The golf course has presented its share of challenges this spring.  The contamination of our new fairways and rough with annual bluegrass is concerning but can be fixed.  We began to see the annual bluegrass last fall but felt current applications of growth regulators would keep it in check.  The difficult winter followed by the late spring increased its development and it exploded this spring.  We contacted the USGA once we saw the severity of the problem and are following their recommendations.  The USGA noted that this is not unusual with newly seeded fairways and rough.  Aggressive growth regulator applications are being applied every two weeks that inhibit the growth of the annual bluegrass and promote bentgrass lateral growth.  In addition we will apply a preemergent herbicide in late August to prevent annual bluegrass germination.  We are also collecting clippings at all times and mowing more fairways with light weight mowers to reduce the development of annual bluegrass.  Annual bluegrass reduction in the rough will most likely be the most difficult challenge we face.  Seeding in August and sodding of specific areas in late fall are recommended.

Besides the annual bluegrass problems we experienced some winter kill of bermudagrass on our driving range tee.  We expected it to grow out but it is clear that part of it did not survive and must be replaced.  On Wednesday May20th and Thursday May 21st the sod will be replaced.  We anticipate about three weeks for the sod to root in before we can play on it.

We understand the disappointment with the condition of the new turf but are confident we will get it back into shape.

 

The pollen has been so severe the troops are wearing eye protection when mowing.  Things are finally getting better.

 

 

Greens aerification went very well and recovery has been fast- but never fast enough.  We begin lowering the height of cut on Wednesday and hope to have sharp mowers for the weekend.

 

 

Our greens have great roots.  This soil profile shows how well the sand has been incorporated into the holes.  Notice the nice roots following the sand channels.

 

 

The first mow after aeration.  The height of cut is raised to allow the sand to work into the canopy.

 

 

May has been dry and we are irrigating as necessary.  Here Erik uses a moisture meter to check current moisture levels in the root zone.

 

 

Julio and Armando are doing some great work in our flower beds!

 

 

Perfect sunrise!