Verticutting fairways

It is now peak growing season for the Bermuda grass. So, we started our fairway verticut program last week.

Verticutting the Bermuda grass slices down into the canopy and removes a tremendous amount of material- thatch, stems, and other organic material that has built up over the last year. By removing this material, it reduces the puffiness of the surface. It also allows air down into the canopy and reinvigorates the remaining turf to fill back in and grow very strongly for the remainder of the year.

The material that is torn out of the fairways is broken up first with a drag, which helps separate the grass and stem material from soil. The soil is allowed to fall back into the canopy. Once the organic material is dry, we then blow it off the fairway into the rough. From there, we use our vacuum to pick it up and haul it away.

It is a very slow process from start to finish- which is why we must spread it out over several weeks. We got an abbreviated start this year because of the Maryland Senior Mid-Amateur event we are hosting, completing only the par 3’s and 17 and 18 fairways. Picking back up just after the event, we will continue over the next couple of weeks to complete the work.

We appreciate your patience during this disruptive but very necessary and beneficial practice. Completing the work now, during our relatively slow time in the golf schedule, provides the best playing surfaces for our busiest time in the fall.

 

 

Also, please note that we will be aerating the course starting Monday August 3^rd through Thursday August 6^th. The course and practice facilities are closed during this time. Thank you

 

 

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

Golf Cart tips

 

 

 

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org