Trust the Process

 Sorry Sixers fans, we're definitely not talking about "that" process.  No, we are referring to the aerification process we do each year on the fairways.   

As we continue to make adjustments, one common theme we've found is that in this case, bigger isn't better.  For example, while a tractor-mounted aerifier may seem to be more productive, the walking aerifiers are more maneuverable.

Yes, the way we go about the cleanup process, is definitely labor-intensive.  Again, could we use a tow behind or tractor-mounted blower?  We could, but those just don't provide the same quality of finished product that a team of 10 backpack blowers do.

While rain is not our friend during the actual hole-punching, afterwards we always seem to need one good rain event to get everything evenly wet.  To date, this summer has either been feast or famine when it comes to precipitation!                                                                                                             

The holes are missing

Hopefully everyone has had a chance to read the letter which was sent to the membership, explaining the change in our greens aerification protocol and timing, going forward. Still, if you've been on the course this past week, you may have been surprised to find that the greens don't look like Swiss Cheese covered in sand.  

While we did run the aerifiers across them on Monday, we used an extremely small tine.

It's tough to see a hole just four days post venting.

While aerification is an important and necessary cultural practice to maintain healthy greens, pulling a core in August--the month with the shortest roots of the entire year--can add stress to the turf in the short-term.  In contrast, the greens appeared to perk-up immediately after last week's "venting" process.

So, while the greens may be missing the traditional holes in August, it's unlikely that golfers will be missing the holes.  No longer losing a few weeks of good greens in May and August should be something everyone can appreciate.

You never know what you'll find...

 An irrigation controller can make a great home for any number of creatures.  There's no rain or snow inside, and the small transformer keeps it pretty comfy during periods of cold weather.

While we try to discourage animals from taking up residence in the controllers, it's not uncommon to find ants, wasps, mice, and even snakes.

However, this past week, while working on an irrigation issue, we came across one arachnid we've never encountered in the past:

If one Black Widow isn't enough for you, with two egg sacs, there's the potential for a couple of hundred residents.

Looks like we need to put some new No-Pest Strips inside this box!

Bienvenidos!

 We are happy to formally welcome our H-2B Visa seasonal employees.  Javier, Ernesto and Abraham arrived last month, and Max has now joined them.  

The guys are preparing to celebrate Javier's birthday!

You might think this is an unusual time to be bringing golf course staff onboard.  However, with several summer employees about to return to school, having these new team members will be a great asset throughout the rest of summer, and the busy fall season.  They are all hardworking gentleman, and we are hoping to have them rejoin us in spring of 2024.

Doing more and getting less...

One sure sign that we are in the dog days of summer is seeing the same inputs in green management result in slower green speeds.  Contrary to what many golfers believe, we rarely, if ever, change mowing heights even when it is nasty hot.  In fact, with no Nitrogen applications and increased plant growth regulator use now, you might expect a leaner turf plant and less friction on the putting surfaces.

In reality, these warm, wet conditions in the soils may allow nutrients to become available to the turf.  Additionally, the plants aren't that different than we are in trying to keep somewhat cool during the heat.  While we may sweat, plants lose moisture through transpiration--so if you're feeling sticky this time of year, there's a good chance that the turf is as well.  Apparently doing the same thing and expecting different results isn't so farfetched. 

 

Time for a change

 Like most golf courses, we often need to put a riding mower and roller on the greens.  To date, this has always meant the potential risk of a hydraulic leak and turf loss.  While it doesn't jump out at you as it did earlier this year, the leak we had on #4 green caused some significant damage and is still visible.  

Fortunately, there are now some game-changing options:  Mowers which have zero hydraulics.  Yes, just like our cars, we can now go with a hybrid mower on greens.  

We placed an order for one of these mowers last month.  While it does have a small gasoline engine (as do our walking mowers),  the reels, steering, and traction are all electric, not hydraulic.   Given the ongoing supply chain issues, we likely won't see it until next spring, but look forward to greatly reducing the risk of turf damage in the future.

Managing Expectations

We opened the Clubhouse putting green this week, just under eight months after it was seeded last fall.  Looking back at the green in December, it has made great strides.  Since seeding, this green has obviously been managed differently than those on the course, and is currently down to a 1/8" height of cut.  By comparison, the greens on the course are mowed at 1/10".  Additionally, we increased fertility on the green to get it to fill in over the winter, leading to what is now a more course-textured leaf blade.

By combining one of the top performing Bentgrass varieties with Pa-33, Poa annua seed, the end result will be a putting green which closely matches the 34 year old greens on the golf course.  However,  it would be unrealistic to expect an eight month old green--whether seeded or sodded--to perform like 34 year old greens. 

 Unlike the seeded Clubhouse green, the putting green at the practice area is being cut at the same 1/10" height (and with the same mowers), as the greens on the course.  While this green was sodded, it is still an infant, having been transplanted onto a new growing medium last fall.  Even when maintained the same as the greens on the course, it will take a full year (until this fall) for it to roll exactly as #1-18 do.