Other Things Going On At The Golf Course

 Installing the new water cooler enclosures onto the golf course.  During the winter months we fabricated our old plastic water cooler enclosures and replaced them with a much more appealing  treated redwood.  The new water coolers are located at the driving range tee, #8 green and behind #14 tee.

 

Troubleshooting and fixing drainage issues on #18 approach.  After excavating the wet area, a network of old drain tile was found damaged.

 

Fixing irrigation wires damaged by tree roots.  We had about six irrigation heads not responding to automatic commands sent out from our computer and handheld radios. 



Ball Mark Repair Tools

Experts Explain: Ball Mark Repair Tools

Posted: 3/11/2013

By USGA Green Section

What is the best tool for repairing ball marks? (California)

Ball marks vary in shape and severity so there is no one best tool. In fact, virtually any pointed tool will work as long as the proper method of repair is performed. This has even been the focus of several research projects in recent years where multiple repair tools were evaluated. Each study concluded that no particular repair tool was significantly better than any other when used correctly.

With the understanding that it is the method, not the tool that is most critical to restoring a smooth surface and allowing turf to heal quickly, let’s address the keys to success for this important area of golfer etiquette. Begin by inserting the repair tool into the soil behind the rear of the ball mark at about a 45-degree angle. Gently pull the top of the tool toward the center. Continue working around the ball mark, gently stretching the surrounding turf toward the center until the indentation is filled in. Less is generally more when it comes to ball mark repair, so this should be done just three or four times; anything more generally adds injury to the already damaged turf. Use your putter or foot to tamp down the repaired area to make it smooth and level with the rest of the green. Avoid prying actions that tear live roots and bring soil to the putting surface. Doing so causes significant damage and greatly slows recovery.

Aerification Week

We will begin our aerification process this week.  With rain in the forecast for most of the week it will be difficult to predict the completion of the project.  Our goal will be to complete greens and tees by the end of the week.  Depending on the weather we may need to close the holes where aerification is being performed to expedite the process.  Once greens and tees are complete, we will begin solid tining the fairways, which will complete the aerification process.  The healing process usually takes approximately fourteen days depending upon the weather.  We will be applying fertilizer and watering heavily to germinate bentgrass seed and expedite surface recovery.  Members will experience softer, slower, bumpier greens containing many sand-filled holes during this time.  Once the bentgrass seedlings have become established and the surface has sufficiently healed we will return to our normal watering practices that the members enjoy.  We understand cultivation is burdensome to golfers but please bear with us and keep in mind that the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary nuisance.

New addition To The Green Department

 

2nd Assistant Jacob Wessels

 



After receiving many resumes for the Second Assistant Golf Course Superintendent's position, holding phone and on-site interviews, I am happy to report that we have hired Jacob Wessels for the position. Jacob Wessels graduated with a degree in Plant and Soil Science from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Jacob has worked in the golf course industry for 7 years, including internships at The Highlands of Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, WI. and Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT. He also worked at Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, IL where he was an Assistant for two years. We are excited to have Jacob Wessels apart of the Green Department team here at Illini Country Club.