GROUNDS
GREENKEEPER’S UPDATE
PROJECTS COMPLETED THIS SPRING
by Tim Kennelly, CGCS, Head Greenkeeper
• Cart path installation on #18 West
It’s hard to believe how quickly 2021 is moving along! Last month’s update was about the aeration that has taken place this spring on both the East and West courses. The aeration that was accomplished was a success despite a few weather challenges. As such, we were unable to dethatch fairways using the Wiedemann machine. Prior to aeration of the East greens, we did field a few questions about why we were aerating when conditions and weather were becoming perfect. Aeration is performed every year to improve turf health and playing conditions, and these practices are critical for the health of highly maintained grass. While the weather certainly plays a significant role in turf recovery, performing aeration when the weather favors turf growth leads to quicker recovery. This explains why aeration is performed when the weather and course are best. There is no denying that surface disruption occurs during aeration, and the greens do play differently. However, keep in mind that good playing conditions during the golf season result from our routine aeration practices despite the short-term inconvenience.
• The willow oak (pictured right) planted on the left of #7 rough replaces the two trees in decline (pictured left) on the left side near the green
Play this season has continued to be strong as golf remains one of the safest forms of recreation during the pandemic. Our rounds are up approximately 35 percent in March and April alone as we continue to see record rounds being played compared to our historical averages. These additional rounds of play mean more ball marks and divots on your courses. As such, our Grounds Maintenance Team spends a great deal of energy and resources trying to produce smooth and consistent putting surfaces. We appreciate your help and cooperation regarding course care and improving the overall golf experience here at the Club. ◆
The Key to Better Greens The proper technique for repairing ball marks is quite simple and requires only a few seconds of effort: 1. Insert any pointed tool at a 45 degree angle behind the ball mark and gently push the top of the tool toward the center of the ball mark 2. Continue working around the ball mark, pushing the surrounding turf in toward the center 3. Afterward, tamp the area down with your putter 16
June 2021
• Drainage work between #10 and #11 East. The grass planted between the holes is similar to the native fine fescue species planted throughout the courses (Reliant IV Hard Fescue, Ambrose Chewings Fescue, and Epic Red Fescue) • East fairway extensions on #7, #10, #16
Golden Rule Please follow the Golden Rule for divot recovery to ensure our fairways remain in top condition throughout the summer stress months: 1. A divot that is large enough for the golfer to replace should be replaced 2. Every divot that is not replaced has no chance of survival. This is our best opportunity we have for recovery from divots
