L E T T E R F R O M THE S U P E R INTE N D ENT
With the cooler temperatures , the turf has nearly gone dormant , and we ’ re seeing very little growth , resulting in minimal clippings in our mower baskets . Mowing frequency on tees , fairways , and collars has been reduced to once per week , mainly to clean things up and chop divots . This has given us time to focus on landscaping beds and minor tree work to improve the course ' s overall appearance . Toward the end of the month , we ’ ll resume some spraying for fertility and weed prevention .
This winter has been one of the coldest we ’ ve experienced in several years . We ’ ve already had a few frost mornings , with several near misses where the prevailing wind kept frost from forming . It ’ s important to remember that frost can develop anytime the temperature is between 32 and 40 degrees . Walking or driving on frosted turf can puncture the plant with ice crystals , causing injury that lasts until the growing season begins again . That ’ s why we monitor these chilly , damp mornings closely to protect the turf .
Looking ahead , I ’ m planning to get an early start on our pre-emergent weed program . At the end of February , we ’ ll apply a fertilizer and pre-emergent combo . While we ’ ve traditionally used Ronstar , this year we ’ ll switch to Barricade . Both are effective but work differently within the plant , and this rotation helps prevent resistance buildup . This application will target spring broadleaf weeds , early goosegrass , and some crabgrass while providing Bermuda grass with an early boost of nutrients as temperatures warm up .
Lastly , the countdown to our renovation project is on , and I couldn ’ t be more excited ! We have some hard work ahead , but the crew is ready , and we ’ re putting key pieces in place to ensure success . I ’ m eager to get started and see the results of this important project . Thank you for your continued support , and we look forward to keeping the course in great shape for the season ahead !
Wes Parker
Eaglebrooke Newsletter 13