It is a busy time on the course, probably the busiest time of the year.  We had some breaks with the weather and greens aeration was a success.  Fairway aeration was again cancelled do to rain and we will try again on Monday to finish the remaining holes.  More tree work was completed while the course was closed. 

Oh no-just when the greens were perfect!  This important cultural practice is one reason why the greens are so good.

After the green is aerated we blow the cores to the outer perimeter and then pick them up.  This is a labor intensive operation.  When complete the green is ready for sanding.  This is done the following day.

This is Wednesday morning after the greens have been sanded, brushed, blown intensely and then seeded.  Most of the holes have been filled and there is minimal sand on the surface.  Timely rain helped move the sand into the profile.

Large tree removal is best accomplished when the course is closed.  Here is some work on the 5th hole that we have been trying for months to complete.

The same hole but a different tree.

When completed one nicely pruned white oak remains.  Beautiful!

Annual bluegrass has been prolific this spring.  It is not surprising considering the weather and extensive renovation we did last fall repairing the course from the harsh summer.  Growth regulators are used to suppress this weed while the bent fills in.  Huge changes will occur by the end of the month.

We avoid raking the faces of our bunkers and regularly compact them.  This reduces the chances of balls plugging and hopefully improves the players chances for recovery.

Here is a situation we want to avoid.  The player either entered or exited the bunker on the high side loosening the sand and eliminating the compaction.  The next ball to land there will surely get stuck in the soft sand and leave a very difficult shot.  Always enter and exit the bunker in the most level areas.

Here is a new problem due to Covid.  Four carts per foursome and twice the wear on the turf.  Please be cognizant of how and where you drive your cart with this in mind.  Carts do hurt the turf.

As the weather begins to warm expect to see more snakes on the course.  This is a northern water snake and is the most prevalent type on the course.  He is not poisonous.  Snakes are an important part of our ecosystem and should not be disturbed.