Feast or famine

We discussed last week how we have transitioned rapidly from dry to wet. So far, the trend has continued. It has been feast or famine this season in terms of rainfall, and right now we have too much.

For some perspective:

·         For the month of August, we have now received more rain than for the months of May, June, and July combined.

·         The total thus far for August is also equal to half the rain we have received this entire year! From January to July, we have had just over 12” of rain. In the last 29 days we have received 6.5”.

Needless to say, this presents problems for the Grounds department and managing the property. We have had to shovel the sand back up the edges of bunkers 3 out of the last 4 days. Some rough hasn’t been cut all week, either because it is too wet or because our labor has had to be focused on other areas.

Some areas have only been partially mowed. For example, we mowed 8 passes in the rough around greens to just stay on top of it. Last week, we cut the same portion, but we had to do it with push mowers because even our lightweight riding mowers were too heavy for the saturated ground.

The Bermuda grass is a great challenge as well. Warm, wet weather is ideal for Bermuda grass growth. We were lucky enough to get 2 cuts on fairways last week, though we pushed the envelope on some borderline too-wet areas. We also were able to mow tees and approaches twice. However, with the growth rate of the grass, they could have each used 4 cuts and we will already be behind to start the week.

Greens are the most difficult to manage during a time like this. The grass is at its weakest after a long, busy summer. Roots are short and the recuperative potential is minimal. Mow them when they are too wet, and damage will result. We don’t like to see the greens get long and perform poorly anymore than the golfers do, but we always must be looking forward and protecting the turf for the next day. We could force our mowers out and get the greens mowed, but the damage from the one-time cut could last until October. It is a fine balance deciding when to push forward and when to hold back.

We understand there can be frustration surrounding poor conditions- rough not mowed, bunkers not raked, slow and bumpy greens, another cart path only day. However, the reality is that we are working to keep the course as great as possible, for each day and for the next day too.

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please remember to remove any bunker sand that may be stuck to your spikes before walking on the greens.

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

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org