Spring Aerification

Monday April 6th will mark the first day for spring aerification. Our plan is to aerate the front nine greens Monday April 6th and the back nine greens Tuesday April 7th.  So, Tuesday April 7th the front nine will be open for golf play while the back nine remains closed.  Weather permitting, we should have all eighteen holes open for golf play by Wednesday April 8th.  That being said, conditions need to be as dry as possible to properly complete the aerfication process.  As of now, rain is in the forecast for most of next week, which would push our aerfication date back to the next available dry day.  We will monitor the weather and conditions, and update you as soon as possible.  Once greens have been completed we will begin solid and deep tining the tees and fairways in conjunction with golf play. 

 There are many different reasons why we aerate, as you can see in the USGA video below.  At Illini Country Club our biggest concern is the layering that lies within the first six inches of the rootzone.  Our greens were originally built in the late 1950's and have developed multiple layers from organic matter accumulation and inconsistencies in sand particles and topdressing applications.  The layers create a significant difference in water retention between the surface layers and the lower layers.  Instead of a homogeneous rootzone, through which water (drainage) and air can move in a steady downward pattern, the surface will tend to hold more water.  If excessive water is being held in the surface layer, the roots are not encouraged to grow deeper, which is healthier.  Shallow roots may be sufficient during times of low stress, but as traffic or environmental stresses increase, the turf may not have enough root mass to survive.  The turfgrass also becomes more susceptible to disease pressure as well.  When we aerate and topdress the greens we are essentially removing and diluting the layers of organic matter (thatch) with the goal in mind to create a clean and consistent rootzone.  The more root mass we can develop during the growing seasons the better we can manage the greens more aggressively e.g. lower mowing heights, frequent rolling, grooming/verti-cutting, and less pesticide/nutrient/water requirements.  All of these things makes the turf healthier and result in a smoother, faster and more consistent playing surface.   

Profile of #4 green at Illini C.C.

Example Of A Perfect Rootzone (NO LAYERS)

Why Aerate Greens USGA (VIDEO)

Golf Course Update

Things are progressing quickly on the golf course.  Just 1 week ago the majority of the golf course was still under snow and we had a significant amount of frost still remaining in the ground.  The combination of high winds with warmer than average temperatures over the weekend, and Monday's high temperature near 80 has expedited the thawing and firming process considerably.  Conditions have changed so much that we...

WILL OPEN THE GOLF COURSE FOR WALKING PLAY ON FRIDAY.

Golf carts will NOT be available at this time nor do we have a target date on when they will become available.  Please keep in mind the Green Department has only had a few days to prepare the course for play.  In past years the thawing and firming process has generally taken 2 - 3 weeks, allowing the crew to complete debris removal before opening.  In order to open the course and allow for play this week, the maintenance crew will need to perform our usual spring golf course prep in conjuction with play.  This week the focus will be on clearing greens, tees, fairways and bunkers of any debris such as limbs and leaves.  As the week progresses we will switch our efforts from course clean up to course setup which will include rolling greens, cutting new hole locations and new tee locations.  Hopefully with Mother Nature's help next week we could possibly perform the first mowings of the year.

“What do you guys do all winter?”

This is a common question that many golf course superintendents receive.  While winter does tend to be a bit more relaxing, the truth is, the off-season is equally as important as the golfing season.  Here at Illini CC, the winter of 2014/15 has provided a constant “flurry” of activity.  Crew members Jason Herbert, John Millslagle, and Mark Hammitt meticulously cleaned, inventoried, and organized all of our machines, tools, and course accessories.  The equipment was then passed onto Jack Rodems, Illini CC’s equipment technician, who thoroughly inspected, repaired, and serviced each item.  Jack has dedicated a tremendous amount of his time making sure that all of our equipment is in top running condition, and that all of our mowers will deliver the finest cut possible.  Jack also led the crew in repainting and organizing the service bay of the maintenance shop.

Bedknife Grinding

Detailing Equipment

 Equipment Inspection

Sawdust was flying as the maintenance crew undertook one of the larger projects this winter…the making of new tee markers.  Each year, the tee markers are removed from the course, inventoried, and repainted.  This year, however, the decision was made to update the design.  While the original theme of the capital-letter-I was retained, the new tee markers have a more intricate design and paint scheme.  Several prototypes were eliminated before reaching our final product.  We’re very pleased with the way they turned out, and believe they will exude an extra touch of class on the course.  It’s all about the details!!

New Tee Markers

Throop and Son Tree Service, Inc. assisted us with the removal of two large oak trees between holes #10 and #11.  The decision to remove a tree is always a difficult one, and great care is placed in determining the best possible option.  The health of the tree, health of the turf, golf playability, personal safety, and environmental impact are all taken into consideration. Ultimately, these two old giants were respectfully removed due to a loss in structural integrity.

(VIDEO) Oak Tree removal #10

Also on the course, the installation of a new bridge has begun below the tees on #18.  The steel and concrete work was performed by County Contractors, while all carpentry work will be performed by our crew in-house.  Work on the bridge will resume as soon as weather permits, and will be completed in time for the beginning of the season.

New Bridge on #18

In the office, Superintendent Kyle Sherwood and Assistant Superintendent Curtis Keller have been busy making strategic plans for the 2015 season.  They have been plugging away creating pesticide programs, updating policies and procedures, managing the budget, and general administrative work.  Kyle and Curtis recently traveled to Texas to attend the Golf Course Superintendents Association Educational Conference and Golf Industry Show.  This annual event gives Superintendents from around the globe an opportunity to meet, attend educational seminars, view new technology, and discuss turfgrass and personnel management.

Golf Industry Show in San Antonio

Finally, the maintenance staff has been diligent all winter about keeping the parking lot and sidewalks clear of snow and ice.  With our first snowfall occurring in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, this winter has delivered approximately 26” of snow to Springfield.  The crew has selflessly sprung into action each time to ensure the safety of our members and their guests.

Snow Removal

As you can see, even in the “off season”, the Illini CC’s maintenance crew is still hard at work doing everything they can to provide top-quality golf course conditions and a great experience for our members.  It won’t be long now before spring clean-up will begin on the course.  In the meantime, I think I’ll grab another cup of coffee.

Prepared by, Curtis Keller