Dry and Busy

It's been a few weeks since I've had the time to post, and you can be assured that it isn't because I've been vacationing.  As you can probably imagine, we've been a little on the busy side over the past few weeks.  Between the 4th of July fireworks, several big events, and an extended dry spell, the shop has been abuzz with activity, and the irrigation system (and our entire crew) has been working overtime.

As has been the case for much of the summer, the brunt of the severe storms that passed through the area this morning missed the golf course.  We did end up receiving 0.25" of much-needed rain.  This was the first measurable rainfall at the course since it rained 0.25" on June 21, and since May 25, only 3.25" has fallen.  During the same stretch last year, it rained 11", and we feel as if a happy medium is in order for 2012.

The 7:00 am sky looked very ominous this morning.

With this rain, the mosquitoes might become more prevalent.  During the fireworks on the 4th, a couple of the oodles of spectators offered reminders on many of the fairways that bug spray burns turf.  So, if you need to apply some mosquito repellent to yourself, please so do on a cart path or in the rough.  Otherwise, there will be a lot of green footprints surrounded by yellow turf on the course.

Besides the burns from both bug spray and fireworks, we're happy with how the course has been holding up.  In order to keep the course as fast and firm as possible, we run the irrigation system as little as possible overnight and spend a significant amount of time handwatering dry spots on greens, tees, and fairways.  Although it is time consuming and labor intensive, handwatering allows us to target the areas that need water the most.

Between routine maintenance and time spent watering, we haven't had very much extra time to devote to special projects over the past few weeks.  The only exception to this is that both the bathroom by 2 green and one of the cold storage buildings at the shop were repainted.  Both buildings were in sore need of a little TLC, and the fresh coat of paint did wonders.

Over the next few day, we'll be taking advantage of the brief weather break to continue a couple of tasks: spraying for Japanese beetles and aerifying tees.  We'll also be fertilizing the fairways, and we might even have time for a few small projects before the 90s return.

As difficult as the weather has made our jobs, it sure has been great for getting in a few rounds.  And, if you're like us, you'll enjoy the next three days of moderate weather before the furnace turns back on for the weekend.