Check Plots

We often speak about leaving untreated check plots on the golf course, in order to verify if a plant protectant application or cultural practice was truly effective.  There are many reasons why turf may perform well or not, so it's impossible to make accurate conclusions if all areas are treated exactly the same. 

As you may recall, last winter we left a couple of uncovered check plots on #2 and #10 to see how they healed from aerification in relation to the greens that were covered.  

The back of #2 green in March, 2025

With the greens remaining uncovered this winter, we are doing the exact opposite, and have tarped sections of #9 and #17 green.  Once again, this will allow us to compare turf recovery side by side and evaluate the impact of using covers (or not).

The back right of #17 is covered this winter.

Of course, all of the greens are covered at the moment...

A Unique View

Over the past few years we have been finding interesting material in the debris screens of sprinklers, which has a consistency somewhat like mulch.  While it's great that the screens are doing their job and catching this material, the question of what this stuff is, and how it's getting into the irrigation system remains.

Two debris screens from the bottom of sprinklers.

Working on the assumption that this material is being sucked into the system from the lake, it seemed like a good idea to confirm the present condition of the 35 year old intake screen at the pump station between #9 and #18 tees.  We wanted to make sure that this wasn't some larger material (like a stick) getting in through a hole in the screen, then being minced by the pumps--that would be a serious issue.

Additionally, since we had to replace the intake screen on the pump station at #5 back in 2017, another general inspection of the other station's screen was due.

Replacement intake screen, being installed nine years ago at #5.

The drawing below may help to understand the location of the intake screen in relation to the pump station.  As you can see in the cut away view, our pump stations sit on top of a "wet well", which has an intake pipe in the lake, with the intake screen at the end.  This allows the water level of the lake and wet well to equalize freely.

Obviously, inspecting the condition of a screen located 100' out at the bottom of the lake isn't easily accomplished.  Fortunately, there are people with the right tools for the job.  Using an underwater ROV, we were able to see the screen and pipe's condition, not just from the outside, but from the inside as well. 

Below is the view from the end of the intake pipe, looking out to the pond through the intake screen.  While there is some sediment buildup, the overall condition of the screen is better than anticipated.  

And while this picture wasn't one of the best exterior ones to see the screen, it did confirm what (too) many locals know--the golf course's lakes are teeming with fish.

As to the source of the "mulch" material, we will continue to try and track it down.  The good news is that we were able to confirm that it isn't something large entering the pump station which might cause major damage to the pumps.

Catching Up

December was a great month for the team to catch up on...rest.  After a challenging 2025 season, everyone was ready for a breather, and the below average temperatures at the end of the year provided a good opportunity to recharge the batteries. 

With some thawing this past week, we have been able to get out and have a productive start to 2026, catching up on activities on the course.  The cups were changed (two per green), the greens sprayed and rolled, the Par 3 tees were covered, and sodding of some high traffic areas took place.

One of the areas being prepped for new sod.

As always, we have to roll with the punches, and make the best of the hand Mother Nature deals us.  It has been good to catch up in multiple ways.