It has been 92 days since our last one inch rain event!  Yikes.  From the wettest 18 months to a drought.  We certainly can adapt.  The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a statewide drought watch advisory because specific criteria have been met.  Precipitation amounts since July are 6-12 inches below normal, stream flows are 75 to 95 percent lower than recorded October flows, groundwater levels in some observation wells are 75 to 95 percent of previously recorded October levels, and minimal rainfall combined with record temperatures in September and October have resulted in very dry soil moisture conditions and subsequent agricultural impacts.  Lets hope this weather pattern changes! 

 

Not a pretty picture.

 

 

Our pump intake with the intake screen just beginning to break the surface.

 

 

We are pumping water from fifteen lake and it is showing.

 

 

We continue to water with reduced amounts.  Shorter days and cooler temperatures are helping.

 

 

Now is a good time to feed cool season turf.  However without adequate moisture we are careful where we apply fertilizer.  Here Rony applies a granular fertilizer to the 17th tee.

 

 

Pretty isn't it?

 

 

Mondays continue to be productive.  Here Francisco fills fairway divots with Gill's help. 

 

 

We also had a tree contractor remove multiple dead oaks on nine and near the driving range as well as chipping branches from the previous pruning.

 

 

Notice the difference?

 

 

Bermudagrass has really moved out this summer and fall.  That is a nasty plant and nearly indestructible..

 

 

The course is still looking good and playing fast!