2 Very Busy Days Ahead

The next 2 days will see a substantial amount of work at the short game practice area, the 10th hole and behind the 11th green. The range tee surface is being sodded today with a low cut sod from Manderley. CTC is in the finishing stages of their work and Big Lake sod will be delivering 30,000 sq. ft. of big roll sod and 12 pallets of small roll for our staff to install at the short game practice area, around the perimeter of the range tee, behind 11 green and out on #17 (the old bunker) and around #18 tee. To make matters interesting Answer Asphalt called me at 4 o'clock yesterday and asked if they could come in a week earlier than expected to begin the paving work at the 10th tee, etc. The more the merrier. It is controlled chaos out there today. The paving should be completed by Friday and hopefully we can get the range open for Saturday. But only if everything goes as planned.

The curbing will be installed next week with the extra netting required behind the 2 new greens in place by June 15th. That should coincide with the opening of the 10th hole as projected. The fairway was aerated yesterday and will be topdressed for the first time next week. It will take all summer for us to bring it to a surface that is up to the Club's standards. Lowering of the height will not be rushed so expect less than ideal turf conditions for some time to come. The temporary tees used will be aerated, overseeded and topdressed and should come back just fine.

A few final notes. The haul road repairs are beginning. We have decided to power verticut, aerate, overseed and add compost to recover large areas. It is our belief that they will come back and look better than the dark green Kentucky bluegrass strips. Again this will take some time. Other roads will require major renovation and sodding. I think we all know where. Some renovated road sections will need sodding as well. An example would be the exit off of #18 tee. We are also close to adding more water to the lake on #10 and bringing it to a similar level as #18. The corner of #11 will see Maureen and Christianne planting ornamental grasses, shrubs and other ground cover.

I will start listing the fit and finish work at a later date. Now I have to order more sod for the final work in a few out of play areas. When we are finished I will be post a tally of just how much sod has been installed on the course since the fall of 2010. Think acres.

All for now,
Wade

Getting Close And On The Course This Week

LREP

• Driving Range is being sodded today and tomorrow.
• Driving Range Tee is scheduled to be sodded on Wednesday. The weather last week set back delivery of the final root zone mix by 1 day. 
• The SGPA is scheduled to be sodded on Thursday and Friday.
• Paving and curbing on the course is finished. Tie in work will commence once the main LREP work is completed.
• Paving and curbing of the the 10th tee area is scheduled for the week of June 4th. The range may need to be shut down at various times throughout the week but that is to be determined later.
• Capping soil installed at the old bunker on #17 today and Monday.
• 2 large sumps have been installed in the 10th fairway to alleviate a water holding issue.
• Boulder work next to the practice green completed Monday and Tuesday and then the lake on #10 can finally be filled.
• Aerator/fountains will be installed in the lake on #10 after the electrician updates the control system in the clubhouse as we are adding another aerator between the 11th green and the practice green.
• Sodding, sand install (#11 and the 2 bunkers at the SGPA) and more sodding (Ughhh!!) here there and everywhere.
• I'm sure I've missed something................................

On The Course

• Knottweed control is once again underway with 2 more fwys (13 ,15) requiring a complete spray and a few others requiring spot spraying. Application notice will be posted at the appropriate tee as usual. 
• Broadleaf weed control (dandelions, clover, etc.) is a also ongoing, mainly along tree lines.
• Double cutting of the greens will begin June 4th, possibly sooner if the Poa annua in our greens really starts to flourish with the warmer nights forecast for this week.
• Continued spiking and overseeding of the weak areas on greens, 2, 6, 8, back of 9, and 18.
• Sprinkler edging, rough fertilizing, treeline trim and bunker trim throughout the week ahead.

Wade

Timely Reminders And Weed Control Update

REMINDERS

• Please repair your fairway divots. While fertilizing fairways on Tuesday I noticed that many divots were either not repaired or in need of a little more attention. At the RMGC please replace intact divots and then sprinkle the sand/seed mix over the repair. If your divot has disintegrated or ended up in a pond please fill the divot hole with enough sand/seed so that the repair is level with the surrounding turf. Replaced divots stand a very good chance of recovery in our climate so that is my preference. Doing your part will help keep our fairways smoother, cleaner and easier to play golf from.
• Please repair ballmarks. Generally I feel our club does a good job of repairing ballmarks. However it seems we all flip a switch when we get to a green that isn't in perfect condition. It is even more important on a green that is recovering.
• Cart traffic. Always a contentious issue, the driving of golf carts in close proximity to greens is a double edged sword for us. I realize some members need to be closer than others but please use some discretion. Regardless of the reason a cart does not need to be more than 10 yards from a green. Please do not abuse the privledge.

I don't like "policing" the above as I feel we all know the game and its requirements. In the past I used to get quite upset and bothered by lack of care and attention (the fairway divots still  drive me bonkers). But when it is being brought to my attention by all invested parties at the Club it is my job to remind everyone that this is your course and pride in your facility is reflected in how you help us look after it.


WEED CONTROL

• The weed control program implemented last spring has greatly reduced the knottweed on the fairways. We sprayed again last fall and we will be treating some specific fairways tomorrow and Friday. Holes 5,7,12,13,15,17,and 18 will be sprayed. It is a difficult weed to control but increasing the health of the fairway turf will go a long way to reducing the chemical use required at present.
• Dandelion control took a huge step forward last year as well. That is a never ending battle. We want to treat obvious showcase areas in addition to some zones in the rough in and along tree lines this year. After an initial spray in the next week to 10 days we will wait for the fall season to revisit the issue. Now and September are the best time of year to control most broadleaf weeds be it here or on your home lawn. Although I would encourage alternative methods on your property that don't involve pesticides.

One more quick note. We will be verticutting and lightly topdressing the greens on Thursday morning. In addition, greens 2, 6 and 8 will also be vented and overseeded (again) to help with recovery. We did manage to get the tees completed on Tuesday with the rain washing in the sand nicely.

Wade

On The Course This Week

Quick Notes

LREP

• CTC will be finishing off behind the 11th green, spreading root zone material on the new driving range tee surface and spreading the remaining topsoil at the SGPA. This is all assuming the weather cooperates.
• Sodding of the driving range target areas is scheduled for later in the week but if it rains as forecast it will have to be delayed until next week.
• The RMGC turf staff will be sodding tee sidebanks at 13 and 18. We will be using seed and fiber mat on the 2 steep slopes west and north of the 18th tee. It is too steep to sod efficiently. Maureen will be planting a row of shrubs behind the 18th tee as well. More on her work later.
• Curb Craft should be finished the curbing on the course by late Wednesday.
• Paving, curbing, etc. at 10 tee is scheduled to be finished before we open the hole for normal play.

On The Course

• Fairways and rough fertilized Tuesday.
• Liquid  fertilizing on the greens both Tuesday and Friday as we are using some quick release foliars to help with recovery on a few greens and improve the color on the rest. We will adjust our mowing frequency on the greens that will have extra fertilizer applied to them.
• Tees will be verticut and topdressed on Tuesday. Greens on Thursday.
• Wetting agent applied on greens and tees especially if it rains on Wednesday (good time to do it).
• Fountain/aerators hopefully in the pond on 18 by late Friday.
• Sodding, sodding and more sodding if weather permits.

Wade

LREP AND COURSE UPDATE

It has been a very busy week for both CTC, Alpine Irrigation and of course the RMGC Turf Care staff. We are grinding it out to put it bluntly and I won't comment any more at this point other than to say writing this blog is cutting into my sleep. Please consider the following:

• Some of the sod will need to be replaced or be given time to recover from an unsuccessful install. It may look bad (11 green south surround for example) but it is recovering. With so much sod down and more arriving daily some of it is sure to be missed in terms of enough water, etc. 
• The bentgrass sod has been installed on all the new tees and practice greens. This sod will be given much more attention than the Kentucky bluegrass as it is much more sensitive to stress.
• The range is ready for sodding.
• The new practice tee and SGPA should be ready for sod by the end of next week. I wish it could be sooner but the scope of the work is beyond a simple explanation. It must be done correctly the first time and that has meant some delays.
• A truck from Arbor Care that was not supposed to be on #15 caused the ruts in the new rough. I just came upon the scene as it was happening and it took all I had not to lose my cool. It is being repaired and is just a hazard of construction. One of many.
• In addition to working on the LREP we also have to groom the course as is expected and rightfully so. If we are missing something let me know and we will take care of it quickly.

On Saturday morning we are going to sod approximately 600 sq. ft. on the right side of the 6th green. I'm sure you are all asking, "Why on a Saturday?!?!?". We have some extra bentgrass from the LREP work. We have the use of the big roll installer thanks to Big Lake Sod farms but they are picking it up Sunday morning. So we need to go now. We should be done by 8 a.m. I'm sorry for the timing but we have no choice and as a benefit a large area of damaged turf will be repaired. A big positive.

One last note. We removed a large poplar early last week. It was located just to the north east of the 7th tee. It looked fine but it was rotten internally and in danger of falling so it was removed (on advice from Mumby's tree Service).

Please excuse any errors in grammar. Sleep is more important. All for now.
Regards,
Wade

LREP Notes And Course Updates

The remainder of the week and the following one promises to be one of the busiest since the project began. At least for the RMGC grounds staff. Obviously we have a golf course to look after and that has its own set of both routine and unique procedures during May and beyond. We also have LREP work to complete. There is sod on the ground and around 2.5 more acres to be installed in the next 10 days. I don't want to see rain as it will hold up the project but if it did rain it would definitely help with keeping the sod healthier. We have irrigation but we are also open and it is very warm and extremely dry. So if you are out on the course and a sprinkler is in your way please allow it to function and be aware of its rotation so that you don't get wet. We will do our best to minimize the interference with your round of golf.

LREP Update

• sodding the new tees and greens on Thursday
• sodding the tee and greens surrounds on Friday
• work continues behind the 11th green ( new bunker and surrounds shaping)
• some drainage work to collect surface water at the short game practice area
• driving range target green prep in advance of sodding next week

On The Course

There is some spotting on the greens from the fertilizer we used last week. Besides the dark green dots here and there, no harm done. There is also a patch at the back of 10 green that has gone backwards but it appears to be non natural. It has straight line borders and defined angles. Turf decline shouldn't look like that. We are trying to figure out what happened. It is recovering albeit slowly.

• spike seeding and plugging the problem greens
• liquid greens fertilizer application on Thursday
• installing new micro irrigation (think residential here) on the north edge of the pond on 10 in addition to a power wire for the pond aerators that had been cut during the excavation
• bunker trim (edges and surrounds)

Wade

The Great Frost Delay Of May 13, 2012

The title of this blog may seem to make light of what led to a 40 minute delay to tee times this morning but I was stumped for a short title. Before I begin a detailed explanation I want to make one point perfectly clear. My second assistant David Smith made the correct decision in calling a frost delay. Of this there is no debate. There was frost in the rough, on some fairways and on the greens surrounds. No matter how nice it felt standing on the warm up green there was a significant temperature difference down on the course. As you will read circumstances and procedure led to a slighly longer delay than was necessary and for this I take full responsibility as the Superintendent.

It was decided on Saturday that David would organize and supervise the Sunday maintenance program. Eric needed a much deserved day off and I would come in approximately 45 minutes after our 6 a.m. start time in order to allow David his own time with the staff.  When I arrived at work it was a little chillier than I expected, the staff was on the course (I could hear the fairway mowers) and I was looking forward to getting some of my own work done that has been put off due to a certain ongoing project. I went out to paint some fairway perimeters and check on the weaker greens. While out and about I noticed some patchy frost here and there but didn't make anything of it. Not enough to worry about. It was just before 7 a.m. so I wasn't looking for golfers on #1 or #2. I eventually noticed a sprinkler running on 14 tee and it wouldn't shut off. For the next 30 minutes I was trying to solve the problem. At this point I had to return to the maintenance facility for tools and as I crossed in front of the first tee I noticed a crowd of golfers milling about and no one on the course. It finally hit me that there had been a forst delay. You know that sinking feeling we have all felt? I had it. I immediately called the Golf Shop and opened the course.

I then contacted David to inquire about the extent of the frost situation and at what time the staff were able to get on the course (6:30 a.m. and even then they were working around some lingering frost). David proceded by the book. He kept the time we needed to stay ahead of the first tee time (which for us is one hour) and adjusted the day accordingly. Unfortunately a frost delay in mid May on Mothers Day requires some non lateral thinking. That comes with experience. Experience I have.The above mentioned circumstances dictated that I wouldn't be able to help the Golf Shop deal with an upset group of golfers and to assist David in the follow up after making a frost call. Simply put I never expected to see frost after a warm Saturday.

Again I fully support David's decision but that decision needs to be followed up and supported. By that I mean not just estimating an appropriate time to end the frost delay and then heading out on to the course and assuming the norm. In the future David will contact me if anything is amiss. It doesn't mean I will rush to the rescue but I want my assistants to deal with the circumstances as I would. In this case after making the call and realizing a mid May frost call is far different than one in late September, his presence would be required in the Golf Shop or around the warm up green. Not exactly an easy task but one that is required at times. Believe me, if I had clued into the delay sooner I would have been up there myself. It wouldn't have been the first time I have faced an crowd of pissed off golfers. Pardon the english. Its also unfortunate the Golf Shop staff felt abandoned. I am the course superintendent but my desire is to see all departments cooperating and functioning smoothly so that the membership gets the service and attention they deserve.

The day has ended. Monday will be here in a few short hours and another busy week will begin. For those that were affected this morning please accept my apologies. I have spent all day concerned with the content of this blog and would like to now move on. If anyone wants some one on one time with me feel free to email or call. I will post another blog for the "week ahead" tomorrow.

Wade 

This Week At The Royal Mayfair Golf Club

On The Course

• The range netting has been repaired but Mark from Netex has confirmed what I suspected. The entire system is need of major repairs. That includes the netting, posts, cables and most of the anchor bolts. He will be forwarding advice and a quote to the club at which time we will review our options for the future.
• The front 9 greens will be verticut and topdressed on Tuesday (the frost delay today has pushed it back until tomorrow).
• The greens height will be at .125 inches by Wednesday and the first Men's League event.
• Fairways will be sprayed with a liquid fertilizer today and tomorrow.
• Greens and tee surrounds will be fertilized with a granular product.
• Cleanup continues as required. We now have poplar debris falling off the new buds to deal with.
• Widening/making perimeters of fairways and by extension the first cut of rough on holes 7, 9, 14, 15, 17 and 18.
• Bunker work will continue on the back 9 over the next week or so.

LREP Work

• Sodding on #18 and #11 throughout the day on Tuesday.
• Sand install at #11 green should hopefully be completed by the start of Men's League.
• Driving range mat platform/deck will be built this week. Turf Hound mat system to be laid down following completion.
• The actual range itself will have the new irrigation done by the end of the week and sodding of the target greens and the new natural grass surface should be finished by the end of next week.
• Rootzone and capping soil installation on the 10th tee and the SGPA is ongoing at present.
• Work behind the 11th green will still be occurring after the green opens. Everyone will need to exercise caution in this area.
• Many areas on the back 9 will be roped off so please keep power carts off as directed.
• Curbing on the new asphalt paths is scheduled to begin later next week.

We are opening the back this week but it is a work in progress. Expectations among the membership will vary.

Some of you will be pleased and surprised, some patient and some disappointed. I understand that. Please keep in mind the amount of work we have accomplished to date and the constraints we have had to work under. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Once the big picture is taken care of my staff will be working very hard on the "fit and finish" throughout the summer. I will of course keep you informed at least weekly of all projects big or small that remain.

Thank you for your patience and understanding to date and in the future.

Wade

Course Update: The Past Week And The Next Few Days

We have made significant progress on the golf course, CTC and Alpine Irrigation are working unhindered by weather and we have our irrigation system up and running. The announcement concerning the LPGA returning to the Royal Mayfair has been made which has officially ramped up my anxiety level. Of course I have known about the planning for awhile but its for real now. Here are my thoughts in point form (for what its worth):

• As I've stated in the past my goal since coming to the Club has been to deliver the finest conditions possible for you the Membership. It is an ongoing process that is subject to various factors both good and bad.
• Aside from mowing frequency and some minor modifications to the fairway and rough outlines I want the best female golfers in the world to play the same course conditions that you, the members, would experience in any other week in August. A lofty goal but very satisfying if you reach it. We'll do our best.
• This tournament will showcase our facility to many eyes besides the current membership. Sounds like a pretty good marketing tool.

LREP Progress

• CTC is presently installing root zone mix and capping soil at the 10th tee and the new practice greens.
• Large boulders are being placed behind the elm at 11 green.
• Alpine is installing new irrigation lines on the Driving Range. The old ones were damaged by the changes made out on the range.
• Sodding will be completed around the pond on #18, the right side of #11 green and around the bunker left of the green on Tuesday.
• The platform for the new artificial turf surface is being built at present. Google "Turf Hound" and visit their website to get an idea as to what we will be using when not on the natural turf.
• Sodding on the range (target green area) will be scheduled next so we can start using it sooner than later. 

Front 9 Maintenance

• Greens 2, 6 and 8 were verticut, aerated and overseeded. Unfortunately as smoothly as the last few days have been it is a mess on those 3 greens. The light rain and equipment malfunction led to poor results. We should have them cleaned up and re cut by early this afternoon.
• Bunker work continues throughout the course as does cleanup on the back 9.
• Sprinkler adjustment (arc changes) will be ongoing at the green sites today and tomorrow.

Wade