Nutsedge pics

So by now, you should start to see some dying nutsedge on some of the fairways that have been sprayed. We will spray these areas again next week if weather allows. The herbicide that we use does not injure the bent grass.

Sunshine

Took a few pics today. We are starting to look like a golf course again. Today we allowed cart traffic back in the rough only. Hopefully tomorrow we will be riding in the fairways. With rain coming in for Saturday we may have to be back on the paths.  Year to date we are at 68" for the year and 19" for the month.

Venting greens

Today we vented all 19 greens. This will allow gas exchange and get oxygen to the roots. This method of aerification does not affect ball roll. We will use this same method next month as well.

Nutsedge

Today we were able to start spraying a product called dismiss for nutsedge control. With all the rain we have had this weed has really taken off. I hope to get most of the fairways sprayed in the next few weeks. When mowed it smells like sweet apples.

Wildlife

One of the greatest things about working on a golf course is seeing all the wildlife. Yesterday morning, 2 deers were playing on the 9th fairway. Today on my way home for lunch I was greeted by another.

Wow!

Yesterday we received 2.5" of rain in an hour. I'll let the pics do the talking.

Rattlesnakes

Went home for lunch and this guy greeted me at my door step, needless to say he didn't have a chance. That's 2 rattlers I have seen in 2 days. Be careful folks!

Fungicide application

Yesterday we took advantage of some sunshine and sprayed fairways for dollar spot. We also threw in some primo( a plant growth regulator ) to help with clippings. This has been a tough year to keep the course maintained due to weather. With out the primo applications being applied monthly, the fairways would be extremely furry .

Water damage

This is what turf looks like when it has been submerged under water for a week. We really need more days of sun and wind to dry the fairways out. Please be patient with the maintenance staff as we try to get the golf course back in shape. There may be some areas that we can not mow for awhile due to wet springs that are popping up everywhere. We will be cart path only for a few more days until I feel like the fairways are drying out and can withstand cart traffic. The forecast for the rest of the week is calling for more afternoon showers. At this point, a tenth of an inch of rain is really hurting us. We will be applying a plant growth regulator and a fungicide to the fairways as soon as we can put the sprayer out on the course without tearing up turf. Thanks for your understanding and patience while we continue to mow and improve your course during this wet time.

Diesel fuel leak

On Friday our diesel tank developed a leak in the bottom of the tank. Thankfully we had the spare tank that we used for the golf carts still here. This happened at 3:30, thanks to Irvin for staying late to transfer the fuel over. Had I not seen this we would have had a disaster on our hands and a mess to clean up.

Strange sightings

Today we were blessed with some much needed sunshine. Mother Nature has really put a damper on our golf course this year. For the month of July we are at 14.3" of rain and 65" for the year. There is no doubt we will reach our average of 80" of rainfall, and we still have 5 1/2 months to go.

Wounded warrior project

Yesterday, I was invited to participate in the wounded warrior project at highlands falls country club. For every superintendent that showed up, BASF ( a chemical company) would donate $100.00 to the wounded warriors. Those attended were from highlands falls, trillium, cullasaga and Burlingame.

Topdressing greens

Despite all this rainy weather we are having, I took advantage of the weather today. Nothing makes me happier than topdressing greens. We have been on a very aggressive topdressing program since the grow-in of these greens. Topdressing dilutes the organic matter,(thatch)firms the putting surface, and helps with ball roll. With all the rain forecasted , you won't be able to tell that the greens have been sanded.

Wet weather

Looks like we are in for a wet week. We will remain on the cart paths until the weather gets better. Please be respectful of your golf course while we are experiencing this wet conditions. We have received 52" of rain to date. The courses in highlands are at 70" with 6" just this week.