How do you determine hole locations?
There are several factors taken into consideration in addition to rotating pin placements between our three day rotation (front, middle and back). First we look at the conditions for the day (rain, wind, green speed, type of event, etc.). The goal is to have a 6-6-6 setup (easy, medium, and hard). When cutting a new cup we choose a placement that is in a healthy section of turf, preferably not in a walk off area, and not too close to a plug from a previous pin placement. If we are experiencing hot and humid weather, we may on occasion have to select a pin placement that is not in the designated day in order to ensure the plant health.
What is frost and why do we have to wait to play?
In the spring and fall months, dew can freeze to the leaf blade causing frost. Essentially frost is dew that has frozen and crystallized on the outside of the plant. It is important not to walk or ride on turf that has a frost because it will cause the plant to break and the cell wall to rupture. The grass blades are similar to egg shells when frost occurs and can break apart from the slightest pressure. Although not instantly apparent within 1 to 2 days the plant leaves will turn black and leave an unsightly footprint or tire track. The result of the injury to the plant is thinning of the turf and an area that is more susceptible to disease and weed infiltration. Below is a picture of frost damage:
Typically frost delays can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the severity of the frost. Please help us in keeping your golf course in the best possible condition. Thanks for your help and understanding.
Why aerification? When will greens be back to normal?
Aerification is necessary cultural practice on any golf course. Aerifying has several beneficial results for the turf such as: removal of excessive organic matter, alleviates compaction, promotes air movement, increases water infiltration, and alters the soil make-up. This allows the turf to have a healthier root system and is better able to withstand the factors and stresses which can lead to turf loss.
Each season we core aerify (remove cores) once in the spring and again in the fall. Often with two weeks of cooperative weather, fertilization, and watering; the greens should recover and heal quickly.
Why do we rope off areas from cart traffic?
The ropes are intended to limit or redirect cart traffic in certain areas. By using ropes we can actively attempt to reduce compaction and traffic stress and ensure the health of the turf. It is important to maintain the highest level turf on fairways and around greens in order to maximize playability. Heavy rainfall may force us to temporarily rope off an area until it has fully drained and is capable of enduring cart traffic without being damaged.
What is the proper way to repair a ball mark?
What has to be done to prepare the course for winter?
Getting the course ready for winter can be quite extensive and November proves to be a busy month for our staff. A few of the steps we do are below:
Fall Fertilization - In the late fall we apply a dormant feed to the turf which gives the plant nutrients needed in the early spring months when the temperatures begin to rise. This will help recovery and stimulate root growth
Snow Mold Treatment – Snow Mold is a type of fungi that affects the plant in prolonged periods of cool, wet weather. Typically under long periods of snow cover is when the conditions for the disease are most favorable. In the late fall, we apply fungicides to keep the damage to a minimum.
Irrigation Blowout – Blowing-out the irrigation system occurs around Thanksgiving. This is done to help prevent freezing and bursting pipes. The air allows for expansion of the remaining water in the pipes.
Winter Topdressing – Typically all of the greens get heavy topdressing prior to the onset of winter. This serves as the last heavy topdressing prior to winter and provides some protection from severe weather. The sand protects the crowns of the plant from wind desiccation and winter injury.
Covers on Greens - Semi-permeable green covers provide some protection against the weather extremes of winter (cold, high wind). We cover our most vulnerable greens to the winter extremes: 1, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, and 18. These covers provide protection in winter when the weather is particularly harsh and there is no snow present.
What does the grounds staff do in the winter?
While the business of mowing fairways, changing cups, and filling divots is reserved for the other three seasons; the winter months gives us the opportunity to do many of the necessary duties allowing us to function efficiently during the golf season.
Our vast fleet of mowing and utility equipment is serviced and undergoes a preventative maintenance check (this includes sharpening mowers, oil changes, and any repairs from the previous season). This alone is no small task; usually taking the entire winter to complete. The staff will also service, clean, and paint all tee and green equipment (ball washers, cooler stands, tee markers, etc.). These practices extended the life of the equipment and give everything a clean, sharp look for the spring.
When the weather allows us, the staff continues to clean wooded areas and remove any unwanted under story growth. Many of the leaves, deadwood, and branches are removed to help improve air flow through the course.
The staff handles all of the snow removal for the property as well. Speaking of snow, several people have asked me about skiing on the golf course. While there is no official policy regarding skiing or snowshoeing; the issue with winter traffic is when it occurs on greens. Skiing across the putting surfaces will compact the snow, turning it into ice. In almost every case, regardless of weather, this causes damage to the turf. All of the greens have been roped off in an effort to prevent this from happening. If you do ski, please do not ski, walk or snowshoe across any of the greens.
Of course, with the down-time in the golf season; many of the staff will take their well deserved vacations in the winter months.
If you have any questions not answered above, please contact: