Spring Aeration and Bunker Update

This week was the first of our two aeration events on the course. Nine holes were closed Monday thru Thursday to complete aeration of greens and fairways. Typically, this process is done two times per year on greens, tees, and fairways using different methods depending on turf and weather conditions at the time. Over the past few seasons we have been making adjustments to our aeration programs in order to get the most benefit with the least disruption to play. For example, on tees we found that aerating in September during our scheduled closure, then again in November when play slows down, allows us to get it done twice without needing to do it in the spring. This strategy limits spring disruption while at the same time allowing more resources to focus on fairways and greens.


Unfortunately, conditions this week were pretty wet from rain last Friday and additional rains on Tuesday night and Thursday afternoon. This caused problems with getting a good core to pull out of the wet ground as well as getting sand to dry enough to backfill the holes on the greens. On fairways, not only do wet conditions cause problems with getting cores to pull good, the cleanup process is dependent on the cores drying enough to break up and blow or sweep off the fairway. Add in a few equipment breakdowns and it made for a long week. We will be working over the next week or two to finish up some areas so please excuse any additional disturbance. Although it is a lot of work and quite disruptive to play, aeration and topdressing are the two most important practices needed to produce healthy playing surfaces. The diagram below, as well as the link to the article from the USGA agronomist, give more information on the importance of proper aeration.



Thatch and organic matter accumulation in the upper soil profile is why aerate.

             
           http://gsrpdf.lib.msu.edu/ticpdf.py?file=/2010s/2010/100332.pdf








Our greenside bunker renovation is almost complete! McDonald & Son's has all of the greenside bunkers on holes 12 - 18 ready for the last steps in the renovation process which is polymer spraying and sand installation. In order for the polymer that binds the gravel drainage layer to be applied the gravel must be completely dry. Due to rain events and cool, damp weather over the last few weeks, we decided to wait and spray all of the bunkers at once instead of the original two phase plan. The current plan is to spray all of the bunkers on Monday the 10th if the gravel dries sufficiently over the weekend. After a 24 hour curing window, the sand will start to be installed. Remember, if you are golfing on Monday please don't go into the bunkers on 12 - 18. The polymer will ruin your shoes and the area will likely have to be repaired as well.


Thank you for your patience while we complete these critical course improvements!




Gravel layer after spray has been applied and cured.