We all know that the arrival of September brings changes and cooler weather, especially in the early mornings. That means frost. From this date forward we can have a frost delay at any time even if the day is very warm. We don't like frost delays, you don't like frost delays but for the turf it is one of the signals to begin preparing for winter. Following myself @MayfairSuper or the Golf Shop @RoyalMayfair will give you the most up to date information regarding frost delays (or anything else grounds related as well).
Before I list some of the changes and work ahead for September I would like to discuss some concerns that have arisen in our Green Committee meeetings. The first concern is ball mark repair and fairway divots. Personally I think the membership does a good job of greens repair so I'll leave that one alone. The fairway divots on the other hand need attention. Ask anyone on my crew and they think I'm a little fanatical about divots. I strongly encourage you to replace divots, especially large ones. It covers a large hole on an important playing surface and keeps the fairway looking clean. There is nothing worse than chunks of grass covering a fairway during the day. Yes we will clean them up eventually but your help has an immediate effect on presentation. The fairway mowers chop up the big turf pieces which are then turned into little pieces that are spread all over the place. Not pretty. While visiting the Vancouver Golf Club last week I asked their superintendent, Dave Kennedy, if they had a divot issue and he said his members are fanatical (there's that word again) about divot replacement and the use of sand/seed bottles. We can do the same. Please replace the large turf divots, spread some sand/seed ON TOP OF NOT UNDER the turf plug and carry on. If you can only use sand/seed make sure you fill the divot hole. Sprinkling a little sand to cover the dirt is only window dressing. It does nothing to aid in regrowth or to assist following players when their ball rolls into a divot hole however rare that may be.
The second issue is pull cart traffic too close to greens. We would like to see less traffic in narrow areas between greens and bunkers and between the 18th green and the pond wall. We will be marking some of the affected areas with white line paint. If you notice them please alter your route in the future to go around the back of a bunker to help alleviate compaction and reduce wear and tear in these spots.
Maintenance Notes:
Aeration dates: Tees - Sept. 11 and 12
Fairways - September 17 (approximately one week including topdressing)
Greens - October 1 and 2
Double Cutting: The last day for the afternoon cut will be this Friday. Rolling will continue.
Height Of Cut: The mowing height on greens will be raised late next week. This will be a gradual process as we prepare for winter.
Removal Of 150 Yard Pines: The LPGA requires the removal of the pines. We will remove them this month and sod the spots so that it isn't done at the last minute next year and the repairs aren't as obvious. At this time the plan is to replant the pines for 2014.
Replacement Of The Colored Fairway Yardage Plates: This is just a notice that we will be installing brass markers (1 foot in diameter) with our logo and yardage (200, 150, 100 and 50 yards). No color just brass. Very classy looking.
Wade
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