Seeding Update

Nearly all the seeding is done and our new plants are doing very well.  The seed on the tees, approaches, and green surrounds has been down for 2 weeks and all of it has been cut multiple times.  We are currently mowing the tees and approaches at an increased height of cut of 3/4 inch.  We will go down to 5/8  tomorrow and drop in down to 1/2" by the end of next week. 

As of last week, the seedlings have everything they need.  Immediately after the first cut, we sprayed Primo and iron to darken it up and improve the growth habit.  All these years of overseeding have taught me that growth regulator is just as important, if not more important, than fertility.  This product will reduce upright growth and send the turf sideways and down to increase density and rooting.  The benefits are huge and the cost is reasonable and worth it.

We are still running around with the seeder, both the walker and tractor-mounted unit to improve thin and compacted areas.  As long as this weather continues and the fog stays away, we can make the most of the opportunity and improve winter playing conditions.

Red Fox Update

I haven't mentioned these little fellas for quite a while, but there are still roaming the grounds early in the morning.  This morning, Marvin was mowing greens and pulled off his hat to cool off his head.  He dropped it by the flagstick at the side of the green and minutes later, a fox was heading down the 10th fairway with Marvin's hat in his mouth. 

Bert came to the rescue and chased the fox until it was startled enough to drop the hat.  Lucky for Marvin, Bert got there before the fox marked his prize with a trademark scent.  Every lost glove or clubhead cover that spends the night on the grounds will get marked by the fox and the odor is pretty powerful.  Nice work Bert!!

Fairways and Approach Expansions

This is a great time of year to adjust some of the cuts and contours of the turf.  We've fixed up the tee lines, adjusted the collar widths, and expanded multiple areas.  The most noticeable changes will the fairway on #2, the fairway on #14, and the approach on #9.  #2 is similar to our work on the first hole a couple of summers ago.  The forward tee on #2 was moved up for a short duration, but did not last because of safety concerns (from the range), and a renovation to the underlying septic fields.  Until we devise a plan for a new forward tee, the fairway is being drawn back towards the tee.  A 70 yard carry over rough will be more like 40 which will make a difference for those first couple of shots.

Finally, the approach on #9 has always been a strange angle, entering the hole from a severe right to left turn.  We widened the approach well to the left for aesthetics and playability.  A ball landing on this slope could trickle down to a more level ground or bounce up to the green.  We will be aerifying this area today and topdressing to even up the firmness with the original approach.  In this picture the turf is only at 1 inch, so it still looks like rough.  By next week it will be down to a 1/2".

Tree Program

There is more to come by tomorrow on this topic.  We are in full swing and have started in on a major tree renovation.  Many trees that are dead or dying are being removed and new ones will take their place.  Yesterday we cut down 12-15 trees that have stopped serving a purpose on the course.  An outside company came in and ground 25 stumps to finish the removal process.  The first of many plantings will take place tomorrow when we plant the beginnings of a beautiful grove of valley oaks to the left of #4.  I will post an extensive update tomorrow that will tell you where we are and where we're going.