It has been a rough spring to say the least due to the havoc caused from last winter and at times hard to find any good news to bring you but today is a little different. Yesterday we were able remove covers, mow greens, fertilize, evaluate progress, & replace covers. I am happy to say, even with the less than ideal weather; their is progress being made in regards to the recovery of greens.
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| Bent grass seed germinating where we slit seeded |
With it being May 1st, I am a little disappointed in the progress from a calendar date stand point but I am really happy based on the poor weather we have experienced throughout the month of April. The covers has aided greatly in the recovery process and that was evident yesterday while inspecting all the greens. The difference in recovery from covered and non covered greens is significant and will allow us to begin opening some of the greens for play. Beginning on Saturday, 9 holes with greens in play are to include 1,2,6,9,12,14,15,17,& 18 as well as the putting & chipping green while the remaining 9 holes will be playing to temporary greens. Greens 2,9,12, & 17 will have portions of the green covered so please stay off covered portions other than to remove your golf ball and put back into a playable area. While this is a far cry from having the course back to normal, it is movement in a positive direction and efforts will continue to expedite the recovery process. Hopefully the month of May will bring more favorable growing conditions as that is the key ingredient missing in the recovery equation.
This scenario is obviously something I hope to only see once in my lifetime but I am extremely proud of the extra efforts taken by the Grounds Staff, my professional organizations such as the CDGA & MAGCS and their efforts to share/gain information, & the membership in the patience it has shown. This is a fluid situation that will continually be evaluated & amended as recovery allows. It is a fine line between allowing the recovery to take place & pushing the limits of allowing play. The story and outcome are still being written but the hope is for as full of a recovery as possible prior to the prime golfing months of the summer.
The new tee signs and mounting posts have arrived. I am hoping to begin installing the tee signs as soon as next week if the weather will be so kind as to give us some dryer conditions. The new tee signs will be a great addition to the course and can't wait to see them on the course.
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| Beautiful new tee sign |
The addition of a new front tee box at the range has been put on hold for this week with the wet conditions we have experienced all week. Irrigation has been installed & rough grading is completed so we just need 2-3 days to get the finish grade completed and sod installed. Fingers are crossed that work can be completed next week.
Considering the circumstances, I am very pleased with the overall conditions of the course. The recovery process on greens and fairways will be the main focus and all efforts will continue to be given. Course updates will continue to be given weekly or as new information becomes available.
