Green Superintendent Update

The month of May was all about maintenance and mainlines. Four months into the job and I still feel that I have so much to learn about the property. With wet weather patterns, I have started to key in on turf areas we really need to keep an eye on and address the underlying issues.  We are finally getting the turf to cooperate to the mowing height that I would like to maintain the course at. Tight fairways and quick greens are always my goal. I have learned how far we can push the turf while maintaining health. Earlier in the week I tend to give the low-cut grass a break and ramp up speeds and conditions as the week progresses. Consistent cultural practices will be key to maintaining sky to the standard we all know and love. I have chosen to use a numbering system for our pin locations on greens using days to rotate pin locations. It is based on a number with front, middle and back. I look to coordinate with members by some sort of sign by pro shop to alert the golfers of the location of the day. Also coordinating with the pro shop to have cards placed in carts. On that note, you may see some different or obscure pin locations on certain days. The reason for this is placing the pin in the same area constantly will cause wear patterns and unhealthy turf. Sometimes we will put them in tough or tucked locations to change the wear pattern and secure healthy turf. This also gives the golfer a new look or pin that they have not seen before. With all major events and tournaments, these locations will not be utilized. Unfortunately, we had to close the course last Thursday. I do not take this decision lightly and will always push to get golfers out. With 1.5 inches of rain dropping in 2 hours and standing water on the greens and fairways, it is the right call to close. The damage that will incur will outweigh the benefits of getting that one day in.  The course is in great condition and I look forward to cleaning up on some of the details this upcoming month.

 

 

Cultural Practices

Our greens have a tough time draining during wet periods of weather. By slicing holes in the canopy we can help with drainage as well as get oxygen down to the roots. In the photos below you will see assistant superintendent Dan Pelleteir “venting“ the greens. We borrowed equipment from another course that allowed us to accomplish this task in a mere 4 hours. The machine slices 3-inch deep holes at a 2-inch spacing. This process will promote overall green health. A few of our poorly draining greens I will look to pull a ¼ inch core on in the coming weeks. They will get top dressed and heal very quickly. These greens consist of low-lying areas that pool and do not draw water down. Also mechanical damage from tractor use while putting the course to bed for winter this past season tore roots. These areas on a few greens will struggle with heat due to shallow root depth.



 

Mainline Fixes

With our system being older and having a single line down the middle mainline fixes are a common occurrence. Mainlines require us to isolate an entire hole or pressure the pump system down. My crew and I are well-versed in getting our hands dirty and fixing broken pipes. A Lot of these issues are older parts from when the system was installed. Replacing it with new parts and modern heads will only make the system more efficient. With each fix, we run into substantial-sized rocks just right below the turf line. Through these fixes, we remove the rock and replace it with fresh loam.  Our assistant superintendent Bryan Carney has been the lead man on tackling these fixes. If you see the crew over a hole in the middle of the fairway please be courteous, but we also acknowledge that you are there and still would like you to continue to play through us. We appreciate your understanding that getting these mainlines up and running is crucial to getting water back onto the course.

 


 

Sky Meadow Appreciation

Here are a few shots that show Sky Meadow really Shining. It is a special property and I take great pride in the opportunity to paint this canvas on a daily basis.


 


Golf Course Superintendent,

 

Cogan Register

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