A Breath of Fresh Air

Greens venting and topdressing scheduled this morning

Green Venting
As we are now closer to the end of July, it's been six weeks since the greens were core aerated during the 2nd week of June.  Half inch hollow tines were used at that time to remove unwanted organic material (thatch) from the sand root profile.

The greens are set to be vented this morning using a 3/8" solid split tine, to release the buildup of carbon dioxide gas from the rootzone, and to allow more oxygen below ground to encourage more root growth. It will be like providing the turf with a breath of fresh air!

The greens will be topdressed prior to the venting process to encourage some sand to be punched down into the tiny 3/8" holes to provide some sand channels.  The venting process is generally conducted on a monthly basis throughout the summer months to minimize player disruption.

To smooth out the putting surface, the greens will be rolled immediately after the sand is matted in, . As a result, this process has a minimal impact on greens play-ability while aiding in plant health.

Bunker Tuneup
Bunkers will get another tune-up this week scheduled this Thursday targeting the back 9.  Sand depths will be checked and sand added were necessary to ensure 4" of sand in the base of the bunkers, and 1-2" on the bunker faces.

Perimeter Trimming
To help speed up play, many of the perimeter areas areas where golfers seem to frequent are getting under-brushed to remove excessive plant material.  This not only stops the saplings from regrowing and taking over the area, but help speed up play, by limiting the time it takes to find your golf ball.

The first week in July we trimmed up the hillside along the left side of No. 18.  Last week the crew trimmed the hillside right side of No. 6.  This week the crew is cleaning out the right side of No. 4, and behind the 3rd green.

Crew under-brushing the right side of No. 6 to help speed up play

Clover Weed Spray
Clover continues to be the No. 1 weed problem in the rough during the summer months.  Last week, the clover on the north side of the road was sprayed to reduce it's presence.  This Thursday, a spray is planned on the south side of the road to complete the loop around the course to battle this persistent weed.

Results from Family Golf
Congratulations to the Biggar Family for winning this past weekend's George Mottershead 9-Hole Family Championship.  Also congratulations goes out to the Dunbar Family for winning the June Mottershead 18-Hole Family Championship.

Biggar Family wins July 9-Hole Mottershead

Dunbar Family wins June Mottershead 18-Hole Champs