Wednesday

We are working to remove as much of the straw that we can now that the Fine Fescue seed has geminated on holes #3 and #13.  The straw was initially placed over the soil to hold moisture to allow the seed to germinate.  It is rather unsightly and the areas look better once we rake a majority of it off.  The straw that remains, will naturally decompose.

The greens are really starting to look good and I am happy to report that our soil temperatures are finally warm enough that Creeping Bentgrass is on the move.  We've lowered the height-of-cut on our greens from 0.160 to 0.140.  Tomorrow we will start walk-mowing the greens daily with the height of cut being lowered ever 2-3 days until we get to about 0.125".  Our greens rolling program has already commenced and it won't be long before the greens are really rolling true and fast.  The photo above is one I took this morning while the hole location was being moved. All that white sand that's incorporated amongst the old sand and organic matter is most impressive. These types of aggressive practices are what makes a USGA spec green last a long time.  Without this kind of disruption, the life of a USGA green can be as short as 15 years before reconstruction is necessary.  

Above, a company out of Franklin, NC is here today restriping the parking lots at the Clubhouse, Practice facility and then the line that goes through the tunnel.

For the next 3 days, you'll see a gentleman with 3D scanning equipment set up around each green.  We are are surveying the greens and the green surrounds to collect topographic data for each putting surface on the golf course. The scanner above surveys the putting green by oscillating back and forth for about 20-30 minutes.  It collects millions of data points that will then be mapped on paper to show us precisely how much "pinnable area" we have.  This analysis will also let us know exactly how much sand would be needed to raise a portion of the green in order to gain a pin location; the front left of #14 green is a prime example.  As you can see by the settings, it collects a data point every 0.200ft vertically and every 0.020ft horizontally as it crosses the green.  This data is very useful for a number of applications that I will talk more about in the future.

Rainbow over HCC

This is a great photo, captured by Mr. Hohlstein during his Tuesday round. 

7-Day Forcast

It continues…

Bear damage on #2 green this Saturday morning.

Landscape Operations

New to Landscaping this year is John Branson.  In late March, the landscape Tech position became available and my primary objective was to find someone with a lot of experience in that field.  John, who was working in the building maintenance department, came to me and said he would be interested in the position because his true passion was in the realm of Landscaping.  He has years of experience working with his uncle, who is a Landscape designer/contractor that some of you may know, Stephen Baldwin.  I'm excited for John to join our team and he'll be working with Rita to enhance the HCC grounds and campus.  Be sure to welcome John when you see him!

John is already busy enhancing the landscape in front of the Clubhouse!

USGA on Spring Golf and Rules

 Handy Rules Reminders for Spring Course Conditions

MARCH 18, 2024 | LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.By Danny Vohden

Ground under repair? Aeration holes? Temporary greens? Golfers may experience these common Spring course conditions. (USGA)

My ball landed in a patch of dirt where there’s no grass – do I get relief?

Before determining whether free relief is allowed, you must first understand whether the area where your ball came to rest is considered ground under repair. That designation can only be made by the golf course and will typically be clearly marked with paint or stakes. It cannot be determined by a golfer.

It’s a common misconception that areas of bare turf or poor grass growth are automatically ground under repair. Even though course conditions can be particularly challenging in the spring, it’s still up to the golf course to define those areas where free relief is permitted.

What about aeration holes – are they considered ground under repair?

Aeration holes are common in spring but are not considered ground under repair, so free relief is generally not allowed. But relief may be permitted if a Model Local Rule is in effect – check with your golf course before your round to know for sure.

Everyone understands that golfers don’t necessarily want to play on greens and fairways that have just been aerated, but it’s important to keep in mind that the short-term disruption is significantly outweighed by the long-term benefits. For more on that, watch this video from the USGA Green Section.

Can I play using preferred lies if the course is particularly wet and muddy?

While golfers commonly refer to them as winter Rules, the Rules call them preferred lies – and yes, golfers may be permitted to lift, clean and place their ball if the course puts the preferred lies Model Local Rule into effect. This Model Local Rule is only recommended to be used in fairways because of the significant advantage it could provide elsewhere on the golf course.

It’s also up to each golf course to determine the size of the relief area from where a golfer can play their next shot – commonly 6 inches, a scorecard length, or a club-length from the original spot of the ball, no closer to the hole.

My course often sets up temporary greens and tees during spring – how does that impact my round?

The Rules define a putting green as the area specially prepared for putting. So, whether that’s the normal green or a temporary one marked with paint or mow lines in the fairway, the same Rules apply.

The same concept applies to teeing areas – whether found on the normal tee box or in the rough nearby.

How do spring conditions impact posting scores for my Handicap Index®?

The USGA Handicapping Department has you covered there with everything you need to know about Spring Golf and the World Handicap System™. 

USGA: Ups and Downs of Spring Golf

 The Ups and Downs of Spring Course Conditions

Spring is an exciting time for golfers everywhere. Unfortunately, our enthusiasm for playing golf in the spring often outpaces the return of normal course conditions. Spring is a time of transition and there can definitely be some ups and downs when it comes to playability. Here are a few things to expect on the course this spring

The grass has some catching up to do

Grasses on most golf courses have been growing slowly, or not at all, for most of the winter. It will take some time before they really get going in the spring and that will have an impact on playing conditions. Things like density, smoothness and divot recovery all depend on active grass growth, but that can’t start until soil temperatures reach a certain level. Unfortunately, warm weather arrives before the soil temperatures catch up, so golfers may be ready for midseason playing conditions before the grass can deliver.

The course has gone soft

In many areas, golf courses can be a little soggy in the spring. Whether it’s from melting snow or winter rains, the soil is often full of moisture in the spring and it will be slow to dry out until temperatures climb and days get longer – and the first few warm days won’t be enough. Less bounce and roll in the fairways, softer greens and some cart restrictions are all a normal part of spring golf.

Welcome to the jungle

Once the grass really gets growing in spring it can be hard for superintendents to keep up with mowing, especially if they are short on staff. The change from slow to rapid growth can happen seemingly overnight and there is often a period of time when the rough is excessively thick and clippings abound. It may be tough to find and play shots in the rough for a few weeks in the spring, but things will usually settle down after the initial flush of growth.

Expect some disruption

Spring is a popular time for cultural practices like aeration and topdressing as maintenance teams get their courses ready for the busy season ahead. Don’t be surprised if there is some disruption on key playing areas. Recovery time is usually pretty quick, but if cool weather lingers then the impact of these practices may be noticeable for longer than planned. Just know that a little disruption now will translate to better conditions throughout the year.

A golf course is a great place to be in the spring. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, the weather is mild – a perfect time to play golf. There will be some bumps in the road when it comes to course conditions, especially early in the season, but that’s no reason not to enjoy every minute of spring golf. Be patient with the course – and your rusty golf swing – both will be in midsummer form before you know it.

New HCC Logo

Our new Highlander man is back on the white shelter at #18 tees!

Soil Temperatures

 

You can see above that mother nature isn't being very kind to those of us trying to grow Creeping Bentgrass greens this spring. Our soil temperatures still have yet to reach 60*F.  As I mentioned before, 65*F is the ideal temperature for Penn A4 Creeping Bentgrass to resume active growth.  That said, what is growing in Highlands right now, is Poa annua.  Poa annua's soil temperature requirement for growth is much lower than that of creeping bentgrass.  It starts growing when soil temperatures top 50*F.  This is another reason why Poa annua is so difficult to control in Highlands.  It has over a month head start growing compared to it's competitor, Creeping Bentgrass.  While the Bentgrass lays in a dormant state, the Poa is growing and out competing the Bentgrass. 

Tuesday Update

 

Early Tuesday morning, temperatures dipped down to 30*F, creating a beautiful frost across the golf course.  The golf course looks so good right now!  Greens are slow to come around but we are getting there.  They grow denser by the day.  Tomorrow, we will start lowering the height of cut on the putting greens.  We've kept the cut higher lately to prevent picking up sand that was put on the greens following spring aeration.  Now that the greens are almost healed, the grass stabilizes that sand, and it doesn't get pulled to the surface.  Along with the height of cut going down, the frequency of cutting will also increase.  Because the growth has been so minimal, we've only been mowing every other day.  We are about one week from starting our daily mowing schedule.  I can assure you, the golf course is set up for a great year!

7-Day Forecast

 

USGA Green Section Record

 CLICK HERE!

Click above for the latest issue of the USGA Green Section Record

Spring in Full Swing

The golf course gets better each day.  Leaves aren't on the trees yet but redbuds and flowering dogwoods are in full bloom.

Our Bear is Playing Through

 

Thursday morning, our bear didn't approve of the leveling and resodding of the 9th tee box.

7-Day Forecast

 

Looks like temperatures will start dropping again...