October 2021 Newsletter | Page 10

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
The month of October is a critical time for a golf course . Growth and healing begin to slow down in the slightly cooler weather , so it is crucial we make sure the turfgrass is healthy entering the winter season . Proper fertilization and water management practices are our goal for this month .
We will begin applying slow-release fertilizers and pre-emergent to the fairways , tees , and surrounds to help accomplish our goals . I have made the decision to spray a liquid pre-emergent versus having it directly on the granular fertilizer . This will allow us to get better coverage without having to fertilize areas that don ’ t need any extra growth . This is the beginning of a pre-emergent plan that will take possibly 1-2 years for the full beneficial effect but should be noticed by next summer with reduced weed pressure . This is the final month that we can be aggressive in our post-emergent weed control . We have made great progress and will make a final push to clean up as many areas as possible .
The greens are performing nicely after the aerification with the smoothness and speed improving daily . I am very pleased with the direction they are headed . We will be doing a few solid tine aerifications throughout the winter to help get some air to the root zone and prevent winter disease issues . The process will not disrupt ball roll and will be hardly noticeable .
I hope everyone has the opportunity to get out and enjoy the course as much as I do .
Thanks and go TEE IT UP !

Wes Parker

10 eaglebrooke newsletter OCTOBER