On Tuesday we attended an educational opportunity provided through the Greater London Area Golf Superintendents Association. The event was hosted by Westhaven G & CC. The association brought in a number of very informative speakers to present a number of topics. Topics discussed were disease management, the benefits of a proper aeration program, interpreting soil reports, the use of specific fertilizers to encourage bentgrass and manage disease pressure, using technology in an environmental approach to golf course management and environmental irrigation management and practices. Golf course superintendents, assistants, owners and sales representatives were all in attendance to share a wealth of knowledge. Professional development is integral to modern golf course management. We as an industry take advantage of the winter months to attend these events as time allows. I am off to the Canadian International Turfgrass Conference and Trade Show in Toronto later this week. This is an opportunity to network with colleagues and attend a number of informative seminars, trade shows and social events.
Last fall we utilized a “new to us” method of revitilization for our practice tee. Our contractor TDS, fraize mowed the surface of the tee to remove organic matter as well at to aid in leveling. The tee was then aerified and seeded to a new variety of creeping rye grass. We chose this type of turf grass as research shows rapid recovery and a low growth habit. We were able to get some great growth in the fall, but the tee is still not ready for traffic and full use. The plan is to utilize the mats until growth has filled in some of the voids etc. We will then begin to slowly set up hitting areas on the grass tee. For a while we will alternate between grass and the mats with a 50/50 ratio of use. Once the grass tee is established and is in adequate recovery mode, the practice areas will be back to normal. As always our membership’s patience is appreciated as we try to improve these areas for use.
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