Turf Talk

BY SHAWN GILL GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT

The signs of spring are all around us now. Trees are flowering, tulips have bloomed, birds are staking out their nesting boxes, and the turf is turning back to green. The renewal of life that comes this time every year is wonderful to experience. Even Jack looks forward to the spring! His daily chasing of geese looking for a place to lay their eggs gives him the exercise he needs and satisfies the herding instincts that are ingrained in him. Most of all, the early signs of spring mean that a new golf season is upon us. I am just as excited to see you all enjoying this weather as you are to be out in it.

We had some of the best winter weather I can remember for preparing healthy turf for what I’m sure will be a very busy golf season. The course is strong and this will help us get through the bouts of extreme summer weather that will follow. I’m sure many of you have had the opportunity to “enjoy” the pungent aroma of compost spread over the fairways. I assure you that the smell will dissipate quickly, but the lasting positive effects will not. This material will not just provide a slow feed to the grass roots, but also create a sort of cushion for the turf that resists wear and compaction along with adding drought resistance.

As you come back out to play after your winter hiatus, you will undoubtedly notice some changes to the course. Tree removal continued on the Back 9, creating conditions that will help us develop thick, healthy rough and good hitting angles into the greens. We also cleared brush and small trees to the right of the creek on Hole #5. Now you will be able to see the stream as you prepare to tee off and play a little right to left shot if you like. I think the biggest difference you’ll notice, however, will be the new tee complex on Hole #3. It has truly become the “signature hole” with the changes that have been made. The positive feedback has been tremendous and it was fun to watch the “A Team” players hit the official inaugural shots from the back tee down near the lake. The first tee shot clipped a branch and fell into the water (fortunately it was a player from the opposing team!)

Spring is the busiest time of year for the Greens Crew. Right about the time we have to start mowing on a regular basis and make sure everything is set to go for golfers first thing in the morning, we also have to complete all of our early season aerations. It can be quite a disturbance to play and we appreciate your patience. You deserve to have great playing surfaces throughout the year, and this helps us give that to you.

I have heard one complaint about course conditions over the last several weeks: “The greens are too fast!” All I can say about that is, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it!

Have a great spring golf season everyone! 