Let's take some time to answer a few questions we have been getting in recent weeks.
How much rain has fallen?
A boat load! To date, 58.9" has fallen, that is 5'!! We cruised past our annual amount of 56.6" sometime in July, during which we received 14.65". I am very pleased with how the golf course is handling this much precipitation. We have been spending more time repairing bunker washouts than anything, and I feel like we have not had a "normal" week of maintenance this entire season. We're at the mercy of mother nature, so we'll just continue to move forward.
Green speeds are not what they were, slower than normal?
The speed of the greens has a lot to do with environmental factors. Yes, we attempt to keep them consistent. But, at this time of the year, with heat, humidity, and abundant rainfall, it becomes increasingly difficult. I read a good quote this summer that I have kept in mind as I make decisions that effect how we maintain our putting surfaces. "In July and August just make sure you keep turf healthy on the greens to insure their is turf to putt on in September and October." We have missed days just mowing the greens because of rainfall. Additionally, due to them staying saturated we have greatly reduced the amount of double cutting and rolling we may normally perform. I am holding onto a less is more mentality right now in an effort to provide excellent putting conditions this fall.
The golf course is in great shape even though it won't stop raining!
Thank you!! We are fortunate to have a fantastic staff and they continue to impress me each day. Their attitude has been great, exactly what we need during the stresses of summer. I am most impressed with their desire to show initiative and produce the best product possible each day.