After being open for nearly 8 months (the course opened on March 24 this year), the greens have been tentatively scheduled to close on Monday, November 22. Forecasted highs for the middle of next week through the foreseeable future have highs in the 20s and 30s, and Monday looks as if it may be our last opportunity to apply a protective layer of heavy sand topdressing. As was mentioned in the first post, this sand protects the plants from drying out over winter. Despite ceasing growth, turf plants are still alive through winter, and they require water for respiration. Accordingly, a lack of water that can be caused by a combination of no snow cover and windy conditions has the potential to result in turf injury and/or loss. In essence, the sand that we will be applying acts as a windbreak for the plants' growing points. Some courses cover their greens with a breathable fabric to accomplish the same objective, but research studies have yet to show that they offer any sort of definitive advantage over a sand layer. Plus, the sand is cheaper, easier to apply, promotes a healthy soil profile, and has been done successfully at Blackhawk for years.
If, for some reason, the forecast changes dramatically, topdressing could be postponed, but that doesn't look likely at this point. Of course, we will be sure to update you if postponement occurs. To end on a positive note, if the showers stay away, Sunday looks as if it could be a great day to get in your last round of the year.
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