After another winter of fluctuating temperatures and low snowfall totals we now have a clear picture of the spring course conditions. We removed the covers on the greens earlier this week and most of them have wintered well. However there is some damage to greens 2, 6, the putting green and the warmup green. I can explain the putting green (water got under the eastern edge of the cover during an early February thaw and created a solid ice layer). We will have to dam that area next fall by inserting the cover into the ground. As for repairs the green is big enough that we can keep it open while it recovers.
The warmup green was once again the victim of mice even though we had mouse poison laid down. Something (maybe even squirrels) got under the cover and chewed the plastic lines on the north edge of the green cutting off fresh air to 2/3rds of the green. The extra line we added on the south edge was not chewed and that turf is fine. By early next week we will have a better idea as to the extent of the damage and how we are going to get the green repaired as quickly as possible. That green still needs new irrigation installed and we had planned on removing the perimeter ridge that has built up over years of topdressing at the same time. A faster solution than waiting for turf recovery might be to resod the entire surface while that work is ongoing. The section of our nursery that we would use for this green has come through in good shape. Stay tuned.
Greens 2 and 6 have areas of damage that are difficult to explain. We think we know why and our air exchange procedure may be to blame. Again we will need to guard against the same thing happening next winter. I caution anyone from thinking that the covers might not be the best solution just because we had a few issues. This is year 2 of the complete covering of the greens and obviously there are still have some kinks to iron out. I firmly believe the covers are the most dependable method of getting our predominantly annual bluegrass (Poa) greens through the winter. As for recovery it is our preference to not sod these greens and with our help have them recover over time.
The rest of the course has wintered fairly well. The tees are fine and the fairways look good. There may be some damage in low lying areas due to ice buildup during the winter thaws but that remains to be seen. Also the snowmobile left some scarring when we were trying to groom the cross country ski tails in less than ideal snow conditions but things will recover quickly. There is extensive leaf and debris cleanup required too. The early October snowfall and ensuing wet weeks interrupted our usual thorough fall cleanup.
The irrigation project should be completed by the end of June. Holes #3 and #4 remain to be completed on the front 9 and there is some considerable cleanup work required from both Alpine irrigation and the Royal Mayfair Turf Care team on holes #1 to #7 and #9. Most of the work is trench related alongside the perimeter of each hole. Some settling occurred over winter and the sod that was replaced by Alpine in late October and early November needs further attention. It certainly isn't "Royal" out there but it will get repaired properly as the weeks pass. Please abide by all signs, plywood paths, stakes and roped off areas when you do get on the golf course.
There is still some mainline installation when Alpine begins work on the back 9. They will cross 2 fairways but most of the open trenching will be alongside treelines. The majority of the project will involve far less disruptive plowing and directional drilling. Over the next few months expect temporary tee closures and possible short day to day hole closures if necessary. We will take all steps possible to minimize course disruption but do expect some inconvenience.
I don't want to sugar coat anything about the content in this blog. It is going to be a difficult few months for all involved. Please accept my apologies but this important project needs to get finished as quickly as possible. Alpine will begin work in earnest on April 17th by which time the ground should be ready to support heavy equipment.
Communication from Turf Care to all other departments and especially the Membership is a very important goal for us. Now that the season has arrived expect a weekly blog from myself and once the course opens, daily updates from the Golf Shop and/or Club Management. My last request: reread this blog and make sure as many members as possible are in the "know". Feel free to call me anytime for more detailed information. My cell number can be obtained through the Club office. Follow me on twitter @MayfairSuper for more up to date information and pictures.
In advance, I thank you for you patience.
Wade Peckham
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