Golf Course Update

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