Reel to Reel

#3 fairway back under snow The temperature this morning is currently 20 degrees, with a windchill of 3 degrees.  Unfortunately, another .16" of rain fell last night and added to what was already saturated conditions. Yesterday's high reached 60 degrees.  This drastic 40 degree temperature swing is not an ideal scenario for the poa annua plants.  As discussed in numerous post this summer, poa annua has extremely weak heat tolerance.  It also has a low threshold for severe winter weather.  Time will tell how all of this excess moisture and sudden temperature drop will affect the plants. January Weather Recap  1 day(s) temperatures between    0-10 degrees 4 day(s) temperatures between  11-19 degrees 8 day(s) temperatures between  20-29 degrees 8 day(s) temperatures between  30-39 degrees 6 day(s) temperatures between  40-49 degrees 3 day(s) temperatures between...

The second thaw of the year is underway.  1.5" of rain this week and temperatures in the mid 50's have made for an extremely wet golf course.  Throughout the day the course has drained reasonably well considering the soil is still frozen in areas.  #2 fairway yesterday morning #2 fairway this morning This morning, greens #1, #9, #10, #12, #14, #15, #16 and #18 all had a little standing water on them.  Normally, I would've allowed the water to just soak in, however temperatures this evening are suppose to be dropping into the 20's. After observing the slow rate of drainage this morning, I decided to remove the excess water off of the greens. Using the squeegees was not on option because the greens were too soft to walk on. We came up with an alternative plan and rigged up a Wet Vac to an extension handle.  This set-up allowed us to easily reach the puddles and suck off the excess surface water without putting extra traff...

Mild temperatures, fog, and rain this morning have started to melt the snow we received this weekend.  Currently there is about an 1.5" of snow over the turf.  As I poked around this morning, I found the snow to be extremely wet and slushy.  It will make for an interesting week with temperatures predicted in the 50's and more rain on the way.  I will continue to monitor the meltdown and keep you up to date. #2 green covered in wet slushy snow

I just returned from the annual Michigan Turfgrass Conference.  This year the conference was held on Michigan State's campus in East Lansing.  The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation did a great job of bringing in speakers from all over the country.  Professors from MSU, Nebraska, Penn State, Ohio State, Rutgers, University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas spoke on a wide range of turfgrass related topics. A few of the more interesting topics included: water management and conservation, managing high traffic areas and the latest pathology reports. Attending this conference is always a great way to start the year and to gather fresh ideas for the new season.

A view from #7 The golf course is back under a little snow cover.  As of this morning, less than an inch has accumulated. Did you know...?  Did you know that the shape of a snowflake is determined by the temperature and humidity at which it is formed?  As a result, it is extremely difficult to encounter two identical snowflakes.  A snowflake forms when a water droplet freezes onto a pollen or dust particle.  This process creates an ice crystal.  As the ice crystal falls to the ground, water vapor freezes onto the primary crystal creating new crystals and unique shapes.  The following photos are courtesy of www.snowcrystals.com

Surface water from last week's snowmelt has been absorbed and the golf course remains in good shape.  Frigid overnight temperatures this week have created frozen ground conditions.  The freeze-thaw cycles this winter have provided a nice natural aerification.  As the soil profile expands and contracts during these cycles, air-filled pore spaces are created.  The increased pore spaces provide a healthier, more balanced soil profile.  This, in turn, provides a better medium for the plants to grow.

There is always a purpose to maintenance practices performed on the golf course.  In late October, the greens received an additional deep-tine aerification.  The goal was to help relieve compaction, as well as, create additional deep holes to help alleviate excess surface water from snowmelt or rain during the winter. #11 green last October receiving additional  9" deep-tine holes The aerification we completed in the fall was excellent preparation for the recent weather.  The weather we've experienced the last few days was the exact scenario we prepared for in the fall.  In addition to the 4" of snowmelt, the golf course has also received over an inch of rain.  The golf course has drained extremely well, especially the greens, which is evident in the photo of #5 below. As of this morning, all of the greens are free from any snow or standing water.  We will continue to pursue proactive...

The first melt of the year has occurred. The temperatures in excess of 50 degrees the last couple of days have melted most of the snow on the golf course.  Fortunately, moderate temperatures last night allowed the majority of the excess water to soak into the soil.  The photos below were taken from my walk this morning.  The turf continues to look healthy.  Shaded greens located in the southwest corner of the golf course, including #9, #18, #15, #14 and #12, still have a little snow cover.  I anticipate the remaining snow will melt off today with warmer temperatures and windy conditions expected later this afternoon.  #1 green Friday afternoon #1 green Saturday morning #5 fairway Friday afternoon #5 fairway Saturday morning   

I'm excited to announce a new staff member will be joining our maintenance team.  Myles Sprague has accepted the Assistant Superintendent position and will start in March.  Myles, a 2012 Michigan State University graduate, is eager to learn and expand his turf knowledge.  He has worked under two exceptional superintendents at Plum Hollow Country Club and Eagle Eye Golf Club.  His dedication, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will be a tremendous service to the club.

Temperatures in the mid 40's the last couple of days have started to melt the snow.  The melt has been pretty slow; the bunker banks have been the first to melt.  The remainder of the golf course still has about 2" of snow cover.  I would anticipate it melting off in the next couple of days with the forcast indicating temperatures in the 50's and rain. #11 fairway bunker  

Without a doubt, the most common question I'm asked is, "What does your staff do throughout the winter months?"  The answer is always the same... where do you want me to begin ?  There are many annual tasks that take place during the off-season in preparation for the following golf season.  We have over 100 mowers and pieces of equipment to completely go through.  The work ranges from fluid and filter changes, to sharpening cutting units, to repairs and other scheduled maintenance. In addition, we also refurbish the golf course supplies.  This includes striping down and staining tee markers, painting ball washers and trash cans, cleaning and repairing stakes and signage, etc. During the winter months, we also take care of the majority of our tree maintenance.  This work varies from pruning to the removal of dying or dangerous trees.  Our tree maintenance program not only helps with the aesthetic appearance of the course, ...

On behalf of the entire Greens Department, I'd like to wish you all a happy and safe 2013.   a nice sunrise this morning The golf course remains in good shape with several inches of snow insulating the turf. The year is off to a great start. Happy New Year!