Challenging weather and Spring Aeration

Challenging is the word that I would use to describe 2013's spring weather. Our staff has barely been able to get around the golf course, let alone prepare and groom it to our standards. We have been unable to mow tees, approaches and fairways on a regular schedule. The rough is out of control, literally. We are hoping to get the mowers out into the rough by the weekend. We will begin our annual bunker sand shifting and addition once the golf course is able to handle traffic. Bunker edging has continued and we will also be removing some of the grub damaged sod around some of the bunkers shortly. Grub numbers were way up last fall in our bunker surrounds, the damage is evident. Once repaired, we will be treating these areas this spring to control grub populations.
As part of our cultural program we will be aerifying our greens very shortly. Starting on Sunday (May 5th) afternoon at 4pm we will begin aerification on No. 1 green and then continue through the holes in order until dark. As we work on the greens the pins will be placed into the approaches both for safety and efficiency. We will continue the work on Monday (May 6th) as needed. Our goal during this time is to complete core aeration, removal of the cores, topdress of all greens to fill the holes, interseed with T1 creeping Bentgrass and apply a Potassium based fertilizer. This process will help to set up our greens for a long and challenging season of play. Notices will be posted in both the locker rooms and the pro shop as reminders. As always, your patience and understanding is appreciated.