No Pain No Gain

Let me introduce myself before I share my first blog with you. My name is Tommy and I am currently in school at the University of Guelph. As part of my schooling for turfgrass management, I am doing my summer internship here at Muskoka Lakes Golf&CC. This will be second year working here and I can't think of a better place to be.

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The 10th green being aerated

This year has been a unique year for everyone. From the turf department's perspective, we have been working with reduced staff and we are doing our best to maintain the excellent standards that the everyone has become accustomed to. There have been challenges, but through adversity comes strength.

The last few weeks have been particularly challenging due to the heatwave. However, the team stepped up and put in the time to keep the grass from burning up. With the cooler temperatures that we have experienced recently, we're taking advantage of the situation and doing what we can to stay on top of everything.

If you've been around this week, you will have noticed an increased presence of the turf staff on the course. It has been a busy but successful week. We have been able to get a plethora of tasks done, especially the ones where we couldn't do during the heatwave. 

The 10th green getting topdressed with sand

All 18 greens were mowed, topdressed with sand and then aerated. The fairways got a similar treatment. They were mowed, topdressed with sand, aerated and then slit-seeded as well. Although there were some short term pains and disruptions, it is our belief that through these cultural practices the conditions of the fairways and the greens will improve in the long run.

These cultural practices are important but it does come with a cost. Navigating throughout the course with three big tractors and a variety of other machines can leave some damage. It's not ideal, but it's a cost that comes with these practices. So if you do see the odd tire marks on the fairways or rough, please be patient and know that the grass will grow back in those areas. 

The 16th fairway getting seeded and topdressed

Another benefit that comes with this weather is that we've been able to get the sprayers out. No pesticides were sprayed. Instead, some humic acid, seaweed kelp and wetting agent were applied to the fairways and areas of the rough as well. The combinations of the humic acid, seaweed kelp and wetting agent will promote better water retention, more growth and also make the grass more tolerant to stress. 

All in all, it was a big week for the team and we want to thank you for your patience and and understanding through all of it. I hope everyone is staying safe and lowering your handicap at the same time!