Course Update -- 4/24/14

It has been five days since we over-seeded the damaged greens.  It was a multiple step process that took place last Friday.  First the greens were verti-cut in three different directions, which created a 1/3" deep silt in the turf.  Next the greens were aerated with a 1/4" tine that went down less than an inch.  Following aeration we spiked the areas.  These processes made a perfect bed for the seed.  Next the seed was applied, spiked once again and lightly topdressed with green sand.  The green tint to the sand will help attract heat and hopefully speed seed germination.  Lastly a starter fertilizer was applied, the area watered and then covered.  Below are a few pictures of the processes we performed on 1,4,5 and 8 greens.

Spiking

           

         Verticutting

Seeding 

The covers are a vital piece to the recovery puzzle this spring. This week we have experienced some unseasonably cool weather and the forecast is calling for much of the same into early May.  This cool weather is not ideal for recovery.  By utilizing covers we will be able to create a mini greenhouse on our greens.  This will help keep soil temperatures where we need them even during cold weather.  We have utilized some make shift covers over the last week and they have helped a little.  After speaking with ownership and looking at the long term forecast we have decided to purchase top of the line covers for our greens.  The covers are green in color and have a special radiant layer that will maximize the amount of heat we can trap under them.  Here is a link to their website and a description of the covers, Greens Covers.

As you can see I am utilizing all the tools possible to help push this recovery process along.  This process is a marathon, not a sprint.  You have to think of these greens as a new born baby.  A baby needs proper care, attention and nutrition to build a healthy body.  Same goes for the grass plant. Only the proper amount of care will give us the results we are looking for.  Here is a great link to a blog post from a fellow superintendent in the Detroit area.  He does a great job explaining this process, The 5th Season.

In the meantime we will be creating a true temporary green in front of the affected greens.  We will mow a lower cut circle, paint a white circle and place the flag in the center.  Sean is in the process of taking with the RDGA about getting a temporary rating for the affected holes so you can properly post scores.  We will also be posting the yardages for these holes for your convenience.  Look for these temporary greens in the coming days.

On a positive note I am very pleased on how the rest of the course is coming along.  We have seen significant greening on all areas of the course.  Some other damaged areas on 6,7 and 17 greens are slowing starting to bounce back.  As these areas continue to recover, we will be keeping the flag away from them to minimize traffic and hasten recovery.  As of today, we are planning a course wide greens aeration the week of May 5th.  Traditionally this is performed in early April.  Due to unfavorable conditions we have been forced to delay the aeration until now.  The process will take a full two days to complete.  This aeration will aid in the recovery of the areas on 6, 7 and 17 and set us up for a successful summer.  I will update you as we get closer to that week as to what days we will be aerating.

As you can see there are a lot of moving parts right now.  I ask you for your continued patience as we work through this recovery process.  We just need some time and good weather to get us where we need to be.  I will continue to update you as needed.  As always I am here to answer your questions.