The 18th Green Is Open For Play

30 days ago on April 17th we sodded the 18th green after deciding that waiting for recovery would be an unreliable alternative in our short golf season. On Saturday it will open for play. If you've been following the progress of the work you know we used our own sod even though some of it was a little "loose". It was difficult to obtain a consistent cut off of the nursery which then made it tough to install on the prepared surface. That being said we're happy with the results especially considering the less than ideal weather we've experienced in Edmonton over the last month.

The green is fairly consistent in terms of ball roll and turf quality. The speed is "slow" and will be maintained that way until we determine how it is reacting to play (foot traffic, ball marks and other less obvious stresses). It is very important that you treat this green with more care and attention than you would the other mature greens on the golf course. Be careful how you walk on it (don't drag your feet), fix your ball marks but don't be too vigorous with your repair tool. Nice and easy for awhile. You may also find that cup edges are soft and will wear out quickly so it is very important that you do not scoop the ball out of the hole. Over the next month we will slowly bring the green speed closer to the others.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

ON THE COURSE NEXT WEEK:

• Greens will be lightly topdressed early Tuesday morning.
• Tees will be core aerated and topdressed on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Fairways will be sprayed with liquid fertilizer.
• Greens will be sprayed first, with growth regulator (the beginning of the seasonal program) and then again with a combination of fungicide and nutrients so that we can hopefully prevent the occurrence of Take-all Patch disease. 
• Bunker edge and adjustment work should be completed by Tuesday.
• Parking lot lines should be painted by the end of the week.
• Maureen and Val will continue with bed cleanup and planting should begin in the first week of June.
• The pro paths are now being reintroduced. #6 and #9 were cut this week and the rest will be cut over the next week or 2.

All for now. Enjoy the long weekend and the BBQ on Monday.

The Turf Care Department