Weekend Warmup

Over the last few days we've slowly watched out snow cover disappear.  Temperatures have been hovering over freezing along with precipitation in the form of rain.  Not excited about losing the coverage as it is a form of protection, now with the melt and rain followed by cold temperatures we are bound to see some ice formation.

In preparation for the recent weather we were proactive in cleaning drains throughout the golf course.  This will help water drain with more ease but unfortunately will not completely remove all surface water.  The ground is currently frozen, any hope of water draining through absorption is gone.  Winters over the last few years have been very testing, multiple cycles creating different weather patterns and challenging conditions keep us always thinking on best methods to protect our golf course.

Fortunately, the choice to regrass our greens to bentgrass removes the fear of ice damage to the greens.  Along with regrassing the addition of XGD is another tool benefitting our greens to relieve them of subpar conditions.  Frozen ground though creates a bit of a challenge getting excess water through the surface to the pipes but the key is getting it off the surface.  Our staff in an effort to aid in that ability used solid tine aeration to give avenues for water to escape on our greens surfaces.

Here you are able to see the aeration holes along with sand, this is all part of our greens winterization process.

                               

What's taking place while the golf course in blanketed in snow?  With the snow we have been receiving, our Grounds staff has been keeping up with snow removal for the clubhouse and new paddle facility.  Shoveling and salting can be time consuming, and has been this year.  We are managing to make great progress though with refinishing course accessories and equipment maintenance.  There is always a long list of things to do prior to April 1st of the following season and our staff does a tremendous job getting them done.

Tee markers being stained and tee color being repainted.

                                  

New equipment lift being installed in the mechanics area.  This will give Matt the ability to raise equipment in air, allowing him to see directly under machinery to diagnose problems but also make repairs in an efficient manor.