Opening day is right around the corner.  The course is beginning to grow and fill in.  This is an exciting week for the course as we open the 5th hole on Friday.  The sod has rooted in and has firmed up nicely.  The fairway was topdressed last week before the rain and we hope to do it again this week.  Fifteen is still a few weeks away.  Rough aeration begins Monday.  All of the greens were deep tine aerated earlier this week.  Mulching of all beds began Thursday and will keep us very busy the next few weeks.

The 5th hole about ready for play.

Shawn topdrssing the 5th fairway.

The new bunkers must be managed properly to give the most enjoyment.  NEVER enter the bunker or exit from the high side.  These areas have been compacted to ensure the ball will roll back to the flat portion.  Walking in these areas will loosen the sand and require additional work from our staff to firm up these areas.  More importantly balls will get stuck on the bunker's face causing a more severe penalty and much harder recovery shot.  Leave the bunker rake on the low side as well. 

Tamping and using the back of the rake to cause the ball to roll to the bunker floor.

Deep tine aeration of greens.  The tines go nearly ten inches in the green profile creating channels for root growth.

Five days later and the holes are nearly gone.

These are not aeration holes.  Unfortunately, these are ball marks.  We must do better.

Bermudagrass shoots beginning to emerge.

Watering new sod on 15 before we received needed rain.  

The 1st green showing the benefits of tree removal at 7:30 this morning.  Turf needs sunshine to thrive.  When was the last time this green had sunshine early?