Greens covers

The grounds staff completed the installation of all five greens covers yesterday (11/21) and the timing could not have been any better. This is the third winter that #11 and #17 green will be covered, the second winter for #3 green, and this fall we added covers to #8 and #14.



Applying cover to #3 green Thursday (11/21)



Snow on the course the following morning (11/22)





In addition, the golf course will be closed to play this weekend and greens will lkely remain closed until spring.

November Update

The month of November has been a busy one for the grounds staff. So far we have accomplished a number of tasks in order to prepare for winter.

On Thursday (11/7) the grounds staff removed the large Ash tree located next to #3 mens tee. This tree was selected for removal for many reasons; first, being an Ash tree it was only a matter of time before it would become infested with Emerald Ash Borer. Second, the removal of this tree will help get more sun on #2 green, especially in the winter. Third, #3 tee would frequently dry out in that back corner so the removal of this tree should help with moisture management. In addition, Honey Locusts located behind #10 green and #11 green were removed as well. The removal of these trees should help increase light and air flow and promote healthier turf in the surrounding area.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday (11/12-13) the irrigation system was winterized as were the restrooms on the golf course. The irrigation system needs to be cleared of water using compressed air so the water does not freeze in the pipes over winter.

On Friday (11/15) snow mold protection was applied to greens, tees, and fairways. Snow mold is a winter disease caused by cold-loving fungal species. Snow mold is unique because it can attack the grass plant at low temperatures. If left untreated, this disease could have a devastating effect on these turf areas.

All of these tasks will help prepare the golf course for winter.

Take a little off the top

Today we began the process of cutting back all the perennial ornamentals on the golf course. Work was completed on the beds around the clubhouse and some of the areas on the course with the rest of the beds to be finished in the near future. The recent string of frosty nights have pretty much put an end to the aesthetic beauty of these plants for the year. It is necessary to remove the dead tissue once a year so the beds do not appear messy and overgrown. Perennials can be cut back in either the spring or fall and consists of simply cutting the plants about one or two inches above ground level.