I have been busy spraying all over the course for multiple things. As the growing degree days progress, new rosettes of weeds start coming up. I am out there at least once a week trying to knock these down with our broad leaf herbicide mix of 2,4-D; mecoprop-p; dicamba; triclopyr; and clopyralid. This mix will knock down mostly every broad leaf weed out there. I also put down our annual bluegrass seed head suppression mix. I must say, using the growing degree day model from Michigan State University worked very well (link here). I got it down and saw no seed heads for the first two weeks. After that control period, I saw only 5-10% seed head development. That did not meet my threshold for a second application so I let them run their course. Also I have been diligent on a preventative practice of fungicide application. By using a lower rate more frequently, the control is stretched out over the entire season rather than using a moderate to heavy rate every 14 to 20 days. Call me crazy but I have noticed the control rate of the fungicides don't really meet the 14 to 20 interval period for the curative rates of application. It seems to me that they are very effective for 10-12 days then it looks as though the pathogen starts to rear its ugly head by the 14 day mark. I firmly believe that if I use lower rates within the 10 day or interval the label suggests, I will not allow the pathogens to even start to develop.
We are also in the process of mowing the natural areas for the first time this year. When the seed heads on the turf starts to develop (usually around the 1' mark) we come in and cut them down to around six inches. This keeps the natural areas looking good and weed free. This also allows to keep the natural areas, "natural". I will not have to spray them and risk endangering the fauna in those areas. .
We are also rolling on a scheduled basis and maintaining an acceptable speed designated by the committee.
The bunkers are being spun everyday and the white bunkers are being hand raked every two to three days. The old bunkers really need spun out everyday because the sand is older and degrading. The new sand stays fluffed up at the intervals we do them in, making them a tough hazard to play from.
There has been some minor irrigation work and that is typical and will be a common occurrence as heads and piping are temperamental at times.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to come visit me in the maintenance shop, on the course, or call the office phone and I will be glad to help or explain anything you may ask.
