Masters Week, Kickoff to the Season

Each year Masters Week seems to be the kick off to the golf season.  Fortunately this year, we've now been open for a few weeks and this past weekend happened to be the best.  If you think back to last year, we opened the Thursday the Masters began.  So, from in my mind we are a few weeks ahead and by judging turf conditions that seems to be the case.  With this being said I feel we are now in the full swing of the 2015 season.

Cart damage in rough

As I've said, conditions are shaping up.  As conditions do progress we still need to be very cautious with our procedures and use of the course.  Each spring we field the questions regarding cart use on the course.  I'm sure the thought process is often, if the course is open then golf carts should be allowed.  I wish that were the case, would make my job much easier.  Unfortunately, here at Briarwood there is no continuous cart path and we are a flatter property.  As of now the course is not conditioned for carts.  Turf needs to become more dense and we need more development of roots to keep the turf held together.  Some may argue about why maintenance vehicles are allowed on the course then.  There are a few angles with this; with the jobs we have at hand they are needed to carry them out, and our guys are educated on proper driving techniques along with knowing proper areas to drive.  Not to say there aren't a few mishaps, but it's very limited due to their knowledge of cart use.  We did have an instance this weekend that only proved we aren't ready for carts.  A cart was needed and the operator thought an area looked dry so proceeded through, only to realize too late it wasn't.  I think we can all agree that we'd rather not have our course with these tracks all over.  So please be patient and understand the decision is made for the protection and the enjoyment of the golf course.

All playing surfaces are progressing nicely.  We've dropped the greens mowers slightly but it's very important in the spring to let the turf get growing and established.  Root growth is very important at this time of year and if we begin cutting too short we will inhibit that process.  Roots are what gives the turf strength during stressful times.  It may be drought, heat, traffic, etc... roots are what make the plant survive.  If you have bad roots you have bad grass.  But, for April 13th I think we should all be very satisfied with where our putting surfaces along with other playing surfaces are.  As I've told some; if the weather continues we will be in phenomenal shape come early May.

Projects are progressing, although last weeks 2.5" of rain slowed things down.  This week will be huge for us in getting things to a point of seeding.  We have set a goal of seeding by Friday to the berm along the 3rd tee and the native area around the nursery.  If weather stays dry we will hopefully see our contractor on property to prep and seed the berm along with 5th hole as well.  So, we are very happy to be where we are with these types of tasks.  Sooner we can get these accomplished the sooner we can focus on maintaining the golf course.

Lastly, Masters week.  I was fortunate to take a trip south and attend The Masters this week with some other area Superintendents.  The property is amazing.  This has been my second trip and I must say it's just as breath taking each time.  Weather was ideal and it was a great Masters to see in person for a few days and finish up watching on TV.  With that being said, welcome to the 2015 season and we look very forward to seeing everyone out on the course and a successful and busy season.

The famous 13th with the Dogwoods and Azaleas in bloom

The 14th, undulations in this green are amazing.

Amen corner, the 12th.

Ben Crenshaw, Jordan Spieth, and Tiger Woods during Wednesday practice

Par 3 contest.  Such an amazing event.