June Post

Warm temperatures have become more consistent over the past 10 days, with nighttime lows remaining in double digits. As a result, turf growth has increased significantly during this period. Overall, I am very pleased with the presentation and condition of the golf course.

The greens are performing very well overall. Areas that experienced winter damage still have some thin spots, but I am encouraged by the steady progress being made. Targeted plugging and diligent overseeding, combined with the natural increase in turf density as the growing season progresses, should continue to improve these surfaces.

Weekly fertilizer applications at a light rate remain in place to support recovery and maintain plant health. All cultural practices are being approached conservatively. It is important to avoid over fertilizing, excessive topdressing, aggressive verticutting, or other intensive practices until these weaker areas have gained more strength.

We continue to make steady progress with bunker maintenance. There are still a few bunkers left to edge, but the majority have been completed, and I am pleased with our current progress.

Staff have been mowing bunker faces at least once per week, and last week we applied a growth regulator to further improve manageability and presentation. Glyphosate applications have also been made to control grass encroachment into the sand, with hand-pulling continuing where necessary.

The range tee has received an exceptionally high volume of use and is functioning as designed. Its size has allowed us to effectively manage the level of play. We have recently begun utilizing the second row of tee positions. Looking back at the first set of positions, now nearly a month old, we are seeing encouraging divot recovery. Weekly divot filling continues, and our goal remains to rotate back to the initial positions immediately after the final positions have been exhausted.

We have yet to have an extended period of hot and dry weather. A repair to our pump station has been completed, ensuring automation of the system and the ability to run overnight programs when they become necessary. Thankfully, the washroom on 6 is finally open for the season.