LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
The golf course is in good shape heading into the tough summer months . We had a slow start to the summer with an extreme drought from April through early June , but like every year the rains kicked in and got the turf growing . This is the time that we really push the bermudagrass to fill in the weak turf areas due to cart traffic and heat stress damage from the beginning of the season .
This month is important in preparation for keeping the weed pressure to a minimum during the summer . Our plan is to get herbicide applications out early on the Tropical Signalgrass to suppress it and allow the Bermuda to grow and crowd out the unwanted weeds . We are doing a complete fertilizer application of a slow-release fertilizer that will feed the Bermuda for the next few months , and by keeping the rough mowed at a slightly higher height of cut will help keep the weed population to a minimum .
In an effort to keep the greens rolling true , we are doing weekly vertical mowing and top-dressing . We typically are doing this on Monday mornings ( slowest day of the week for member play ). This combats the heavy thatch layer that has built up over the last 28 years that creates a spongy and uneven growth pattern . The soil below the surface has changed also causing the greens to dry out in a very uneven pattern creating dry spots on the ridges and mounds . We must be vigilant on our watering practices with daily moisture readings , adjusting irrigation times , and the frequency daily to prevent over or under saturated areas creating disease and poor turf quality . My goal is to maintain them at the highest level possible until we tear them out next spring .
Wes Parker
8 Eaglebrooke Newsletter