Turkeys

The wild Turkeys love the natural area on #13.

Where is the sign from the entrance?

Getting fixed because creative vandals decided to paint the sign on Monday night.

Time to lay some eggs!

Cool Weather Diseases

The cool wet weather leads to certain diseases showing up on the course. Waitea Patch, Leaf Spot, Microdochium Patch, just to name a few.
The picture below is of Yellow Patch. Being Enviromental Stewards we do not treat for this disease because although ugly, this disease does not affect ball roll, does not threaten the long term health of the Turf, and after some consecutive warm temperatures starts to dissipate.

Greens Fertilization

The Greens were fertilized this past Monday.  University studies have shown that granular fertilizer applications at this time of year helps to combat Anthracnose, a disease which is a major concern on our predominately Poa annua greens.  The initial surge in growth may affect Green Speeds but all will be back to normal after a few days.

Poa Seed Heads

PGR's (plant growth regulators) are used to suppress the formation of Poa seed heads. Timing of this application is critical and growing degree day models are used to predict timing. A check plot is set up on the 18th Green as to monitor our results. Below is a picture of the check plot, the increased seed heads in the check are plainly visible.

Some Statistics from Frank Francese

·        Interesting Observances From the Westchester PGA qualifying round 4/23/12:

•  All Holes played to an average score above Par (including #3 – played as a par 5)

•  Our Banks’ showcase holes (5,7,9,12,&14) were all among the hardest six holes that all played more than a half-stroke over par.  The other one – the par 3 Number 11.

•  The only hole that did not yield a birdie – the par 4, 379 yard 9th Hole!

•  Personal surprise: Relative to par, 18 played easierr than 17. (as well as 10, 1, & 2)

•  While #3 was the “easiest” (5.03 avg. score), #16 being the second easiest (5.04)

• Surprised that #16 yielded an Eagle while #6 did not

• #1 had more Double-Bogeys than Birdies

Divots on the Driving Range Tee

Divots become a major issue on the Range Tee by mid-summer when high temperatures make it difficult for seed to germinate. Players using the tee can help keep it in good condition by thinking about the divot pattern they use. The following article explains this very well, just click on the link below.

http://www.usga.org/course_care/regional_updates/regional_reports/midcontinent/Practice-Like-A-Pro---July-2011/

Driving Range

Today we installed New Yardage Markers and Signs on the Driving Range.

Fixing Bunkers

It takes ~7 days to edge, fix drainage, and grade to a consistent sand depth on all of the Bunkers.

New Carts being delivered.

The new carts arrived today.

Aerification

The Greens have been deep-verticut, aerified, and the holes backfilled with sand. 

Billy McQuaid blowing the sand into the holes.

Why aerify?

It's a perfect, sunny morning and you've just reached the first green in regulation. You feel great and you know you're within birdie range. Then, you see them, those little holes in the green. Arrrgh! They've just aerified the course, and it's going to ruin your round, right?
Well, maybe not. Consider the fact that PGA Tour legend Tom Watson shot a sizzling record 58 at his then-home course, Kansas City Country Club, just days after the greens had been aerified.
Consider also that aerification is merely a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the course. When you see them, remember that without those little holes, the greens would eventually die.
Like so many things, the quality of a good putting green is more than skin deep. In fact, the condition of a green has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order to keep grass growing at 1/8-inch you have to have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil, they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and sand particles.
Over time, the traffic from golfers' feet (as well as heavy mowing equipment) tends to compact the soil under the putting green - particularly when the soil contains a lot of clay. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend are crushed, and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen, the grass plants will wither and die.
Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases, it's done by removing 1/2-inch cores (those plugs you sometimes see near a green or in fairways). The spaces are then filled with sand "topdressing" that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward.
Other aerification techniques use machines with "tines" or knives that simply poke holes through the soil profile. A newer technique even uses ultra high-pressure water that's injected through the soil profile to create small holes that relieve some compaction but heal quickly.
The bottom line is that aerification is a necessary practice. But before you curse the superintendent for ruining your day, just think of Tom Watson.

Irrigation Repair

The careful art of repairing an irrigation connection between a 70 year old steel pipe and a 30 year old PVC pipe.

The Pins are in!

Getting Greens Ready!!!

Over the next couple of days the Staff will be cleaning, rolling and setting pins on the Greens.
The Greens will be open for play on Friday.
What a difference a year makes!!!

March 7, 2011

March 7, 2012

New Stone Steps

We have been slowly replacing all RailRoad Tie steps with Stone. 
This season we are replacing the Stairs on #3, #9 and #10.

Steps #10

Steps #4

Path on the 11th Tee

Today we started chipping some of the ledge on the 11th Tee. The path Will now be wider and safer.

Drainage work continues

The weather has enabled us to keep plugging along with drainage work.
#14 is complete, and we are now working on #2.

New Drain #14

Replacing the old clogged drain line going across Fourteen Fairway.

Time for Temps

The pins have been moved to temporary greens. Winter finally arrived this week.