Approach/Apron Aeration and Other Happenings This week

Let me start by wishing all the best to any golf course facility that was affected by the floods down south. I realize it may seem like a secondary concern when homes and businesses are severely damaged and there was loss of life but the golf industry is an important business in Alberta and many employees are now in a state of limbo. I've been through some minor flooding long ago and it will be some time before any sense of "normal" returns.

Aeration of Approaches
We have made the decision to core aerate the approaches (or aprons as they are called) and give them a pretty heavy topdressing. They are very thatchy and need to firm up both for the LPGA event and the long term. The type of walking mower and our desired height of cut demands a firm surface to reduce scalping, ridges and unhealthy turf. They look good but they need to be better and the only way to do it is by pulling a fairly large core. The holes will heal quickly as growing conditions are very good and they have been fertilized ahead of time to speed recovery. It shouldn't be much of an inconvenience.

ArboCare
The tree company will be back on Wednesday assuming it doesn't rain too much today. We need a boom truck to get at a list of hanging limbs that we identified last week. The elm behind the putting green will need climbing in order to get at the broken branch as there is no access for the truck.

Parking Lot
We have shovelled the debris that has piled up along the curbing and moved it into the open to aid the cleanup that will take place before 5:00 am tomorrow morning. I know its a mess but only for a day. In the next week or so the parking stall lines will be repainted as well.

6th Green
Without going into great detail we have decided to remove the weak bentgrass sod from the right side of the green and replace it with a bentgrass/poa mix sod from another golf course with similar greens turf as the Royal Mayfair. Guess which one. Hint: I see this superintendent every day. Aside from the poor condition of the existing turf the distinct color difference in comparison was too obvious. Hopefully we have better luck this time. We plan on resodding early Thursday morning. If the date changes we will let you know on twitter and through the Golf Shop.

Course Detail List
If you recall from my last blog we have developed a comprehensive "Details List". You will notice small projects proceeding now and throughout the remainder of the season. For example there is some sodding work proceeding on #10 rough and a few collars that will be adjusted  by changing the turf type to make them consistent with other green sites (#4 left collar, #11 right collar).

All for now,
Wade