Fairway Seeding

The past aeration went very well and the greens are healing up ahead of schedule.  We slit seeded #1 and #9 fairway during aeration and the results are very positive.  We accumulated another .5" of rain over the weekend and the forecast looks like we are going to get another rain event Friday and Saturday.

We have decided to move forward and slit seed the rest of the fairways.  We are optimistic with a few long days most of the fairways will be completed this week.  The process will involve slit seeding, top-dressing, dragging and fertilizing the remaining fairways.  We believe with favorable weather over the next 14 days this process will fill in many areas void of turf and improve playability through the winter.  We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this process may cause.

slit seed #11 fairway today

12 days after slit seed #9 fairway

Fall Aeration

The golf course is closed today and tomorrow for aeration.  We will be aerating the greens, tees and approaches.  We need several more days of rain before we will consider seeding the fairways.  If given the right conditions we will utilize our new seeder in the fairways and not aerate.  Seeding the fairways two directions with the new seeder will give us the best opportunity to fill in the fairways with the least amount of disruption to members and golfers.  The use of the new seeder this Fall would not substitute future aerations next season.  We are also utilizing these days to trim several trees along #1 and #9.  We thank you for your support during these important maintenance days.  See you on Wednesday.    

 

Cart Restrictions

Rain fell throughout the night for the second time this season.  The total rainfall the past week is now over an inch.  It is very apparent the golf course will need to be protected from mechanical damage in its current condition.  If we receive rainfall carts will be restricted to paths only.  Our maintenance practices in the fairways and roughs will also be reduced.  Until we start to see significant turf coverage in the roughs and fairways we will take a conservative approach to cart traffic and maintenance practices.  The timeline for this is weather dependent.  If we receive a few more days like today we are optimistic we will be able to aerate and seed the fairways and roughs the week of aeration (October13th-16th).  We thank you for your support and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Drought From Above

It's been a long dry summer.  The effects of the drought and water restrictions are having a significant impact on the aesthetics and playability of the golf course.  The drought has been a huge learning experience for all of us.  I wish it upon know one but can't deny the experience will make me a better golf course superintendent and will ultimately provide long lasting benefits to Pasatiempo.  The drought has forced the issue with local municipalities.  We now have offers for a long term contract for recycled water and are drafting a proposal.  The well drillers will begin exploring our own water supply very soon.  The pictures below say to all.

June 2014

July 2014

September 2014

Digital Maps

We are releasing 5 maps this week.  These maps confirm #9 and #11 only have 3-4 pin locations.

Maintenance Day

Today is our final maintenance day of the year.  The greens will be vented with a solid tine, top-dressed and flushed.  The maintenance days and cultural practices are having a very positive impact on plant health and playability.  The current root structure and overall plant health is exceptional for Pasatiempo  this time of year.  This was confirmed by the USGA agronomist last week during our annual site visit.  Just a reminder aeration is scheduled October 13th -16th.

Digital Mapping

We are releasing 4 more maps this week for viewing.  Please look at #8 and tell us where you want the pin.