Golf Course Update

By Nathaniel Guldseth, Golf Course Superintendent

Dear Member:

The course is doing well as it currently recovers from the aerification process. The wild swings in temperature have been challenging but more importantly we are undergoing a drought that ended with temperatures hitting almost 90! We have watered more so far this year than in any other by this time and our wells have been running non-stop since the start of April. We have excellent wells and the next week appears to be bringing an increased chance of precipitation so we look forward to that.

The spring has also continued the same windy pattern of weather that the winter did. Wind has created some desiccation on the course which we are finally recovering from (1 green, new putting green). Here is a good description from Penn State on what exactly desiccation is:

“Desiccation occurs when turf is unprotected by snow cover and subject to drying cold winds for extended periods during the winter. Under these conditions, the exposed turf can lose significant moisture in crown tissues”

– Penn State Cooperative Extension

Here is a quick run-down of the playing surfaces and various projects we have been working on.

Greens:

• Greens performing very well this spring despite dry conditions

• Core aerified using 3/8” hollow tines (small holes) – we do have some scarring from the high heat we experienced while aerifying

New Putting Green NOTE – The putting green at the driving range has been very slow to wake up. As mentioned above the green felt the brunt of numerous windy days over the winter and the spring. We will possibly cover it late next winter to help avoid this. The green is healthy and we are not worried but it is also a good reminder that it takes more than one season for new turf to become completely established.

Tees and Approaches:

• Core aerified using ½” hollow tines

• Amendments and sand brushed in to holes

Fairways:

• Fairways have recovered from our off-season poa spray program. Numerous patches of poa died and we have over-seeded those spots with perennial ryegrass.

• New bluegrass sections are currently being aerified with ¾” solid tines.

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