Why Do We Aerify

The illustration above shows a great example of the benefits of the aerification process.  We do not perform a conventional Spring Aerification.  The greens were aerated in early November and should recover quickly once warmer temperatures arrive.  The 2013 Aerification Schedule will consist of the Following:

June 3rd:  1/4" hollow tines (Minimal Disruption/Quick Recovery time)
August 12th: 1/2" hollow tines (Significant Disruption/Longer Recovery Time)
October 23rd 24th: Drill & Fill followed by Aerification (Significant Disruption)

Drainage Project

A new drainage project between #10 and #18 was started today.  This project is intended to keep water off of #18 that is coming across #9 and #10.  This is a notorious wet area on the golf course and should be finished up by Thursday.  We are currently working on the bunkers on the Willows and should have them completed by Wednesday.  We will then begin the clean up process of the Pines.  We anticipate the Pines opening by the middle of next week.

Possible Saturday Frost Delay

Tonights night time low is expected to reach 25 degrees.  The soil temperatures are still rather cold and the expected cold night may freeze the greens once again.  The greens will thaw throughout the morning but it is possible that we may have an extended frost/freeze delay tomorrow morning.

Covers Removed

We were finally able to remove the covers on the Old Course today and I am happy to report the we sustained no winter injury.  Heading into winter we applied a heavy application of topdressing that we will be working into the canopy and blowing off the greens.  The purpose of this sand was to protect the crown of our Poa Annua putting surfaces.  Once these greens are blown off they will look more playable.

Course Opening Update

The Falls will open this afternoon approximately between 12:00-1:00.  We are just waiting on the Greens to thaw.  The Falls should open tomorrow at 10:00.  The Driving Range will also be available tomorrow for Mats Only Use.  We are pulling covers this morning and as long as we don't run into any damage on the greens we anticipate opening the South Course for the weekend.  We are currently working with limited staff so we will be lacking the conveniences  of Water Coolers, rakes in bunkers, and etc.  But as we continue with preparation we will begin the process of adding these accessories to the course.  The course is fairly dry so we will only have a select holes that we will have to keep you on the paths.  We are looking forward to seeing you out here this weekend.

Progress on Driving Range Tee

We were able to get a mower on the Driving Range Tee yesterday.  The drier conditions has allowed us to aerify and topdress the tee this afternoon.  This is a key part in root development for the tee.  We will open the Driving Range for "Mat Use Only" when we are able to pick the range balls.  The grass part of the tee is expected to open in early May.  We will continue to work on the parking areas through the month of April as conditions continue to dry up.

Opening Update

Looking at the forecast this week the tentative schedule is to open the Falls or Friday with a possibility of a Thursday opening.  Wednesday's night time temperatures are calling for low 20's or upper teens.  These cold temperatures may keep us from opening on Thursday.  We do plan on removing the covers from the Old Course on Thursday afternoon.  The schedule for opening a nine on the Old Course will depend on how the greens look once the covers are removed.  There is a chance of having the South Course open for the weekend.  We will keep you updated throughout the week with the status of the golf course.