Back to Bed

Once in a while more sleep is good. Don't tell your boss that while at work, may get into trouble. What I'm talking about is the addition to the practice green that was started last year that needs a bit of encouragement. I've taken a before a before picture of the green but my computer had some issues last week. I will get it posted soon along with a picture of the green now covered with a synthetic cover. Many courses use covers for winter protection. The purpose for this application is to warm up the soil to encourage root development that will then aid the turf to grow and thicken up a bit quicker. The cover will not stay down with out monitoring soil temps. On warm days we will pull the cover back to promote photosynthesis but the cover it back up in the evening. We will perform regular mowings and continue to fertilize and water at an accelerated rate to get the green ready for play as soon as possible. No time table yet on when it will be ready to go.

Time

Where does time go? This time of year it goes very fast. With getting the course set up for the season, finishing up winter maintenance, and starting regular course maintenance, the days go by quickly. Prioritizing activities is a must to stay ahead of the game. Then a day like yesterday( insert picture) and a little catch up is great. So just as I am able to get some items checked off my list, I get a virus infected the computer in the shop( thus no picture). Spent much of yesterday trying to remove it and thought I had succeeded, but this morning I could not even get the computer turned on. I am sure the fix it shop will get it healthy again but an additional cost will surely occur and oh that extra time I was looking for, is now gone. I will add computer repair to my growing list. Look at the bright side, It's sunny today!

Spring

All sights and sounds finally point to spring. Leaves are beginning to emerge, perennial flowers are showing through ground covers, and the golfers have returned. From now until mid summer, I will be focusing on sights that are unseen. What I will be concentrating on is roots. Roots grow actively when soil temperatures are between 45 and 65 degrees. Right now they are taking up nutrients from last fall and storing them in forms to use this summer. Careful management of nutrients and proper cultural practices will enhance the possibility of the turf to survive the heat of summer. What turf managers due is to grow roots in the spring so we can keep the turf alive throughout the summer. Some years it is easier than others. We have no way of determining how the weather effects our ability to manage turf, so we try to favor development as much as possible. Sometimes that interferes with playability issues that golfers see. All the cultural practices that take place on a golf course ie., mowing, fertilizing, watering, spraying, topdressing, aerifying, rolling, etc, will make it possible to have the best chance to keep the course in great shape throughout the season. So when you are out there and observe some of these operations, there may be some short term inconveniences but they far out weigh the long term effect of playability throughout the season.

Course Presentation

During the next few weeks, you should notice some subtle changes. As the saying goes, "You only get one chance to make a first impression", that is what I will be doing. The look of the golf course has as much to as the playability. What I am talking about is the course accessories. The reason for the "soft start" is that all the course furnishings need attention too. The basic cleaning and painting of markers, stakes, benches, etc., will take place but more of what needs to happen is the placement of landscape structures. I have noticed that several of the Tee Signs and ballwasher post are leaning and in areas that make use and maintenance difficult. I intend to move several the ballwasher posts to be grouped with the Tee Signs so we have not only an effective display per each tee, but also a consistent theme to each area. Just as your outdoor living area should be landscaped and not decorated, the golf course will begin too take on a cleaner and more detailed look.

Reel Sharpening

There are many activities associated with off season maintenance. The list includes cleaning, organizing, painting, education, and equipment maintenance. Along with the usual repairs on equipment such as oil changes, lubing, inspection and replacing worn parts, is the duty of reel grinding. The single most important cultural practice superintendents do is to mow the grass. By keeping a sharp blade not only helps in the overall health of the plant, but the appearance and playability are enhanced as well. The greens, tees, and fairways are mowed on a regular basis with a scissoring action of a spinning reel and a stationary bedknife. In order to keep a .004" clearance between the cutting edges, annual inspections and replacement of reel and roller bearings is necessary. The picture shows of a greens mower in the grinder doing its thing. It is all automatic but the setup for each unit is time consuming. The result of this operation is that the reel will be able to cut a strip of newspaper cleanly. Mowers are checked on a daily basis as to keep the quality of cut at its best. When reels no longer cut well, grinding is needed again and will happen at some point in the summer.

So the next time you go to line up your putt in your favorite "Spiderman" position, don't think about what I just explained to you. Concentrate on on determining your intended line of putting. We'll both be happy!

Soft Start

Finally! It is time! The recent record warmth has allowed all the snow to melt and the ground to firm a bit. The rains last night helped green things up and Butternut is also ice free. A little bit of superficial snow mold is out on the fairways and a small area on #9 green was also dinged. All in all, things look to be in good shape.

Due to the early opening, not all winter tasks are done. As we start the season, not all accessories will be in place nor signage. They will be installed as we move on the next few weeks. So enjoy the early start. Get a round or two in before you do your yard work. Remember, it can still snow and freeze yet. Don't let Mother Nature fool you. Happy golfing!

Still Waiting

Many of the golf courses in the Twin Cities are open or are opening soon. We still have snow covering much of the holes on the south side of the road. Here's what I'm looking at today. This is hole #6. The other picture is of hole #4.