Monday, November 30, 2015

Greens Covers


Last Wednesday (25th), we took the day and got all the greens covered prior to that rain/ice that hit us on Thanksgiving.  It turned out to be perfect timing as we are predicted to get 2-4" of snow today which should stick around for a while.  We have 8" cups cut in the approaches (9 holes) and Kevin has created a score card for anyone that wants to walk that 9-hole set up.  Please refrain from walking on the covers as spikes could rip the cover and ruin them. 
The 9 hole layout for winter is:#18,#10,#11,#3,#4,#6,#7,#8,#9

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Winter Prep...Irrigation Blow Out


As Winter approaches, we are starting the process to shut down the course and protect it the best we can from mother nature. Over the next few weeks, we will:

1) Blow out the irrigation system (completed on 11-16)
2) Bring in ropes and stakes so we can refurbish them over the winter months (completed on 11-16)
3) Topdress Greens (completed)
4) Spray Greens, Tees, and Fairways with fungicide for 'Snow Mold' (completed)
5) Bring in all course amenities for winter maintenance (completed)
6) Begin the 2016 budgeted tree work plan (in progress......) 
7) Cover greens for the winter (completed)

Besides the projects, we will continue with the leaf clean up, but it's difficult with the wet and windy forecast that's predicted.  Hopefully in the coming week, the leaves will all be down and we can complete the clean up so we can mow everything one last time prior to the fungicide application.   The weather is hit and miss which can make it tricky to get everything completed prior to the ground being covered in that dreaded white stuff....snow!


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

#14 Green Update......Again.......

For the past few weeks we've been utilizing our new greens cover down on #14 green.  With the nights getting in the 30's and near freezing, we have been taking the cover on/off depending on the temperatures.  Our rule of thumb has been:

Lows in the 30's and Highs in the 50's=Cover
Lows in the 40's and Highs in the 60's=Uncover

By doing this, we have had amazing success getting the new seed to germinate and fill in.  Since we started covering, they green has taken off and really looks great.  When the cover is down, we have noticed a 10-12 degree increase in soil temperatures under the cover.

As you can see from the picture below, we have a visitor decide to burrow underneath the cover and across the green last weekend.  It was a short lived experience for this mole, but the damage these creatures can do in a short amount of time is amazing.
Below is a picture of the green on Monday when we got it mowed up after peeling the cover back.  It is really making strides and should be in great shape in Spring.  We will continue to utilize our covering practice as long as the weather allows us to do so.




                         

New Memorial Tree- #8


Special Thank You to Betty Williams for her generous donation of a memorial tree in honor of her late husband, Mike Williams.  They have been members at FCO for 40+ years and have been huge supporters of the club since day one.  With approval of the location from the Green and Grounds Committee, Betty picked out a 'Autumn Blaze' Maple which will be highly visible from the clubhouse.

Thanks again for all your support the generous donation!