What is Normal?

We knew the summer of 2010 was hot, the question is, "How hot was it?".  After two relatively mild summers, this past summer proved to be one of the more difficult for growing grass in Wichita, Kansas.

Recently I came across a few articles from the National Weather Service that helped sum up the summer of 2010.  For starters, this was the warmest summer in the last 30 years.  Since 1888 (yes 1888!), 2010 was the fifth warmest summer on record.

From a turfgrass perspective, the average overnight temps are what stands out for creating a difficult growing environment.  Compared to 1980, this past year did not have near the number of days over 100 degrees.  What it lacked for in hot days it made up for in warm nights.  During the summer of 2010, we recorded 64 days with overnight lows greater than 70 degrees, compared to the normal 37 days with overnight lows above 70 degrees.

Typically fall offers relief from the heat of summer, unfortunately, the fall of 2010 is now in the record books as the 14th warmest since 1888.  I haven't see any data on rainfall, but I have to think we are approaching record lows for rainfall, as well.

Looking back over the last several years, it's hard to understand what exactly is "normal weather" for Wichita, KS.   Let's just hope we have another 30 years before we have to deal with another summer like the summer of 2010!

#1 Tee Drainage

Starting the week off on a rather cold note, we are in the process of wrapping up a drainage project that we started last week. 

Although the new parking lot project was a huge success, for the last two seasons we have been battling a wet area where surface drainage flows onto the course from the parking lot.  This week we will be installing catch basins, as well as french drains, in order to dry out the area east of the #1 forward tee.

Unfortunately, the nearest exit point for the water is a catch basin 300' away on the left side of #18.  Connecting in at this point gets us back to a main drainage line.

This project is the first of several drainage projects scheduled for the winter months.

Blow Out



Blowing out Clubhouse Irrigation



As the temperature continues to drop, we have decided to blow out the irrigation systems around the clubhouse.  This is typically a two day process that will ensure no frozen pipes during the winter months.

On the golf course, it is not necessary to blow out the system due to deeper pipe depths.  With drain outlets that open up to the creek, we simply gravity drain the system during the month of December.  Occasionally, we are forced to fire up the irrigation in order to water greens.  Winter dessication is one of the primary causes of weak greens in the spring.

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels for those of you heading out of town!

Welcome to the Blog!

Welcome to the Wichita Country Club Golf Course Management blog! Our new blog is designed to be a place where WCC members and interested friends can connect and follow the thinking and subsequent activities related to the management of the golf course. Together, through periodic updates including journal entries, pictures and video clips, we will take an in-depth look into the art and science of golf course maintenance.

I encourage anyone who has an interest to sign up and follow along.  During the winter months, we'll keep you posted on projects and any other relevant information.  As the golf season kicks off in the spring, I'll be posting more frequently on course conditions, responding to questions, and in general discussing all things related to the golf course. My goal is for it to be fun and informative, while keeping you updated on the current status of the golf course.