Green Superintendent Update - July

 Green Superintendent Update July 

June presented a mixed bag for us down here in grounds. While temperatures generally hovered in a comfortable range, averaging around 66°F with highs reaching into the mid-70s to low 80s, the rainfall pattern was less ideal. The month saw roughly 2.16 inches of rain, which is almost 50% below the average of 4.16 inches for June. This drier-than-normal trend, following a significantly wetter May (almost double the average rainfall), meant a transition from managing overly saturated conditions to carefully monitoring soil moisture levels and relying more heavily on irrigation to maintain turf health and playability. We have been focused on efficient water management and adjusting mowing heights and schedules to minimize stress on the turf during drier stretches and being vigilant for signs of localized dry spots. Overall, the greens have made it through this pattern in incredible health. The dry stretches pushed our irrigation system to its limits. We are still in the process of fixing the heart of our system and appreciate your support during this time.  

 Range Tee  

We proceed with sodding around the immediate perimeter of the range tee. This will provide a clean, finished edge and help with erosion control in a highly visible spot. For the larger area behind the sodded perimeter, encompassing the rest of the tree removal zone, we'll bring in loam and hydroseed it. This will give us effective ground cover quickly, helping to stabilize the soil. This approach buys us time to thoroughly plan what we'd like to do with the broader tree removal area in the future. 

 



 

Clock Upgrades 

The much-anticipated upgrade to our irrigation system is finally underway with the installation of new Rain Bird Cirrus controllers. This is a critical step forward, especially considering that roughly half of our old controllers have been non-functional since I arrived, forcing us to manually operate many zones. The next phase of this comprehensive irrigation overhaul will focus on the pump house, where a new panel is slated for installation. Our goal is to achieve full automation by August, a significant improvement that will eliminate the need for constant on-site presence to manage watering. This transition couldn't come at a better time, as the recent heat stretch has made the current manual operation an immense and challenging burden. 

 



Localized dry spots/ ledge 

The ongoing dry conditions have presented us with the familiar challenge of localized dry spots across the course. Often, the earliest indicator of this moisture deficit is the distinct visibility of drain lines, which become parched more quickly due to their elevated position and underlying drainage. Compounding this issue, in typical New Hampshire fashion, much of our sub-surface consists of shallow ledge, which absorbs and radiates heat, further exacerbating the drying effect in certain areas. We want to assure you that despite the current limitations of our irrigation system, we are doing our utmost to manage these dry areas, hand-watering and prioritizing critical zones where possible. We sincerely apologize for any impact these drier patches have on playability and, like all of you, are earnestly hoping Mother Nature will provide us with some much-needed rainfall soon. 

 



Mainline A week 

We've faced a persistent and frustrating challenge recently with a series of mainline breaks across the golf course. A significant contributing factor to these ruptures has been our aging pump system, specifically its tendency to trip offline. Each time this occurs, the subsequent repressurization of the entire irrigation network puts immense stress on the main lines, leading to failures. These aren't minor fixes; they often require extensive excavation and precise repair work. Despite the daunting nature of these weekly occurrences, I cannot commend our team enough for their exceptional dedication and skill in tackling each break swiftly and effectively, minimizing disruption to play. Their tireless efforts are truly keeping our irrigation system operational under very trying circumstances. 

 



Golf Course Superintendent, 

Cogan Register 

 

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