Frost...really?

It may be a little hard to believe given the current warm temperatures, but this past week we had four mornings with frost delays.  People often ask how we can have frost when the temperatures we see reported are well above freezing.

Another frosty morning, despite a registered temperature above freezing.

Yes, as we were all taught at an early age, water does need to be at 32 degrees in order to freeze.  The discrepancy between what we see on our phones (or from our weather station) and what we see on the turf primarily comes from the difference in elevation.  Most weather stations are monitoring temperatures at about head height, not at ground level.  Given that hot air rises and cool air sinks, it isn't uncommon to have a difference of several degrees between the two points.   

Traditionally, we are on the watch for frost anytime the temperature being displayed dips below 40 degrees.  The good news is that it's looking like we may not need to worry about another frost delay for the next six months. 

Heading off course

While the primary focus of the agronomy team is obviously the golf course, occasionally we are called upon to help with an off course task.  Most recently, this involved assisting with the installation of the gas line for the new pool heater at the Clubhouse.

Step one was constructing a pad for the propane tanks:

This was followed by digging a lengthy, circuitous trench over hill and dale for the gas line:

While projects like this can be challenging to handle this time of year, it's always interesting when we get to take on something different.  As the saying goes, "If you want something done, ask a busy person."

No missed-stake

With dozens and dozens of carts traversing the course daily, traffic  management is a constant battle.  To date, we have used the traditional yellow rope and stakes to shift traffic patterns, and give areas a chance to recover.  However we are now transitioning to small green and white markers to indicate where to drive (and where not to).  

These markers are more aesthetically pleasing, and will hopefully be easier to shift on a regular basis than the ropes.  Please remember that these markers  are positioned to be driven around--you don't score three points for splitting the uprights with your cart.

How much rain?

The early part of April definitely lived up to its reputation for "showers" with 4.10" of rain in just the first four days of the month.  For perspective, this is slightly more than the average rainfall for the entire month--and over 100,000 gallons of water on each and every acre.

April is not alone in contributing to a wet 2024.  Year to date, we are at exactly twice the average precipitation, having received 22.5" thus far.  While February was actually on the dry side, we were hit hard in both January and March, recording 7.3" and 9.2" respectively.

What does this mean for the rest of the year?  Well, if things are going to balance out in 2024, we may be in for a very dry summer...

Now you see it...now you don't!

Our golf course operation accumulates a fair bit of soil.  This is primarily comprised of drainage spoils, aerification plugs, and during the past few years, material generated from the Master Plan work.  

If we were in need of constructing some mounding, a tee, or other architectural feature on the course, this pile might be considered an asset.  However, when we are close to running out of room, it can become a problem.  Below you can see that the soil is spilling over onto our driveway and even starting to limit access to the fuel tanks.

So we have been fortunate to find folks close by who can put this material to good use.  Thanks to five dump trucks running, just 48 hours from the time the first picture was taken,  we regained some breathing room.

As the saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." 

Off to a good start...

 Just a few weeks ago, we discussed the installation of Traqmatz in some high traffic areas of the golf course.  Included in this was the walk-up to #12 tee.  As you can see below, at the time of installation, the aesthetics weren't ideal.

However, despite the wacky March weather we've experienced since then, the turf is doing its thing, growing through the mats.  Traditionally we would try to avoid any traffic on newly installed sod, but this area has already handled several hundred pairs of feet walking on it.

Obviously we're not dealing with hot weather yet, but the initial results are definitely promising!

More "winter" projects

We appreciate everyone's patience this past week, as we tried to balance some course improvements with play.  The calendar may still says it's winter, but temperatures were running 20 degrees above average, and the golf course saw 100 rounds per day.

Cart path renovation work has certainly been a challenge with the unanticipated level of activity we've been experiencing.  And while new cart paths may not be a glamorous game-changer, undoubtedly, everybody will prefer a smooth ride.