Aeration, Long Term Benefits For The Greens.

A deep and healthy root system on greens isn't an accident. Many management practices are implemented to maximize root growth. One of the most important of these practices is occurring this week... the practice of solid-tine Aeration."

Solid-tine aeration pokes a long, solid spikeinto the putting surface. Although millions of holes are being punched, we are only affecting 3.5% of the putting surface. Each hole relieves compaction and creates a channel for fresh air and water to enter. A layer of sand on the putting surface is brushed until each channel is filled. Sometimes the sand bridges within the hole and doesn't allow for a complete filling of sand. This can be very beneficial. The pocket of air remaining in the bottom portion of the channel becomes a perfect environment for new root development. When new root growth reaches these open channels, the roots fill the voids and can extend down 10+ inches. We witness this benefit during our normal cup changing practices. Upon removing the 6" deep plug from the new pin location, roots will be hanging out several inches of a deep-tine channel.

Some other factors that promote a deep, expansive root system include:

• Proper water management. Over watering encourages short, lazy roots. Allowing the soil profile to remain on the drier side, encourages deep, aggressive roots.
• 
  Proper fertilization will promote root growth during ideal temperatures. Improper fertilization causes the turf leaves to grow at an accelerated rate at the expense of the root system. So, 'just fertilizing' isn't always the best thing.Maximizing photosynthetic capabilities by not mowing the turf too short, too soon. Think of the grass blades as little solar panels. The larger the panel, the more energy (food) can be created and stored.
• Continued soil aeration by venting the putting surfaces with needle tines.

The speed of recovery from solid-tine aeration will be directly influenced by the weather. In a normal year, the putting surfaces will be 95% healed in 7-10 days. If night time temperatures continue to remain cold, the frosty mornings could slow the growth rate of the grass. Besides growing over the solid-tine hole, the turf must also grow through the 20 tons of sand that has been applied to the surfaces. The greens maintenance will be alternated with rolling and mowing to reduce the mechanical damage from the mowers. Once healed, we'll begin slowly reducing mowing heights and preparing for summer playing conditions, set to develop a deep and healthy root system.

Mike O'Neill

GCS

#18 Bunker Project Almost Complete!

 The bunker project and fairway expansion is shaping up nicely as of this week.  We have sodded both sides of the hole and installed the drainage layer.  Next, we will be applying a permanent polymer coating to the stone to keep the stone sub-layer in place and to keep the stone from migrating into the bunker sand in the future.  This process also keeps soil and other contaminants from entering the bunker sand.  We look to complete the entire project and have the bunker open for play next week if weather cooperates.

Mike O'Neill
GCS

A New Look for Many Holes On the Golf Course.

Over the winter, the grounds staff has been very busy pruning and clearing lanes on each golf hole on the course.  Many lanes from the tee boxes were grown in and creating an unfair view of the golf hole.  Case in point is hole #10, as pictured above.  The trees on either side of the hole were pruned back to provide this view we have now.  This golf hole is already tight off the tee and reminiscent of the 18th tee view at Augusta National.  So I found it fitting to post this pic to show how tight many golf holes are here in comparison to Augusta for Masters week.  I believe many golfers will appreciate the new look on this hole as well as many of the other holes on the golf course.

Mike O'Neill
GCS

The Grass Is Growing!

The early golf season presents many challenges for the maintenance staff, the biggest being devoting much of our work week to keep up with the grass that is growing out of control.  With a limited staff this time of year it makes for a long week for our full-time staff.  What happens is when the plant goes dormant in the fall it stores all of its "Food" or carbs in the crown and root system.  When temps get up in the spring for consecutive days the stored "Food" is release in the form of top growth and the grass grows as aggressively as it will all season.  We have done our best to keep up with the growth but there are certainly thick areas of rough out there on the golf course.  The course is actually pretty clean right now with minimal sticks and debris around so we should be on the right path to a great golfing season.