Field Capacity

What is field capacity?  Field capacity is; the amount of soil moisture or water content held in the soil after excess water has drained away and the rate of downward movement has decreased.  This usually takes place 2-3 days after rain or irrigation in pervious soils of uniform structure and texture.  Basically meaning the ground is full and has no more room for water.  When this happens, water starts to puddle and pond on the surface.  When maintaining a golf course this can become and issue.
Over the last 4 days we've seen our fair share of rain.  With the recent rain and the forecasted temperatures we are in a bit of a pickle.  Today was our scheduled day to spray fairways as well as greens; unfortunately I don't think that will be accomplished.  Reasoning to why this will not be accomplished is based upon the forecasted rain through the day as well as the amounts of standing water on the golf course.  To achieve proper efficacy of the products used, they need to be able to dry on the plant and we're not confident that will happen.  Would be some expensive stuff to just wash right off and not get the control we are looking for.  We'll remain optimistic and try to get some done today but most likely we are looking at tomorrow.

Spraying during a day of play is rarely done.  Normally all spraying is done on Mondays or in the evenings when play isn't on the golf course.  Greens and fairways need sprayed this week so we have to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.  Tomorrows weather looks to be the driest of the week so don't be surprised to see the sprayer out and about trying to get fairways completed tomorrow.
As for expectations for carts.  Highly doubtful for tomorrow.  JUF day is this Wednesday and we understand the importance of this day for Briarwood.  Our hopes are that we can receive minimal amounts of the predicted rain for today and then tomorrow is a big drying day.  A decision will have to be made for Wednesday.  We will take into account the importance of the day but also have to take into account the long term care of the golf course.
Minimal mowing will be done due to conditions throughout the course.  The negative affects that appear by mowing surfaces when saturated aren't worth it.  So expect rough to be long and greens to be on the slower end.  We'll keep you up to date as the week progresses.  Please be patient, we'll get through this latest battle with Mother Nature and in the long run win the war.