Necessary Cultural Practices Scheduled Before Mid-June

Dave Ellis Pro Am continues to support South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

The first major event of the season is now behind us, the Dave Ellis Pro Am.  The 29th annual community charity event was once again a huge success, raising another $20,000 for the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation.  The course conditions for the competition were great for this time of year and everyone enjoyed the day.

Following this event, in the next couple of weeks,  there is now a little break in the action from a golf standpoint before the regular season begins with the start of the Ladies' and Men's Days.  The turf crew is attempting to complete some necessary cultural practices to promote optimal playing conditions for the summer ahead.  This will entail verticutting and topdressing fairways (this week) and aerifing and topdressing greens and tees (next week).

Start of fairway verticutting yesterday on No. 18

The verticutting and aerifing physically removes unwanted thatch in the playing areas which will not only make the surface firmer for better ball roll and play-ability, but will also allow better penetration of applied irrigation water and rain delivered into the soil to help maintain optimum moisture levels for the turf.  Excessive thatch inhibits water penetration and creates a situation prone to drying out.

Fairway topdressing with sand after verticutting No. 18 fairway

We appreciate your patience over the next couple weeks as we carry out these practices. You will reap the benefits later from optimum playing conditions through the summer!