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Spring is...here?

As I write this post there are light flurries in the air and the temperature is hovering around 0C. Technically spring is here, but from the conditions on the golf course you would never know it. Currently there is still some snow on the golf course and the soil temperatures are still well below the average for this time of year.

Spring is always a waiting game with removing covers from our greens. The ideal weather trend for removal is daytime highs nearing 5 or 6C and nighttime lows above 0C.  This type of trend is something that we have not yet seen this spring. We will continue to monitor the forecast and day to day conditions as we plan our attack. Once the covers are removed, the greens need time to acclimate and firm up to the point that they can handle traffic from both foot (for play) and equipment (for necessary cultural practices).

As the opening of the golf course is always a hot topic at this time of year, I have copied in a portion of a post I made last year in regards to spring activities. This program takes approximately 2 weeks of decent spring weather to complete.

Prior to opening our list of tasks includes, but is not limited to...
General course clean up (branches & debris)
Mowing of all playable areas 2-3x (greens, tees, fairways)
Bunker clean up and general repair (liner & debris)
Solid tine/slicing of fairways
Deep Vertical Mowing of Greens
Heavy topdressing of Greens
Deep Vertical Mowing of Tees and Approaches
Stump removal, clean up and sod preparation
Pump house and irrigation system set up and pressurizing
General course accessory set up

As you can see there is a fairly large amount of work to be completed prior to course opening. As we begin to progress through our list of tasks and jobs we will continue to evaluate all considerations for choosing an opening date...as always, we will keep you posted!

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