Willow Ridge Country Club Turfgrass Chronicles: On the Horizon...

The 2014 season is upon us, and with it many cultural practices that are integral to the success of the course. We have completed aerification of the tees this week, and while this week is typically dedicated to greens aerification, the wet ground conditions and lack of growth strongly dictated what could be done. The second week of April will consist of greens aerification and topdressing, a necessary evil and favorite practice of many golfers (Laughter ensues). Aerification is key to the overall health and longevity of the turf, and while most golfers as well as golf course employees loathe the process, without it the greens would be experiencing many adverse effects over time. To give you an idea, you would lose firm conditions, they would retain moisture longer thus increasing disease incidence, insect damage, traffic damage, scalping from equipment, while also encouraging moss and algal growth. So while a nuisance, it is a process that is essential to maintaining high quality turf in the immediate and long term future. In other news we have also begun mowing the new fairway expansions at fairway height, prepping them for the transition from rough to fairway. We've also continued cleaning up the stump holes left from tree removal, as well as continued cleaning debris left in the aftermath of winter.
In a timely manner the majority of the seasonal crew has returned this week, with the remainder of the crew starting April 7th. Having the entire crew return is highly beneficial to our success, because we maintain continuity within the greens department and have a crew that understands our performance goals and standards. The guys on the crew are very excited to begin the season and provide the best playing conditions possible, and we look forward to seeing you on the course.