Spring Is Right Around The Corner

I have not been very consistent with my blog entries over the last few months but there hasn't been much to report. I don't know how important it is to repeatedly discuss equipment repairs, shop improvements and such when our thoughts are elsewhere. I do know that as March arrives ears begin to perk up when talk revolves around the golf course. I can tell you that there is still 1.5 to 2 feet of snow out there and that we have cleared paths throughout the course so we can get to the greens when the need arises.

The weather is still too unpredictable for any snow removal to begin. In fact the existing snow cover is acting as insulation and also keeping the turf dormant. Breaking dormancy too early usually results in damage to the Poa annua that is present in varying degrees on the greens, tees and fairways. Once Poa is exposed to melting conditions and begins taking in water it's winter hardiness is basically gone. A night of freezing temperatures can result in serious consequences. The bentgrass will not break dormancy easily so it isn't much of a concern.

We have brought in turf samples from some greens and tees last week. We picked what we thought would be problem areas. For example, the swale that runs through #2 green, the front of #8 green and the back of #3 tee. These areas all had some ice cover. I suspect it formed in mid to late January but as of today the samples in the greenhouse are looking good. Keep in mind though that on the course the greens will still be covered for 2 more weeks. Sort of a catch 22 with the ice that may be present. Regardless I'm cautiously optimistic. Eric won't let me post a picture of the samples. Bad Karma apparently. Actually I'm on board with that one. When the greens begin to clear we will post progress pictures and some video. My 2nd Assistant David Smith has been forced into the Information Technology role whether he likes it or not. Thanks Dave.

For the remainder of this post some highlights for the coming season:

• In the process of obtaining permits from Environment Canada for Canada Goose control. We are also assisting the City of Edmonton and their control efforts and we will continue to work with the  University of Alberta researchers. Remember the swan decoy?
• Walk mowing tees and aprons/approaches during main golf season.
• More frequent light topdressing on fairways.
• Intensive cultural work on the tees to reduce the labour associated with hand watering localized dry spots.
• Establishment of a "cuff cut" or "pro path". This is the strip of short turf for walkers to use from the tees to the fairways. Regardless of the LPGA tournament we had planned to introduce this feature as a permanent change to the course.
• We have purchased another large area rough mower that will help keep the rough cut more often and more consistent across the course on a day to day basis.
• Finishing work next to the new cartpaths. Paving stone, sodding, etc.

• New 200, 150 and 100 fairway yardage plates to replace the old coloured steel domes.

That's our new maintenance facility floor covering in the background by the way. Thankfully no more carpet in my office.
All for now,
Wade