Golf Course Prep Begins

Preparation for the 2022 golf season has begun. Some seasonal staff has returned and more staff will be starting on Monday, March 21. This staff in conjunction with my year round staff have completed a lot of work this past week and I am very happy with where the golf course is at. Turf is in excellent shape throughout the golf course especially greens.

I have already been asked by a few members if we covered the greens this winter based on their appearance. Greens were not covered. We do use a lot of ferrous sulfate(iron)in our last two to three applications of the season. This helps with winter color and spring green up. I discussed this in another blog post, but I strongly believe covers cause more harm then good especially in the long run. Covers have a place and use under certain circumstances, but their use here would be detrimental.

Assistant Kevin Bird- First Topdressing of the Season

Greens received their first light topdressing of the season. The rain coming Saturday will wash the sand into the turf canopy. Our topdressing program aids in the dilution of organic matter and at this time of year will provide a little warmth as well.

All the chipping from winter tree work has been completed this week. Chipping piles will start to be moved off the golf course this week along with any remaining logs. While we were chipping we did some additional pruning work behind 3 green and cleared a drainage swale on 7.

The large stump located in the recently cleared area to the right of the 12th fairway has been moved out to the road. The stump will be picked up when the logs are removed from the clubhouse parking lot.

We took advantage of the relatively dry conditions for this time of year and cleared fairways of debris. All fairways have been cleared of debris. Tee banks and tees have been started as well. We still have a tremendous amount of cleanup to do, but a lot of progress has been made in a short time.

We had a few drains collapse over the winter. Here is Marcelo Barrios our irrigation tech leveling a drain on 10. Drains were also leveled on 6 fairway this week.

While waiting for the course to open the short game area is open daily for walkers as well as the short game greens. Both practice greens will remained closed until course opening. The short/temp course is open daily starting at 9:00 am. All play areas of the short course have been cleaned. The Adirondack chairs are out behind 9 green. A perfect place to relax and have a beverage/cigar after utilizing the short/temp course or short game area.