tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23151393149806422422024-03-27T10:14:12.810-07:00Laurel Creek Country ClubJohn Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.comBlogger602125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-86370851088930535542024-03-24T06:06:00.000-07:002024-03-24T06:07:43.300-07:00Off to a good start...<p> Just a few weeks ago, we discussed <a href="https://laurelcreeksuper.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-answer.html" target="_blank">the installation of Traqmatz</a> 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxOagT5TgUcxc2K5WfTzKutr17E67jubFmBqoCpLSVB6g4prTAsoNzG6HKowsTwD3TWZdhkDJLOpen1nuBDVKD6JHcx48LrB3pvDPBh8QokSEhUAUagQbSmctd8Xi3F0Dh5Vy3_O8esidhA_1KRgrqK_fyxVq1d_yORNN9ta6YUW2WNWSzZda39MrxZU8/s4032/IMG_3102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxOagT5TgUcxc2K5WfTzKutr17E67jubFmBqoCpLSVB6g4prTAsoNzG6HKowsTwD3TWZdhkDJLOpen1nuBDVKD6JHcx48LrB3pvDPBh8QokSEhUAUagQbSmctd8Xi3F0Dh5Vy3_O8esidhA_1KRgrqK_fyxVq1d_yORNN9ta6YUW2WNWSzZda39MrxZU8/w640-h480/IMG_3102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JTUsm2MonjuFdc9BjJjYoqBNrvjEHU3Z4T2r0E5lYgpZkSsyI8NLyMdbuXDd9WvsyAXNZk21XPTvyZKUtssBwoJRa-rw5A3fXq2GoKFK44b65twQuT3f7F4lH6Lg-aieK6KpN1TIAlNJsuUMT7dWbYyfRFsPlrsuSWRMJvE83X1BfyDLzp9UDqqAH3wD/s4032/IMG_3331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JTUsm2MonjuFdc9BjJjYoqBNrvjEHU3Z4T2r0E5lYgpZkSsyI8NLyMdbuXDd9WvsyAXNZk21XPTvyZKUtssBwoJRa-rw5A3fXq2GoKFK44b65twQuT3f7F4lH6Lg-aieK6KpN1TIAlNJsuUMT7dWbYyfRFsPlrsuSWRMJvE83X1BfyDLzp9UDqqAH3wD/w640-h480/IMG_3331.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Obviously we're not dealing with hot weather yet, but the initial results are definitely promising!</p><p><br /></p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-25343046105737786682024-03-17T06:13:00.000-07:002024-03-17T06:13:16.160-07:00More "winter" projects<p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1lCY1SE_GT0tEAiFIeksq9BBbtELtxQxxu7Clbkompkv0oJA8CTUCXx2dak1VYb2MonGvo_qEhvGjMU2Gj9bM2m5724BPKYCgUdIT-vHR-SF1Kgki-VFy0QZ03hHMTl9ZMR6_hssSkgYTVCdSuk3gN0wIHAG_iPZDmfFrXkMRew6W35MVRGHP6wN2Mku/s4032/IMG_3281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1lCY1SE_GT0tEAiFIeksq9BBbtELtxQxxu7Clbkompkv0oJA8CTUCXx2dak1VYb2MonGvo_qEhvGjMU2Gj9bM2m5724BPKYCgUdIT-vHR-SF1Kgki-VFy0QZ03hHMTl9ZMR6_hssSkgYTVCdSuk3gN0wIHAG_iPZDmfFrXkMRew6W35MVRGHP6wN2Mku/w640-h480/IMG_3281.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>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.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-14829308285473208952024-03-10T06:54:00.000-07:002024-03-10T06:54:48.955-07:00Some Tee Work<p> Over the winter, the team has been making improvements to various tees throughout the golf course. This includes reclaiming some lost ground on #8 Champion tee:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG9bVww5otIYlAOItfH0vVO_NCCJMbmrPHTGxBsx0xS3i9Z3GrQMl_V3UM0EOG_hOSCGY0Vk9fT1qKJJIXD78OZ5HnOC1eOF-BD1Jz-yMxDVOUxqn7P9r1fy9I032VWER-uxgeElP8mIwiw3i6huE_LUVMpmzA51O6kP12Q8D-hrhzesKI5JyhNxxVZGS/s4032/IMG_3175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG9bVww5otIYlAOItfH0vVO_NCCJMbmrPHTGxBsx0xS3i9Z3GrQMl_V3UM0EOG_hOSCGY0Vk9fT1qKJJIXD78OZ5HnOC1eOF-BD1Jz-yMxDVOUxqn7P9r1fy9I032VWER-uxgeElP8mIwiw3i6huE_LUVMpmzA51O6kP12Q8D-hrhzesKI5JyhNxxVZGS/w640-h480/IMG_3175.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We also added additional drainage on the back of #1 Medal and Palmer tees:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ygZJVOwwKANvYEMF6pbABBbMbmsKutT3Bd0qdHThDNf2pU-4YZH7BhTBQPE4bD4UnMOOHibeW0x2i9OSehV9PA0b0ztG7G3CpZVbUII29PadLPdvR6vnZ3AEpLrcCOTJvkkOD7FLV99fjJlLgFxTY_6vEscEoBmLyI71BWrXgCsKu7IuDKRUWp07-cqe/s4032/IMG_3149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ygZJVOwwKANvYEMF6pbABBbMbmsKutT3Bd0qdHThDNf2pU-4YZH7BhTBQPE4bD4UnMOOHibeW0x2i9OSehV9PA0b0ztG7G3CpZVbUII29PadLPdvR6vnZ3AEpLrcCOTJvkkOD7FLV99fjJlLgFxTY_6vEscEoBmLyI71BWrXgCsKu7IuDKRUWp07-cqe/w640-h480/IMG_3149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Lastly, over the years, the mowing lines have migrated on several tees, giving the illusion of the teeing ground being on a slope. For these areas, we stripped away the Bentgrass, and replaced it with primary rough sod: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j3W0T_2Byan3QHHoFZjxdOZhq3BklyqNYPAFtGpZIo8F7xp0ss_-A7OxQ2_rUXdM1-ak_MepeaLU3roapUmOdM_IXJFHAGn-49KSLowIjqHkkJrHFaHGdcQr6vbk6F-4-UTVHao3LE5Iu3DxfoJBy6_7BS_cZ6jJJjnKkAHAJKq1vDjwkXKpkwjomhuR/s2880/13%20Tee.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j3W0T_2Byan3QHHoFZjxdOZhq3BklyqNYPAFtGpZIo8F7xp0ss_-A7OxQ2_rUXdM1-ak_MepeaLU3roapUmOdM_IXJFHAGn-49KSLowIjqHkkJrHFaHGdcQr6vbk6F-4-UTVHao3LE5Iu3DxfoJBy6_7BS_cZ6jJJjnKkAHAJKq1vDjwkXKpkwjomhuR/w640-h480/13%20Tee.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>These changes were all accomplished pretty easily. However, we're planning bigger tee projects for this coming fall...</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-33529758635156338112024-03-03T05:40:00.000-08:002024-03-03T05:40:54.880-08:00The end is in sight?<p>Over the past few years, we have installed Trex decking and PEM matting on five of the bridges on the golf course. However, as far as size and quantity of material used, none of these compare to the current project we are undertaking on the bridge connecting the Clubhouse to the golf course. </p><p>For starters, at 370', this bridge is much longer than the others. Additionally, on the wetlands crossing bridges, we went just six pieces wide of Trex. For the Clubhouse bridge, we are going 16 pieces wide. The total amount of Trex required is 6000' (well over one mile) of 1" X 6".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj1yKj8SR1KqxrJ6lZDJxrEhgkLReR2J0afiTjTI0HeW2j8TwZMO7o7gv93YI1FtYIEzENf1ZM4f0hOO8EZKJqSspPIdBhG9ck2Ow-_r8PQUUZTmv_f7kXHS0ELwWei8N9c8PXs6krGK4eyzro_pTlcgorPUaDrpHttRuQWT6WuSbz0qnNL4Ql5bLnJ0E/s4032/IMG_3169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj1yKj8SR1KqxrJ6lZDJxrEhgkLReR2J0afiTjTI0HeW2j8TwZMO7o7gv93YI1FtYIEzENf1ZM4f0hOO8EZKJqSspPIdBhG9ck2Ow-_r8PQUUZTmv_f7kXHS0ELwWei8N9c8PXs6krGK4eyzro_pTlcgorPUaDrpHttRuQWT6WuSbz0qnNL4Ql5bLnJ0E/w640-h480/IMG_3169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It will take 9,000 screws to secure the decking, so suffice it to say that knee pads are highly recommended for this task. If there is a silver lining to this big bridge (unlike some of the others on the course), it's a straight run, with no curves to negotiate. As we've done on the other bridges, we'll wait until the weather warms up a bit to install the PEM matting down the center. </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-83631785918807681982024-02-25T06:24:00.000-08:002024-02-25T06:24:41.512-08:00The answer?<p> If you haven't been on the course yet this year, you might be surprised to see rubber matting installed on some cart path ends and tee walk-ups. These high traffic "pinch points" take a beating from both carts and feet. Increased levels of play over the past few years have exacerbated this issue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DMYMDGIzcmVYtMjAjBmbjQB3z1HPhcjP8EfyYiSxisNlYraXdXUPG6UhUj4q4PYSTzUiU-yM9Fozv6SBD6llLDGAzHCQZ_sMVtTxey1_QiTXU-QUNCm3SeRVVmpYVPBNgnhH2eI-TbVDBqISQMiX93grM-OJRfPOMNeNFnz1YTFCcjdDzeywoKsFjZUz/s4032/IMG_2981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DMYMDGIzcmVYtMjAjBmbjQB3z1HPhcjP8EfyYiSxisNlYraXdXUPG6UhUj4q4PYSTzUiU-yM9Fozv6SBD6llLDGAzHCQZ_sMVtTxey1_QiTXU-QUNCm3SeRVVmpYVPBNgnhH2eI-TbVDBqISQMiX93grM-OJRfPOMNeNFnz1YTFCcjdDzeywoKsFjZUz/w640-h480/IMG_2981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In an effort to improve these areas, we have placed "TraqMatz" and "TraqRollz" in several locations throughout the golf course. Prior to installing the mats, these aeras were rototilled to de-compact them, had an amendment incorporated into the soil profile, and new sod added. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRTBTrx9v-22d7mQ7I8N5kiAqBq4FoSxYVDuVkx_4Dy2dp_b9_l_h3kgFnYzrIP_mEjgK7_-8J6XLxOAl9o0kg3cy_mgaaQwgQwQiEX9xxqIltKp0WVL25oGZSZVTk_xHz9S-1alecOL4K5yJ2E13v9foEVKYFw7-h2wuGd0LDDSjXRNvzCB4nmC2HoCI/s4032/IMG_3102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRTBTrx9v-22d7mQ7I8N5kiAqBq4FoSxYVDuVkx_4Dy2dp_b9_l_h3kgFnYzrIP_mEjgK7_-8J6XLxOAl9o0kg3cy_mgaaQwgQwQiEX9xxqIltKp0WVL25oGZSZVTk_xHz9S-1alecOL4K5yJ2E13v9foEVKYFw7-h2wuGd0LDDSjXRNvzCB4nmC2HoCI/w640-h480/IMG_3102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The Traqmatz products have been on the market for several years, and are being used used at many clubs, with positive results. While they are quite visible at the moment, once the turf grows through them, their appearance doesn't really jump out at you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KTNDloxxWte1ONnHjzyWBc8S_l1DeWIOxbiy8aCOWbfXrb9Iychr8khNWrm9CkRMBBvwb0IDeaTjIZRbO3gS7eHordOuQs8YYyCFe-p3d1yF5BdYSFf2gpqHs16EiCa8smViByHmE3mpP-T22Rf-8ZC4fIAqookAUGuyrUMQW4mSD-BitUrpGMzEAPX0/s400/Wear_Path.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KTNDloxxWte1ONnHjzyWBc8S_l1DeWIOxbiy8aCOWbfXrb9Iychr8khNWrm9CkRMBBvwb0IDeaTjIZRbO3gS7eHordOuQs8YYyCFe-p3d1yF5BdYSFf2gpqHs16EiCa8smViByHmE3mpP-T22Rf-8ZC4fIAqookAUGuyrUMQW4mSD-BitUrpGMzEAPX0/w640-h428/Wear_Path.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>In the past, we have tried other products which claim to be the answer for high traffic situations. However, to date, most of these have not lived up to their claims. While only time will tell, we are cautiously optimistic that Traqmatz will work well.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-91823117105599592792024-02-11T07:11:00.000-08:002024-02-11T07:11:34.779-08:00Rolling around on top of the covers...<p> As we mentioned last week, uncovering and recovering the greens is an extremely labor-intensive activity. Obviously if we are mowing or spraying the greens, this is required. But what about when we want to just roll the greens? </p><p>Well, you never know until you try, so we ran a triplex with vibratory rollers across a green, then peeled back the cover on just that one green to see the results. We were happy to find out that this provided the same smoothing to the green, with no damage to the cover. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8WLrNe75xgG20Cps6miLyFdCd81GV26X47vNZOlHDXsMyPZJzMg8ymzmLnAo7qnrc_HZFsJp5rfz2QDkzoP59l_-Ufm_3Pt7qAdBKQ8a3oj-PCD4kHXp88_cn5ZeqO4yb25KvPrRGgOJlIPqHjuneSUvVT3Mja14xaWHFxwPueiRnzANy7W-FzlkXWfV/s4032/IMG_2973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8WLrNe75xgG20Cps6miLyFdCd81GV26X47vNZOlHDXsMyPZJzMg8ymzmLnAo7qnrc_HZFsJp5rfz2QDkzoP59l_-Ufm_3Pt7qAdBKQ8a3oj-PCD4kHXp88_cn5ZeqO4yb25KvPrRGgOJlIPqHjuneSUvVT3Mja14xaWHFxwPueiRnzANy7W-FzlkXWfV/w640-h480/IMG_2973.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The team's backs are going to appreciate not removing and replacing several thousand staples again this week!</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-4351956484095280872024-02-04T08:17:00.000-08:002024-02-04T08:17:30.310-08:00Sorry Ron...<p> With the greens being covered for the winter, many might believe that this was a Ron Popeil special, where we could put them to bed, and not think about them again until the spring. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI_zpVOqhSEGYUG9U2X9kVguqA_iNKPswBCfb4CwvfJA6oyDmqf-AjvwgK_syDxkG58YxpSztdaB3wVgJJTVLPwJvj30uNBMBd68DaqM1PPc9gv0r6_TAFtCxZjP0kZ4oC_shMW9DRMI2k9PMlwyMD3KvSjnRyMDgbDS7MHtsaRzBsXJZ15zCdluMwIQY/s392/image-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="387" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNI_zpVOqhSEGYUG9U2X9kVguqA_iNKPswBCfb4CwvfJA6oyDmqf-AjvwgK_syDxkG58YxpSztdaB3wVgJJTVLPwJvj30uNBMBd68DaqM1PPc9gv0r6_TAFtCxZjP0kZ4oC_shMW9DRMI2k9PMlwyMD3KvSjnRyMDgbDS7MHtsaRzBsXJZ15zCdluMwIQY/w395-h400/image-6.png" width="395" /></a></div><br /><p>However, the moist environment under the turf covers can act like a petri dish for certain fungi, meaning the covers need to be removed for additional plant protectant applications. Additionally, while the greens aren't growing quickly, we still want to mow them periodically over the winter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0imG5WxLBfUli5Y0_t1RacGPcZCKoKh61zj95Oz2wc4lYYxkUjae2YDIHG-DBKu40lYK6oR4OTBSFBqTTVLOCZWJWxKJXvpmmnBuiG6iASfPGd3nQwlvclvWzOAbDmtwZkDcVwJGUmOkbrNuNemQBCtXl9jfOFs-3chXKDXNR3QrPEAyENLIpt9gjSSW/s4032/IMG_2791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0imG5WxLBfUli5Y0_t1RacGPcZCKoKh61zj95Oz2wc4lYYxkUjae2YDIHG-DBKu40lYK6oR4OTBSFBqTTVLOCZWJWxKJXvpmmnBuiG6iASfPGd3nQwlvclvWzOAbDmtwZkDcVwJGUmOkbrNuNemQBCtXl9jfOFs-3chXKDXNR3QrPEAyENLIpt9gjSSW/w640-h480/IMG_2791.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The team has become quite proficient at pulling and replacing the tarps, but it is still a very labor-intensive process, taking a full two days to complete each time it has to be done.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-35945061571114362292024-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:002024-01-29T10:48:17.675-08:00The Rollercoaster Ride<p>Just a couple of months ago, we were noting <a href="https://laurelcreeksuper.blogspot.com/2023/11/have-you-noticed-how-dry-it-is.html" target="_blank">how dry it was</a>. In fact, during the entire month of October, we received less than one inch of rain. Fast forward to December, and it was an entirely different story, as multiple storms led to a whopping 8.40" of rain for the month. This is more than twice the "normal" total of 3.70".</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh1TM0FiMzAGXbKeX3YZh34pv8qwLTyJhEmLMEYlkkLdJe5iE97nVqozDgib6kmsu83TBRwpu-qv2PTOCcEb3osq733-m-vK-GB9FEWJ2gI-ICtXtxXHFLUAvfYC1LR3SqhlFM6tK6ch-X1rdj6KFiwzZU9hoDeSarEXgSN2DALmHWG8Vy2q99Eb9I_H3/s4032/IMG_2769.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh1TM0FiMzAGXbKeX3YZh34pv8qwLTyJhEmLMEYlkkLdJe5iE97nVqozDgib6kmsu83TBRwpu-qv2PTOCcEb3osq733-m-vK-GB9FEWJ2gI-ICtXtxXHFLUAvfYC1LR3SqhlFM6tK6ch-X1rdj6KFiwzZU9hoDeSarEXgSN2DALmHWG8Vy2q99Eb9I_H3/w640-h480/IMG_2769.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We've been damp and dreary for most of December and January.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Just as 2023 ended, 2024 is also starting out in unusual fashion. With only a couple of days left in January, the precipitation total stands at a hefty 7.30". Combined with December, you're looking at well over 400,000 gallons of water falling on every acre during the past two months. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84pOjcZXXAFJQua-gyfFxmRYveVvUqzV8lXAIPG4vJZGW8veghXBTp7FBl4OgvOFGPEs-xJmK_Thy7g3np9pb8ACqS1HUEqESASTwHqP9vgi1aKziv6QLDMp8Hr01kXUSsH3sCyZO-Nxe2cR09okHX4YPWTYwa4qm46oNMHauUpPfP6nhjUOoxVwNkIsP/s2495/IMG_2770.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2428" data-original-width="2495" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84pOjcZXXAFJQua-gyfFxmRYveVvUqzV8lXAIPG4vJZGW8veghXBTp7FBl4OgvOFGPEs-xJmK_Thy7g3np9pb8ACqS1HUEqESASTwHqP9vgi1aKziv6QLDMp8Hr01kXUSsH3sCyZO-Nxe2cR09okHX4YPWTYwa4qm46oNMHauUpPfP6nhjUOoxVwNkIsP/w640-h622/IMG_2770.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Water, water everywhere...</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As is often the case, when we closed the books on 2023, the precipitation total for the year was close to average--actually within 10% of the historical number. However, the peaks and valleys (all or nothing) rain events do appear to be occurring increasingly often. </p><p>What do these weather extremes mean from a both a turf management and golf playability perspective? If this trend continues, facilities may very well need to invest in both state of the art irrigation systems to precisely add needed water, as well as expansive drainage systems to remove excess water.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-22959842391321948472024-01-13T06:58:00.000-08:002024-01-13T06:58:46.534-08:00Thank You, Luke!<p>It is with very mixed emotions that we share the news of Assistant, Luke Kringler's departure from Laurel Creek. During his time at the Club, Luke has consistently embodied our core values, earning him a fistful of Employee of the Month awards.</p><p>Among his many achievements, Luke established a state approved turf apprenticeship program at Laurel Creek, which can provide tuition assistance for turf students. Additionally, Luke has upgraded our department's record keeping, employee training procedures, and labor tracking. Given all of this, it isn't surprising that Luke was recognized by Turfnet for being one of the <a href="https://www.turfnet.com/blogs/entry/2241-luke-kringler-laurel-creek-country-club-its-a-data-driven-world/" target="_blank">Rising Stars of Turf</a>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsguKdz-R_QUYTenLDNfe-shthjBqZ0AMmcOuCL2gOy19tUFOeSb1PiaIV9ehAGomofNoJd-DN23GyD845TX8y9OBsTdSH-mk2cL1JGJUNlhzXOH0642mKbbqpH8rtzkJdWAe_LVHH5iyGXGndd0fiVVH1mO2iFVuaCDX7AkDtbuVbUmifapa3PUNL37xk/s964/Screenshot%202024-01-11%20102046.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="964" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsguKdz-R_QUYTenLDNfe-shthjBqZ0AMmcOuCL2gOy19tUFOeSb1PiaIV9ehAGomofNoJd-DN23GyD845TX8y9OBsTdSH-mk2cL1JGJUNlhzXOH0642mKbbqpH8rtzkJdWAe_LVHH5iyGXGndd0fiVVH1mO2iFVuaCDX7AkDtbuVbUmifapa3PUNL37xk/w640-h196/Screenshot%202024-01-11%20102046.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>While we are sad to see him leave, there is no doubt that Luke will continue to do great things in the golf industry! </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-65329446855921344662023-12-17T06:48:00.000-08:002023-12-17T06:48:39.970-08:002024 is Here<p>The calendar may not agree, however for the Grounds team, 2024 is already here. While there are still some daily maintenance items we address, the vast majority of our efforts are currently being put towards creating a successful 2024 season.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Tf-6Qw8IPt5gXmrSfcsYn5-2NrFpJWUwjHK7v8nXnK18OPs0Z7vQgxyFjD30KiU9lpZgXnzPS_UwLJifPs28dHt0oGrA2xboECnxrk2VZ_GwfV0JpQ5p6OwjwK4i-Oht8W8j31VWjeFzlKIOKzIJn7beoZ0VUdJZlBgY7vj3osj1GH_bBmpE9VmcrBMj/s4032/IMG_2461.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Tf-6Qw8IPt5gXmrSfcsYn5-2NrFpJWUwjHK7v8nXnK18OPs0Z7vQgxyFjD30KiU9lpZgXnzPS_UwLJifPs28dHt0oGrA2xboECnxrk2VZ_GwfV0JpQ5p6OwjwK4i-Oht8W8j31VWjeFzlKIOKzIJn7beoZ0VUdJZlBgY7vj3osj1GH_bBmpE9VmcrBMj/w640-h480/IMG_2461.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A great example of this is the pre-emergent herbicide application which is taking place. This is one of the most important late fall tasks, as we are preventing annual grassy weeds from showing up six months from now. </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-89678615780314729212023-12-10T05:57:00.000-08:002023-12-10T05:57:46.580-08:00The big cover-up<p> Last week's aerification had #17 green starting out like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV9b13KRTC4h4jTv5J4wCwXA1bqQ9YCHbwWioN_GCXt_jFkGFCfUpI8xpe8K-wq3bcGZOA7TLJ2EuK8R6rx-f0l-iXRQTzWXEWEUB2EZmMvvGFiyuX8ezUaXIUYwa5qf8xWLY87IR7nip8rssP_GAf3UTTDeOrDwcqEO_Ml2LpwIDa5nFx6xKP7ryXYtY/s4032/IMG_2235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV9b13KRTC4h4jTv5J4wCwXA1bqQ9YCHbwWioN_GCXt_jFkGFCfUpI8xpe8K-wq3bcGZOA7TLJ2EuK8R6rx-f0l-iXRQTzWXEWEUB2EZmMvvGFiyuX8ezUaXIUYwa5qf8xWLY87IR7nip8rssP_GAf3UTTDeOrDwcqEO_Ml2LpwIDa5nFx6xKP7ryXYtY/w640-h480/IMG_2235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>However, after all of the aerifying, sand, brooming and rolling, this week has it looking a bit different:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zeQjCfAFMd7K5fXPl62pW9XhCCOcoelbKfFy1ls4QS4hJfM2O2OWyg6FdfQ4aMUot1mBMO1_br15CWAGUjjPCRfOxCRiV5eekzbzKEvMguyPnkYkEZh0Ms1AggIwIrIHGhAy94RN8hyphenhyphen_5-89QSaa0t1mkFS-7t7axxSpH3ncyLLH-niEd1qVtJ_VWCJ4/s4032/IMG_2417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zeQjCfAFMd7K5fXPl62pW9XhCCOcoelbKfFy1ls4QS4hJfM2O2OWyg6FdfQ4aMUot1mBMO1_br15CWAGUjjPCRfOxCRiV5eekzbzKEvMguyPnkYkEZh0Ms1AggIwIrIHGhAy94RN8hyphenhyphen_5-89QSaa0t1mkFS-7t7axxSpH3ncyLLH-niEd1qVtJ_VWCJ4/w640-h480/IMG_2417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Yes, over five acres of turf covers were installed on the greens. With our H-2B employees finished for the season, this was a huge undertaking for the remaining staff. As usual, another great job by the team! </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-88147406104462337142023-12-03T05:49:00.000-08:002023-12-03T05:49:12.540-08:00More Math<p>This past week's late fall greens aerification was a new experience for all of us. The weather during aerification typically has the team more concerned with keeping hydrated in the heat, than making sure we are wearing enough layers to stay warm. Below average temperatures in late November prevented us from getting out first thing in the morning.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHD2Ip6RyZOtmCOxGM3_zxIuDpPL98BP5j-Lmq_5VdlDhx1XzyKGV8XFbIMJxPmddKcHZvIp79wSzDOEbXuyrtuAWM19ZL1CSkijvj6gkF7_4pOtok62ng3pb0TVdgzJyinQ4Lc0JcBjbK4Q9ypysTLwv_ygSv8kxsA9Mw9ejMOklyD99c5LQrKOdTIi3/s4032/IMG_2251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHD2Ip6RyZOtmCOxGM3_zxIuDpPL98BP5j-Lmq_5VdlDhx1XzyKGV8XFbIMJxPmddKcHZvIp79wSzDOEbXuyrtuAWM19ZL1CSkijvj6gkF7_4pOtok62ng3pb0TVdgzJyinQ4Lc0JcBjbK4Q9ypysTLwv_ygSv8kxsA9Mw9ejMOklyD99c5LQrKOdTIi3/w640-h480/IMG_2251.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aerifying greens with snowflakes in the air, is unusual.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Since the plan is for this to be the only major aerification event of the year for the greens, we need to impact as great an area of the putting surfaces as we have previously in the combined spring and late summer punching. To that end, we started last week by applying sand, then aerified with a deep solid tine, and brooming of the greens. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSuTDGmn3I0lb2o1nhXKi_PRjLp66gbxCwlzfamDz3tCadl0OH6GOWdM6_Iuse9nDkqMyovuma0kxfPnHH_Bs9KgjZFfB234Ay1kX7y78KuwP67THbz1QSn8nzOGD3fNYX4o-nlcP6SOcMnIAknTLB_nmgziILBrFAqYzccUT_PinEAzCCT3whtAwtV9E/s4032/IMG_2235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSuTDGmn3I0lb2o1nhXKi_PRjLp66gbxCwlzfamDz3tCadl0OH6GOWdM6_Iuse9nDkqMyovuma0kxfPnHH_Bs9KgjZFfB234Ay1kX7y78KuwP67THbz1QSn8nzOGD3fNYX4o-nlcP6SOcMnIAknTLB_nmgziILBrFAqYzccUT_PinEAzCCT3whtAwtV9E/w640-h480/IMG_2235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>This was followed by a .5" hollow tine on a very tight spacing of 1.33" X 1.5". We then removed the plugs, applied additional topdressing sand, and a second brooming.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUIsPKLiK_Mc_fGeKENZ81Xs9_gvqh6I9N6uavWcAzn3av2GEu3zWe6xObGKfJ0QYkYshQWgHe7P0gCiyHy-IX_DqRwjO1IfcOqQhJ_lNBOVtEbGBJwpikCvn52lVPz8ucBSAjOOjNKpoP-DbNAHVW0cxu_ZqoT7wPq-c7Cjh53ZwxZzu290Wl9cF4H08/s4030/IMG_2243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUIsPKLiK_Mc_fGeKENZ81Xs9_gvqh6I9N6uavWcAzn3av2GEu3zWe6xObGKfJ0QYkYshQWgHe7P0gCiyHy-IX_DqRwjO1IfcOqQhJ_lNBOVtEbGBJwpikCvn52lVPz8ucBSAjOOjNKpoP-DbNAHVW0cxu_ZqoT7wPq-c7Cjh53ZwxZzu290Wl9cF4H08/w640-h480/IMG_2243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Solid tining completed on the left, and hollow tining on the right.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>So how much of the putting surface area were we able to impact with these hollow tines? Well, the 1.33" X 1.5" spacing gives us nine holes per foot side to side, and eight holes per foot front to back, for a total of 72 holes per square foot. The area of each .5" hole is: .25" X .25" X 3.14 = .19625" squared</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKTCYpbDeSPxwkIJkkL1U23Tx3WAtPsKnWRDjnQNKHeUKE1z1amv5JcuqqQ6UByHEUNsWXpD4d9TsTm4KAtIC59HfyHwjVtkWIc5W_fdxsdq-9Qjs1gIq_svJAn4vyB3e7FUqIGUf-RAFYz7ehO6gsqJ5VAKCxuCZDpB65mB9Fp9RofOujp95zuuu1baN/s4030/IMG_2245.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKTCYpbDeSPxwkIJkkL1U23Tx3WAtPsKnWRDjnQNKHeUKE1z1amv5JcuqqQ6UByHEUNsWXpD4d9TsTm4KAtIC59HfyHwjVtkWIc5W_fdxsdq-9Qjs1gIq_svJAn4vyB3e7FUqIGUf-RAFYz7ehO6gsqJ5VAKCxuCZDpB65mB9Fp9RofOujp95zuuu1baN/w640-h480/IMG_2245.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That's a whole lot of holes.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>When we multiply the area of each plug removed by the number of holes per square foot: .19625" X 72 holes, we find that 14.13 square inches of material was removed per square foot. </p><p>With 144 square inches in a square foot, the hollow tining impacted approximately 10% of the greens' surface. As always, when you look at the greens, most people would estimate this figure to be quite a bit higher than 10%...</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-80448150957888499852023-11-26T07:01:00.000-08:002023-11-26T07:01:48.020-08:00By the numbers...<p>It's often easy to just say that we could use more help in maintaining the golf course. But it's only by taking a deep dive into where the labor and resources are actually being used that we are able to more clearly see what we are (and aren't) able to accomplish, and why.</p><p>The chart below shows that greens and bunkers were the two biggest slices of the labor pie in 2023. Yes, the three acre area which is considered a hazard is consuming the same amount of manpower as the greens, and slightly more labor than the 32 acres of fairways we maintain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN5PThYwT7j2bem1jHqnSN6DMQKEVPX_jK3Jitli9yI2SQVJUxJwAmMsXkSfnUO7UZ8sFnMya6lOhu3oQW0mvjQhQTLirzhJrAQIEPm78F5iALtQyVHtlFdi31q63kSKMCrYfZXN3OnOYusCwRfTIc4kCBnj3AA6ZOch8a_UstrsziHpsNCXuQtWOXmLt/s1681/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1681" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN5PThYwT7j2bem1jHqnSN6DMQKEVPX_jK3Jitli9yI2SQVJUxJwAmMsXkSfnUO7UZ8sFnMya6lOhu3oQW0mvjQhQTLirzhJrAQIEPm78F5iALtQyVHtlFdi31q63kSKMCrYfZXN3OnOYusCwRfTIc4kCBnj3AA6ZOch8a_UstrsziHpsNCXuQtWOXmLt/w640-h414/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Our seasonal H-2B employees have been absolutely fantastic this year, allowing us to devote more time to both greens and bunkers. In fact, the time spent on bunkers almost doubled from 2022. </p><p>With regard to greens maintenance, the additional time spent in 2023 is primarily the result of hand mowing the greens, instead of using a riding mower. This has reduced the risk of a hydraulic spill (like we had on #4 last year), when the smaller staff size forced us to use the riding mower.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GBegMi36i-fSemCZ-_NJJC-jPpDqZ4cj39-6vVWneftIxaflOJK8DiZlTQyYwyLyIPrKqJ93gHVLItfBVn-2hEKRt2RrDFvYtmduQ_bJqZCWsDZhCLhs8O_SJXJ3ETJLcHJbNBHfpQjbx9vCiT1eT7_u8KZUVoIHLu1uN7mvxIl-FNz8yz-dlmKjvUdz/s1732/Picture2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1732" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GBegMi36i-fSemCZ-_NJJC-jPpDqZ4cj39-6vVWneftIxaflOJK8DiZlTQyYwyLyIPrKqJ93gHVLItfBVn-2hEKRt2RrDFvYtmduQ_bJqZCWsDZhCLhs8O_SJXJ3ETJLcHJbNBHfpQjbx9vCiT1eT7_u8KZUVoIHLu1uN7mvxIl-FNz8yz-dlmKjvUdz/w640-h398/Picture2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>There are some other numbers which may come as a surprise to many. For example, 1,165 hours have been spent on divot repair through October.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcZvjnVDXS56WzW2cCdHzLtIRO8lTMmKdy95-LuYiDp-KjMYhKruX4Z1WLPH1lSkRISTnWW93-QBVafUfhrGTTEgBlSvWRF7Z3NGew6qBQRd907rTQ6z54WeNS8gojEFk4tSuKVY-T8ljTEMxuP26bKru0igjS9V2eBZEb5l7LMYvNA9HByCheTMGFJrA/s1832/Picture3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1832" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcZvjnVDXS56WzW2cCdHzLtIRO8lTMmKdy95-LuYiDp-KjMYhKruX4Z1WLPH1lSkRISTnWW93-QBVafUfhrGTTEgBlSvWRF7Z3NGew6qBQRd907rTQ6z54WeNS8gojEFk4tSuKVY-T8ljTEMxuP26bKru0igjS9V2eBZEb5l7LMYvNA9HByCheTMGFJrA/w640-h382/Picture3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As the saying goes, if you can measure it, you can manage it. Many thanks to the entire team for tracking their time throughout the year, to Don Holgersen for collecting this information, and to Luke Kringler for presenting it in a manner that is easy for all to understand. </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-54085168060955044332023-11-19T06:23:00.000-08:002023-11-19T06:23:51.074-08:00Superintendent's Revenge Event<p>We hope all of the participants in Saturday's Superintendent's Revenge had a good time. This was the first time we were able to get this event pulled together, but hopefully it will not be the last of these.</p><p>If you felt that the pin placements were over the top, please direct your complaints to the Pro Shop staff, as they were the ones who chose these 18 never before used locations. While there is no such thing as an "illegal pin placement" there are USGA recommendations--clearly none of which were followed.</p><p>Bob and Brett may have chosen the pins, but the Grounds Department added their touch with some obstacles, misleading distances and more. Let's face it, you just don't see an irrigation controller in the middle of a green too often. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9tPTuiYB1lP3ne9HrFDGt3U8sRql5Nuc0Q0Yg_XHgh-N7AHtTlq-DmRKmlEqZA_GAbB4iXmPYY3TT3bGmKW7rqeZsPPrvDsoaCYysjWInK2G6I7YUfkmrGQR1E8SyZVRY-Gh2mPszEL4gJu6XZMESrZzTGTJrEVuQwfsUyN7Ln2gAMDi4qfpcg74VGm9/s4032/IMG_2153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9tPTuiYB1lP3ne9HrFDGt3U8sRql5Nuc0Q0Yg_XHgh-N7AHtTlq-DmRKmlEqZA_GAbB4iXmPYY3TT3bGmKW7rqeZsPPrvDsoaCYysjWInK2G6I7YUfkmrGQR1E8SyZVRY-Gh2mPszEL4gJu6XZMESrZzTGTJrEVuQwfsUyN7Ln2gAMDi4qfpcg74VGm9/w640-h480/IMG_2153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We even included a few new diminutive water hazards on #16. If your ball missed the hole, it was off the green and quite possibly wet.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGeSyAu6BglfJGBN4F1rMTNn8l8rqoBuK6UNgHGwtPGo_PBZHznv9q4OpL3QA0w1ocjGUrb5p6PUrNrEb_eNDaTKpa7e-ZiCgCfI5UQzipJ2HxfkPUKchmrURZRpVGZBOl6KVyh62T4l6UJSgDZcdYKYr1HtmQUFIq2bA4BoAbpRbFMQZFSkMnYy6kVuI/s4032/IMG_2160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGeSyAu6BglfJGBN4F1rMTNn8l8rqoBuK6UNgHGwtPGo_PBZHznv9q4OpL3QA0w1ocjGUrb5p6PUrNrEb_eNDaTKpa7e-ZiCgCfI5UQzipJ2HxfkPUKchmrURZRpVGZBOl6KVyh62T4l6UJSgDZcdYKYr1HtmQUFIq2bA4BoAbpRbFMQZFSkMnYy6kVuI/w640-h480/IMG_2160.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After reviewing some of the surprisingly low scores that were posted, we may just have toughen things up a bit for next year!<p></p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-35833788201816093272023-11-12T06:33:00.000-08:002023-11-13T05:24:57.376-08:00Have you noticed how dry it is?<p>If you answered "No" to this question, don't feel bad--after all, it is November, and we're not yet in a full-blown drought. But if you think back to October, despite the weather forecasters calling for rain every weekend, at best it drizzled on some of those days. In fact, for the entire month, we received less than one inch of rain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4Q2M0h-CKoQITxtUQXPYZDQ3bT9yiIVis6-Z0kvEft6xz2-k9O9xg3gQ8BMGJJZG8S0YlTfub9rZGD1rV_y6vfBWpXlftjF_-dkRiYz3lgn-V_1pO5umeyeEcbTx_z3KxqqrzJ9sRGz8gN1FMMPdstWL-VVf9ir3A1yhlzehww-tRuoziKXv1wBwMrVp/s988/Drought.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="988" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4Q2M0h-CKoQITxtUQXPYZDQ3bT9yiIVis6-Z0kvEft6xz2-k9O9xg3gQ8BMGJJZG8S0YlTfub9rZGD1rV_y6vfBWpXlftjF_-dkRiYz3lgn-V_1pO5umeyeEcbTx_z3KxqqrzJ9sRGz8gN1FMMPdstWL-VVf9ir3A1yhlzehww-tRuoziKXv1wBwMrVp/w640-h398/Drought.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>So why don't we see the lack of moisture taking a toll on the turf now? There are several factors which contribute to the difference in how grass responds to dry periods in the fall, versus during the summer months. Obviously, the temperature is one of these, but in addition to that, the number of hours of daylight, the angle of the Sun, and the turf's root length all play a role. </p><p>In looking at the data from our weather station, even on bright, sunny days in the fall, the moisture loss is only a fraction of what we see every day of the summer. Additionally, when the frost melts, the heavy dew will provide some water. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKggV6skkXCmy2IVq41XajN2MnbujIMcojqnq-V6DFgcyiyM6Vy5eDFGCOUU7nhFemEpgYeIYervQYQ0vlDdd4djGGNRTd5wGIbxBUFQ5NEpuM0F_NaBa2LSq6h48YCRPpHW9HSC85M7LIC2wfwnayf6xUayXcjUz2HwJ5ZpPWIJslgO2pdEuU73eTDhg/s4032/IMG_2074.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKggV6skkXCmy2IVq41XajN2MnbujIMcojqnq-V6DFgcyiyM6Vy5eDFGCOUU7nhFemEpgYeIYervQYQ0vlDdd4djGGNRTd5wGIbxBUFQ5NEpuM0F_NaBa2LSq6h48YCRPpHW9HSC85M7LIC2wfwnayf6xUayXcjUz2HwJ5ZpPWIJslgO2pdEuU73eTDhg/w640-h480/IMG_2074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>A low pond level this time of year is unusual, and speaks to the dry conditions we've seen since the beginning of October.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M2EHIJaG2QGULwAIIIy9IKFxGloerKEu3CVbWEG0ETuLvALrOURyFD4VemfoC-2cYAQRGfJWl51c9Sl6MhX_pQZF7zG8sroJUHmXOBXazKgjw1lTC_NLc9C6jtwoqbtP7hxKFSGNh9wn-XJ57OcH9fqK-ee7jcb26t8ZGBAgTFk5aQHh-Tfr2J1iO-Mz/s4032/IMG_2076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M2EHIJaG2QGULwAIIIy9IKFxGloerKEu3CVbWEG0ETuLvALrOURyFD4VemfoC-2cYAQRGfJWl51c9Sl6MhX_pQZF7zG8sroJUHmXOBXazKgjw1lTC_NLc9C6jtwoqbtP7hxKFSGNh9wn-XJ57OcH9fqK-ee7jcb26t8ZGBAgTFk5aQHh-Tfr2J1iO-Mz/w640-h480/IMG_2076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Another indicator of how dry it's been is that we experienced zero No Cart days in October, which hasn't happened since 2008. One thing is for sure, if this lack of rain occurred in July, we would be dragging hoses, scrambling to keep the stressed turf going.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-24726098464732141352023-11-05T05:39:00.001-08:002023-11-05T05:39:47.336-08:00The hole story<p> The bunker work in the golf course Master Plan led to a reduction in bunker area of almost 50%. In situations like this, one of the challenges we face is that any area which used to be a bunker consists of very sandy soil. </p><p>Growing grass on the beach is less than ideal, so in order to address this, we are going back through the areas where work took place over the past few years and adding compost to the soil. The material is first applied using one of our topdressers. After this it is aerified, then dragged in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9gcWdtnl1fFMBDWVOZvNEQvpqBmLtEcJRRWDwCG4J3twiSrqw3TZY3R7iTOpGtj6V0_MbPn6o_zdXrtLGedTd0r7yPKe1iqq0txOOxZd3zO9qJ4xswR_rUQIQsXD9GWJPdO6hieTnVOegEaXvdQ9gjq0Nzk1heE0T7gF2-_NyptZZhyKrK2ymVtmEIH-/s4032/IMG-1852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9gcWdtnl1fFMBDWVOZvNEQvpqBmLtEcJRRWDwCG4J3twiSrqw3TZY3R7iTOpGtj6V0_MbPn6o_zdXrtLGedTd0r7yPKe1iqq0txOOxZd3zO9qJ4xswR_rUQIQsXD9GWJPdO6hieTnVOegEaXvdQ9gjq0Nzk1heE0T7gF2-_NyptZZhyKrK2ymVtmEIH-/w640-h480/IMG-1852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Additionally, the construction process may also leave an area heavily compacted. Examples of this are on #6 and 15 where the fairways were expanded. Again, aerifying will help to alleviate this issue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjva4Ml6W87GcrhGg4zx2Jt0sxZ34iXyubRF0KAgRz7VbM6KKbbzluWZXU-TT_E3gUqUD10aFGrOBEdkaKfcFVgXZyONxExSs40OOXcX6HGTdkFMxOl2j1NtIHw7f5Dm9yiFA1Kvywj9tGFrvYLGNU0UjdDGLqa6Z-FtxhK9t70q5hByl93Fya51Aki4ehr/s4032/IMG-1952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjva4Ml6W87GcrhGg4zx2Jt0sxZ34iXyubRF0KAgRz7VbM6KKbbzluWZXU-TT_E3gUqUD10aFGrOBEdkaKfcFVgXZyONxExSs40OOXcX6HGTdkFMxOl2j1NtIHw7f5Dm9yiFA1Kvywj9tGFrvYLGNU0UjdDGLqa6Z-FtxhK9t70q5hByl93Fya51Aki4ehr/w640-h480/IMG-1952.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As with many things on the course, this is not a one and done practice. The long term goal is to create a growing medium which is less compacted, and has a greater nutrient holding capacity.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-37310398076105020392023-10-29T05:52:00.000-07:002023-10-29T05:52:33.036-07:00You used an aerifier where?<p> When you think of aerification, something like this is likely what comes to mind:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj0NjUrK6ovfgc0sQfCCPgNnni579iCtq66a-_DR8cTbZPBHC73mzseyTYFKgqJrrQy7dm-f4YVmYRB_JBv0XsRRDY3RGnCwXu_OJrWSZNzwrXxRnlFR1LLjweXn3ZjUZnzcl-GKqyEQDi1kLaCArsWF75UBmLnOMl88gkSE0Ftigrzc5WWkVn4OBeDlB/s4032/IMG-1916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj0NjUrK6ovfgc0sQfCCPgNnni579iCtq66a-_DR8cTbZPBHC73mzseyTYFKgqJrrQy7dm-f4YVmYRB_JBv0XsRRDY3RGnCwXu_OJrWSZNzwrXxRnlFR1LLjweXn3ZjUZnzcl-GKqyEQDi1kLaCArsWF75UBmLnOMl88gkSE0Ftigrzc5WWkVn4OBeDlB/w640-h480/IMG-1916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>However, we recently needed to de-compact a different surface which wasn't draining well:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbci7JC7WyTrr8_o_HZOsxrV1_DPpenvs0gV3XE2coF_qF_Mp5N8yefCT8itj42C1hN6lN6gw0-qrvYo9MR1-ur6bT8KX0o5QshTp3ahvVmfGANLRNQjA6ElF75Il4YHRoqtxP02AeS61Z2bcH0uLyu-alsbyz5NhW46ViQBKvKkfPYPJtyPQzMJ4XZZZ/s4032/IMG-1928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbci7JC7WyTrr8_o_HZOsxrV1_DPpenvs0gV3XE2coF_qF_Mp5N8yefCT8itj42C1hN6lN6gw0-qrvYo9MR1-ur6bT8KX0o5QshTp3ahvVmfGANLRNQjA6ElF75Il4YHRoqtxP02AeS61Z2bcH0uLyu-alsbyz5NhW46ViQBKvKkfPYPJtyPQzMJ4XZZZ/w640-h480/IMG-1928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Equipped with some large solid tines, the aerifier did a great job of breaking up the Har-Tru. Of course, afterwards it was rolled and broomed to present a smooth surface once again. These machines are definitely versatile!</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-58025169915084119282023-10-22T05:45:00.002-07:002023-10-22T05:49:09.617-07:00Now this is exciting!<p>Yes, what's pictured below is just a mechanical sand rake, so you may be wondering how this could possibly be considered exciting. Well, the Club owns two of these machines, and knowing they were aging, a new machine was ordered in September, however it has yet to arrive.</p><p>Not that surprising you may be thinking. True, delivery in one month might be asking a lot, however the new sand rake was ordered in September, <b>2022</b>, and it's ETA is still TBD. Whether we see it prior to 2024, or not, is a coin flip at this point.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Nk4-K2giuK3UVo-G-MkG4iz060hbvYNv3yzaYX_1YAUp_CVdZLl6ufhCyTWhXV0__DuVw5tHUEu11HgqwAPxrIqHfY7Pe9xEykuP9DUTe7GmKTwSOawZegjWoBNXezCDSc3b0rkDHBE-q4yiD6BYfkWp78AUHHXzPAQwbC_5wW6zKNpQSRnFmIokxdI0/s3692/IMG-1874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3692" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Nk4-K2giuK3UVo-G-MkG4iz060hbvYNv3yzaYX_1YAUp_CVdZLl6ufhCyTWhXV0__DuVw5tHUEu11HgqwAPxrIqHfY7Pe9xEykuP9DUTe7GmKTwSOawZegjWoBNXezCDSc3b0rkDHBE-q4yiD6BYfkWp78AUHHXzPAQwbC_5wW6zKNpQSRnFmIokxdI0/w640-h478/IMG-1874.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>When both of our older mechanical sand rakes had breakdowns last month, we attempted to order the parts needed to repair them. Unfortunately, for one of the machines the parts have been discontinued. For the second machine, some of the parts were in stock, but others were backordered--having nine out of ten required parts is as good as having zero out of ten. </p><p>So for the past three weeks we have been forced to rake all of the bunkers by hand. Fortunately, our Equipment Technician, Don Robel, managed to find the missing parts through an aftermarket supplier, and he was able to at least get one machine up and running. </p><p>Clearly the bar is not set too high for us, when we are excited (perhaps elated) to be able to have a single trap rake functioning. <i>For us, that was exciting! </i> </p><p>It seems obvious that some of the turf industry has yet to catch up to supply issues, and this makes equipment purchasing that much more challenging. In the past, you could place an order for a piece of equipment in the fall, and request delivery in the spring, knowing you'd be good to go when the turf woke up. Today, you need a really good crystal ball to project what equipment may need to be replaced two plus years out... </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-85604520092937575432023-10-15T06:34:00.002-07:002023-10-17T03:25:44.392-07:00Leaves in your line?<p>To many, this is the best weather of the year for golf. But with the fall also come the falling leaves. There are days when we can clear the course of leaves, and an hour later it looks like we were never there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kN0tOkdbVpz_hPGUUwc6K5sObXzlYM5X12Lt1TpmZLeTsvVqs4fJWCBE56-3oDhWo-637AtzDa7iJd93z4EB86jTlSJsUPsUAg4v-yTtuAtGG64hIqjbGyT5ULtDxXYVdgytcLjFtZaMUwMNf_4ePfcBsCu7jW8gaNesoRZgjo2bCpORkpSSjmEhKldG/s4032/IMG-1802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kN0tOkdbVpz_hPGUUwc6K5sObXzlYM5X12Lt1TpmZLeTsvVqs4fJWCBE56-3oDhWo-637AtzDa7iJd93z4EB86jTlSJsUPsUAg4v-yTtuAtGG64hIqjbGyT5ULtDxXYVdgytcLjFtZaMUwMNf_4ePfcBsCu7jW8gaNesoRZgjo2bCpORkpSSjmEhKldG/w640-h480/IMG-1802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>In order to address this, we will be placing a few blowers around greens that quickly become covered in leaves. Just grab the blower, pull the trigger, and you're in business.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDeOOe23Afek7DI3WcMfttUbfNnyGdMAQzdeE1O_2P7-C4vCZJVJawzii5_LBbHefla8Rr4voLIVtSrptyHXVl928LBMugQCu6VQcpfFkCnanORuoECOf_gkpvZdhrvmQeT4VeVe6J9-B9g_qGJaTT-vz8EHrCen5_TQh5E620npIVOW6bvC63zQ6PM3i/s4032/IMG-1803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDeOOe23Afek7DI3WcMfttUbfNnyGdMAQzdeE1O_2P7-C4vCZJVJawzii5_LBbHefla8Rr4voLIVtSrptyHXVl928LBMugQCu6VQcpfFkCnanORuoECOf_gkpvZdhrvmQeT4VeVe6J9-B9g_qGJaTT-vz8EHrCen5_TQh5E620npIVOW6bvC63zQ6PM3i/w640-h480/IMG-1803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The idea for the blowers came from a Laurel Creek Green Committee member who had seen this used at another course they played. We always appreciate hearing tips and tricks, and seeing if they can work for us! </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-47902505815282525292023-10-08T05:29:00.001-07:002023-10-08T05:31:16.934-07:00An Early Project<p>This winter we plan on addressing several tees which are in need of releveling. However, we already jumped into project mode this past week by beginning our tee work on #8. The reason for the early start is because we are seeding the tee. So, why seed and not sod this particular tee?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVPPG1ThP-1Og5Gz0Po-EOaKrXSF5E1IwPrksJpWfUx688kDnFv-ginJIJ5pFNjuNlEXOz3Xj7sxwKyhJhWGN3j9rZn5DrwzfLj8Y1YNBVmYQrMtrPiU77rTOtht1wLQHO1eV3VAaGJMlBnnuURM4dEGMhSHp7wDOQGlf9-aECXQASLCE6Bi9JvUyUWuW/s4032/IMG-1722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVPPG1ThP-1Og5Gz0Po-EOaKrXSF5E1IwPrksJpWfUx688kDnFv-ginJIJ5pFNjuNlEXOz3Xj7sxwKyhJhWGN3j9rZn5DrwzfLj8Y1YNBVmYQrMtrPiU77rTOtht1wLQHO1eV3VAaGJMlBnnuURM4dEGMhSHp7wDOQGlf9-aECXQASLCE6Bi9JvUyUWuW/w640-h480/IMG-1722.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>After working on a tee we have three options: Reuse existing sod, buy sod from a grower, or seed the tee. Sod grown on a farm offsite often struggles the first couple of years, since it was established on a different soil than we have placed it on. Option two, stripping and reusing the existing sod can work well, but #8 tee was starting to have Goosegrass contamination, so we opted not to use the sod that was there. </p><p>The third choice, seeding, requires some patience, but typically yields the best long-term results. If you look at #3 tee as an example, which we regraded and seeded a few years ago, it has performed quite well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b49wPklg8BOby6sJikSvVwxIjQi3h0XM3MbgD32Y1JUdBKY8dAT2pnZE930JhrHNctmxdahaXqvUrfMx6NFdWldKGkSfG_kU0o5reEH_pvT-a4m7gpvJVyOq74_YxUEzmN5to6QP4FwLTgPv2mVQsqvCjE9yjWSn8ZLdYU7RkCDMlhidVoixLo6tb8Fq/s4032/IMG-1732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b49wPklg8BOby6sJikSvVwxIjQi3h0XM3MbgD32Y1JUdBKY8dAT2pnZE930JhrHNctmxdahaXqvUrfMx6NFdWldKGkSfG_kU0o5reEH_pvT-a4m7gpvJVyOq74_YxUEzmN5to6QP4FwLTgPv2mVQsqvCjE9yjWSn8ZLdYU7RkCDMlhidVoixLo6tb8Fq/w640-h480/IMG-1732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>For the balance of October and November, we will move the Medal tee markers around to alternate tees. Once we get past Thanksgiving, we will be able to place a mat on the tee and allow it to play from its normal location.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-57457984804590545782023-10-01T06:37:00.003-07:002023-10-01T06:37:59.182-07:00Turf Trials<p> If you're wondering what the red paint on #7 approach is for, these are markings to delineate plots for turfgrass research. With this area perennially having Take-All patch, it provides a great location for turfgrass pathologist, Steve McDonald, to conduct fungicide trials. </p><p>The various plots receive different products, at different rates and different frequencies over the next month. The efficacy of each protocol won't be assessed until next spring, when the symptoms of Take-All are seen--or are not.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkdY4QVnYmO1c2YWksa5Q9TopJt05Kt5T-JEqrciQg82uk0ptxRBqwsanUsW5AwBI6n20dXzzmFijisrUAX9Dj0PzH8dtXbiENVaS6hEL-C7GsvbgTlCI18t71OunHofvYApQtwnqHyQePLdw3bqc3x97TPvKagUjocW8Eb-f6pPfbX3y4zqzHVBaoU-a/s4032/IMG-1644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkdY4QVnYmO1c2YWksa5Q9TopJt05Kt5T-JEqrciQg82uk0ptxRBqwsanUsW5AwBI6n20dXzzmFijisrUAX9Dj0PzH8dtXbiENVaS6hEL-C7GsvbgTlCI18t71OunHofvYApQtwnqHyQePLdw3bqc3x97TPvKagUjocW8Eb-f6pPfbX3y4zqzHVBaoU-a/w640-h480/IMG-1644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Wile it might be better if we didn't have such good Take-All Patch, we are always happy to help with any turfgrass research project. The results can provide us with additional tools and information, as well as any other golf course that is facing the same challenges.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-9629415866369078742023-09-23T13:09:00.002-07:002023-09-24T07:10:59.956-07:00Shorter days?<p>As the days grow shorter, this past week's fall Member-Member event marks the last time of the season that we will have a 5:30 start time for employees. Sunrise is now closing in on 7:00. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o8HGelxM5NcPCtYa1wweZch5plPlSrvTsrACV6HKHJgpUGOMAZCwED0y__2uw6cbJsE6-g77PajBSVSkM4wLcKlZYreEZkgDd__dsLpojdZZAJ46-bpAXV_7yzbn0TElXQ-0nBe-IT_iYR3oavc0vj5WO-dySeF6mKD1G8PZnjqm7VwvE-RUAeODdUPG/s1199/Sunrise.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1199" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o8HGelxM5NcPCtYa1wweZch5plPlSrvTsrACV6HKHJgpUGOMAZCwED0y__2uw6cbJsE6-g77PajBSVSkM4wLcKlZYreEZkgDd__dsLpojdZZAJ46-bpAXV_7yzbn0TElXQ-0nBe-IT_iYR3oavc0vj5WO-dySeF6mKD1G8PZnjqm7VwvE-RUAeODdUPG/w640-h330/Sunrise.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><br /><p>Mowing by moonlight can definitely be tricky, and prepping the course with artificial lighting is challenging to say the least. As we started out on Friday morning, the brightest light was the glow of the Clubhouse in the distance.</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZQri-46tTlIvJUo7Lxd_xGEVF2fStLR0QOvI093ZyG8sf0DySPTIr0WVW_0CtZvohHEOP4EIFfYYRu_F6S99SiR5m5HawR2fNhz7kX5uNnqwoQbgFrIS-fFC1RHz7Y5Q5WNk62bBLSUk1-sm2P4pDNTu-RpHwo4ZfZXxIXMnoxdtSADp-T5xA1q6Kt8/s4032/IMG-1592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YZQri-46tTlIvJUo7Lxd_xGEVF2fStLR0QOvI093ZyG8sf0DySPTIr0WVW_0CtZvohHEOP4EIFfYYRu_F6S99SiR5m5HawR2fNhz7kX5uNnqwoQbgFrIS-fFC1RHz7Y5Q5WNk62bBLSUk1-sm2P4pDNTu-RpHwo4ZfZXxIXMnoxdtSADp-T5xA1q6Kt8/w640-h480/IMG-1592.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Of course, while there may be fewer hours of daylight, we're pretty sure the days aren't actually shorter--they all still have a full 24 hours in them.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-22160935613134052262023-09-17T05:06:00.000-07:002023-09-17T05:06:10.955-07:00Tech for the Team<p> With a couple of dozen members of the golf course maintenance team spread out over 200+ acres each morning, there are literally a lot of moving pieces. Knowing where everyone is supposed to be at all times can be challenging. In the past, job assignments could only be viewed in the break room:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YUwlqlskzvwRINQAcRfeXBhiGs-9nuuY6_naYlVfeI-EIfW0PfsnWy8ekfQIarRRnBRLVwfcFyyMRxfjbDFFplwEreTxSUil2Lufb-_uckx_-jpDaL8Hoq8pG8oRRovIzYN2JdWoVsRzrCdYKOIFBt5yMRyHuUGSHJ1gplskZQlNG5HmZe5_l_wbnZxB/s4032/IMG-1528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YUwlqlskzvwRINQAcRfeXBhiGs-9nuuY6_naYlVfeI-EIfW0PfsnWy8ekfQIarRRnBRLVwfcFyyMRxfjbDFFplwEreTxSUil2Lufb-_uckx_-jpDaL8Hoq8pG8oRRovIzYN2JdWoVsRzrCdYKOIFBt5yMRyHuUGSHJ1gplskZQlNG5HmZe5_l_wbnZxB/w640-h480/IMG-1528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>With many maintenance practices having several steps, keeping the flow progressing smoothly can be critical to our success. Thanks to the work of Assistant Superintendent, Luke Kringler, seeing and updating job assignments can now be done on the fly. For most end users, it's as simple as downloading Google Drive onto their phone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOOep37Bbpi8Dsl8fq5NAWVylTNSWzMPoO_qfI98mQ87c2b1Hy8LJHU4xGyG3T-IXCJ_D7OliERYJzOy_08S8z_OGow4ixJqE3j6QvKI47VdJXgQyiniJekTYyMmKODmPlkVu6nt20rAN1zZyepJLN9tHOPSeRIhcCqgXnWqywBbku9LKQ-CKF8O52sYX/s2778/IMG-1532.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOOep37Bbpi8Dsl8fq5NAWVylTNSWzMPoO_qfI98mQ87c2b1Hy8LJHU4xGyG3T-IXCJ_D7OliERYJzOy_08S8z_OGow4ixJqE3j6QvKI47VdJXgQyiniJekTYyMmKODmPlkVu6nt20rAN1zZyepJLN9tHOPSeRIhcCqgXnWqywBbku9LKQ-CKF8O52sYX/w296-h640/IMG-1532.PNG" width="296" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The screenshot above is an example of the information that can be seen. While we typically discourage employees from looking at their phones during work hours, this is definitely one time we need everyone to use the available technology, so we can all be on the same page.</p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-75182166122985655412023-09-10T05:26:00.000-07:002023-09-10T05:26:11.048-07:00Dead turf?<p> During extremely dry periods, people often refer to off-color turf as dead. In reality, more often than not, turf suffering from environmental stress (such as heat or lack of moisture) is not dead, but dormant. For example, the straw colored grass shown below will bounce back as soon as it receives adequate rainfall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDZaC1aTpXtR4TBfo9qo2iiN2iNwvGoWSVKKsMOAN3HB5oyZyzW9V-IMy2DSXO88NkolNryJPB1tMQJsHq3lD-xkyOXuLXKtMdFFwptwrzMFli8ruI9vxpTn2plKJVBYgjOeGAHw7k0H5so5JDfStCPQ-HZrPZwUAVjtuA2xfpi_j0RYdKpUcYnO9oQM4/s3828/IMG-1452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2290" data-original-width="3828" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDZaC1aTpXtR4TBfo9qo2iiN2iNwvGoWSVKKsMOAN3HB5oyZyzW9V-IMy2DSXO88NkolNryJPB1tMQJsHq3lD-xkyOXuLXKtMdFFwptwrzMFli8ruI9vxpTn2plKJVBYgjOeGAHw7k0H5so5JDfStCPQ-HZrPZwUAVjtuA2xfpi_j0RYdKpUcYnO9oQM4/w640-h382/IMG-1452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>One thing that should be kept in mind, however, is that dormant turf can be severely injured or even killed if additional stress factors are added. That would include mowing or golf cart traffic. This is one reason why walking only courses are often able to maintain dryer, firmer conditions, than those that see significant cart traffic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWR3z5pRUJpmDtVlcKI7Ms9A60xvu1-myDcP9So9mAk-k_P9P54AbQaZ7c43-JXANyYmlHlE-5WC8B4V4GCSc0CYE3K7RvSTDF1xa8TO6IjTy6qCF9jAFWqGc0_r2Zfl16-o1nt3146kNzzi00l0a2XK0VzPMGUnR7MAXblSNsnnXYG9iACmTrFNF8e7s/s1350/3_Burn_Tracks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1350" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWR3z5pRUJpmDtVlcKI7Ms9A60xvu1-myDcP9So9mAk-k_P9P54AbQaZ7c43-JXANyYmlHlE-5WC8B4V4GCSc0CYE3K7RvSTDF1xa8TO6IjTy6qCF9jAFWqGc0_r2Zfl16-o1nt3146kNzzi00l0a2XK0VzPMGUnR7MAXblSNsnnXYG9iACmTrFNF8e7s/w640-h360/3_Burn_Tracks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315139314980642242.post-74174619465387915672023-09-03T05:31:00.003-07:002023-09-03T05:31:47.909-07:00Another "average" month<p>In looking back at August, as a whole it was pretty close to average both in terms of temperature, as well as precipitation. The daily high temperature for the month was just a tad low (about 0.25 degrees), and the rainfall was roughly 10% below average. However, the timing of the rain was quite lopsided, with over 92% of the month's precipitation occurring in a five day period, from August 7-12.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY7j4SOQU_KGV7i1JSav05aeSxHlFAPk2571sVst3pI1jTGRItyUbmKvr3TVC-okA9p3OoQcR1YiGyIensOgb3PsVJWsX6u_Jn4xF4YM9nF7RSOHd9bEIh0fNhCIvnqq-xqB71uIxqZh2Kgh50ERDF6Nt4tp1MFB_9KM6t9uBGGKVt7ZyETRPiqLIX_dm/s849/August%20Weather.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="849" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAY7j4SOQU_KGV7i1JSav05aeSxHlFAPk2571sVst3pI1jTGRItyUbmKvr3TVC-okA9p3OoQcR1YiGyIensOgb3PsVJWsX6u_Jn4xF4YM9nF7RSOHd9bEIh0fNhCIvnqq-xqB71uIxqZh2Kgh50ERDF6Nt4tp1MFB_9KM6t9uBGGKVt7ZyETRPiqLIX_dm/w640-h560/August%20Weather.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We have always maintained that it takes one good soaking rain to evenly heal the fairways following aerification--we are still waiting for that. </p><p>Looking ahead, September may also very well end up being average. However, in this case, the rollercoaster ride looks like it won't just be rainfall, but will also include some wild temperature swings. While we started the month with some gorgeous cool temps, the first full week is less than ideal, including several days in the upper 90s.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYAqjEhNBuVrbrS-G2W6Jcj-xgsRvdlgYn_txZSsWy7nUP9uyt6SLikQBjxSEX-JcjjIJ6lo8IXPqMYx9DXsCyeu57W_qev4krszRwN7-COGOEMhL6wTG33McKdjj8zYKb-UEs-rdvWT-oc_icnsJ_IIVD5Vh-aFd6GqexRxPQWh-44Tw0OOSQ7QGdhuY/s805/September%20Weather.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYAqjEhNBuVrbrS-G2W6Jcj-xgsRvdlgYn_txZSsWy7nUP9uyt6SLikQBjxSEX-JcjjIJ6lo8IXPqMYx9DXsCyeu57W_qev4krszRwN7-COGOEMhL6wTG33McKdjj8zYKb-UEs-rdvWT-oc_icnsJ_IIVD5Vh-aFd6GqexRxPQWh-44Tw0OOSQ7QGdhuY/w456-h640/September%20Weather.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>When will the solid rainfall come? It might be time to turn to the "Magic 8 Ball" to get that answer--the crystal ball is currently down... </p>John Sladehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11048702701596222456noreply@blogger.com0