Back into the bunkers
It was a cold and slightly frozen 20 degree start on Monday to the last leg of the Manakin bunker project. The sun popped out however so the sand started moving quickly out of the first fairway bunker on 11. This 20 year old sand is complete trash and just used to build up a few areas around the shop for expanded storage.
Just like all 100 bunkers before this one, the sand and old drainage are removed and new drainage goes in.
The smaller bunkers up by the green are attacked by shovels to get the sand down off the face to make it easier for the excavator.
Both fairway bunkers should be just about ready for concrete by tomorrow. We would consider all 5 bunkers on 11 ground under repair. We are going to continue removing sand and installing new drains all next week and then have concrete set up for March 17th and 18th when the Manakin is closed for aeration. That week we hope to get both 11 and 13 completed and then just have 14 and 16 left to go.
We did go ahead and sneak a light topdressing on the greens in front of the downpours and tornados(?) on Wednesday. This year we will be working harder to find convenient times to get more sand on these greens to help defend against ballmark scars.
The late winter and early spring battle with Poa annua is on right now. After a super cold winter, we are not in a position to apply another pre-emergent herbicide for another month. We want to see things start greening up before we close the door on being able to sod out any winter damage. We are moving around the course when possible to apply a post emergent non-selective herbicide that after applied takes out Poa in about a week. With the bermuda dormant, this is the only time of the year we can get right up to the edge of the bentgrass greens and take out Poa with a non-selective herbicide. Any other effective post-emerge for Poa will also kill the bent. You will see most of the in play Poa continue to turn yellow through the weekend and next week.
The cherry trees are enjoying the longer day lengths. Peak bloom is predicted to be during the last week of March. There are some pleasant temperatures in the forecast for next week but we are a long way from any kind of bermudgrass growth. Please make and effort to persuade your playing partners to fix their ballmarks, fill their divots and pick up their broken tees. The mowers will be back out on the field in April!