From 90 Degrees to Snow? Spring Prep Marches On

 The weather lately has been about as Virginia as it gets. We went from conditions frozen solid like a rock, to a week of temperatures in the 80s with a high pushing near 90, and now we’re looking at snow falling on Friday. It certainly keeps us on our toes this time of year.

We successfully completed all of our summer pre-emergent applications and sprays targeting poa in the bermudagrass. Interestingly, we’ve seen quite a bit of green bermuda popping this week. While it’s encouraging to see some life of spring, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the upcoming cold snap doesn’t turn that green grass purple for a bit.

Bunker detailing continues on both courses. Recently, the team began brushing some of the compacted sand in the lower areas of bunker surrounds. This work will continue as we move through the spring.

Tree work is also nearing completion for the season. We only have a few more removals scheduled before we call it finished for the year. One of the projects completed this week was the removal of a tree on #4 Manakin.

We’ve also started installing additional pavers along sections of the cart paths to help address worn areas and improve long-term durability. The photo included is from #1 Sabot, and we’ve identified several more locations on both courses where this work will continue throughout the spring.

Looking ahead to next week, Manakin will be closed Monday and Tuesday for greens aeration. To help the process move more efficiently, we’ve already started using the Verti-Drain ahead of the aeration equipment. The Verti-Drain works at an excruciatingly slow pace of about 1 mph, so getting a head start is essential. The tractors run this ahead of the smaller aerators so that tractor tires do not leave tracks in the greens after they have been aerated. Fortunately, once the Verti-Drain is double-rolled, there is virtually no impact on putting quality.

As always, we appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue preparing both courses for the season ahead. Spring is just around the corner, even if the weather can’t quite make up its mind yet.