I wanted to give you a quick update on a couple of items concerning the golf course.
The weather this week has caused a delay with our scheduled Greens Aerification. The Practice Greens are finished, unfortunately, we still have four greens to topdress on the front nine and all of the back nine yet to complete. As long as the weather holds up for tomorrow, I expect to be finished with the entire course by the end of the day.
As for golf tomorrow, we will open what is available, but I can't guarantee that we will have a full nine holes until later in the day. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be business as usual, although expect sandy, bumpy greens.
Next week we are scheduled to begin the greens drainage project on holes #5 and #7. This project was originally scheduled for February. Due to the 21.2" of snow, we were forced to push the project back. Weather permitting, we will start on Monday and should be finished by the end of the day on Thursday. Look for updates of this project on Twitter or the blog, as this is quite a process to witness.
Thank you for your understanding with these projects. We look forward to warmer days and a full golf course!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
What a Difference a Year Makes!
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| April 2, 2013 |
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| April 2, 2012 |
Interesting comparison between a warm year and a cooler year. Zoysia is slowly starting to come around in the top picture, at this point last year we were already green.
Great find by Assistant Superintendent, Dallas Cockrell.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Upcoming Schedule
Happy Easter to those of you receiving this Sunday morning. I wanted to give you a quick update on a few items coming up on our calendar.
Spring Greens Aerification is currently scheduled for this coming Monday (April 1st). Due to the potential for rain as well as cold temperatures, there is a possibility that we won't get started on this until Tuesday or Wednesday. Once we get started we will have nine holes closed for two days during the process. We will do the front nine greens on day one and back nine greens on day two.
Following the aerification we will be adding drainage to Greens #5 and #7. This was the project that was scheduled for February, but was delayed due to 21" of snow. The current plan is to begin this project the week of April 8th. Each green will take about a day and a half.
I will keep you posted if there are any changes due to weather.
Spring Greens Aerification is currently scheduled for this coming Monday (April 1st). Due to the potential for rain as well as cold temperatures, there is a possibility that we won't get started on this until Tuesday or Wednesday. Once we get started we will have nine holes closed for two days during the process. We will do the front nine greens on day one and back nine greens on day two.
Following the aerification we will be adding drainage to Greens #5 and #7. This was the project that was scheduled for February, but was delayed due to 21" of snow. The current plan is to begin this project the week of April 8th. Each green will take about a day and a half.
I will keep you posted if there are any changes due to weather.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Wichita Weather
Compared to the weather we have had the last few years, the recent snow and the cold temperatures seem out of the norm for the month of March. In reality, this is probably more in line with our historical average.
Since weather records have been kept for our area, our average last spring frost (32 degrees and below) is April 11th. Our average last spring freeze (28 degrees and below) is March 29th. In fact, the 24 hour record snowfall total for the state was set in late March of 2009 when Pratt received 30" of snow. Likewise, Wichita's highest single day snowfall total occurred in March of 1970.
Don't get me wrong, the winter of 2012-2013 had its share of records. In total, the 29.8" of snow we received this winter is the 6th snowiest season on record. The month of February total of 21.2" is the greatest monthly snowfall total on record. The 14.2" of snow back on February 21st is the second highest snowfall total for a single day. To put this in perspective, our average seasonal snowfall total is 14.7".
All of this coming off of the hottest year on record. Let's hope the cool temps continue to trend into the summer!
Since weather records have been kept for our area, our average last spring frost (32 degrees and below) is April 11th. Our average last spring freeze (28 degrees and below) is March 29th. In fact, the 24 hour record snowfall total for the state was set in late March of 2009 when Pratt received 30" of snow. Likewise, Wichita's highest single day snowfall total occurred in March of 1970.
Don't get me wrong, the winter of 2012-2013 had its share of records. In total, the 29.8" of snow we received this winter is the 6th snowiest season on record. The month of February total of 21.2" is the greatest monthly snowfall total on record. The 14.2" of snow back on February 21st is the second highest snowfall total for a single day. To put this in perspective, our average seasonal snowfall total is 14.7".
All of this coming off of the hottest year on record. Let's hope the cool temps continue to trend into the summer!
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| Sunday morning at the Club. |
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Warm Season Grasses in Wichita?
With the ever increasing water rates in Wichita, along with the potential for water restrictions, I find myself wondering why there is not more talk of converting our home lawns and common areas to warm season grasses.
The last few years have highlighted the difficulty of maintaining Fescue yards in our hot, dry climate. The constant battle trying to keep the unwanted Bermuda out results in frequent herbicide applications, coupled with the annual fall overseeding. Conserving water leads to more Bermuda encroachment, thin turf around curbs and driveways, and overall weak turf.
Yes, the textbook says to dry it out for deeper roots and a healthier lawn, unfortunately, I'm not sure this is always the case. Too many times, our neighbor that piles on the water has the healthier lawn during the heat of the summer. The fact is, cool season turf requires generous amounts of water during the heat of our summers.
At some point, I think we are going to see a gradual shift in our turfgrass selections for yards. The obvious choice is Bermuda or Zoysia. The improved seeded varieties of Bermuda coming out of Oklahoma State are natural choices for drought and cold tolerance, as well as overall ease of maintaining.
Our choices for Zoysia are more limited. Meyer Zoysia (our fairway grass) is currently the best option. The downside to Zoysia would be the increased thatch production and potential for disease. K State is evaluating a Zoysia that is targeted for lawns in our area. Unfortunately, it may be another five years before this is available.
As homeowners grow tired of the $300+/month water bill (or dry wells for some), along with the increasing headache of maintaining a cool season lawn, I predict we will slowly begin to accept the color of dormant winter turf from the warm season grasses.
The last few years have highlighted the difficulty of maintaining Fescue yards in our hot, dry climate. The constant battle trying to keep the unwanted Bermuda out results in frequent herbicide applications, coupled with the annual fall overseeding. Conserving water leads to more Bermuda encroachment, thin turf around curbs and driveways, and overall weak turf.
Yes, the textbook says to dry it out for deeper roots and a healthier lawn, unfortunately, I'm not sure this is always the case. Too many times, our neighbor that piles on the water has the healthier lawn during the heat of the summer. The fact is, cool season turf requires generous amounts of water during the heat of our summers.
At some point, I think we are going to see a gradual shift in our turfgrass selections for yards. The obvious choice is Bermuda or Zoysia. The improved seeded varieties of Bermuda coming out of Oklahoma State are natural choices for drought and cold tolerance, as well as overall ease of maintaining.
Our choices for Zoysia are more limited. Meyer Zoysia (our fairway grass) is currently the best option. The downside to Zoysia would be the increased thatch production and potential for disease. K State is evaluating a Zoysia that is targeted for lawns in our area. Unfortunately, it may be another five years before this is available.
As homeowners grow tired of the $300+/month water bill (or dry wells for some), along with the increasing headache of maintaining a cool season lawn, I predict we will slowly begin to accept the color of dormant winter turf from the warm season grasses.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Watching the Snow Melt
After a brief hiatus, I am ready to get the blog fired up more frequently. Over the last few weeks, our time has been occupied completing our inside work (detailed in my last post), as well as tending to all the snow that blanketed Wichita. Officially, we ended up with 21.2" of snow for the month. This was the most snow ever in a single month for Wichita.
In years past, the first of March typically marks the beginning of our outdoor work season. The first few items to break the winter hibernation (aside from winter projects) are Poa control on greens, rough aerification, and occasionally a late touch up seeding in the rough. With the snow still on the ground, it looks like we may be backing up the calendar at least a week. Although typical for Wichita, we will be in the mid 60's before the week is over!
If you keep up with the blog, you have probably heard me talk about some of the different types of technology we use to monitor moisture and temperature in the greens. Our primary method for measuring soil moisture is with a portable hand-held unit. During the winter months this is seldom possible due to frozen greens or snow cover. The alternative to this method are the in-ground sensors that we have placed in various greens throughout the course. The data from the sensors is a web based application that can be easily monitored through multiple sources.
Above is a screen shot of moisture and temperature. The top graph shows moisture. As the line moves upward, this signifies the melting of the snow. The bottom graph reflects temperature swings prior to snow cover, followed by a constant line after snow cover. Notice the 20 degree daily fluctuation before the snow.
Nothing beats getting out on the course to see whats going on, but with technology that we have today, we are armed with valuable information before ever stepping foot on the course.
As far as getting the course opened, I would expect by Wednesday afternoon or Thursday we should be ready for play. Once the snow melts, we have some cleanup to deal with (primarily from the Geese) before we can get it opened. Hopefully, by then the course will have had a chance to dry down some. As it gets closer, check Foretees for the first available tee times.
In years past, the first of March typically marks the beginning of our outdoor work season. The first few items to break the winter hibernation (aside from winter projects) are Poa control on greens, rough aerification, and occasionally a late touch up seeding in the rough. With the snow still on the ground, it looks like we may be backing up the calendar at least a week. Although typical for Wichita, we will be in the mid 60's before the week is over!
If you keep up with the blog, you have probably heard me talk about some of the different types of technology we use to monitor moisture and temperature in the greens. Our primary method for measuring soil moisture is with a portable hand-held unit. During the winter months this is seldom possible due to frozen greens or snow cover. The alternative to this method are the in-ground sensors that we have placed in various greens throughout the course. The data from the sensors is a web based application that can be easily monitored through multiple sources.
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| Screen shot of Toro Site Vision |
Above is a screen shot of moisture and temperature. The top graph shows moisture. As the line moves upward, this signifies the melting of the snow. The bottom graph reflects temperature swings prior to snow cover, followed by a constant line after snow cover. Notice the 20 degree daily fluctuation before the snow.
Nothing beats getting out on the course to see whats going on, but with technology that we have today, we are armed with valuable information before ever stepping foot on the course.
As far as getting the course opened, I would expect by Wednesday afternoon or Thursday we should be ready for play. Once the snow melts, we have some cleanup to deal with (primarily from the Geese) before we can get it opened. Hopefully, by then the course will have had a chance to dry down some. As it gets closer, check Foretees for the first available tee times.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Winter Projects
Heading into the winter months, we always get the question, "What do you and your crew do all winter?". As much as I would like to be skiing in the mountains or hanging out on the beach, winter is a busy time of year for our team.
I like to compare our off season to a sports team. The team that puts in the preparation during the off season is typically more successful when it counts. We are no different. The planning and preparation that we implement during December, January, and February put us a step ahead when the golf season kicks into full gear.
Being in the heart of the transition zone, there are still plenty of days when we are out on the course working on projects or getting the course ready for play when weather allows. Tree work is usually at the top of the list for outdoor projects. Utilizing the Master Plan put together by Tripp Davis, we are in the process of thinning our less desirable trees, and making room for our key trees. Along with the removals, we are constantly pruning, thinning and reshaping trees throughout the property.
Along with the tree work, we're adding irrigation heads in areas that are lacking and adding drainage to areas that tend to stay wet. We've also made improvements to cart path areas that were getting too much wear next to the path. As you can see below, #6 tee is an area where we've made improvements to the appearance and function of a high traffic area.
Throughout the winter we also have a considerable amount of shop work that has to be completed. Our Equipment Manager, Steve Kitterman, is busy going through every piece of equipment we own. General service, grinding reels, and replacing bearings are his high priorities.
The rest of the team are busy refinishing teak furniture and benches, as well as sand blasting and painting all of the ball washers, trash cans, cooler stands, cups, etc. If it has a painted surface, it will be refinished before the start of the upcoming season.
As for myself, the winter months are time for reviewing our plan and procedures from the past year, while developing the upcoming year's schedule. Beginning in March, we map out nearly everything we do in regards to Chemical (fertilizer, weed control, disease prevention, etc.) and Cultural (aerification, topdressing, verticutting, etc.) Schedules. Along with the golf course management schedules, we are working this winter on a new handbook and standard operating procedures manual for our department.
Each year is always the same, by August we are ready for golf season to wind down, but just as anxious to get it going again as soon as winter sets in!
I like to compare our off season to a sports team. The team that puts in the preparation during the off season is typically more successful when it counts. We are no different. The planning and preparation that we implement during December, January, and February put us a step ahead when the golf season kicks into full gear.
Being in the heart of the transition zone, there are still plenty of days when we are out on the course working on projects or getting the course ready for play when weather allows. Tree work is usually at the top of the list for outdoor projects. Utilizing the Master Plan put together by Tripp Davis, we are in the process of thinning our less desirable trees, and making room for our key trees. Along with the removals, we are constantly pruning, thinning and reshaping trees throughout the property.
Along with the tree work, we're adding irrigation heads in areas that are lacking and adding drainage to areas that tend to stay wet. We've also made improvements to cart path areas that were getting too much wear next to the path. As you can see below, #6 tee is an area where we've made improvements to the appearance and function of a high traffic area.
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| Rock work at #5green/6 tee cart path. |
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| Setting up a fairway reel for grinding. |
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| Sand blasting ball washer parts. |
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| Painting course trash cans. |
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| Ball Washer parts ready to be painted. |
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| Cleaning, repairing, and oiling teak furniture. |
Each year is always the same, by August we are ready for golf season to wind down, but just as anxious to get it going again as soon as winter sets in!
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