Monday, December 22, 2014

Monday

 
Last Friday night and last night, we had a small amount of rain.  The greens and fairways really responded to it by greening up.  It was somewhat of a surprise as our temperatures haven't been too warm.  Cool season grasses, fortunately, are very cold tolerant.  Creeping bentgrass is tolerant to -30F or more.  Poa annua on the other hand, is not so tolerant.  Extended periods of ice and cold of -10F can lead to winterkill.  This is just one reason why bentgrass is often times preferred over Poa annua on putting greens.  Of course, this isn't something we have to worry too much about in Highlands.
 
 
The right side of the 13th green has been a major focus this past weekend on dead hemlock removal.  There are still a handful in that area that will come out.
 
 
The shop is full of all kind of action this morning.  Above, Jerry and company are continuing to make 160 tee markers.  We started painting them today.  Below, Paul and Kevin have started breaking down reels, grinding and rebuilding.  This is the time of year we focus on bearings and other parts of equipment and mowers that need regular service.  Our shop is outfitted with the latest grinding and sharpening equipment.  Paul and Kevin have their hands full this time of year but there aren't two better guys for it!
 
 
This morning, 50 tons of topdressing sand was delivered and will be spread on the front nine fairways this morning.  It is quite satisfying be so far ahead on our winter work.  In the 14 years I've been here, we were never topdressing fairways prior to Christmas!