· You’ll notice a lot of hand-watering throughout
the property as temperatures rise, this technique will go a long way in
improving plant health with site specific watering while achieving firm and
fast playing conditions. The assistants
and myself will be lapping the property each afternoon checking greens, tees
and fairways. Although, we don’t want to
interfere with play, you will from time to time see us watering and we promise
to be swift while conducting the task of syringing. The #1 injury in the turf industry is via a
golf ball, so we ask for your patience as we try to provide the championship
conditions you deserve.
· Last month we touched on cart traffic and we
have begun to see some improvements in key areas. During the next couple of months of the
stressful period, we will continue to monitor areas and address how to flow
cart traffic. Rope-lines and directional
markers will come and go, along with being moved in new locations to prevent
wear. Please take the time to follow
these key components to our success, every little bit helps!
·
Couple other reminders during the heat and
humidity periods:
o
Remember to apply sprayable sunscreen/insect
repellent in the parking lot, it does not protect the turf.
o
Ball marks take longer to recover during this
time of year, please take the time to fix not only yours but others on each
green.
o
Use sand to fill divots if you take a shallow
one or it falls apart on you, the compromised root structure will reduce
recovery but if you take one like the bottom picture, replace it.
o
Ryegrass is not very drought/heat tolerant, so
avoid extended periods of driving your cart on the intermediates. Although the lower height of cut is inviting...they do not serve as alternate cart paths.
o
Finally, if you need a cool down and you see us
syringing nearby, we can provide a quick mist, turf is not our only priority.
I'm extremely pleased with the state of turf going into the stressful season, but it needs to continue to be a team effort from all parties involved. Every little bit helps from the golfers and greens staff in continuing to provide the best possible experience each and every time you visit Longue Vue.