Golf Course Update

Unfortunately, the main topic of conversation for the last three weeks hasn't changed.  We continue to experience near record rainfall in our area and throughout the state.  Since July 14th it has rained 17 out of the last 25 days.  Seven of the rain events were over an inch, with three of them over 2".  Since July 1st we've had almost 14" of rain.  To put that in perspective, last year during this same time frame, we had .35" of rain.  Looking ahead there is an 80% chance of rain tonight, 70% chance for Thursday, before (hopefully) clearing off for the weekend.

On the bright side, our city's source of drinking water, Cheney Lake, is now 95% full.  The severe drought we have experienced for the last few years is beginning to ease.  However, the most direct impact to Wichita Country Club is the savings associated with irrigating the property.  Through July, we have used 63% less water in 2013 compared to 2012.  Based on where we are for the month of August, we may not need to irrigate until the middle of the month.  Certainly, there are numerous positives that come with the rainfall.

For all the positives, we are struggling to maintain the golf course in the wet conditions.  The biggest impact has been our inability to mow the rough.  Luckily, we were able to mow the entire golf course on Thursday of last week.  Since then it has been too wet for our equipment.  Rough is currently 6-7" tall.  We have three fairways (12, 13, and 15) that have not been mowed in over two weeks.  13 and 15 went completely under water in an earlier rain, 12 was slow to dry out; preventing us from mowing these fairways with the others.

Healthy Rough!

  Tees and greens have stayed on a (mostly) normal mowing schedule due to better drainage.  We have also been using push mowers around greens to give some relief from the tall grass.  Unfortunately, we can't push mow the whole thing!   

Outside of the lack of mowing, the course is looking great.  We are always concerned with disease during these weather patterns.  So far, our preventative applications are working.  Although the weather has put a damper on late summer golf, we are setting up for great conditions this fall.

I will continue to keep you posted through Twitter (@wccbrian) and the blog.