March 31, 2014

Although the snow seems to create much more popular news stories than does the rain, coupled together the amount of precipitation is beginning to add up. Last week alone, including the snow on the 25^th and this weekends rain on the 29^th and 30^th, we received  3” and change. Since December, we have received 4” of precipitation above the normal for this quarter period. The wet weather pattern that began last spring of 2013 is continuing. Not that a drought would be the answer, but a drying period would be welcome.

The third green, 10am Saturday morning, March 29, 2014

 These storms, both rain and snow, have altered many of our spring plans. Although we were able to aerate the tees, it took us another two weeks to topdress them, sneaking it in a few tees at a time between storms. Fairway aeration was originally scheduled for March 11th and 12^th, rescheduled for March 25th and 26^th , and now has been rescheduled a third time to April 2nd and 3^rd.  Spreading the organic Ocean-gro product has similarly been rescheduled a number of times. Those are but a few examples. I am confident though that we will catch up, as we always seem to find a way.

March 18, 2014

I am not going to complain about this years winter or yesterday's snow...it is what it is and I cant change it.

I have been asked if this winter is good or bad and the answer is yes and no.

Yes because:

-         We received plenty of moisture

-          There was a lot of “frost heave” to break up and naturally aerate the top few inches of the soil profile 

-         Without much winter play, the turf did not get a lot of wear and tear

-         The snow cover insulated the turf from winds and desiccation

-         Most likely, the record cold temperatures reduced fungi and insect populations. Although this affects both the bad and good guys, it would seem that they will be in a more manageable balance come spring.

No because:

-         We didn’t have many golf days

-         The turf may take a bit longer to green up this spring because of the low soil temperatures

-         There remains a chance that with cool, wet weather, snow mold may become a problem in the next few weeks

-         We will be a few weeks behind schedule when the weather does “break”, and will need to adjust to the late start

We need to remember that grasses have been around for millions of years and have survived pretty much everything that can happen. We will make it through this too.