Aerification

Below is a video from La Jolla CC showing immediate results of the benefits of Deep Tine Aerification.

At Wichita Country Club, we use a combination of both Deep Tine Aerification, as well as the standard aerification which would involve pulling a core from a depth of around 3-4".  For our purposes, we are attempting to relieve compaction as well as modify the upper portion of the soil profile.  The benefits are not only reducing compaction but also reducing organic matter and layering that occur naturally over time in greens.  The end result is a healthier green, capable of withstanding the stress of traffic and weather extremes during the summer months. 

 

This spring one our concerns has been the rate at which we are recovering from aerification.  Although temperatures have been slightly cooler than normal, the real concern has been a lack of rain.  Ultimately, we need a good flushing rain to remove salts from the profile and assist with releasing the fertilizer that was applied prior to and following aerification.

The good news is that it looks like we are going to get some rain this weekend and into next week.  We'll keep our fingers crossed as we hold out for a good soaker!

Link to USGA Green Section Record

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/USGA-Green-Section-Record--April-8--2011.html?soid=1103157499740&aid=MeYE84ca250

 Attached is a link to a weekly USGA Green Section Newsletter.  Several good topics from ball mark repair to course etiquette.  If you choose, there is a link to sign up to receive the newsletter.

The article regarding Precision Turf Management gives good insight to the direction of Golf Course Management.  Here at WCC, we will be using moisture sensors placed in the profile of several greens, along with the use of portable moisture sensors to assist with the daily task of water management on our greens.  Not only does this emerging technology assist with better playing conditions, in our case there is clearly a monetary savings with more efficient use of irrigation water.

The article by Jim Moore on golf course etiquette is a must read for those new to the game, as well as the seasoned golfer needing a brush up on the importance of course etiquette.

Almost Finished!




Close up of Aerification holes prior to
Sand Topdressing.

 


Final pass on #10 Approach

 

 Although the 40 mph winds have been less than ideal, the greens aerification is approaching completion without any setbacks.  Today we are wrapping up a few greens on the back nine, as well as the Practice Greens.

Following aerification, the first question is always, "how long until the greens are back to normal?".  One of our biggest challenges is managing our fertility levels for optimum response, without forcing excessive growth leading to slow, puffy greens.  Although less fertilizer, may require more time for the holes to fill in, ultimately, we are able to get the greens back to the desired speed and firmness in a shorter amount of time.  Typically, after one full week greens should be back to "normal".

Now if we could just get some rain!  We are already 2.3" below normal for precipitation since January.  Most concerning is the lack of moisture deep in the soil profile.  Keep in mind, irrigation is in place to supplement rainfall, not take the place of it.  Ultimately, we need the occasional slow soaking rain for not only the health of the turf, but also the trees and landscape.  Looks like we've got a descent chance over the next few days...we'll keep our fingers crossed!





Greens Aerification

Yes, its that time of year....things are greening up, the weather is getting better, the golf course is beginning to look like a golf course again, which can only mean one thing....time for aerification!  The video posted above is a great explanation of the reasons and benefits of aerification. 

We will begin aerifying the greens next week.  On Monday April 4th, we will aerify the front nine greens.  The back nine greens will be aerified on Tuesday April 5th, with the front nine open for play.  On Wednesday April 6th, the Practice Greens will be closed for aerification, however, the golf course will be open for play.

The good news is that with some favorable weather the last couple of weeks we were able to finish aerifying the rough, as well as the driving range.   With aerification and seeding finished in the rough, we are waiting for spring rains and warmer days to push these areas along. 

Following greens aerification we will aerify and topdress our approaches into the greens.  In an effort to firm up the approaches and increase roll into the green we are stepping up our management in this area.  Look for more topdressing, verticutting, possibly a shorter height of cut, along with less water on our approaches.

If everything goes as planned, we should be back to normal after a week of recovery following this practice.  Thank you for your patience during this time. 

Rough Aerification

This past week we began aerifying the primary rough throughout the golf course.  The pictures above show the Deep Tine Aerifier we use for this process.  This machine is capable of punching holes 8-12" deep with minimal surface disruption.  As the tine enters the soil profile it is designed to fracture the soil at the maximum depth allowing for compaction relief while also promoting gas exchange in the root zone.

With the weather we've had this past week we were able to get an earlier start than originally planned.  This is typically a two week process that we are completing at a prime time for turf health as we head into the busy months ahead.

Sand Caddy

Attached is an item we found at the PGA Show this past winter.  The Sand Caddy is a small bottle that will be made available to all walkers who choose to carry a sand bottle with them for filling divots.  The bottles are made to fit easily in your bag and can be refilled during your round at different locations where sand will be made available.

Check with the Golf Shop for more details.

Warming Up!

I'm always amazed at how quick things begin to change on the golf course with a little bit of warm weather!

As the weather slowly moves into more spring like conditions, we are begining to see some growth on the greens along with the cool season rough working its way out of dormancy.  We're still a few weeks away from seeing the Zoysia green up, although if you look closely at the divots, you can begin to see some green showing up.  All good signs following a brutally cold winter!

One of our main projects this past winter was selectively removing trees throughout the property.  Our primary objective was focusing on our key specimen Oaks and removing unwanted trees (typically Siberian Elms and Cedars) that were crowding the Oaks.  The benefits are numerous.  Poorly positioned trees compete with our desired species for nutrients and water, prevent airflow through the course, and limit turf and key trees from ever reaching their full potential.  In most cases if it weren't for the stumps temporarily left behind the removed trees would go unnoticed.

Along with the removals we will continue to plant proven trees throughout the property.  All new tree placements have been carefully considered for both strategy as well as turf health in the immediate area of the tree.  The key when planting trees is to avoid over planting and ensuring that we are looking at the long term impact of each selection.

If I can answer any questions regarding our tree work, please don't hesitate to ask.