April Update

The calendar tells us that spring has arrived. Conditions seem to say otherwise! Cool and wet weather has been the theme for the past couple of weeks, making getting onto the course for work has been delayed. The long range forecast has improved weather into the latter part of next week with dryer and warmer. We are hoping for the turf to dry so we can start taking equipment  and some growth to start taking place to start planning the first cut of the greens.

So far, what we are seeing is very positive in terms of turf health. As described in previous posts, disease pressure is quite high; the length of time under snow cover was perfect for various types of snow molds. We treat our greens, tees, and fairways every November. It appears to have paid extra dividends this spring as a lot of disease has been seen in the rough, while our short cut turf looks to be mostly free of disease. A lack of ice throughout the winter was welcomed. We have pulled back the tarps on a few of our greens. What I am seeing is very positive. The greens look to have come out of the winter in good shape. We still have some to remove. By this time next week they should all be gone.

We do not tarp the 1st green. Despite the lack of green the tarped greens have, this turf is healthy

Close up look shows plenty of green in the plants. Heavy topdressing still apparent

Our focus this spring will be in the bunkers getting them ready for play by moving sand around and doing some edging to sharpen them up. We will be assessing our tree removal needs as the winter has taken trees and branches down.

We will be planning on another member cleanup/divot day. Volunteers can sign up through the Oakfield member portal on the event page that will be created over the course of the next week or so. I will provide another update as we progress through April and approach our Opening Day.