Spring Round-up

Course Conditions

Tulips are on deck

Thanks to a cold and 'normal' winter, the course came through with flying colors.  The fear of winter freeze damage is lessened when no major thaws occur.  Midwinter thaws can do damage in a few ways but the most worrisome is weather that lets plants break dormancy and grow when they shouldn't. Results are often severe and can be fatal to certain species.  So, as our climate responds to our collective inputs we can be thankful for more normalcy and less chaos when we get it.  

Spring Growth 

Spring lushness

As mud season gives way and we move into May, as normal, there will be a growth surge in all areas on the course.  It's as much a blessing as a curse for our staff.  As you see in your own lawns and gardens, growth is fast and heavy, the grass seed finally pops and it's off to the races.  

To manage this we employ hormone regulators that slow the greens fairways and rough.  It's an imperfect solution but one that buys time for our operators to keep up with the speed of growth and increased golfer presence.  Be assured we use all of the resources available during this time to keep conditions playable. Within the constraints of hours in the day and avoiding daily play we mow as much as we're outfitted to mow. There will be moments during this time when it's too wet or we're struggling with older equipment when rough (especially) will get ahead of us - this is temporary.  

As summer heat moves in and the rock the course sits on heats up, the rough will dry up and thin out.  Your annual patience and understanding prior to that time goes a long way.  And remember, those heroic chips from 4 inch rough after you've short-sided yourself are character-builders!

Project Update

5/14

As the sod on the new tees knits in and rooting gets established we await better temperatures to really get them into gear. Seed on the banks is idling as temperatures aren't  quite there yet. As soon as growth can sustain it, we'll  mow them down closer to tee height and allow play.  Tees will open soon as temperatures climb and stay put.

#2 descent

On 2 tee we've added a more naturalized look to the descent. The limestone outcropping we were previously trying to mow was exposed to enjoy the natural beauty of the stone. The final look will be a weed-free meadow fescue laced through the 'mini cliff'.  We hope it'll  be an attractive addition to a fun hole.

 5th hole considerations 

As the yardages from the new tees will bring different looks and landing areas there has been much discussion regarding the trees on the inside of the dogleg on #5. 

As hole strategy and long term planning are discussed, there is a likelihood that trees will be pruned or removed to make the hole play as a true par 5 for all handicap levels. More importantly it will create more options for the player and offer a better quality shot than currently exists. The entire process may involve more adjustments than merely tree removal.  More to come as it develops.