News from Grounds Superintendent Dan Nagy

June has arrived and so have the hot humid temperatures.  The course is doing well and continues to look better every day.  Last month we worked on numerous projects to improve the course look and condition.  The irrigation around the putting green was converted to individual head control and re-spaced at the proper distances.  The green now has far fewer stress areas and hot spots due to having adequate moisture in all sections of the green. 

Work began on extending and adding drainage pipes under cart paths on 15 and through the rough on16.  We will be making a temporary fix to the cart path on 15 so it can become passable and playable once again.   Until we can finish the repairs to hole 15, please continue to use caution in this area and play it as “ground under repair”. 

The landscaping around # 1 tee, men’s and forward, has been reduced significantly to aid in maintaining the areas.  We do not have enough man power to adequately maintain certain landscape areas, so re-grassing these areas was the most logical option.  Both areas look much cleaner and are more attractive.

All of the newer tees constructed over the past two years have been aerified with 5/8” tines in an effort to relieve the hardpan compacted soil that has developed under the turf.  Everyone should have better success at getting their tee into the ground. 

Beds in front of the Tennis Centre building are being re-landscaped due to losing the “ice storm” damaged trees in these beds.  The plan is to put in some crape myrtle trees and some flowering shrubs. 

In closing I would like to discuss the natural areas on the course.  This year we are scaling back the sections we have had in the past and adding more to other regions of the course.  The area in front of 8 and 17 tees will be kept short and the sections on 1 & 10 will be downsized.  All areas will be kept at a 4-6” height throughout the season.  These “natural areas” are utilized on 95% of the courses in the United States.  These areas are intended to be environmentally safe, reduce greenhouse gases by using less fuel to maintain the out of play areas, lower labor expense, save on water and fertilizer application and allow us to do our part to go “green”.  They are not intended to be unsightly and, contrary to popular belief, they do not provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.  Bottom line, natural areas are very eco-friendly and they promote a more environmentally conscious image for the club with the community.  

If you have any course questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at your convenience (935-2651).  Hope to see you soon on the course.

Daniel J. Nagy

Golf Course Superintendent