On The Course This Week

We have received approximately 150 mm of rain in the last week or so and more is on the way. The course has come through in pretty good condition thanks in large part to how well the course drains, the efforts of my staff and the fact I have been able to hold power cart use in order to mitigate damage in all the low lying wet areas. Thank you to the membership for your patience and understanding when a call is made to restrict power carts or to close the golf course. Unfortunately there are small areas that just won't dry up and also some minor damage that will be repaired when we dry out.

When fairways are this wet and lush the size of a divot tends to increase dramatically. It is now more important than ever to replace it or fill the divot hole with enough sand/seed mix. I have picked up some huge divots in the last few days and saw attempted repairs that just aren't fair to the players following. If a ball rolled into some of the divot holes I'd swear you'd have to take an unplayable or risk breaking your wrists :) .

Alberta 1 Call was scheduled to locate utilities for the new netting poles on Thursday but they never showed up. I called Friday for an explanation and they are inquiring of the locate company and rescheduling another visit. Nothing can happen until then.

On The Course:

• We will be venting and topdressing greens on Tuesday. We probably won't finish before the first tee time arrives on the scene so we'll finish up early Wednesday morning. This is the second venting this season. It will not affect ball roll as the greens will be rolled and cut immediately following. Venting opens up the surface to allow more oxygen down into the root zone. More oxygen is very good!!  
• Topdressing fairways 2 and 9 as a test for more frequent applications of sand throughout the summer. It will not be as heavy as our fall application. We will spread it and then float it in with a drag mat. This all hinges on weather. Excess rainfall will delay the process until a later date. We have been topdressing 10 fairway throughout the summer so look for a similar "feel" while hitting shots.
• Lowering the height of cut on #10 fairway from 3/4 inches to 5/8 inches on Wednesday. 
• Work will begin work on the service areas next to the new asphalt paths this week. We are installing paving stone similar in look to the path at the 6th tee. These areas will be large enough for the bench, the ballwasher stand and garbage containers. Our desire is to replace the plastic garbage containers with new wood containers. We will bring in a sample later this season.
• The driving range tee is open for use when conditions permit. It has only been about 5 weeks since it was sodded so we need to proceed with caution. When the weather is adverse we will be back on the artificial surface until we feel the natural surface can sustain the traffic. Also, assume the range will be closed every Friday morning until around 8 a.m. The Golf Shop does a "clean pick" every Thursday evening. Friday morning we mow the entire range and complete a major divot repair. If the weather doesn't cooperate we will change the day and then send out a notice.

All for now,

Wade