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...