Continuing to Core Collars

For the past few years, we've been trying to increase the frequency of collar aerification beyond the two times per year when the greens are aerified.  Collars tend to accumulate sand both from topdressing as well as from bunkers.  This can lead to "sand dams" or "collar dams" where water is no longer able to freely surface drain off the green.

We start by making a single pass with our aerifier:

The next step is to use one of our core harvesters to collect the plugs:

This is then followed by blowing off any remaining debris:

Lastly, we roll the collar:

Unlike when we aerify the greens, we are not filling the holes with sand, instead leaving them open.  Again, one of the goals of this process is to actually lower the collar a tad, so removing material and then rolling helps to accomplish this.   

Prepping for 2022

 Judging by the tee sheet, there is still plenty of golf to be played in 2021.  However, while we continue to focus on providing exceptional playing conditions throughout this fall, as the golf course mowing requirements start to decrease with cooler temperatures, quite a bit of our efforts are now geared towards having a successful 2022 season.

There is probably no better example of this than our fall Take-All Patch prevention sprays.

The significance of spraying for Take-All Patch during the fall is that the damage from this disease typically isn't seen on the fairways until late spring, with it often peaking at Memorial Day.  The picture below was taken way back on May 31.

So, even as we continue to reflect on the summer of 2021, it is with an eye towards the upcoming year.  It may be a bit surprising, but providing healthy turf and a great playing surface next summer, requires action now.

Divot Repair and Replacement

 For the past several years, we have supplied the golf carts with a dry sand and peat mix for filling divots.  While this product flows easily from the divot bottles, and works well in the summer, when the Creeping Bentgrass in the tees and fairways is growing, it is not the best option in cooler weather.  Truthfully, a divot taken now and filled with the green sand will likely be visible until late next spring.

In order to improve divot recovery, moving forward, we will be providing a damp mix on the cart.  This contains seed and fertilizer which will help to decrease recovery time.  However, with this mix being moist, it tends to become clogged in the narrow-necked bottles, so we are asking you to grab the scoop instead.

Please keep in mind that while the new moist mix will work better than the dry sand, this still should not be your go-to after taking a divot.  At this time of year, we strongly encourage players to replace their divots whenever possible.  Below we have rated divot recovery on a scale of 1 to 10.  With a rating of "5" the damp mix is definitely better than the green sand, however neither comes close to the recovery seen in the two replaced divots.  So please, take the time to walk a few steps, retrieve that strip of sod, and return it to its happy home.

Of course any of the above receives a higher mark than the head-scratcher shown below.  Clearly this would have been a great opportunity to replace a divot (or two).  On a scale of 1 to 10, this example is off the charts--and not in a good direction:

Lastly, if you're a player who often emptied several bottles (of divot mix) during your round, have no fear.  You can reload your saddlebag at #2, 8, 12 and 13 tees.

Those players behind you--today, tomorrow, next week, and next month--will appreciate your help in keeping the course in good condition!

The frost is on the pumpkin...

 Since you may rarely see it in your own backyard, golfers often underestimate the damage that can occur by walking or driving on frost covered turf.   In this brief video, the USGA explains the "how" and "why" of frost damage:  Frost Delay--It's Worth The Wait

Despite our best efforts to keep carts corralled during periods of frost, as you can see below,   occasionally somebody doesn't get the message, causing damage last year on #10.

If you're unsure if there will be a frost delay or not, please check the "Course Conditions" section of the Club's app.  We update this each morning to provide you with timely information:

You can also be notified of frost delays or cart restrictions by signing up for text alerts: