A Productive Week

The start of the week was rocky but we recovered nicely.  Over last weekend some good rains made for a wet start of the week.  Some scheduled tasks for Monday needed to be postponed, primarily mowing rough as well as aerification of the tees.  Even though those tasks were set back it didn't stop us from getting some much needed drainage done along with planting trees and other detail tasks.  As the week moved on temperatures rebounded and things began to dry out.  It was a struggle to get caught up on the rough be we are getting there, cooler temperatures and the moisture has the rough growing very vigorously and putting our machines and staff to the test. 

Greens and bunker prep continue and we are look forward to the extended forecast.  Starting Monday they are showing temps to be over 70 and only climbing up into the low to mid 80's by the end of the week.  This is what our greens exactly need to make a strong push to open the 25th.  This past week we got a little more aggressive with our grooming practices.  Our brush attachments have been utilized with each mowing as well as verticutting this past Tuesday.  These tasks are used to stand up runners and get a cleaner cut and creating a smoother, finer texture turf.  Brushing and verticutting will be a staple here over the next few weeks in trying to get these runners cleaned up and promote lateral growth for density. 
Bunkers are prepped and ready for play.  Over the last few weeks we've worked on compacting the faces and bottoms to prevent plugged lies.  This week we did our fine tooth grooming throughout all traps.  My personal feeling is that they are in tremendous condition.  Firm but accepting to clubs sliding through, just how a bunker should be. 

Here are a few photos' and videos from the week:

Verticutting the 12th green.  Getting more and more aggressive with getting things cleaned up.

Installation of some drainage this week.  Target areas that remain wet for some time as well as buttoning up some bunker drainage issues.

This week we planted 10 Oaks throughout the course.  Oaks are very native to the area especially the back 9 here at BCC.  Some were planted in open areas where trees could be added where others were planted in proactive measures as older trees with diminished health will need to be removed.

This upcoming week will be very busy for us.  Things are hand to tackle is the aerification and topdressing of tees.  This process is done every spring to help increase plant health heading into the heat of the summer.  Along with tee aerification we will be verticutting, aerifying, and topdressing fairways throughout this week.  This again is done to create healthier plants but also to continue our efforts in making better playing surfaces here at BCC.