March Update

March has arrived and we are eager to see some turf. We have been under constant snow cover for close to 50 days now. The guys completed an expedition looking at snow depths and ice levels trying to get a sense to the health of the greens about 10 days ago. On average, about a foot of snow is on the ground. In some low lying areas depths were a little higher. A very thin ice layer were seen in select areas. Nothing very extensive, or thick. Still fairly optimistic, though I hold my breath until things are bared off and I can see the turf with my own eyes. The tide seems to be turning now as our first good rain event since early January when we were still bare of snow. Temperatures are jumping up drastically this week and more rain is on the way. I would be hoping that all of the snow will be gone by the end of the week. I would anticipate that shaded and low lying areas will still have some snow but we should be able to get around the property by this time next week.

With the amount of melting taking place it would be anticipated that the course will be very soft and still a ways away from getting equipment on to mow. Overall turf health, how the course dries, and how temperatures rise over the course of the month will predicate when mowing takes place. In all likelihood the greens will get the first mow. I will be looking at overnight temps for big dips in temperature that would want me too leave the tarps in place. But overall will be looking to remove them and acclimate the turf to the environment. We will be assessing any trees that may have been damaged over the winter and making plans to remove them. When the seasonal crew starts coming back we will be into that tree work, along with getting into the bunkers to get them looking and playing right. We also have some irrigation work we would like to get into before with think about pressurizing the system in 4-5 weeks time. Check back shortly. When the property has melted enough to give a turf health update I will do so promptly.

Hole 1 March 9th

Hole 9 March 10th

9 Green March 9th

9 Green March 10th

With the snow melt we get to see how our snow mold protections fared. While there is still a ways to go before we can give a thorough assessment, an inspection I made today around the putting green shows a bunch of fungus from the extended snow cover. The investment in chemical applications in November appears to have paid dividends. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the property; hopefully later this week.

Heavy disease pressure. Untreated rough on the right of the photo. Chipping area treated

The newest addition to our team was made a couple weeks ago. Oakfield has hired a second assistant superintendent. Cody Norris has moved from Southern Ontario to join the crew here in maintenance. He brings us skill and experience that will be a major asset to the club. Cody has already acclimated himself nicely to the team. Here is a quick introduction that Cody provided and was included in a recent membership update:

"My name is Cody Norris, and I’m thrilled to begin my role as Second Assistant Superintendent at Oakfield Golf & Country Club. With 13 years of experience in the turf industry, I’ve had the opportunity to work at courses across Ontario, including two ranked among Canada’s Top 100. I’m passionate about the game of golf and take great pride in the work that goes into delivering exceptional course conditions each day. Recently, I made the move from Ontario to Nova Scotia with my girlfriend, Lucy, and we’re excited to start this new chapter together. I’m excited to join the Oakfield community and contribute to the continued excellence of the club. Outside of work, I enjoy watching hockey, tennis, and spending time with our dog, Beau. I’m looking forward to a great golf season!"