Reel to Reel

I think this may be the theme of the year. Record temperatures this March have been well above average. This is how the month has shaped up: 4 days temperatures above 30 degrees 6 days temperatures above 40 degrees 5 days temperatures above 50 degrees 5 days temperatures above 60 degrees 7 days temperatures above 70 degrees 3 days temperatures above 80 degrees Although temperatures have been unseasonably warm, weather this time of year is still unpredictable. Below is a picture of #18 green this afternoon covered in hail.

The unexpected warm weather this March has us off to a rapid pace. Maintenance on the golf course is ahead of schedule as we are trying to stay one step ahead of mother nature. We have another busy week ahead. Maintenance Schedule 3/26-3/30 -Verticut/cut greens -Spray greens -Finish landscaping front club entrance -Aerify/topdress short range greens -Continued course clean-up -Weekly mowing/rolling

The short range renovation that occurred last fall is looking great. The warm weather and timely rains have the plants off to a healthy start. The new putting green, target greens and fairway are all actively growing and filling in each day. Next week, we plan on aerifying, topdressing and rolling the new putting green. This process will help smooth out the surface so we can continue to lower the cutting height.

The unseasonably warm weather this March has the turf off to an early start. I don't ever remember the greens having this good of color on St. Patrick's Day . They have firmed up nicely the last couple of days and are rolling smoothly for this time of year. The rest of the course is in good shape, as we accomplished quite a bit this week: - Greens, tees and fairways blown off - Greens cut and rolled - Fungicide and poa seedhead suppression applied to the greens - Bunkers cleaned out and raked - Hazards painted and staked - Continued course clean-up - Golf course accessories (tee markers, benches, etc.) in place I'm looking forward to another productive week as the warm temperatures continue.

The greens received their first cut of the year. Grass clippings were minimal as the turf has not yet fully awakened. Soil temperatures are on the rise and with the recent rainfall, I would expect the turf to start greening up quickly.

Spring is off to a quick start. Warm temperatures and strong winds last week helped dry the golf course out. We were able to open the front 9 greens last Wednesday and the back 9 greens Sunday. Last night we accumulated 1.3 inches of rain. As you can imagine the golf course is extremely wet. Carts will be available as soon as conditions firm up. The mild conditions we saw throughout the winter look to be continuing this spring as March is off to a warm start. Temperatures have already reached the mid 60's several times and the trend continues according to the extended forecast. This week's activities will include continued golf course clean-up and most likely the first cutting of the greens. Please check back soon, as golf course conditions and maintenance change quickly this time of year.