Course Superintendent's Message
December 2024,
The golf course has been closed for almost six weeks now, and we have seen both freezing and thawing weather these past couple weeks, with some snow mixed in between. We were fortunate to have been able to complete the winterization process prior to freezing - which would have made installing the tarps impossible due to frozen ground.
Over the past 4 weeks, we have completed the following:
- Deep-tine aeration on greens (in addition to drill and fill, this added more channels for water and air to move freely during the winter months)
- Deep-tine aeration on tees, fairways, driving range tee
- Irrigation system blowout
- Application of winter protectant fungicides
- Heavy topdressing on greens and tees
- Tarping of greens
The weather this past fall was excellent for golf and maintenance practices! Unfortunately, the great weather persisted following the closure of the golf course. Regardless, it was paramount that we executed our winterization process on schedule to eliminate any risk of not protecting our greatest asset: the golf course, and more specifically, the greens. Had we stayed open for an additional week, we would have greatly increased the risk of not protecting the greens to standard. We thank you for your patience as it allowed us to put the golf course to bed this year seamlessly.
There were a few hazardous trees that were removed, as well as some that were inhibiting the health of the putting green and the 18th green.
The fairway expansion work on #14 and #16 looks excellent as well. Prior to freezing, the sod had almost completely knit through to the soil as a result of the warmer fall weather. All turf throughout the property is now becoming dormant to rest for the winter. The warmer weather this fall was also beneficial to the plants as they were able to harness as much energy as possible to build up carbohydrates in their system for winter survival. This is a result of photosynthesis and direct sunlight hitting the turf while it was still growing in October.
We are extremely pleased with our winterization process. We did not make any changes from our plan the last two seasons and are happy with our current program to give us the greatest chance of fantastic spring conditions.
Thank you for your understanding towards our annual maintenance procedures. Every year is a little bit different with what Mother Nature can throw at us, but we are pleased with the progress we have made in how we are managing the property day to day. We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Happy holidays,
Matthew
Greens Policies
Tree Removal Policy - 2023 FEB