Getting Close

As you can see from the following pictures taken late Monday afternoon we still have some snow to melt before we can open. In addition the adjacent areas near the remaining snow are still quite wet. The weather this week will likely work in our favor allowing Turf Care to get into those spots and prepare the course for an opening date of around the middle of next week.

 

 

At present we are blowing and sweeping from tree line to tree line on those holes that are dry enough for the equipment. We plan on starting the irrigation system early next week so in the meantime we are tank watering as need be. We won't begin any aggressive work on the greens until we have that dependable water source. It is still early and the predominately Poa annua turf on the greens and fairways must be treated carefully with a minimum amount of stress applied to the surfaces at this time of the season. Basically keep it alive, push it along as the weather dictates and wait for the warm weather that is sure to arrive.

 

We have a fairly long list of small projects to complete beginning next week. The curbing contractor will be on site Friday to begin curbing where required on the front 9. The new cart paths need soil and sod work along all the edges. Precast steps will be added on several tees in addition to all the paving stone work required for the benches, ballwashers and trash containers. The natural grass surface at the driving range will be replaced and renovation work is needed to repair the heavy truck damage across a few fairways. We envision a very busy month of May.

 

A final note regarding the geese. The wildlife control company has requested that nobody disturbs the nests (that we know of) on the golf course. That includes the couple that have returned to the water feature. They are using deterrents and will also be relocating any nest they can find when all the eggs are laid and the birds begin to sit. Its about changing the patterns and behavior of these returning pairs. No birds will be harmed. Keeping them away from the clubhouse and reducing the population on our property is the ultimate goal.