6/28/19
Golf
Maintenance FYI
·
The heat index continues to rise with constant “feel like”
temperatures approaching 110 degrees. There have been regular heat advisory
warnings issued by the County and so we have been protective of our staff due
to the physical nature of their work. Our equipment is also under extreme
pressure during the high heat. Many thanks to our Mechanic, Roman Gomez, for
his efforts in keeping our equipment running daily.
·
We have not received any measurable rain for over 2 weeks now.
The heat coupled with the lack of rain is having negative impacts on the
overall appearance of the turf grass in certain areas. Brown, discolored turf
areas can be seen in certain areas throughout the course. Wetting agents that
improve water efficacy have been applied to these areas to aide in turf health.
·
Our dry conditions were made worse when our irrigation
computer quit working last Friday causing no irrigation to occur that night.
Both David Forrey and I had to water the course manually with our handheld
radios on Saturday, Sunday and Monday night before a replacement computer was
delivered on Tuesday. Compliments to David Forrey for his efforts during this challenging
time.
·
With over 30,000 rounds of golf being played at Copperleaf
this year I am looking forward to closing the course on July 8 to complete the
necessary cultural practices to alleviate compaction. This soil compaction is
not allowing water to penetrate deep into the soil and creates a shallow root
system. With our current high temperatures, the grass easily dries out during
the day and becomes stressed before the next irrigation cycle begins at night.
·
There are certain areas throughout the course where the turf
has been “burned” by golf cart tires in the afternoon heat. The tires crush the
cells in the leaf blade and cause the turf to dieback. I would encourage all
golfers to be aware of where they are driving and to stay away from dry,
stressed turf.
Tire marks burnt into the turf on
Hole 3
·
Compliments to the golf maintenance staff for preparing the
course for the local Junior Golfers on Wednesday. It was another hot day with
the golfers required to walk the course. Our own Braden Miller played extremely
well and was near the top of his flight.
·
All greens were verticut and top-dressed with sand and
fertilized with potassium this week. The potassium will help with the extreme
weather conditions as it improves turf strength against drought and heat. The
sand top-dressing will help to dilute organic material in the soil and provide
a firm surface. Compliments to Tina Fry for pushing a 70-pound fertilizer
spreader across our greens on Wednesday afternoon during some truly excessive
heat and humidity. She truly is an amazing individual and I can’t be more
thankful for her efforts!
·
All Tees and Fairways were sprayed with a liquid fertilizer
this week in preparation for the July 4 event next week and to strengthen the
turf.
A photo of Hole 12 Fairway and Green
complex taken this morning
·
Without
question, we need rain. One thing is certain though, the rain will be coming
soon. Lets just hope it is between 6 PM and 6 AM so that we can continue to get
our work done on the course during the day.
·
A
reminder that the course will be closed for major cultural practices starting
Monday July 8 and re-open Monday July 29. Please plan your vacations
accordingly 😊
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