Superintendent's Page

THANK YOU FLOWER VOLUNTEERS

All your hard work has produced some absolutely great comments from those that play our course. You should all be extremely proud of the effort you've put in and what has been created. If the past few years have been any indication this year's flower display will be great. We're all looking forward to the 2012 production. I'll be in contact with you when we know the dates the plants are arriving. And thanks for the hard work and dedication.

NOTE:  We are no longer recieving or flowers from the city. We are requesting you purchase your flowers and plants from your favorite greenhouse in town. Keep your receipts and pass them on to me (Grant) and I'll see to it you are reimbursed. and once again, thanks for all your hard and caring work.

WHY DO WE AERATE ?

In order for a putting green to survive a golf season a healthy root system is essential. Over time both foot traffic and mowing equipment compact the root zone making growing conditions extremely poor. And in the case of our small greens the situation becomes that much worse. Nutrient and water movement is reduced creating a negative impact on the root system, making the turf more susceptible to disease, heat and drought stress. Aeration creates spaces in the turf and soil allowing for enhanced water movement and gas exchange, both essential for proper root growth. It is also an opportunity to reduce thatch in the putting surface. In our particular case we also use the process to amend our less than ideal soil structure by introducing sand into the root zone.

2012 AERATION SCHEDULE

June Aeration - Jn. 18th aerate back 9 greens, front 9 start

                           Jn. 19st aerate front 9 greens, back 9 start

                           Jn. 20nd topdress back 9 greens, front 9 start

                           Jn. 21st topdress front 9 greens, back 9 start

August Aeration - Aug. 13th aerate back 9 greens, front 9 start

                               Aug. 14th aerate front 9 greens, back 9 start

                               Aug. 15th topdress back 9 greens, front 9 start

                               Aug. 16th topdress front 9 greens, back 9 start

SMALL THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

There are small things that golfers can do to help their course play and look better, and in the process, free up the maintenance crew for more essential work.

• Picking up broken tees prevents damage to costly mower reels
• Not overfilling trash containers prevents trash from blowing across the course
• Replacing a sign or a rope stake that has been knocked down keeps the course looking neat and helps prevent damage
• If an irrigation system leak is spotted, let a maintenance staff worker know about it so it can be fixed before damage occurs from traffic through the area
• Lose the herd mentality when driving power carts - avoid following the same path of the carts before you.
• Avoid taking divots on your practice swing
• Chip to the chipping green - not the practice putting green
• When practicing putting, avoid standing in one place for extended periods - doing so can damage the green
• Use the driving range to demo clubs - not the 10th tee

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED...........

HOW TO PROPERLY RAKE A SAND TRAP?

Raking a bunker is one of the easiest things to do, but many people are unawareof the proper technique. So here it is in a quick step-by-step guide.

1. Find the lowest spot around the edge of the bunker that is nearest to the ball. You will enter and exit here. Stepping in and out near a steep face causes erosion and pushes the sand off the face and into the bottom of the bunker. Plus its easier to rake flat areas of sand.

2. Step into the bunker... and take the rake with you! Though some believe it is against the rules to take the rake into the bunker, be assured, it is not only perfectly legal, but it is recommended as it speeds play. Just don't "test" the conditions or " improve" your lie with the rake, ok?

3. Play the shot. Put the rake behind you or otherwise out of the way. Be careful where you drop the rake; not only do you not want it to interfere with your swing, but you do not want it to help align your shot or otherwise touch you during your stroke. Both of those could be construed as using the rake to assist in making the shot.

4. Begin your raking by raking the divot from which you hit your ball, then your footprints. Pull the tines of the rake toward you to smooth over the sand without pulling too much sand. Attempt to restore the average surface of the sand to the proper contours of the bunker. Walk backwards towards your entry point, cleaning up your footprints as you go.

5. Step out of the bunker. Rake your last footsteps and place the rake in the proper position (inside the bunker parellel to the direction of play).

6. The raked bunker should have an even surface and no signs of footprints or divots and minimal signs of digging or plowing. Furrows from the rake tines are fine - you don't have to do anything about those, and bunkers ARE hazards.