Pre-emerge

Today we had Howard's fertilizer spread our per-emerge fertilizer . The analysis is 12-0-20 with barricade. The truck spreads about 85 acres and we spread the other 15 that the truck can not get to. This will give us 3/4 lb of nitrogen and about 1 lb of potassium. This will prevent crabgrass from germinating on the golf course. Our next big spread of fertilizer will be in the fall when we will try to get 2 pounds of nitrogen out between September and November.

Full moon over Dillard

Taken early this morning. Not the best pic from my phone, but ........

Ye ole poplar

Sorry folks, she had to go. The poplar behind the 18th green had been struck by lightning twice. It was also decaying at the bottom of the tree. I made the decision to take it down due to potential limbs falling. We didn't want to take a chance on anyone getting hurt. Tombo Ramey took it down today and we will be cleaning up the debris tomorrow.

Chilly crazy weather

The last 2 days have been very cold and snowy for march. While the crew has been outside edging cart paths and bunkers, there has been some inside work. We painted the bed of the pro gator that has our fertilizer spreader attached to it. There has been some work around the club house but with frozen soil it makes the work a little tougher. The end of the week looks to be warmer.

Pavilion

The last of the pine straw has been put down at the pavilion. The straw really makes the landscape beds stand out. All we need now is some warm weather and some weddings .

Surprise

Seems spring will never get here. Woke up this morning to a dusting of snow and 17 degrees with a brisk wind. Today we focused on removing more pine limbs behind 10 green. We also touched up some pine straw around the cart barn area. Tomorrow should be a little warmer.

The final four

Today we wrapped up the last four fairways that needed to be aerated. Just a little cleanup next week on dragging the plugs and blowing off the grass, should have them very playable.

Topdressing fairways

Today we topdressed more of the wetter holes on the back nine fairways. Since the bunker renovation, we have used 150 tons of sand on the golf course fairways. Topdressing is very beneficial to turf grass . I hope that we can continue on this program in the future.

A cold 17 degrees here this morning

Winter hopefully will be on its way out this weekend. A chilly start to the day, especially when you are up in a tree. We trimmed the limbs above the cart path on 14, opening up the tee shot better.

Cool shot

Took this from the upper tee on hole 2.

Greens aerification

We took advantage of the warmer weather this week and aerated the greens using a 1/4" tine on a 2.5"hole spacing. Our next greens aerification will be in June using the same diameter tine, pulling a core. In July we will vent the greens using a bayonet tine with no disruption to play. This will allow gas exchange and oxygen to the roots.

Pavilion cleanup

We started cleaning up around the pavilion last week. All of the landscape irrigation heads have been lowered, walking path edged,and all plant material trimmed. Next we will be spreading pine straw on all landscape beds. With lots of events and wedding planned this year we look forward to keeping the pavilion looking sharp.

John grist, assistant superintendent

John will be starting full time march 1. John graduated from ABAC in Tifton with a four year degree in turf management. He worked as an intern during the renovation of the golf course in 2007. He recently worked for Anthony Williams CGCS at stone mountain on the golf course and in the landscaping department. John is very eager to get to work here at the club and looks forward to the many projects we have to complete. As you can see in the photo below, He is already settled at his new desk. Say hello to John the next time you see him.