Winter Prep

It is starting to feel like the winter season may be here.  Forecast is for a few days in the 40's then who really knows what will happen.  This season has definitely been a trying season.  From spring flooding to wet conditions most of the year.  Everything seemed to be a battle.  Through it all the course was in great shape, I hope you enjoyed it. 

The last two weeks we have been preparing for the winter season.  The irrigation,wells systems and restrooms were blown out and ready for colder weather.  Greens were treated with a combination of Fungicide and anti desiccant, followed up by a heavy top dressing of sand.  This will give us the best chance of greens grass in the spring.  Leave chopping and blowing has been on going, I hoping by the end of today we should be done.  Temporary greens have been installed, for now the regular greens are open.  So yes the course is winter ready.

 These cold morning have created some great morning views. 

If you have any ideas for next year please let us know.

Thank You for another great golf season.
Ross

Not what we were wishing for

Well the snow has hit us.  Not sure of the exact totals, but we do have some accumulation on the ground.  The forecast looks to warm and get back to golf season soon.

Last week we were able to start our compaction relief program.  This year we are using a slicing tine on the fairways.  This style of tine allows us to go down to a depth of 8".  We are also using this program in the rough and cart traffic areas.  As shown below it is a tractor mounted machine.

We also started the collars and approaches last week.  The process is a little different here, we are trying to alleviate compaction and also build up the sand content.  By adding the sand it should help firm these areas up.  We start with a heavy sand top dressing.  Then we us a walk behind unit with 5/8" solid tines.  As shown below there is a good amount of sand that will be worked into the holes.  With any luck we will use the same process on the tee surfaces this up coming week. 

If Mother Nature allows we are planning on leveling and reseeding the tee surfaces on #4.  This tee area is one of the worst for bent grass contamination.  The plan is to get all the work done this fall and seed in the spring.  We will keep the current tee open as late as possible, then switch over to a variety of temporary tee areas.  The hole will remain open and very playable through the whole process.  If you have any question or comments please feel free to contact me. 

Thank You
We will see you on the course.

Ross