Course Update

It feels like summer out on the course this morning. We are getting a nice sneak peak into summer with a few days of temperatures getting into the mid 20s. The course is looking very nice, and Phase 2 is getting closer to completion.

We completed a light verticutting of the greens this morning. The goal here isn't so much to remove thatch as it is to cut stolons and grass leaves that are running horizontally across the putting surface. Doing this helps promote a more upright growth pattern with more shoot density. This will ultimately assist in smoother, faster, and healthier greens. The verticutting brought up some sand to the surface. To date, we have not completed any topdressing to the greens this season. The heavy topdressing applied last year still present, indicating there has not been too much growth this year.

Soil temperatures can factor largely in turf growth. Taking some temperatures this morning I witnessed soil temperatures just above 11C. When we start getting into the teens consistently we will see expansive root growth that will help sustain increased turf growth. Taking moisture readings and seeing things start to dry out after a week of dry weather. With the warm days we may even have to put a little water down before the weekend. With cooler and potentially wetter weather coming over the long weekend and into next week.

Tools of the trade

Soil temps coming up. Still a little ways to go before reaching optimal levels.

Quick update on Phase 2: All bunkers have been sodded to completion. The crew is currently sodding 3 tee. We are hopeful for completion by week's end. With conditions warming up we have been allocating more labor toward watering the sod. Next week we will assess the repair work from the heavy equipment getting to and from the worksites and look to sod several locations.

Sod going down on 3 tee