Aeration review

Last week we previewed our upcoming aeration. This week we will recap how the process unfolded.

One of the biggest changes this year from year’s past was our plan for greens. We used bigger tines, but fewer of them, and we applied the sand prior to the aerator doing its work. We tested the plan on the chipping green on July 31^st to get a sense of what the process would look like.

Last week we headed onto the course to try and mimic what we did on the chipping green. The results were terrific. First, as we expected the process was much less labor intensive. We were able to use staff to get mowing done ahead of aerators, drag sand and compost, among other things. This was a huge bonus for having the course ready for play as soon as possible. Aside from using less labor, the result on the putting surface was far better than before. We were able to get much more sand into the holes (which is the idea) all with less disruption to the actual putting green. We didn’t have any extra foot traffic from shoveling, we didn’t have to drag as many times, there was less sand left on the surface which resulted in less abrasion to the grass plant. All of this adds up to a much cleaner, healthier final product. And now, one week later, the healing is incredible. We will be back to regular putting surfaces in less than 10 days.

Aeration of the fairways and tees, and our compost application also went off just as planned. Though we didn’t change this process, it still takes a lot of coordination and execution to go smoothly. Mowers go out first, followed by flagging of sprinklers quickly right behind before the aerators start. The compost spreader comes in just after the aerators. Finally, dragging the compost into the holes and turf canopy.

Our only hiccup for the week- 1.35” rain came Monday night. Although this was ideal for washing the sand into the holes on the front 9 greens, it made everything too wet to aerate the back 9 on Tuesday. We had to suspend our operation, but luckily only for one day. We were able to complete the fairways and greens on Wednesday and tees on Thursday.

Everyone did a great job, and the aeration process went just as we hoped. The changes we made look very promising, and we look forward to fine-tuning for next year.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

When parking your cart at a tee or green, please keep all 4 tires on the path. See pictures below for a visual aid:

 

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org