Winter Weed Control

We have been spraying out the cool-season weeds from the bermudagrass fairways and rough over the past month.  The cool-season weeds (mostly ryegrass and poa annua) compete with the bermudagrass for water, light, and nutrients.  The removal of these weeds will allow the bermudagrass to emerge from dormancy in the spring without competition from these weeds so it can fully develop into a uniform stand of healthy turf. 

The picture below shows the results of our spraying next to the 2nd green.  We purposely stay away from the green edges because the herbicide is toxic to the bentgrass greens.   The remaining portion of ryegrass next to the green surface will be removed this winter using herbicide laced paint brushes. 

RAIN!

The golf course received 5" of rain this morning in only 3 hours.  Below are some photos of the course immediately after the rain stopped.

Ducks floating on the 16th fairway

New water hazard on #4

#7 Tee Shot

#7 back to tee from fairway

More Bad News

The red oak on #11 lost another major limb last night.  Unfortunately, there is no saving this tree. 

Caution tape has been placed around the perimeter of the tree.  Please stay outside of the marked area as the remainder of the tree could fall at any time. 

Below are some pictures of the tree today.

Bad News

The stately southern red oak on #11 lost a huge limb today.  This tree has survived hurricanes, lightning, droughts, floods, and ice storms.  The inside of the tree appears healthy so it is likely that the tree could no longer support the weight of its massive limb.  We plan to have an arborist look at the tree to see what we need to do to save it and other specimen trees on the property.

Below are some pictures of the damaged tree. 

Venting Greens

We "vent" greens will small solid tines every three weeks.  The surface of the greens "seal" up with organic matter (mostly dead roots) when the grass is actively growing.  "Venting" opens a small channel between the surface and atmosphere - facilitating gas exchange and water movement.  The greens are rolled immediately after the process to smooth the surface.  The holes will only be noticeable for a few days and will have no effect on the putting quality of the greens.

Diego venting #3

Green Immediately After Venting

Rolling Green after Venting

Finished Product - Holes are barely visible

New Tee Markers

Below are photos of our new custom made tee markers.  These tee markers were designed and built by Bob Winberry and his son Robert.  They are a great addition to the course.

Fairway Cultivation

We have been verticutting the fairways over the past month. Over time this process will help smooth the playing surface and improve the density of the grass.

The verticutter in action