ICC Grounds Department: Rain Rain Stay Away Come Back After This Weekend!

As we prepare for the Men's South District Team matches today I am happy that we have avoided any major interference from Mother Nature thus far and hope that luck continues thru the weekend. We have had Mother Nature fighting against us a lot in 2014 during our climb out of the abyss of the winter damage but I am happy to report the course is in darn fine shape.

The course shining bright against the blue skies

Even against the grey skies the course still shining bright

The weekend brings the renewal of the Cubs/Sox rivalry here at Idlewild and the friendly ribbing that goes with. Who will have the last laugh??? maybe the course as we should be moving back to normal putting conditions with greens speeds increasing. The recovery issues that were needed this spring brought about a whole new game plan. Different tools & strategies were used to promote the recovery & establishment of turf which limited some of the normal practices implemented during a normal year. Based on the state of the recovery, many of these practices that we had to eliminate in order to promote growth have been reintroduced over that past 7- 10 days. I believe the membership will notice and appreciate the difference as well as the sound agronomic choices that were made in order to get the course back to where it belongs.

Installation of new irrigation supply line to 9 green

There is some belief that with the rain this spring the irrigation system is just an after thought. While that may be the case at other locations, the "Dragon" gives us daily reminders with 34 irrigation repairs since mid April when the system was charged. Even though we have not had to rely on the irrigation system to supplement water, it remains under pressure 24/7. The irrigation at 9 green needed to have a small renovation last week as there was not adequate pressure to operate properly. Thanks to Leibold Irrigation Co. for a job well done as we now have the proper operation heading into the summer. The hydraulic irrigation tubing continues to be a hole diggers nightmare and unclogging heads is still an issue but the crew always rises to the occasion and gets things under control.

Hydraulic irrigation repair

Flushing/unclogging the irrigation head

The 2nd slit seeding of fairways was completed last week as well as divot mix applied. The improved weather has given us a quicker & better response with seed germination. Hopeful to see 90% of these areas recovered within the next few weeks.

Bentgrass seed germination in the slit seeded fairway areas

There are still to many fine details that need to be tended to but that does not take away from all the progress that has been accomplished during this Spring. These details will be addressed in due time as we keep our primary focus on the fine turf that is greens, tees, & fairways. Tree removals & clean up are still a pressing issue but Mother Nature has had her hand in delaying this work with the repeated weekly rain events that doesn't allow for the large equipment to access the course. Crushed brick paths are in need of some TLC as well as incorporating some new sand into the bunkers. If our luck has changed (fingers crossed) with these weekly rain events, I believe some major progress will be accomplished next week. I set a high bar for myself & the Grounds Department so everything and all efforts will be given to get the "i's" dotted & "t's" crossed on the Spring.

I wanted to thank the membership for the numerous compliments & appreciation for our efforts during this trying Spring and the PATIENCE. The road map that we followed during the recovery period was difficult for everyone but I feel we choose the correct path & the dividends are now starting to show. I hope to never to see this again in my career but at least next time I will have had this experience to help guide me in the decision making progress. Personal & Professional growth was gained that will ultimately continue to make me better at my craft & as a person because development of patience sure took place this Spring.