Monday, June 25, 2012

It's official, We're in a Drought

Last blog I mentioned we're in a Drought, well it's official.  The"Drought " word has been tossed around by the local NWS office and many media outlets.  Like last time I can assure you that's it there..

Hand watering is the plan for putting surfaces.  Fairways and tees will be solid tine aerated to allow water to penetrate the root zones.

The number for this month .88", that's the total for rainfall for the month of June recorded at the Sanctuary Golf Course.  This is through my weather station at the Maintenance Dept.  If you would like to access this information please copy and paste the link:

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=60451

I've been asked how many times a week we cut the course, so here is what we do:

Mow Greens, 6 days a week, skipping Tuesday kids league
Mow Tees, 3 days a week
Mow Fairways and Approaches, 2-3 days a week, depends on growth
Mow Rough, as needed, usually once a week
Mow intermediate rough and banks, 2-3 days a week
Raking of 72 bunkers, 5-6 days a week.

As always please repair your ball marks, and rake your bunker.

Thanks.






Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Drought of 2012

Well, it's been rumored that the drought of 2012 is here.  I can assure you that it is.  The golf course has had about 1" of rain in the last 30 days, of which .76" came in a shower at the end of May.  This on top of warmer than usual temps and lower than normal rainfall.

The course is fairing OK, stressed turf, stressed staff, summer stresses that usually don't occur until July.

You'll find staff hand watering putting surfaces as needed.  The irrigation system and I are on a love/ hate relationship right now. I hate operating it nightly, however have to love that it actually is working.

We've been experiencing desert type evaporation and transpiration of water at .25" + per day.  With an irrigation system that is designed only for limited makeup of daily losses, it makes for extended station run times.  Most times in the fairways and teeing complexes have doubled. 

I add a wetting agent to the irrigation system, a product called Dispatch, which is injected through the pump station.  So far this season I've used a complete 55 gallon drum, and just ordered a 2nd.  I usually use this product at times of need, well this is a time of need. This cost is offset by the fact I've had to spray for less disease since the lower humidity's and lower than normal evening temps.

Thanks Mother Nature.

Thanks for playing and enjoying the course!

Monday, June 4, 2012

Been a while..

Well, the I 80 Amateur has come and gone, congrats to Kyle English for becoming the repeat Champ!

Saturday June 2, the course had a first, 2 double Eagles or albatrosses on the 12th hole.  During the goal post outing, Jeff Edus made Double Eagle on 12, then in the Tornado's golf outing this afternoon Dan Kollath makes Double Eagle on 12! Congrats to Jeff Edus and Dan Kollath on their Double Eagles on the 12th hole today!

The course is holding up well considering receiving 4.29" rain in May , most of which fell in the first half of the month.  Irrigation is occuring as needed in the evening and overnight hours. 

Bunkers are receiving much needed added sand on the back nine.  Holes 9 and 10 will be having work done tot he greenside bunkers with a total replacement of sand in the front bunkers.  # 14 green back right is complete.

Flowers have made their annual appearance at the clubhouse.

Junior day will be starting tomorrow, so plan on a long day. 

Thanks, and always fix your ball marks.