Green Cultivation

Today we started to core aerate the greens.  My plans are to work on just a few greens each week.  This way we can do the job right and get the green playable before we move on to the next green.

This is the first time in 10 years that we are core aerating the greens.  I did core just a few greens 3 years ago but this time we will complete all the greens.  Our topdressing program is the backbone to maintaining the proper balance of organic matter but this year was an exception the heat, constant heavy rains and high humidity worked against the topdressing program and the greens developed more organic matter then the sand could dilute.  The only way to get a handle on this is to remove it mechanically.

Organic matter or Thatch is good if under control, it can protect the crowns from traffic and provide a surface that is not to firm.  The green will then accept well played shots . Now when the green has excess organic matter there can be a multitude of problems too numerous to list

The process is quite simple but also takes 1.5 hours to complete each green when done properly.


First the green is core aerified using a 1/4 inch tine.  This tine is actually smaller  then a pen.

Once we have removed all the cores which totals about 3 of our small golf carts the green is topdressed with a little more sand then we usually use.  The green is then broomed, rolled 2 times and broomed again.  An organic fertilizer is then applied and the entire green is watered .

Wasps

There is really no good way to comment on the comments that I receive.  So I thought to write an update on these pesky wasps in the bunker on 12.  Well believe it or not I have tired just about everything, 20 cans of wasps and bee killer and 3 foggers right in the hole.  I am not sure what is going on here, I will spray the bee killer in their hole and they keep coming out through the spray.  I am going to try again this morning but these wasps are tough that is for sure.  I apologize for any inconvenience these wasp are causing I may have to call in an exterminator with I can not get them under control soon

I appreciate any comments that you may have.  I do not have any way to answer your questions through my comment section.  If you can please leave your email while posting question or concerns and I will gladly respond

Thank you and enjoy the great weather.

Neil   

Golf Course Update

Over the next few weeks we will be working on many  projects on the golf course.  Last week we started to core aerate the tees and completed the weak or bare areas around the golf course.  We are continuing to work our way around the course and as of yesterday we completed; 10-15, 1,2, 3,7,8,9 tees. 

On the 15th, we will start to core a few greens.  5,6 will be first on the list.  Next week we will compete 3,4,7 greens and then finishing the last week of September. 

Yesterday, I fertilized the fairways, tees and roughs with an organic based granular fertilizer.  This should help strengthen the turf for the winter.  This year the roots of the turf are weak.  I am really trying to build the turf up and fill in the weak spots before the winter season.

What a great few days we have had and I hope that you have been able to enjoy the golf course.

I look forward to seeing you soon

Neil

goats

Here is a golf course using goats to control the growth of grass in their native areas