured out on the course yet but I imagine there are some trees that fell and branches on the ground and many that are cracked and hanging. A large section of the driving range net tore down as well. I'll report on any damage from the storm later in the week. This blog will outline how the turf came through the winter. I ask you to keep in mind 2 important factors. The first being that considering the less than ideal snowfall cover the turf had to deal with we came through in pretty fair condition. The second point, being very important now and moving forward, is that our club is now a Poa/bentgrass mix on the greens, Poa/bentgrass mix on the tees and Poa/bluegrass mix on the fairways.
We have been keeping a close eye on the greens the last 2 weeks and I think I'm going nuts. The bentgrass on the greens is fine even though it was under ice in some spots. Most superintendents love it for that reason, myself included. Trying to assess the Poa annua when it isn't bright green (like it was last spring) is another matter. No matter how many years I have spent dealing with Poa I am loathe to say everything is fine until it is actively growing. That being said I think I can report now that most of the Poa on our greens, tees and fairways came through winter okay. Most of it. Some of it didn't. We found ice cover on a few greens and a shallow layer of snow cover in other spots resulted in poor insulation.
I was visiting with a good friend of mine over the weekend (also a course superintendent) and we both chuckled that damaged or dead turf on a green is almost like a blow to the ego. Especially when there is no disease damage (something we can control no matter the winter). Nature gives and nature takes I guess. I hate any damaged turf especially on greens. Waiting for recovery is problematic for grounds crew and golfer alike.
Starting with the practice greens there is some damage at the east side of the warmup green and some damaged Poa on the east side of the practice green. On the front nine the 6th green is weak on the right edge. The 7th green will not dry out as the internal drain lines are frozen and water is coming up onto the surface. There is a damaged section on the front (where the water is pooling) and Poa problems over the right half of the green. The 8th green is not looking good along the front behind the bunker and towards the right side. The back nine greens looked pretty good last week although #15 may be slow coming around in its cool, shaded location. Of course the front of #18 is still a mess from the retaining wall work last fall but we will be working on that shortly. It is my belief that each green will come around in due time but not necessarily all together. The course is a mixed bag of micro environments. A less than ideal winter reinforces the differences throughout the property. In fact each green can have several different types of Poa annua as well. Some will do better than others. I have already seen Poa patches look great while 12 inches away a different "poa sub species" (genotype is the actual term) looks very weak.
The next step is to make sure the greens do not dry out. Poa has a very shallow root system and it almost has to start from scratch in the spring. That top inch in the profile cannot dry out. A lot of Poa is lost in the spring if conditions are too dry. Tank watering is now the order of the day. You can probably guess we were pretty happy with the moisture we received last week. Rain is better but we can't be fussy right now.
In closing, our opening date of April 20th may have to be revised later on this week. Stay tuned. Call my cell (780-203-4211) or email me (wpeckham@mayfair.ca) if you would like to further discuss matters concerning the golf course. Note: this blog has not been proofed so please excuse any errors.
All for now,
Wade
Work on the LREP will begin in a week or two. The heavy snow last Thursday still lingers and has delayed the drying process. We haven't ventured out on the course yet but I imagine there are some trees that fell and branches on the ground and many that are cracked and hanging. A large section of the driving range net tore down as well. I'll report on any damage from the storm later in the week. This blog will outline how the turf came through the winter. I ask you to keep in mind 2 important factors. The first being that considering the less than ideal snowfall cover the turf had to deal with we came through in pretty fair condition. The second point, being very important now and moving forward, is that our club is now a Poa/bentgrass mix on the greens, Poa/bentgrass mix on the tees and Poa/bluegrass mix on the fairways.
We have been keeping a close eye on the greens the last 2 weeks and I think I'm going nuts. The bentgrass on the greens is fine even though it was under ice in some spots. Most superintendents love it for that reason, myself included. Trying to assess the Poa annua when it isn't bright green (like it was last spring) is another matter. No matter how many years I have spent dealing with Poa I am loathe to say everything is fine until it is actively growing. That being said I think I can report now that most of the Poa on our greens, tees and fairways came through winter okay. Most of it. Some of it didn't. We found ice cover on a few greens and a shallow layer of snow cover in other spots resulted in poor insulation.
I was visiting with a good friend of mine over the weekend (also a course superintendent) and we both chuckled that damaged or dead turf on a green is almost like a blow to the ego. Especially when there is no disease damage (something we can control no matter the winter). Nature gives and nature takes I guess. I hate any damaged turf especially on greens. Waiting for recovery is problematic for grounds crew and golfer alike.
Starting with the practice greens there is some damage at the east side of the warmup green and some damaged Poa on the east side of the practice green. On the front nine the 6th green is weak on the right edge. The 7th green will not dry out as the internal drain lines are frozen and water is coming up onto the surface. There is a damaged section on the front (where the water is pooling) and Poa problems over the right half of the green. The 8th green is not looking good along the front behind the bunker and towards the right side. The back nine greens looked pretty good last week although #15 may be slow coming around in its cool, shaded location. Of course the front of #18 is still a mess from the retaining wall work last fall but we will be working on that shortly. It is my belief that each green will come around in due time but not necessarily all together. The course is a mixed bag of micro environments. A less than ideal winter reinforces the differences throughout the property. In fact each green can have several different types of Poa annua as well. Some will do better than others. I have already seen Poa patches look great while 12 inches away a different "poa sub species" (genotype is the actual term) looks very weak.
The next step is to make sure the greens do not dry out. Poa has a very shallow root system and it almost has to start from scratch in the spring. That top inch in the profile cannot dry out. A lot of Poa is lost in the spring if conditions are too dry. Tank watering is now the order of the day. You can probably guess we were pretty happy with the moisture we received last week. Rain is better but we can't be fussy right now.
In closing, our opening date of April 20th may have to be revised later on this week. Stay tuned. Call my cell (780-203-4211) or email me (wpeckham@mayfair.ca) if you would like to further discuss matters concerning the golf course. Note: this blog has not been proofed so please excuse any errors.
All for now,
Wade
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