Finally Another Blog Post

May 18th. That was my last blog. I was mildly surprised when I noticed the date. Time flies and the days seem to blend into one long period of non stop project work and course maintenance. Since the 18th the weather has changed with plenty of moisture but cooler temperatures. We've almost completed the cart path tie in work, improved the tee and pin options on #16, installed the patio and cart paths at the Tee House and somehow managed to keep improving the look and quality of the golf course itself.

Recently we diagnosed and treated for Take-all Patch on the greens. The June newsletter went into more detail about the problem so I won't discuss it here other than to report that all is well.  The Legacy Clock has been a issue as we all know but the company has advised us to try one more solution before they fly out here from Vancouver to fix it if we can't.

The next week will see the Turf Staff completing the remaining sod work, replacing some sod that did not make it, landscaping the Tee House Grounds, assisting Maureen and Val with flower work and installing the remaining steps at 11 tee. As for the golf course lets get back to the point form I like to use when describing the week ahead:

• We have now expanded our turf growth regulator program to include tees and approaches. Our plan is begin treating fairways next season as well.
• We have made the transition to mowing tees and approaches with walk behind mowers. We will use the riding mowers occasionally when pressed for time, short on staff or when mowing on Saturdays due to the crossover. The change has led to a noticeable improvement on these playing surfaces.
• We will be aerating the new tees on 10, 13 and 18 to remove excess thatch that is inherent in these year old sodded areas.
• The afternoon cut (or roll) on greens will begin next week. That will be the main topic of the next blog posting as it requires some explanation as to the why and when.
• As mentioned in past blogs the fairways will see increased cultural work to improve their playing characteristics. Next week will see the first of several light sand topdressings followed by a solid tine aeration. The size of aeration hole will be smaller than the size we see in September and the sand will settle into the turf canopy quickly. Our goal as stated in the past is to extend the comprehensive cultural practices we use on greens and tees to the fairways as well. Over time the fairways will become firmer and drain more efficiently. I'm not sure how long it will take but we own 2 large area top dressers so maybe 2 or 3 days. Impact on play will be minimal.
• Greens and tees will be top dressed mid week. Approaches were topdressed this past Wednesday. Did you notice?
• The striping push mower we purchased has arrived and we will be mowing the driving range target greens. By "burning in" the cut on the target greens it's hoped they stand out in relation to the rest of the range.
• Continued planting at the numerous beds throughout the course. Maureen and Val have finally caught up and the course perennials are glowing right now. Great job ladies!!
• I'm sure I've missed something. If you as members have questions or concerns feel free to email me or call my cell. That information is available through various sources at the Club.

All for now,
Wade