LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
The golf course is trying to green up with the limited rain we received in May . We are just getting to our summer weather pattern and the daily rains will be starting soon . We made some important pre-emergent and insecticide applications last month to help set us up for a successful summer . This should help with the weed pressure and mole crickets throughout the summer months . We have begun to expand these applications to the rough areas after getting the tee to fairway surfaces clean and mostly weed free . I am happy with the progress we have made and look forward to finishing out the property .
During the summer months the height of cut can vary from course to course . We will begin this summer with a standard height on the different playing surfaces . Greens are being cut at 0.130 of an inch . This is just a hair over an eighth of an inch . By the end of summer , they will be raised to around 0.145 of an inch . This is standard in the Florida heat and rainy season to deal with the disease stress it creates . Tees , Collars , and Fairways will be cut at half an inch . If we experience a very wet summer , we will raise the height on these slightly in July and August . The rough will be cut at 2.5 to 3 inches . We were mowing at 2 inches last year and it really took a toll on the mowers . The Bermuda just grows too quickly to keep up with that low of a cut . Some areas will play thicker outside of the fairway , but I believe it is the best choice considering clippings , weed control , and turf health .
The maintenance staff was able to add two new part-time team members . Zach and Josh will be working with us this summer during their break from college . They both fit in nicely and are eager to work and learn . I am excited to have them to help us get through our busy growing season . I would like to send a shoutout to my crew ( Rex , Josh , Dave , Angelo , Chris , James , Adam , Joe , Ruben , Rickey , Tom ) for the hard work in May . It was a busy and tough month , but they all stepped up to get us through it successfully . Thank You !
Wes Parker
8 Eaglebrooke Newsletter