Opening of the Golf Course

The snow is still melting and the golf course is drying out nicely. If the dry weather continues the course should be opening for play soon.

To open the greens, the soil must be firm enough to support the staff and equipment to clean the surfaces (after which the greens are "walk mowed"). The soil must also completely thaw so that a cup can be set. Opening too early increases the possibility of "foot printing" (along with "rutting" from the equipment) producing "bumpy "greens during the early part of the season.

Traditionally we are able to open the upper golf holes first and the lower holes become playable a few days later. It is likely that upper greens 3-8, and 10-15 will be open first (with greens 5, 7, and 12 a possibility). In the case that a green is too wet to support traffic, we will have temporaries in place and put the green back into play as it dries out.

Carts are generally available shortly after the initial opening. They are allowed on better draining holes first and where cart paths make it possible. Check with the golf shop for specifics.

Soon the weather will allow the course to open. In the meantime, the temporaries are in place on holes 5-8 and 11-15. See you soon.

Sincerely,

Erick B. Holm, C.G.C.S.
Golf Course Superintendent

Exposure to Pesticides on the Golf Course

Should you be concerned about exposure to pesticides applied on the golf course?
 click here  to get some answers

Golf Course Status

Though ever so slowly, the snow has been melting and the course has now cleared enough for us to get a good look at it. Here's a synopsis of how we look after the harsh winter.

Greens - Minor ice damage on the first green, all others appear to have come through well.

Tees - Minor snow mold damage to a few tees located in corners of the property where the snow melt occurs more slowly.

#2 Tee

A closer look at gray snow mold

    

Fairways - All are in great shape. A different snow mold control was used on the fairways. We'll be using a similar product on the tees next year. 

#10

Using the Golf Course for Non Golf Activities

click here For a recent article about using the golf course for non golf activities.