Summer Stuff

Summer is here and with it are a few recurring issues.  We are playing defense until the worst of summer is over.  What you'll see, if you haven't already, are the following summer pests/issues:

1. Green speed slows down in high humidity.  We are not doing anything intentionally to slow them down, but on muggy days they will putt slower.  
2. Cicada killer wasps are back.  They do not sting, but leave a big mess on some greens and tees.  We fight them, but it's an annual event that we cannot prevent.  Usually they last about 4-6 weeks.
3. Geese are molting so they cannot fly.  We harass them with irrigation and lasers, but they are sort of stranded where they are until they can fly again.  The 18th hole is a haven for them with the big lake right there.  I do not bring the dogs out when they are molting since I don't want the geese to learn that the dogs are not a threat.  Also....I'm not sure that Bean or Lucy wouldn't actually snag one.  
4. Hand watering staff are out daily scouting for dry spots on greens and tees.  If you encounter one of us, please be patient and let us get out of the way before hitting a shot.  This job is not avoidable and is crucial to our survival in the summer.  Too wet is far worse than too dry and using the irrigation heads to water greens and tees would put water in many places it isn't needed.  Hoses allow us to be very specific with where the water goes.  
5. Goosegrass is a summer weed that we've battled for years.  We are getting a handle on it thanks to some new chemistry, but it's going to be evident soon more than likely.  So too will kyllinga and nutsedge.  We have been, and will be, treating as needed.

When the days, and more importantly nights, start to cool down we will shift back to playing offense with course maintenance.  Green speeds will pick back up and most of the pests mentioned above will be gone.