Spillway Repair #12

The work to repair the spillway behind #12 has finally begun! The plan is to remove the small section of concrete which is still hanging over. Gabion baskets will then be installed from the lake floor up to the concrete. The baskets are 3'x3'x10' which are filled with stone and create permeable but very stable erosion control. We are currently dropping the level of the lake slightly to provide the capability of proper installation. The contractor anticipates 2-3 weeks for completion, so long as weather cooperates.

Aerification and Course Update

Over the span of the last week and a half, we were able to aerify greens, tees, fairways, approaches and collars.  This process went very well and we are hopefully looking forward to a little rain this week to help speed the healing process.  Here is an update on each area of the course:

Greens:  The greens are healing very well after core aerification last week.  We are currently mowing at .135, which is just over an eighth of an inch.  Our normal mowing height is .125 (an eighth of an inch).  Once the holes are completely grown in, we will move back down to that height.  We are currently rolling to help maintain the speed.  We will also begin our growth regulator applications again to slow growth during the day.

Tees/Fairways/Approaches:  The aerification to these areas was more for compaction relief.  The unit we used did not pull a core, but rather just punched a hole.  The clean up process was minimal for these areas.  The signs of the process are still visible, but should not affect play.

Collars:  We did pull a 1/2" core from the collars.  Over a long period of time, the collars have risen due to excessive topdressing with sand.  This aerification process, which we will do several times during the growing season, should help alleviate some of these high areas.  We will leave the holes open with the anticipation that the process of them filling in will consist of slightly lowering these areas.  This process will not be noticeable right away.  However, the opportunity to do this practice several times a year will be a benefit.

Also, all of these areas were fertilized this week as well.  This application coupled with some much needed rainfall (crossing fingers) will be a huge benefit going into the summer.

We have also been busy on other areas of the course.  Herbicide has been applied to all of the bunker faces to help control broad leaf and grassy weeds.  We are currently in the process of mowing these areas.  Once mowing is completed, we will begin edging and removing bermuda.  The waste bunkers on #1/#10, #2, #7, and #16 have also been sprayed for weeds.  We will spray out #6 as soon as the wind allows us to.

Edging of all cart paths began this week.

Finally, we are nearing completion of adding perennial landscape to the front of the clubhouse.