Greens Aerification and Course Recovery Schedule

It's about that time! Over the last several weeks, it has been difficult to continually drive the course and see the damage this summer has left and not be able to begin the healing process. Due to the continued weather pattern and steep sun angles, we had to wait to begin the recovery. Each day we are now losing minutes of day light and the sun's angles continue to lower on the horizon. So now we may begin.

Our first step is the greens. On Wednesday 8/18 beginning at 4am, we will aerate the greens, but not our traditional summer aerification. The greens will not be able to handle this aggressive practice. I have heard over the last several weeks and this morning during a conversation with Joe that "...the course looks tired." This is exactly correct. It is exhausted! To keep the greens improving we are going to eliminate the topdressing during this aerification. Attempting to drag the topdressing in will weaken the plant and cause damage. Our process is to pull a 1/4" plug from the green, very similar to what we did in the spring, blow the plugs off and leave the holes open. Our goal in leaving the holes open is to ensure we receive maximum root recovery. Yes, we are green on top, but we are suffering below. Roots are minimal and shallow and this is reason the grass cannot sustain much stress at this time. With the holes open we will apply two products, Ecolite and an organic fertilizer. On Wednesday, we will also spray the greens with some fertilizers to assist in surface recovery. I have consulted with the USGA and they are in full agreement with our program.

On Thursday, as long as the greens aerification goes smoothly, we will be aerating all perimeter cuts around the greens. Immediately behind the aerification, Perennial Ryegrass seed will be spread and a starter fertilizer will be applied. Over the next 10 to 14 days, the perimeter cuts will be syringed by hoses and overhead sprinklers to ensure a proper seed germination.

Next week we will begin the process of sodding many of the collars that were damaged. We will begin on the tenth hole and continue around the course making the worst areas a priority.

Tee and fairway aerifcation will occur following labor day, stay tuned for details. To ensure we provide all the appropriate resources to ensure a rapid recovery on greens and perimeter cuts, these areas must wait. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.