Golf
Par for the Course By Mike Kiesling, Director of Golf
The kick off to the 2020 Golf Season is around the corner. As the new director of golf, I am extremely excited
for our membership and all of the new opportunities to enjoy the game of golf. So, what exactly is new for 2020? 1. Monthly Couples Golf Association Events - Starting in March 2. Friday Night Couples - Starting in April 3. Monthly Junior Golf Events Starting in February 4. Weekly Women’s Instructional Programs - Starting in April 5. Weekly Men’s Golf League Starting in April 6. New Men’s Golf Association Events 7. Club Match Play Championship Now that the weather and golf action is heating up, how can we as golfers ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the same experience we had? It really starts with respecting everyone else on the course. Are we fixing ball marks, raking after ourselves in bunkers, and sanding our divots? What is our position on the course, and are we keeping up with the group in front of us? Often times we look to the course marshals to enforce rules and etiquette, or to the maintenance staff to fix ball marks and sand divots, but the ownership lies 100% with the golfer. Take our new ball mark repair tools out for a spin the next time you play a round. March is our major golf course maintenance month when we give the green the first aerification of the year. The first aerification of the year is generally
10
WINTER /SPRING 2 02 0
the largest core pulled. Golfers often ask, “Why is aeration needed?” Aeration is an essential program to keep playing surfaces healthy and in good condition. Aeration primarily is performed to control organic matter, decaying roots and grass stems, relieve soil compaction, stimulate root growth and improve drainage. If organic matter becomes too thick, it acts like a sponge and holds water at the surface after rain or irrigation. Excessive organic matter also inhibits root growth, reduces oxygen levels in the soil, encourages disease and eventually can lead to turf failure. Furthermore, excessive organic matter creates soft surfaces prone to ball marks, foot printing and inconsistent playing conditions. Aeration and topdressing are the most effective ways to control organic matter and maintain smooth, firm putting surfaces. Core aeration involves physically removing small soil cores from the turf and is the most common type of aeration. Aeration holes allow excess moisture to evaporate and promote gas exchange in the soil, resulting in stronger root systems and turf that is better able to tolerate foot traffic. Proper timing of aeration will ensure the fastest possible recovery and return to smooth surface conditions. The key to a quick recovery is to perform aeration when the turf is healthy and actively growing. There are many types of aeration
• LIFEstyle M AGA ZINE
