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.  

USGA Southwest Region Update

A visit from Pat Gross, USGA agronomist,  prompted a post on their website about the conditions at Pasatiempo Golf Club.  

http://www.usga.org/course_care/regional_updates/regional_reports/southwest/What-Does-A-50-Percent-Water-Cutback-Look-Like----September-2014/

More Digital Mapping

We've been asked to release more contour maps of our greens.  We will release 4 greens every week for the next month.  Enjoy!

Fall Aeration and Seeding

Fall aeration is scheduled for October 13th-16th.  We will aerate the greens, tees and approaches during our scheduled aeration dates.  We are planning for two scenarios on the fairways and roughs.  One, we receive enough rainfall in October to saturate the soil and immediately begin aerating and seeding the roughs and fairways.  The window of opportunity will most likely not be within the scheduled aeration dates.  Two, we do not receive enough early rainfall and are forced to wait until next Spring.  The cooler temperatures, short days and low sunlight throughout the golf course will limit the amount of Ryegrass we can germinate after the first week of November.  This does not mean the course will  remain in its current state throughout the winter.  The enormous bank of Poa seed in the soil will start to germinate once the rains begin and will fill in many areas throughout the winter.  Poa seed thrives in cool wet environments which is one reason it dominates golf courses along the California coast.  Many factors will dictate what we ultimately do and most of them we have no control over.  If the opportunity presents itself we have the equipment and materials ready to aerate and seed the entire golf course.