Dialing In for Summer
The weather finally delivered some much-needed rainfall this past weekend, followed immediately by the heat and humidity that Bermudagrass loves. The response on both courses has been noticeable. The Bermuda is showing its appreciation, and many of the areas we've been working so hard to encourage are really starting to dial in.
As the Bermuda continues to gain strength, one of our primary areas of focus over the coming weeks will be the green collars. These areas remain some of the most challenging turf on the entire golf course. We are essentially managing cool-season bentgrass greens surrounded by warm-season Bermudagrass collars, which creates a unique set of challenges.
Many of the herbicides available to control weeds such as Poa annua and goosegrass have the potential to move or track onto bentgrass putting surfaces. Because of that risk, we are extremely cautious with any herbicide applications made directly adjacent to greens. At times, that means we tolerate a little Poa annua knowing that it will meet its maker with the heat. As temperatures rise and the Bermuda becomes more competitive, those cool-season weeds begin to transition out.
Now that the Bermuda is actively growing, we'll be shifting our focus toward a combination of pre-emergent herbicides, wetting agents, and fertility programs designed to strengthen the collars and improve overall turf density. The chemistry itself can be challenging, but traffic management is often an even bigger hurdle. Greens mowers, utility vehicles, and other equipment place tremendous stress on these areas day after day.
To help reduce that pressure, we've begun walk mowing many of our collar and tee areas. Keeping larger equipment off these surfaces gives the Bermuda a much better opportunity to recover and fill in. It may seem like a small adjustment, but these are the types of details that often make a significant difference over time.
Speaking of improvements, we started receiving the first deliveries from our new equipment lease package today. The arrival of these new mowers and blowers is a welcome sight. We've been battling our share of equipment breakdowns recently, and these additions should help reduce maintenance costs while allowing us to provide more consistent conditions throughout the property. Hopefully the sprayers are on the next truck—our current units have certainly tested our patience over the last three applications.
As always, the details remain at the top of the priority list. One project at a time.
Today was another reminder of how quickly conditions can change. The team arrived prepared for temperatures in the mid-90s and wind gusts approaching 30 mph. Despite the challenging weather, greens remain healthy and performing well. The biggest challenge of the day became figuring out how we were going to get everything mowed, cleaned up, and tournament-ready for the Birdie Classic tomorrow and the Manakin Valentine Qualifier on Saturday.
Just when you think you have an army of people, somehow you're always a few hands short for the next morning's project. That's the nature of this business.
We love the grind.
And as always, a little something personal...
I had the opportunity to take my son fishing this past weekend, and he landed his first cobia of the season. It was a short, but I can guarantee it didn't matter to him one bit.
Don't forget about the Fishing Tournament on Sabot this weekend.
Take a kid fishing.
