Spring Creek September Newsletter 19 P2_SPC81213 Newsletter | Page 9

letter from the superintendent
Members,
My staff and I are thankful that Fall is here and Summer has ended! As we prepare the golf course
for the Fall and Winter season, I thought it would be a good time to review a few projects around the
course. Drainage, drainage and more drainage. Generally, rain is considered beneficial to us. However,
excessive rainfall or afternoon pop-up rainstorms can be detrimental to our turf grass, as we have
experienced this year. As the water sits in these low-lying areas of turf it allows the sun to boil the bent
grass in the middle of the afternoon causing turf decline and promotes algae growth. One cultural
practice the maintenance team has started is heavily top-dressing these areas around the drain basin
with sand followed by solid tine aeration. The solid tine aeration creates channels that are filled with
sand that help move the water into our soil profile. Other areas around the course such as 12 approach
will require more detailed attention. Saturated conditions cause playability and turf-quality issues such
as plugged lies, mud on the ball and ruts from golf carts and equipment.
To improve this problematic area, we will be installing a French drain. A French drain consists of a series
of trenches containing perforated drainpipes filled with gravel draining towards one of our catch basins.
Which will improve the quality of our playing surfaces.
Hope to see you on the course soon. If you have any questions, I am happy to discuss them with you.
Thank you,
Ryan Holbrook
Golf Course Superintendent
September 2019
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