Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?

More often than not, when you least expect it, they are just there.  You don't see them approaching, you don't hear branches cracking or leaves rustling--they are just there.

Even a harmless garter snake will make you jump back when you reach into the irrigation controller, and realize that a couple of the "wires" are moving.  Maybe Mother Nature actually has a sense of humor, and this is her idea of a practical joke.  Well, if so, it works every time.

Although they are weather-proof, many creatures manage to set up camp in the controllers.  We've come upon ant colonies, wasp nests, mice, and of course, snakes.  Deterrents include installing screening, foam insulation, no pest strips, and moth balls. 

But given the cold and snowy winter conditions this year, it was probably worth the extra effort for these guys to find a way to sneak in.  However, since it looks like spring has finally arrived, we'll kindly ask them to relocate for the warmer months.

Snow Mold Update

When the snow melted a couple of weeks ago, we found an abundance of Pink Snow Mold on the greens.  This damage to the turf appeared to be largely aesthetic.  However, in order to be certain that the turf will grow out of the damage when consistently warmer temperatures arrive, some plugs were taken from the greens and brought inside.

 

As you can see in the photo above, the plugs were taken from areas with the least green tissue.  So, how did this brown turf perform once inside? 

Good news--the pictures above show the plugs on the day they were pulled, then three, seven, and nine days later.  This confirmed that all we need is some nice springtime weather to get the turf moving.  Of course with a forecast high only in the 40s for five days next week, it looks like a little patience may be required.

A Great Winter Job

Despite the prolonged snow cover this winter, the crew was able to get some of the high traffic areas and cart path ends sodded.  Installing sod at this time has several advantages over doing it in-season. 

First, with cool temperatures and plenty of moisture, there's no concern about the sod drying out.  We can also easily re-route the limited amount of cart traffic around these areas during the winter.  Lastly, despite no foliar growth during the winter, the sod does produce roots, giving it a head start for this season.

 

While the foliage is definitely dormant, the sod has started to root over the winter.

And as the Snow Melts Away, We Find...

Well, the good news is that it looks like the course made it through this long, cold winter without any ice damage to the turf.  However, once the surface of the greens finally came into view, we were greeted by Pink Snow Mold unlike anything seen before.

Although the appearance of these patches across the greens may be alarming, the damage is purely aesthetic at this point.  As the disease can persist even in the absence of snow, a fungicide treatment will be applied early next week.  With spring right around the corner, the turf should soon grow out of this less than perfect look.

Patches of Pink Snow Mold can be seen on most of the greens.

Back in the Day

Prior to the golf course being built, the property had two very different uses.  The far side of the wetlands crossing (#2-7, 12 and13) was farmed, and consisted of apple and peach orchards.

The side of the course closest to the Clubhouse was mined for many years.  The upper layers consisted of a well-draining gravel, while below that was a dense clay, used for lining landfills.  Interestingly, the wetlands to the right of #17 and 18 were largely manmade, as this area was mined to a level that it became impractical to keep water out.

The last clay cell to be mined was where the driving range is currently located. 

It took many truckloads of material to fill the range.

Fully Equipped

One of the most important projects that takes place during the winter is the servicing of the golf course maintenance equipment for the upcoming season.  In a few cases, this may simply involve the "Jiffy Lube" treatment, where the machine has its fluids changed and it is greased.  Of course for mowers, their winter will definitely include having the reels ground and bedknives replaced.  However, with other pieces of equipment, the work is closer to a complete overhaul, and may include replacing bearings, seals, gaskets, cables, belts, hoses, bushings, and brakes.

With an equipment inventory of over $1.2 million, we are fortunate to have an experienced and conscientious mechanic, Joseph Ferman, in charge of maintaining the fleet.  His hard work now will have us ready to go when Mother Nature finally decides to drop the green flag this spring. 

Joseph is inspecting the vibratory greens rollers.

The Latest and Greatest

This week, the annual Golf Industry Show took place in Orlando.  The conference agenda includes seminars and presentations from the country's top turf researchers, along with a trade show where the newest mowers, gadgets and gizmos for turf maintenance are on display.

While a good bit of exhibitor space is taken up by the big guys (Toro, John Deere, and Jacobsen), there are also hundreds of other smaller vendors who often have new and unique products. 

 Need a storage shed or bathroom on the course, but want it to blend in to the surroundings?  One of these faux stump structures might be just what you're looking for.   This picture demonstrates that there are few limits to what folks will come up with for use on a golf course.