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Post Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023 |
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Hello to everyone and welcome spring (sort of). Some recent temperatures we have experienced feel more like fall and winter than spring. Our long-range forecast does predict a warm-up though with more seasonal temps.
Just a quick update on course work and conditions. As most of you have may have seen, the range tee was sodded along with #3 white, #11 white, #5 white and green, #12 green and #14 gold tees. With warmer temps, these tees will begin to grow in, take hold and green up. With a new hybrid Tif Tuf grass, less turf loss and summer burnout will be noticeable. These tees will be very hardy and should stand up to foot traffic and heat. They will also regenerate growth faster than ordinary Bentgrass, allowing divots to fill in faster. It is my hope that the new range tee will be playable in about 3 weeks, if not sooner. For the time being, please continue to hit from the back or front of the range to allow the sod to establish.
A multitude of trees and brush were removed this past winter to help playability of the course. All winter projects are complete for now. There are more slated for the coming fall and winter to include drainage and tree work.
Our greens aerification was completed quickly this spring. Throughout the year, crews will be solid tining greens to keep firmness on point. When temperatures allow, I will speed greens up. Weekly topdressing and verticutting will be part of the regimen this year also to alleviate any thatch accumulated in the canopy.
Numerous days of cold,
wet weather have put crews behind on a few tasks. Spraying will occur more frequently in the coming week or two to catch up on the agronomic schedule.
Moles are still an issue in some spots. We will have traps set out to try and catch them. Please do not move traps from their locations.
Duane will be reestablishing out of bounds markers along with hazard markers in the coming weeks in preparation for upcoming tournaments and golf events.
The course is in good shape for April and May, but fine tuning is a must. Crews have begun weedeating for a well manicured look. LRCC's Golf Maintenance team is striving for the best course in Haywood County and are putting in the extra effort to exceed expectations this year. This will be a great year at Laurel Ridge and I am excited for the changes throughout the property.
As always, any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to email me. Thank you all.
Steve Akers, LRCC GCS
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