The
spring golfing season is well underway, and the Golf Course Maintenance
Department has been busy working to provide excellent 2016 playing
conditions. Mother Nature has presented a challenge, as throughout the
first half of May we have experienced frequent light rain showers and cooler
than average temperatures. Due to this cool and cloudy weather, many
varieties of bentgrass on the greens have been reluctant to “wake up” from
dormancy, and have struggled to achieve their full growth potential this
spring. Low nighttime temperatures and a general lack of abundant daytime
sunlight have slowed aeration recovery, and aesthetically, the greens have
taken on an overall lackluster appearance. Fortunately, warmer weather is
in the forecast, and that, in addition to some strategic fertilizer
applications should help the greens snap to attention.
In
addition to getting into a standard mowing routine, the maintenance staff has
been busy wrapping up several projects on the course. The sodded areas of
the drainage project on holes 3, 4, and 5 are rooting in nicely and have
received their first mows since being installed. We have removed the rope
and stakes surrounding the sod, as these areas are now open for regular
use. However, the seeded area in front of number five fairway will remain
roped off as Ground-Under-Repair while the seedlings continue to mature and
fill in. A handful of irrigation repairs have also been completed
including lateral line breaks on holes 17 and 9, and wire repairs on number six
green and tee. Throughout the property, landscape beds are receiving
attention as well. Fresh mulch and new summer annuals are being installed
to provide a beautiful splash of spring color.
Finally,
remember that spring weather in central Illinois can be unpredictable and
potentially dangerous. Recently, a white oak tree to the left of number
five was struck by lightning. This is a good reminder that standing under
a tree is NOT a safe place to seek shelter during a lightning storm.
Fortunately, the storm occurred overnight when no one was on the course.
Below is the Golf Course Maintenance Department’s Emergency Action Plan for
tornados/severe weather, and it is applicable to golfers on the course as well:
- If you see a funnel cloud nearby, immediately take shelter in the nearest of these two locations: Chatham Road tunnel OR garage underneath pool house.
- Alert others of the situation
- If lightning is in the area, listen for lightning sirens (located at Maintenance Building and Golf Shop).
- If lightning sirens sound, seek nearest shelter (either Maintenance Building or Clubhouse), and remain inside until the "all-clear" is given.
Prepared by, Curtis Keller
