Reminders and Alerts

Every summer we like to give you a heads up on what to expect as the heat cranks up.  Some of it is obvious, but some of it may be news to many.  Over the next few weeks you will likely notice a number of changes in the way the course looks and plays.  Most of these changes are out of our control and are strictly weather related.  Some things you'll see and a few reminders....

Cicada Killer Wasps will soon be back.  These are intimidating, but harmless.  They are a nuisance to greens and bunkers primarily as they burrow into the soil leaving behind piles on the surface.  They especially like to find the exposed soil above the cup liner on greens.  It's not uncommon for them to fill the hole on a green in a few minutes following our morning set up routine.  We change the hole location and before the first golfer arrives a cicada killer wasp burrows into the side of the hole leaving the cup full of soil.  Do not panic if you see one of these and know that we'll do our best to keep them at bay.  Here is a little more info on these things if you're interested. 

Green speeds may slow with hot muggy weather.  It's more a function of the weather than of something we do differently.  We mow at the same heights and frequency, but the texture of the leaf blades change in the hot weather.  When the temperatures cool and the humidity drops, speeds will ramp up.  Recently we've been roughly 10' on the stimpmeter, but during uncomfortable weather the speeds will likely be closer to 9' 6".  When we get past labor day the speeds will be closer to 10' 6" to 11'.  We aren't trying to slow greens down, but the weather isn't suitable for getting aggressive with them to combat the affects of heat and humidity.  Fighting with mother nature in July is not a good idea.  She will win and we will lose.  

Hand watering bentgrass has not been a regular occurrence lately with over 10" of rain in June.  However, as we go through dry spells, we will have to use hoses to water dry areas.  We can't rely on irrigation heads as they don't know the difference between a wet area and a dry area.  In order to avoid over watering, we use moisture meters, soil probes, and hoses.  This gives us the power to put water where it's needed and keep it out of wet areas.   The downside to hoses is that you may encounter staff from time to time during your round of golf.  Please bear with us and know that we are hustling to get in and out of golf traffic.  We make the rounds at sunrise, but our second or third trip around may cross paths with golf.  It will never be for more than a minute or two.  

Cart traffic stress is starting to show up and will be more evident as it gets hotter.  Please remember not to leave the path until you pass the first black and white post and get back before you see the second post.  You can leave and return to the path anywhere between the two black and white posts.  Don't think of them as defining the spot where you must leave or return to the path.  Think of them as the ob stakes for your cart.  Drive it anywhere between the posts and you're ok.  Also remember to keep the carts out of the rough except when getting to and from the fairway.  

It's also important to keep all four tires on the path when parking at greens and tees.  Goosegrass control is the sole reason for this.  Killing the turf along the path by driving over it is an open invitation for goosegrass.  

Summer weeds are starting to pop up.  Over 17" of rain since May 1st along with some dangerous heat this week have brought out the weeds.  Kyllinga and nutsedge have been plentiful with the wet soils.  Goosegrass is germinating in compacted areas where turf is thin along paths.  We'll battle all of these weeds, but you will notice them more in the coming weeks.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can stay on top of them.  

Venting and Topdressing greens will continue throughout the summer.  As mentioned in numerous previous posts we will use our aerator regularly to keep the surfaces of the greens open.  We call it "venting" in order to prevent the heartburn associated with the word aeration.  Yes we use our aerator, but it's equipped with very small solid tines that do little, if anything, to putting quality.  They do however, provide much needed temporary relief to the greens.  Very light topdressing will also occur from time to time when conditions are suitable.  This is another plus for greens and ultimately for putting quality.   

These are just a few of the biggies.  Hope to see you on the golf course often this summer!