The maintenance staff has been busy over the Winter months cutting trees, and clearing brush with the intent of improving air flow and sunlight to the turf. During the 2016 golf season, several greens lost turf due to excessive shading from trees and insufficient air movement. It is expected that the work completed recently will help to mitigate these problems. Below is a picture of number 2 green, illustrating some of the work done around that green.
There are several new additions to the golf course as well some this Spring. New tee markers were made for the course, a new billboard sign installed, and additional yellow traffic control bumps were installed on the path. The new tee markers should improve visibility from the path, be more durable, and heavy enough that the coyotes shouldn't carry them away. The billboard will help customers find the golf course. The yellow traffic control bumps will help keep the golfers from cutting corners on the path and killing the grass.
Aerification of the greens was completed on Monday, March 20th. Sand was applied to the greens first, following aerification the sand was brushed to fill all of the holes, and excess sand was blown off. Fertilizer was then applied to help speed up healing and feed the turf through the season. While aerification creates perceived short term inconvenience, the long term benefits are numerous. The process removes thatch, reduces compaction, creates channels for air/gas exchange, and improves water penetration. Everything possible will be done to keep the greens smooth during the healing process.
