May 1st

Greens rolled today to smooth greens after core aeration

The trace of rain yesterday was welcomed after such a dry month.  We received only 46 mm of rain this April compared to 114 mm in April 2011.  Last month's cool temperatures were very similar to last year's unseasonably cool weather with a little more sunshine and wind to further dry out the turf.

Today Environment Canada is calling for it to be cloudy with 30 percent chance of drizzle early this morning. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon. High 16. UV index 5 or moderate. Tonight: Clearing early this evening. Fog patches developing after midnight. Low plus 2.

Tee times begin at 11 am this morning.  Golf carts are permitted for use today.  However please use cart paths were provided and avoid low, wet areas whenever possible.

Greens were rolled this morning to smooth surface.  Recently aerated greens require more growth through sand from upcoming warmer temperatures in forecast before mowing is warranted.

Ballwashers and towels are out today.  The course washroom, water coolers and phone at No. 9 tee will be available for Wednesday.

With the frost delay yesterday part of the crew worked on chipping more brush in the bush along the right side No. 5 fairway.

The core aeration of fairways in expansion areas, and isolated weak turf areas was completed yesterday.  This includes spot aeration on:

• The left side of No. 11 across the road
• No. 13 fairway from the pond to the green.
• No. 15 fairway ridge on right across the road.
• No. 16 fairway hill and past pond to the green.
• No. 17 fairway
• No. 18 fairway

The cores were matted-in and blown off before the end of the day.  The new replacement Kubota tractor purchased this spring is well fitted for handling the weight of this large aeration unit the Toro 1298.  These areas will be overseeded with chewings fescue prior to topdressing.

New replacement Kubota tractor handles large implements with ease.

Irrigation repairs are being made on the clubhouse lawn prior to sod prep.  The valves in the garden heads down around the clubhouse are still part of our old system which were failing.  The valves were updated to the newer Rainbird valves to match those newer installs.  It helps simplify our inventory of irrigation parts as well.