Bumpy Fairways

The last few weeks, fairways have become noticeably bumpy.  Thatch is the culprit which causes this situation the areas become hydrophobic and are hard to wet, even with in-ground irrigation.  A wetting agent and spiking will help lessen the bumpiness temporarily but de-thatching is the more permenent solution. 

Pool Drainage

Grounds Staff installing a French drain in the pool lawn.  This drain line will help to eliminate surface water from running into the stairwell.

Color of Grasses

Fairways were sprayed earlier this spring to stop Poa annua from going to seed, this control product also slows growth and creates a bronzing look to the fairways.  This off color will last two to three weeks and eventually turn back to normal green.  Bronzing is only a side affect and doesn't harm the grass. Again the reason for spraying fairways is to eliminate the formation of poa seed heads and increase a better root system in the grass plant.   No seed heads will result in better playing conditions.

Another major color difference in the grass is where new bluegrass rough sod has been laid next to existing poa/ bent rough. This color change will continue until all renovation work is completed on the course.  Bronzing of fairways accentuates everything.

In April of 2012 greens 3 - 4 - 10 - 12  had new drainage put in by Golf Preservations of Middlesboro, Kentucky.  Each green took approximately one and half days to complete and drain lines were put on six foot centers.  The new lines were tied into existing drains near the green's lower side.  One or two clean outs were placed on the high side of each green, these will be used to keep the entire drain system clean and working freely. 

Lower Range Tee Re-level

Every few years tees become crowned from topdressing divots again and again.  The range is no exception to the crowned tee affect.  Exsisting sod is stripped, area will be leveled and sloped for proper grade and and re-seeded.  This area will be ready for play by mid May.  

Winter Injury Concerns

With the wide swings in temperatures and no snow cover for most of the winter, I'm concerned whether Wanakah's greens will survive if temperatures plumet. After reaching daytime highs in the forties and many days with rain, should temperatures go down into the teens at night, the Bent/Poa turfgrass on greens could be history.

Greens Drainage

Winter drainage, low areas on several putting greens collect water because of poor surface slope and internal drainage. To help water move off and avoid heavy ice build up, sod is removed prior to our first snow fall. The dark channel absorbs the sunlight helping to melt snow and ice when temperatures rise.