The first half of October has provided truly
phenomenal weather for both golf play and turfgrass management. Summer’s
abundance of rainfall hydrated the soils to an ideal level. Although
rainfall so far in October has been sparse, the ample soil moisture combined
with cool nights and mild days has allowed for a textbook-perfect grass growing
environment. The warmer than average temperatures have continued into the
fall with a record temperature high of 87 degrees Monday October 17th.
The trees have begun to show fall colors much later than last year and many
trees are still green. As of recent, normal routine maintenance has
taken much longer due to the fact that surfaces must be cleared of debris
before mowing. Also, some greens require debris removal six or seven
times throughout the day for playability. Mowing before blowing will
cause damage to mowers and playing surfaces. Generally, golf course
maintenance is performed before golf play, however with this added step and
shorter day length it becomes extremely challenging.
The rough has thickened up considerably over the
last month; aerification and over seeding in September followed by fertilizing
in early October resulted in substantial germination of newer varieties of
grass plants that are now maturing and integrating with existing plants.
The driving range tee was double-aerified and triple seeded in October.
The tee is filling in very well as the seedlings mature. We greatly
appreciate the sacrifice of the use of this tee as this tee will go into
the winter months in excellent health with thick turf cover and in great shape
for next spring. The driving range grass tee top will remain closed for
the rest of the 2016 year and open in the spring of 2017. This time frame
will allow the tee to fully recover before the seeding and growing season
ends. The green, tees and fairways continue to do well during the month
of October and we are starting to see signs of root development and strength.
We have a few projects staring in the month of
October and the beginning of November. First on the docket is a cart path
project. Starting as early as October 24th, the cart paths
will be receiving some much needed attention. All cart paths will be
resurfaced on the golf course and some will be widened on an as need
basis. This will be a five day project, weather permitting. Some
cart paths will be closed for a day or two as the curing process takes place,
we will post signs and communicate through the pro shop on a day to day basis
to alert members of cart path closings. Starting in November we will
begin a tee restoration project on hole #4 and #6. Over the years these
tees, along with others, have become uneven and the majority of the teeing
space has become unusable or unplayable. Along with the tee surface
itself, #4 and #6 tee have also lost their original shape and alignment.
We will strip the sod off the tee, reshape, level, square, surface drain,
realign and sod the tee box. This project will improve the aesthetics,
teeing space, drainage and the overall playability of these holes. While
we are under construction we ask all golfers to utilize the temporary teeing
space located to the right of #4 tee and the Ladies/Senior tee on hole #6.
Weather permitting, the tees will be ready for the golf season next
year.
I would like to conclude by announcing that Mr.
Curtis Keller, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent, had his last day at Illini
Country Club on October 14th. Curtis accepted the position of Golf Course
Superintendent at Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course in Hollister,
Missouri. This move will provide Curtis with the opportunity of managing
his own golf course and hosting an annual PGA Tour Champions event “Legends of
Golf”. Curtis’ ties to Illini Country Club will remain strong, however,
and he greatly appreciates the relationships and experiences he gained
here. We will begin our search for a new Assistant Golf Course
Superintendent January 1st of next year.